For the first time since 2023, the region’s biggest and wildest holiday light show is returning to St. Pete. Organizers announced that Enchant Christmas is returning to Tropicana Field for the 2026 holiday season, after missing 2024 and 2025 due to hurricane damage at the facility.
Enchant had become an annual favorite before its forced hiatus, and its return to The Trop, like that of the Tampa Bay Rays, is another example of the city’s recovery and resilience. The experience will turn the stadium into a winter wonderland from November 20 through December 27. Tickets are not yet on sale, but will be available here when they are released.
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This year’s highlight will be what organizers are calling the world’s biggest Christmas light maze, and the theme for 2026 will be “Night of the Nutcrackers.” In this interactive adventure, the nutcrackers – who are ostensibly the guardians of magic – have gone missing, and maze explorers are challenged to find all eight of them and help restore the holiday magic.
The full display at Enchant, which includes a larger-than-life Christmas tree and a full ice skating rink, features millions of individual lights and takes weeks for their all-hands crew to put together. There is also a full holiday-themed market, as well as themed food and beverage. Those who have been before know how immersive the experience is. Those who have moved to the area since the last Enchant took over The Trop are in for a treat.
Here’s what to expect at Enchant Christmas this year:
- Night of the Nutcrackers maze
- Ice Skating Trail beneath towering light sculptures
- Santa and Mrs. Claus experiences
- Brand new activities
- Live entertainment and festive programming
- Enchant’s Village marketplace and seasonal shopping
- Seasonal food and beverage offerings
“Few places have embraced Enchant the way St. Petersburg has, which is why returning to Tropicana Field means so much to our team,” said Jayson Babel, Senior Vice President of Social House Holiday, the team behind Enchant. “As this beloved venue opens its doors once again, we’re honored to be part of a season that brings people back together through light, wonder, and shared holiday memories. Whether guests are returning to Enchant or experiencing it for the very first time, we can’t wait to welcome them this holiday season.”
