Waters Avenue Chick-fil-A Ends 30-Year Holiday Lights Tradition

TAMPA, Fla. — The Chick-fil-A on Waters Avenue will not display its holiday lights this year, ending a 30-year tradition. Owner-operator Jason Dittman said he is pausing the display to focus on his father's health and spend time with family.

Dittman, his father, and his sons typically began assembling the lights in August. The display started in 1997 with a small tree and garland and expanded over three decades into an elaborate installation visible from the street.

"This year, life has brought meaningful changes to our home," Dittman said in a statement Wednesday. "Our immediate focus has turned toward supporting my father's health. Because this was entirely a personal family endeavor from the ground up, we've made the decision to step back and prioritize our time together."

Dittman said his sons now live in different states, making the hands-on preparation difficult. While community members have offered to help fund and install the lights, Dittman said the tradition must remain family-run. He thanked the community for its support and said the restaurant remains committed to serving the area.