TAMPA, Fla. — Curtis Hixon Park is once again transforming into a winter wonderland.
Winter Village is back in downtown Tampa for the holiday season from Nov. 20 to Jan. 3 and features sights, sounds and activities for the holidays for children and adults of all ages.
"Winter Village will be as festive and fun as it always is, and we've put protocols in place to make sure it's safe for everyone as well," said Shaun Drinkard, Senior Director of Public Programming and Operations at the Tampa Downtown Partnership. "We're excited to move forward with this event this year. We want to bring a sense of normalcy to a celebratory season even in these unusual times."
The outdoor ice rink that offers views of the Riverwalk and Hillsborough River, is operating at half capacity this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. All skaters, according to organizers, are required to wear masks. In addition, ground decals will help them follow social distancing guidelines and only a limited number of visitors will be admitted every 30-minutes.
For more information on ice skating rates and hours at Winter Village, click here.
New this year, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., is the Curtis Hixon Park Choo-Choo, which is limited to one family at a time and will be sanitized between rides.
The Choo-Choo allows guests a unique way to watch the free light show from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Keeping with tradition, cafe and dining options are available, but vendors are using single-use condiments and utensils.
The Shops of Winter Village are scaled down this year to ensure social distancing. This “pop-up” holiday shopping experience features decorative goods, apparel, handmade toys, jewelry, dog accessories, and more from local craftspeople.
For more information on the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park, click here.
