Supporting Local: How THEA Connects You to Holiday Events Around Tampa Bay

The holiday season is here, and Tampa Bay is getting festive! From light displays to charming downtown markets, our region comes alive. The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) provides the local connection that helps you and your family experience the best of these holiday celebrations safely and efficiently.

Whether you’re driving to a major event or enjoying a holiday stroll, the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway and the Selmon Greenway are essential parts of your holiday plan.

The Lee Roy Selmon Expressway: Your Fast Track to Festivities

Need to get across the county to attend a special holiday event? The Lee Roy Selmon Expressway is the ideal route to save time and reduce stress, giving you more moments to make holiday memories.

• Connecting the Region: For events further away, the Selmon’s direct connection to I-75 and its routes through Brandon make it a vital artery for reaching destinations like the Tampa Bay Festival of Lights or major theme park holiday spectaculars.
• Downtown Access: The Lee Roy Selmon Expressway provides direct, efficient access to Downtown Tampa, placing you close to the major parking areas for holiday attractions.
• Driving Stress-Free: Remember to use the Reversible Express Lanes (REL), which typically operate eastbound on weekends and holidays to help move traffic out to the Brandon area—perfect for your weekend holiday adventures.

The Selmon Greenway: Walk, Bike, and Explore Downtown Celebrations

For downtown events, skip the stress of driving and parking right next to the venue. Instead, leave the car at a convenient garage in Channelside or Ybor and enjoy the journey along the Selmon Greenway! This beautiful 1.9-mile multi-use trail runs mostly in the shade underneath the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway and is your free, active, and scenic connection to the heart of Tampa’s holiday action.

The Greenway is your direct path to Tampa Bay’s signature holiday experiences:

• Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park: The Greenway seamlessly connects to the Tampa Riverwalk, which leads you right to Curtis Hixon Park. It’s the perfect pre-event activity—walk or bike to enjoy the fresh air before you put on skates for the ice rink or shop at the holiday markets.
• Sparkman Wharf Festivities: The Greenway runs straight through the Channelside area, offering direct access to Sparkman Wharf. Whether you’re going for their holiday-themed events or just to grab a festive meal, the Selmon Greenway makes getting there quick and enjoyable.
• Holiday Lighted Boat Parade: The trail’s connection to the Riverwalk puts you in prime position for viewing the festive parade! The Selmon Greenway offers the ideal pedestrian route to find your perfect viewing spot along the water.

This urban trail is perfectly positioned to link the neighborhoods of Ybor City, Channelside, and Water Street with the Tampa Riverwalk, ensuring your holiday outing is both easy and active.

This holiday season, let THEA be your reliable partner for travel. We encourage you to drive safely, be mindful of those walking and biking, and take advantage of the mobility options we provide to ensure you don’t miss a single festive moment in Tampa Bay.

Happy Holidays from the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority!