Place to visit from Chicago to Tampa during Christmas

Tampa is a fantastic Christmas destination from Chicago — theme parks, holiday lights, and Gulf Coast warmth at the end of an easy drive south. Here’s what to see, and why a van is the smart way to get the group there.

Holiday fun downtown

Kick off with Santa Fest in downtown Tampa and the Tampa Bay Festival of Lights — festive events that put everyone in the holiday spirit.

Theme parks and family favorites

LEGOLAND and Busch Gardens deliver holiday thrills for all ages, while ZooTampa and the Florida Aquarium are perfect, easygoing stops for families.

Warm-weather Christmas

Trade the Chicago cold for Gulf Coast sunshine — a holiday getaway with lights, attractions, and warm weather the whole group will love.

Why a van makes the trip

It’s a long drive, so one comfortable van keeps everyone together with room for luggage and gifts — cheaper and easier than flying a group, with two additional drivers free (three drivers in total) to share the wheel.

Which van should you pick?

For the comfortable drive south, the 15-passenger Mercedes-Benz Sprinter; for value, the 15-passenger Ford Transit. Browse the full fleet.