CHRISTMAS
Through Dec. 30 – Christmas in the Wild
$29.95, selected dates, ZooTampa. With thousands of lights across holiday-themed areas throughout the zoo, the event features brand new larger-than-life illuminated animal sculptures and the return of Forest of Fantasy Christmas tree light shows showcasing synchronized twinkling lights. Tickets: https://zootampa.org/events/christmas-in-the-wild/
Through 12/31 – Enchant: Reindeer Games
$34 adults and up/$25 children, multiple admission times, Tropicana Field, St. Pete. Enchant is an immersive experience perfect for joyful seasonal celebrations. Adventure through Enchant’s newest adventure Reindeer Games, a larger-than-life light maze that is the cornerstone to the Enchant experience. https://tinyurl.com/bdfbasze
Through 1/1/24 – Holiday Lights in Downtown Waterfront Parks
Free. 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.
12/3 – Indian Rocks Christmas Street Parade
1pm. This city-wide parade includes local merchants, small floats and holiday music. The parade runs through neighborhood streets and participants often throw candy, dog biscuits, ad specialties, and beads along the parade route.
12/8 – Boley Centers 41st Annual Jingle Bell Run
$40, 6pm registration, 7:30pm run, Straub Park, downtown St. Pete. This 5K run will feature a lighted path, live bands along the course, a glow zone, snow, glow necklaces and thousands of runners, joggers, walkers and four-legged trotters! Register: https://tinyurl.com/2p2n28ej
12/9 – Tampa Bay Night Life TV Christmas Ball and Toy Drive
$25-$100, 7pm, Kapok Special Events Center, 923 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. Tampa Bay’s “Biggest and Best Christmas Party” includes a buffet dinner, auctions, a special raffle and music by The Shakes Society. Bring new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls 1 thru 14 and get tickets for a special raffle. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/4cmv79jy
12/9 – Holiday Sail-a-Bration Water-less Boat Parade 6:30pm, Seminole. Starts at the Seminole Recreation Center on 113th Street and ends at the Seminole City Center. To participate, contact Kacy Little at 727-391-8345 or klittle@myseminole.com.
12/9 – 50th Annual Pinellas Park Christmas Parade
6pm, 5800 Park Blvd. N. The parade begins at Park Boulevard and the railroad tracks (58th Street) and proceeds eastbound to The Shoppes at Park Place.
12/9-10 and 12/15-23 – Santa in the Park
Free, 6-9pm, North Straub Park, St. Pete. Enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa. Cameras welcomed.
12/10 – Santa Brunch at The Birchwood
$55 adult/$35 ages 3-12, 9am-1pm, The Birchwood Grand Ballroom and Terrace. Festive brunch buffet, Santa meet and greet, craft stations, toy drive. Reservations: grace@thebirchwood.com or call 727-317-2844.
12/30 – Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
$37-$97, Noon/8pm, Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg. https://tinyurl.com/bde987z3.
HANUKKAH
12/3 – Annual Learning Chanukah Bazaar
Free, 9am-noon, Congregation Beth Shalom, 1325 S Belcher Road, Clearwater. Dozens of vendors; light breakfast nosh. Benefits the synagogue’s religious learning program.
12/3 – Jewish Teens of Pinellas Hanukkah Bowling Party
$18, 1-3pm, Liberty Lanes, 11401 Starkey Road, Largo. RSVP to https://tinyurl.com/359pjs3h
12/8 – Hanukkah Latke Dinner
Free, 5-7pm, Congregation B’Nai Israel, 300 58th St. N, St. Pete. The Mitzvah Men’s Club will be cooking the latkes. RSVP by 12/3 to https://tinyurl.com/mrxb8kts
12/10 – Hanukkah on Ice
Free with reservations, 5:30-7:30pm, Westfield Countryside Mall Ice Rink, 27001 U.S. 19 N, Clearwater. Music, donuts, latkes, Hanukkah gelt. Giant Israel menorah lighting at 8:15pm. Security by Clearwater Police. RSVP at YIChabad.com/ICE
12/11 – Flame
$36 until Dec. 9; $50 after, 7:30pm, Floridian Social Club, 687 Central Ave., St. Pete. A Hanukkah party for 20’s and 30’s young Jewish professionals. Cocktails, hors d’ouerves, entertainment. Tickets: Chabadyoungsp.com/flame
12/12 – Car Menorah Parade
Free, parade leaves at 5pm from Chabad of Pinellas County, 3696 Fisher Road, Palm Harbor; ends at Pioneer Park. Come at 4:30pm to deck out your care Hanukkah style. Security provided by Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. RSVP at YIChabad.com/Parade
12/12 – Downtown Dunedin Hanukkah Celebration
Free, 5:30-7pm, Pioneer Park. Celebration includes giant neon Menorah lighting, latkes, doughnuts, drone gelt drop, DJ and light show. RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/yt8b4pf9
12/15 – 101 Menorahs
Free. 6pm, Temple Beth-El, 400 Pasadena Ave. S, St. Pete. Bring your favorite menorah to help light up the night for the 101 Menorahs candle lighting. Then jam with singer-songwriter, educator and innovator, Spike Kraus, and DJ Duo! Hanukkah treats with catering by the Boyz in the Hood.
KWANZAA
12/26 – 10th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
Free, 5-8pm, Enoch Davis Center, 1664 12th St. S, St. Pete. This family-friendly event will celebrate the first night of Kwanzaa, Umoja (Unity). Umoja stresses the importance of maintaining togetherness for the family and the community. Hosted by the St. Pete Youth Farm and Gallerie 909.
