St. Pete’s Winter Beach
📍 St. Pete Pier, Florida
Blouse (Similar) || Jeans || Ballet Flats || Handbag || Earrings || Bracelet
Do you live in Tampa Bay and dream of a White Christmas? Not to be a pessimist, but chances of that happening in St. Pete are slim to none. If you live on the sunny Gulf Coast and are looking for a healthy dose of holiday cheer, look no further than the Pier’s newest attraction. Last week, I had a special opportunity to get a sneak peek at St. Pete’s Winter Beach. It’s a unique destination with all of the charm of a winter wonderland, but with water views and 70-degree weather.
When and Where
The St. Pete Pier instantly became a local landmark when it re-opened to the public in July of 2021. With seasonal events year-round, there’s always something new and exciting to explore. Now it’s the time of year to add Winter Beach to that list. From November 20th through January 17th, you and the entire family have something to enjoy. Once you snag a parking spot at the Pier or along Beach Drive, simply head to Spa Beach for our rendition of a winter village. If this would be your first time visiting St. Pete’s Pier District, there will be plenty of signs to point you in the right direction.
Festive Food and Drinks
Even in Florida, there’s just something about winter where only comfort food will suffice. During my preview of Winter Beach, one of the first stops was at the Kahwa stand to grab a celebratory Hot Chocolate. Kahwa is a local coffee institution, and I’m happy to report that they have a full menu of beverages for the holiday village. If you need a little bit more pep in your drink, be sure to order their Peppermint Mocha. For something a little more filling, you can order either a Smoked Turkey Leg from Uncle John’s Pride or delicious Gyozas from Ling’s Dumplings. For more details on what’s available at the Food Market, be sure to visit here for more details.
Holiday Activities For Everyone
Sipping Hot Chocolate is only half the fun while visiting Winter Beach. Throughout the holiday season and beyond, they have a jam-packed schedule. From Meet-and-Greets with Santa to Snow Days, it’s sure to be a magical experience. Be sure to mark your calendars for November 27th for the official Tree Lighting and Santa Parade at 6:30. Throughout the event, you can also test your “ice” legs with a 4,000 square foot ice rink with pristine views of St. Pete Pier and the city skyline. Because walk-ups are guaranteed, it’s highly recommended to book in advance. Tickets are $17 per skater and can be booked here.
Once again, thank you so much to the Winter Beach team for letting me a first look at the festivities to come. I can promise it’s an absolute treat to visit, and I already have many return trips planned through the holiday season. Afterward, be sure to keep supporting local St. Pete by dining at your favorite restaurants on Beach Drive and beyond. I hope toes you around!
Love from Florida,
Katie
As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.