You don’t have to be off to France with the McCallister family to enjoy the airport this holiday season. Tampa International Airport (TPA) is a destination unto itself for travelers and locals alike this December thanks to a lineup of holiday activities and some of the best shopping in the region.
For starters, whether you’re traveling or just transporting loved ones, all airport-goers will be treated to festivities this year. Every day from December 11-24, there will be live musicians in the main terminal serenading guests with cheer and song. From carolers to bell ringers and even full professional choruses, there will be no shortage of magic filling the terminal. (And it makes for an excellent excuse to stop into P.F. Chang’s for lunch or dinner.)
We also have it on good authority that the very magical (and very tiny) Airport Elf will be at the airport every day December 12-23 interacting with guests, an experience made possible by Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH. Pictures with the Airport Elf and Phoebe the Flamingo in one day is a full TPA bingo card.
The airport is also hosting The Movies at TPA Holiday Classics Series, with free showings of treasured holiday favorites. The December 6 showing of The Grinch was a big hit, and next up is Elf on December 13 at 4 pm. It’s free to attend and open to all, taking place in the main terminal in the event space on Level 3 between the shuttles for Airsides E and F. Plus: free popcorn! Feel free to bring a blanket or lawn chair.
This feels like a good time for a reminder that not only is the main terminal open to anyone (as always) during these festivities, but the TPA All Access program lets you visit all the airside areas, even when you’re not flying. That gives you access to a stellar mix of local eateries, popular restaurants and excellent cocktail bars.
You can dine on the excellent brick-oven pizzas from Bavaro’s, snag a Jai Alai IPA and a Cuban sandwich from Cigar City, grab a Guinness and fish and chips from Four Green Fields, enjoy locally caught seafood from RumFish Grill, or indulge in craft beer and native charbroiled oysters from Ulele. That’s a tour of the entire region under one big roof.
That level of dining and imbibing is also perfect for the holiday season. Instead of stressing about time before your flight, just get to the airport early and kick back with some of the region’s best food and drink, right next to your gate. Check out the full list of shops, restaurants and bars at TPA here.
A mall that also has an airport attached
Meanwhile, it should be noted that TPA quietly has some of the best shopping in the region. SkyMall may have bit the dust, but this airport mall is thriving. The Shoppes at Bayshore is open 24/7, while the terminal is home to half a dozen great shops with local goodies that make great gifts. And best of all: you can take your haul straight to the car. No suitcase required.
The Tampa Life store is one of our favorites, packed full of all things Tampa Bay, from Dali paintings and locally-rolled cigars to glass sculptures and more. At The Shoppes at Bayshore, you’ll find tons of local favorites from Tampa and Tampa Bay Area makers, creators and stores. It’s a veritable emporium of goodies.
For the sports lovers, Tampa Bay Sports has tons of authentic professional and college sports merchandise, with all your favorite Tampa Bay and Florida teams represented. For the kiddos, Mindworks will keep them browsing for hours with the big selection of toys, gadgets, games, clothing and activities.
Plus, at the end of it, Hard Rock Cafe or P.F. Chang’s are right there waiting for you.
Check out all the good shopping and dining in TPA’s Main Terminal here.
