Christmas 2026 in Wesley Chapel: Symphony in Lights Nov. 14, Santa photos to Dec. 24, sensory Santa Dec. 6 and Avalon Aglow with fireworks Dec. 12.
Last checked Oct. 10, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Details come from The Shops at Wiregrass, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Center Ice. Times not yet published are marked; we add them when the organizers do.
Wesley Chapel’s Christmas season belongs to its two town centers. The Shops at Wiregrass switches on Symphony in Lights and welcomes Santa on Saturday, Nov. 14, then runs Santa photos through Christmas Eve. Avalon Park Wesley Chapel holds Avalon Aglow, with fireworks, on Saturday, Dec. 12. Wiregrass center office: 813-994-2242. Avalon Park welcome center: 813-783-1515.
The tree lighting itself, and why Wesley Chapel has no Christmas parade, are on our separate Christmas parade and tree lighting page.
Holiday dates, 2026
- Saturday, Nov. 14: Symphony in Lights Kickoff and Santa’s arrival, Wiregrass
- Nov. 14 to Dec. 24: Photos with Santa, Wiregrass
- Nov. 16 to Dec. 14: Santa pet photos, Wiregrass
- Friday, Dec. 4: Hanukkah begins at sundown
- Sunday, Dec. 6: Santa Cares sensory Santa, Wiregrass, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 12: Avalon Aglow, Avalon Park, from 5 p.m., free
- Thursday, Dec. 24: Pasco County libraries close at 5 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 25: Christmas; libraries closed
Symphony in Lights at The Shops at Wiregrass
The center calls the Saturday, Nov. 14 kickoff, presented by AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, its annual holiday spectacular: Santa arrives, with a drone show and a holiday market. Start times had not been posted. Event page
Santa at The Shops at Wiregrass
This year Santa sits in a new Santa’s Cottage between Pottery Barn and Signature Workspace, from Nov. 14 to Dec. 24. Book online through the center’s Photos with Santa page. Themed sessions are optional; you can ask for a regular photo on any of them.
| Theme | Day | Dates and hours |
|---|---|---|
| Cowboy Claus | Tuesdays | Nov. 17, 1 to 7 p.m.; Nov. 24, Dec. 8 and Dec. 15, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Dec. 22, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| Baby’s First Photo | Wednesdays | Nov. 18, 1 to 7 p.m.; Nov. 25, Dec. 2, Dec. 9 and Dec. 16, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Dec. 23, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| Ugly Sweater | Thursdays | Nov. 19, 1 to 7 p.m.; Dec. 3, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| Pajama Party | Fridays | Nov. 20, 1 to 7 p.m.; Nov. 27, Dec. 4 and Dec. 11, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Dec. 18, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| Santa pet photos | Pet nights | Nov. 16 to Dec. 14 |
Santa Cares: Sunday, Dec. 6
A sensory-friendly Santa from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., before the crowds. The center dims bright lights, lowers loud sounds and shortens waits for children with sensory sensitivities. Spots are limited and registration is required. Details
Avalon Aglow: Saturday, Dec. 12
From 5 p.m. at 4424 Friendly Way, in the heart of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, off State Road 54 about 3.5 miles east of I-75. The developer lists pictures with Santa, vendors, live music and a bounce park, followed by a fireworks show. Free and open to the public. Residents can also enter the community’s front porch decorating contest. Event page
Winter Wonderland at AdventHealth Center Ice
The rink at 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd. runs an annual Winter Wonderland season with holiday decorations, cocoa and cookies, and a charity tree decorating contest. It had not posted its 2026 dates when we checked. Call 813-803-7372 or watch the Winter Wonderland page.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah 2026 begins at sundown Friday, Dec. 4. We had not found a public menorah lighting in Wesley Chapel with 2026 details when we checked. If your congregation is holding one, tell us and we will list it.
Light displays
Wesley Chapel has no county-run light display. The community’s lights are at its town centers, starting with Symphony in Lights at Wiregrass. Many homeowners associations hold their own decorating contests; Avalon Park’s porch contest is on the Avalon Aglow page. If your neighborhood puts on a display open to visitors, send it to us.
What is closed
Pasco County libraries, including the New River Branch Library, close at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24, and are closed Friday, Dec. 25, the library system says. Pasco County Schools’ winter break runs Dec. 21 through Jan. 1. Trash pickup over Christmas depends on your hauler; see our trash and recycling page.
What this means for you
- Book Santa at Wiregrass early, especially the themed nights and Santa Cares.
- Arrive early for Avalon Aglow; the fireworks close the night.
- Holiday shopping hours and markets are on our Black Friday and holiday shopping page; New Year’s plans are on our New Year’s Eve page.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I see Santa in Wesley Chapel in 2026?
At Santa’s Cottage at The Shops at Wiregrass, between Pottery Barn and Signature Workspace, from Nov. 14 to Dec. 24, with reservations online. Santa also appears at Avalon Aglow on Saturday, Dec. 12.
Is there a sensory-friendly Santa in Wesley Chapel?
Yes. Santa Cares at The Shops at Wiregrass runs from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, with softer lights, quieter sound and shorter waits. Registration is required.
When is Avalon Aglow 2026?
Saturday, Dec. 12, from 5 p.m. at 4424 Friendly Way in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, with Santa, vendors, live music, a bounce park and fireworks. It is free.
Can I take my dog to see Santa at Wiregrass?
Yes. Santa pet photos run Nov. 16 to Dec. 14 at The Shops at Wiregrass. Pet sessions are separate from regular Santa photos, so book a pet night.
Is there a menorah lighting in Wesley Chapel?
We had not found a 2026 public menorah lighting in Wesley Chapel when we checked. Hanukkah begins at sundown Friday, Dec. 4, 2026.
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