RECURRING EVENTS
First Fridays • 10am-2pm, Creative Clay Outdoor Art Market, 1846 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg • 5-9pm, First Friday Art Walk, Downtown Gulfport • 6-9pm, Concert in front of Studio Movie Grill, Seminole City Center, 11201 Park Blvd. N, Seminole
Last Friday • 6-9pm, live music at the John’s Pass Bell Tower, John’s Pass Boardwalk and Shopping Village, 12902 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach
1st Saturday • 8am Beach Cleanup, Archibald Park,15100 Gulf Blvd. Mad. Beach.
2nd Saturday • 8:30am, Beach Cleanup. Municipal Pavilion, 11260 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, 11185 Gulf Blvd. • 9am-2pm, Market on The Bluffs, 2747 Sunset Blvd, Belleair Bluffs. Farmers Market/craft event on the street in front of Belleair Bluffs City Hall. • The Market Marie,10am-3pm, Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater • 5-9pm, St. Pete Artwalk. Artists and gallery owners from 40 studios and galleries in five arts districts show off their latest works. Take the trolley, drive or park and walk. stpeteartsalliance.org/artwalk
3rd Saturday • 10am-2pm, Crossroads Market, Crossroads Christian Church, 1645 Seminole Blvd., Largo • 10am-5pm, Creative Pinellas at Pinewood, 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo • 5-9pm, Indie Faire, Beach Blvd., Gulfport. Outdoor, socially distanced event in Gulfport features local art, handmade crafts, jewelry, and pottery to locally sourced botanicals.
4th Saturday • Pinellas Arts Walk 4-8pm, Pinellas Arts Village Walk, 5600-5800 Park Blvd. (north side), Pinellas Park. Pinellas Park Art Society, Donnelly COVE, Complete Sweet Shoppe, Pompei Factory, Studios @5663, Painting with a Twist, Bottles Pub, and Swartz Gallery.
ONGOING
Through 12/1 – 33rd Annual Thanksgiving Art & Craft Festival
Free admission, 10am-5pm, 1 N. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs. An outdoor showcase for holiday shopping, with local artists, craft vendors, and one-of-a-kind gift items: folk art, earthenware, body products, paintings, wearable art, personalized gifts and more.
Through 12/30 – Aqua Lanterns: A Chinese Festival of Lights
$55, 5:30-9:30pm, Wed. through Sun., Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 249 Windward Passage Clearwater. As the sun sets, the aquarium transforms into a glowing seascape, filled with stunning illuminated sculptures, up to 13 feet tall, of whales, penguins, jellyfish and other sparkling sea creatures. Stroll through this mesmerizing marine world and discover over 30 beautifully crafted lantern displays throughout the aquarium next to real animals. This is a family-friendly event. Tickets: https://www.cmaquarium.org/aqua-lanterns/
Through 1/1/25 – Holiday Lights and Displays
Free. Take a stroll along the waterfront to see thousands of holiday lights and decorations in North Straub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park, and the St. Pete Pier. Don’t miss the giant greeting card display along Bayshore Drive at Vinoy Park made by local teens and participants from St. Petersburg’s recreation centers.
Through 1/5 – Writers of Surrealism: Salvador Dali
$32 (adult museum admission),10am-6pm, Raymond James Community Room, Dali Museum, One Dali Blvd, St. Pete. Renowned primarily as a painter, Salvador Dalí also left an indelible mark as a writer. This special exhibition explores Dalí’s literary works across many genres, including novels, essays, poetry, and autobiographical writings
Through 1/5 – YuleTides
$30.45 (children – 2 and under free), $35.70 (included in general admission), 9:30am-5pm daily, Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. This inaugural event aspires to become a coastal holiday tradition. Activities include a towering holiday tree made from upcycled beach materials and a tree trail featuring decorated trees nestled in boats. There will be carolers and cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, as well as character appearances from Rocky and Tango. Breathtaking sand sculptures will provide the background for photo opportunities that will catch the spirit of a Florida coastal holiday season. And, of course, the kids can meet Santa and leave with a one-of-a-kind photo! A sensory-friendly event will be presented 12/8. Advanced reservations are required: https://tinyurl.com/bdhh4cf4
UPCOMING
12/5 – Christmas with C.S. Lewis
$68.75, 7:30pm, Straz Center, Tampa. Author C.S Lewis is playing host to a group of American writers in his home outside Oxford. The man whose books (The Chronicles of Narnia, Mere Christianity) have impacted so many offers his guests his thoughts, insights and observations on the festive season as well as the events that have shaped his life and decisions. Christmas With C.S. Lewis is a thoughtful reflection and celebration of Christmas and life itself. www.strazcenter.org
12/7 – Snowfest
Free admission (wristbands $5) 9am-2pm, North Straub Park, downtown St. Pete.
Enjoy a winter celebration filled with fun for the whole family. Enjoy toboggan slides for both adults and children, bounce around on inflatables, and unleash your creativity at arts and crafts tents.
Wristbands available at any city recreation center or the day of the event.
12/7 – Angel Tree Toy Run 10K, 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run
Fees vary, 7:30am 10K and 5K start, 8am 1 Mile start, Salvation Army, 340 14th Ave. S, St. Pete. The Salvation Army Angel Tree program has been serving millions of children in need nationwide during the holiday season since 1979. Bring unwrapped new and quality used toys for children; the Grand Prize for most toys donated is two tickets to Universal Studios. Race registration: https://tinyurl.com/j9xtnjvc
12/7 – Arts Annual Hurricane Relief Fundraiser
$100-$250, 6-9pm, Gallery of Creative Pinellas, 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo. Initially designed as a fundraiser to support Creative Pinellas, it is now changing its focus to meet our community’s very real needs post-hurricanes. With the money raised through ticket sales, sponsorships, donations, and art sales, Creative Pinellas will distribute 80% of the net proceeds to Pinellas County artists and arts organizations. The event will debut “Still Shining,” a showcase of the works of 25 Pinellas County artists, each creating a unique 12-by-12 artwork. Sponsored by Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, the exhibit is curated by Merritt Horan. Tickets at artsannual.org.
12/7, 14, 21 – Holiday Movies in the Park
Free, 5:30pm, parks around St. Pete. Celebrate the holiday season with a free outdoor screening in the park! Enjoy an evening filled with pre-movie festive activities, including photo opportunities with Santa, reindeer games, and concessions. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs.
• 12/7: “Nightmare Before Christmas,” Huggins-Stengal Field, 1320 Fifth St. N
• 12/14: “Elf,” Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 3010 31st St. S
• 12/21: “The Grinch,” Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Drive NE
12/7-8 – The Eighth Annual ArtJones Studio Tour
Free, 10am-5pm Sat., 11am-4pm Sunday, at eight artist studios in Gulfport. One weekend a year, Gulfport’s professional arts community opens their studio doors and invites art appreciators into their creative spaces. This year, the studio tour will have eight stops and 22 artists sharing process, conversation, friendship and art sales. Grab a free map with the details at Brenda McMahon Gallery, or at any of the four small business sponsors: Gulfport Beach Bazaar, Qi Crystal Energy, Sail Market Boutique and Gallery or Stella’s.
12/13 – Boley Centers’ 42nd Annual Jingle Bell Run
$40, 7:30pm, along Vinoy and North Straub parks, downtown St. Pete. The run will feature a 5K lighted path, live bands along the course, a glow zone, snow, glow necklaces and thousands of runners, joggers, walkers and four-legged trotters! Local food trucks, beer, wine, and Boozie Pops will be available for purchase. Proceeds help the Boley Center support housing and services for vulnerable adults, veterans, youth, and families in our community. Register at https://tinyurl.com/5vsm5n75
12/13-14 – Merry Beach Market Holiday Festival
Free admission, Fri 5-9pm/Sat 2-8pm, ROC Park, 300 Municipal Drive, Madeira Beach. More than 150 local vendors will offer a diverse array of handmade crafts, unique gifts and one-of-a-kind seasonal decorations. Live entertainment and food and beverage stands will help fuel the festive atmosphere. Concluding the days’ activities will be a fireworks show on Friday evening and the 58th annual Madeira Beach Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday night.
12/13-14 – S’mores with Santa
Free, 6-8pm, Pioneer Settlement at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 3010 31st St. S., Gate 2. Gather around the fire to make delicious s’mores, crafts, and spend time with Santa Claus himself. This is the perfect opportunity for children to share their holiday wishes with Santa while enjoying sweet treats.
12/14 – Candlelight: Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” and more
$35, 8pm, First Baptist Church of St. Petersburg, 1900 Gandy Blvd. N. Listeso String Quartet will perform in a live, candle-lit, multi-sensory hour of beloved holiday music including favorites such “Deck the Halls” and “The First Noel,” Debussy’s “The Snow is Dancing,” traditional Hanukkah music and “The Nutcracker.” Tickets at https://tinyurl.com/bdh9d9k9
12/14-23 – Meet Santa in the Park
Free, 6-9pm, North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Drive NE, St. Pete. This festive event offers a wonderful opportunity for children and families to meet Santa Claus in one of St. Pete’s waterfront parks. Take photos with Santa and share your little ones’ Christmas wishes. Cameras are encouraged.
12/15 – Indie Flea St. Pete Holiday Festival
Free, Noon-4pm, Albert Whitted Park, 480 Bayshore Drive SE, St. Pete. Join Indie Flea for the first annual St. Pete Holiday Festival co-sponsored by the city of St. Petersburg. Shop small businesses that specialize in hand-crafted goods, vintage housewares, decor, art, mid-century furniture, vintage clothing, antiques, plants, collectables, food trucks and food pop-ups, and beverages.
12/31 – New Year’s Centennial Celebration
$125 8pm, Floridian Social, 687 Central Ave., St. Pete. Celebrate New Year’s Eve and 100 years of the Floridian Social with live music from a five-piece jazz band, a circus and burlesque show, a late-night DJ, frick frack blackjack, midnight burgers, fresh oysters, hand-rolled cigars, and a dessert room! General admission is standing room only; VIP tables available. Open bar drink ticket $99. A 21+ venue. General admission: https://tinyurl.com/55p3brf4
VIP: https://tinyurl.com/2tdpkbp2
1/11 – Run for the Beaches 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk
$40, 8am, Thunderbird Beach Resort, 10700 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island. A chip-timed, out and back 5K, as the early morning low tide exposes the wide, hard-packed shoreline of Treasure Island’s beautiful beaches. Starts and ends on the beach behind the Thunderbird, with turn around just south of the Caddy’s Water Station. Benefits sustainability and environmental initiatives specific to our Gulf beaches, marine and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation programs, beach clean-ups, and organizations that promote the interest and welfare of the Gulf beaches community. Rescheduled from 12/14. Registration and details at https://tinyurl.com/4jxsb6xm
1/25 – Empty Bowls for Harbor Dish
$20 advance/$25 at door, $15 student, 11am-2pm, SPC Clearwater Campus, 2465 Drew St., ES Building, Room 104, Clearwater. Guests choose a bowl handmade and donated by local potters and enjoy a meal of soup and bread with friends and guests. All proceeds benefit Harbor Dish, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to helping their community one meal at a time. Tickets at Eventbrite.
Holiday Boat Parades
Boat parades in Dunedin, Boca Ciega, and Treasure Island have been cancelled.
12/6 – Tarpon Springs, 6:30pm. Vessels will proceed down the Anclote River and into the Whitcomb and Spring Bayous. View the parade from the Sponge Docks, Whitcomb Bayou, Craig Park & Spring Bayou. Boats should arrive at Whitcomb Bayou at approximately 8pm.
12/14 – Clearwater Yacht Club: 6:30pm. The parade launches just north of the Mandalay channel bridge, heading north, then through the Island Estates community, then to the Memorial Causeway bridge, then back towards the beach, turning around at the City Fuel Dock, and then down to the judging area in front of the Clearwater Yacht Club.
12/14 – Madeira Beach Festival of Lights Holiday Boat Parade: 6:15pm. The parade begins at ROC Park , travels the majority of the finger canals through the city, and ends at John’s Pass.
12/15 – Redington Beaches Holiday Lighted Boat Parade: Boats assemble at 5:45pm. The boats will rendezvous just south of the Park Boulevard bridge and travel south through the Intracoastal Waterway. The end point and awards party will be held at the American Legion Post 273 in Madeira Beach.