Victorian Christmas Stroll
10 am – 8 pm, $15 Adults / $13 Seniors / $9 Youth, Henry Plant Museum, 401 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. Celebrate the warmth and spirit of an old fashioned holiday. Complimentary cider and cookies.
Holiday music. 813.254.1891 plantmuseum.com
Through December 24 – Free Photos with Santa and Snow
4 – 9 pm Friday/noon – 9 pm Saturday/noon – 5 pm, Sunday/11:30 – 3:30 Christmas Eve, Free, Sundial,
153 2nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg. Snow falls nightly from 6 – 9 pm at the top and bottom of the hour. 727.800.3201
sundialstpete.com
Through Friday, December 28 – Merry & Bright: 2018 Holiday Show & Sale
9 am – 5 pm Monday – Saturday/Noon – 5 pm Sunday, Free, Morean Arts Center, 719 Central Avenue,
St. Petersburg. Supports local artists and gives you the opportunity to pick up some truly unique gifts for your friends and family this holiday season.
727.822.7872 moreanartscenter.org
Through Sunday, December 30 – Every Christmas Story Ever Told
7 pm Wednesday & Thursday/8 pm Friday & Saturday/, 2 pm Saturday and Sunday, $25 – $50, freeFall Theatre Company, 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. A hilarious mashup of your favorite Christmas stories and carols. This madcap romp is perfect for the whole family. 727.498.5205 freefalltheatre.com
Through Sunday, December 30 – Holiday Lights in the Garden
5:30 – 9:30 pm, $4 Suggested Donation/ Under 12 Free, Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. Delight in the shimmering lights, holiday entertainment, beautiful flora and warmth of the season. Special visits from Santa. 727.582.2100 flbg.org
Through Sunday, December 30 – Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley
7 pm Wednesday & Thursday/2pm Saturday & Sunday/8 pm Friday & Saturday, Prices vary, American Stage, Raymond James Theatre, 163 Third St. N, St. Petersburg. Inspired by one of the most beloved literary romances of all time, Miss Bennet will enchant Jane Austen fans and newcomers alike. americanstage.org
Through Sunday, December 30 – River of Lights
6 pm/7 pm/8 pm/9 pm/10 pm, $18 Child/$28 Adult, Tampa Convention Center (Pirate Water Taxi Home Dock: Stop #7), 333 S Franklin St, Tampa. View festive decorations, lighted bridges and other surprises along the Hillsborough River. Features a whimsical narration, Christmas Carolers, hot chocolate and a holiday cookie for all. piratewatertaxi.com/events/river-of-lights-2018
Through Tuesday, January 1 – Holiday Lights in Largo Central Park
6 – 11 pm, Free, Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Dr., Largo. Features a spectacular holiday light display, stunning carousel and seven-story Ferris wheel that offers a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the 70-acre Largo Central Park and more than two million dazzling LED lights. Rides are $5 each. 727.587.6740 facebook.com/events/2480752145323627
Through Tuesday, January 1 – Waterfront Lights and Display
Free, North Straub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park, Al Lang Park and Albert Whitted Park, St. Petersburg. See thousands of holiday lights and decorations. Don’t miss the giant greeting card display along Bayshore Dr. at Vinoy Park made by local teens from St. Petersburg’s recreation centers. Free visits with Santa on selected dates. stpeteparksrec.org/holidayevents
Through Thursday, January 3 – Oakdale Christmas Light Display
6 – 10 pm, Free, 2719 Oakdale Street S, St. Petersburg. This event is among the largest and longest running home displays in the United States. One-half acre in size, Approximately 1/4 million lights. christmasdisplay.org
Through Saturday, January 5 – Winter Village
Times vary, Free to attend, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N Ashley Dr., Tampa. The park is transformed with the sights, sounds and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages featuring 10 boutiques, specialty drinks and treats and an outdoor ice skating rink ($14). wintervillagetampa.com
Through Sunday, January 6 – Winter’s Wonderland
10 am – 6 pm, $19.95 – $24.95, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater. Experience Winter’s Wonderland with lights and decorations all around the aquarium. See the holiday-themed habitats and wish happy holidays to the animals. Watch and interact with Santa and his elves as they dive in Mavis’s Rescue Hideaway. See the lights around Clearwater Bay on the Sea of Lights boat cruise. 727.441.1790 seewinter.com
Saturday, December 1 – 8th Annual Lighting of the Christmas Trees
4 – 7 pm, Free, Downtown Tierra Verde. A visit from Santa, a pet parade, raffle prizes, games for kids of all ages, live music and entertainment. tierraverdebusinesspartnership.com/treelighting
Saturday, December 1 – Florida Orchestra Guild’s Holiday Tour of Homes
10 am – 4 pm, $25 Advance/$30, NE St. Petersburg. Each residence will be decorated in holiday traditions unique to the family living there. In addition to decorating interior spaces, many of the homeowners expand the holidays into outdoor patio and pool areas. All proceeds will benefit The Florida Orchestra. For ticketing information, call 727.254.1176.
Saturday, December 1 – Holly Fest Bazaar & Luncheon
10 am – 2 pm, $15, Treasure Island Community Center, 154 106th Ave., Treasure Island. Wonderful crafts, money tree, 50/50, baskets, jewelry and holiday shopping. Lunch served at noon. Benefits city beautification projects. BJ Flowers 863.420.1226 or Judy Koepkey 615.556.4977
Saturday, December 1 –Jingle Bell Kids Seawall Fishing Tournament
Noon – 5:45 pm, Free with a donation of an unwrapped toy and a non-perishable food item John’s Pass, Madeira Beach. Kids 16 years old & younger are invited to fish the seawall tournament & join in the holiday festivities including one of the biggest kids’ raffles you’ve ever seen. Benefits Santa’s Angels and The Kind Mouse. anglerarmory.com/jingle-bell-kids-seawall-fishing-tournament
Saturday, December 1 – John’s Pass Village Tree Lighting
6:15 pm, Free, John’s Pass Village, Madeira Beach. A special guest will arrive courtesy of the Madeira Beach Fire Department. facebook.com/events/427827634417041/?active_tab=about
Saturday, December 1 – Snowfest
10:30 am – 3 pm, $5, North Straub Park, 400 Bay Shore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. Activities include a big and kiddie toboggan slide, art tent, karaoke, moonwalk, giant slide and a Kiddyland area designed especially for preschoolers with inflatable train. stpeteparksrec.org/holidayevents
Monday, December 3 – Light Up the Night
7 pm, Free, Clymer Park, Gulfport Blvd. S, Gulfport. City of Gulfport holiday tree lighting, Music, light refreshments sing-a-long, Santa visits. 727.893.1118 visitgulfportflorida.com
Monday, December 3 – Sundial St. Pete Menorah Lighting Celebration
5 – 8 pm, Free, Sundial, 153 2nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg. Rabbi Alter Korf of the Chabad Jewish Center presides over the lighting of the area’s largest menorah to celebrate Hanukkah, along with traditional foods from Locale Market, a line-up of world-class performers and activities for every member of the family. 727.800.3201 sundialstpete.com
Wednesday, December 5 – Mrs. Santa Luncheon & Fashion Show
11:30 am, $85, The Club at Treasure Island, 400 Treasure Island Causeway, Treasure Island. Relax and enjoy the beauty and spirit of the season. Benefits Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Contact Judy Keyak jkeyak@tampabay.rr.com
Wednesday, December 5 through Sunday, January 6 – Holidays at the Village
10 am – 4 pm Wednesday through Saturday/1 – 4 pm Sunday, Free, Heritage Village, 11909 125th St N, Largo. Enjoy holiday decorations, garland and greenery throughout Heritage Village. 727.582.2123 pinellascounty.org/heritage
Thursday, December 6 – 3rd Annual Jingle Mingle
6 – 8:30 pm, $50, Sunken Gardens, 1825 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. Twinkle lights, holiday music by the St. Pete High ‘Pitchforks’ and soft jazz renditions of holiday favorites by Henry Ashwood promise a lovely beginning to the Season. Complimentary wine, beer, and hors d’oeuvres. facebook.com/SunkenGardensForever
Thursday, December 6 – Bay Voices Ensemble
6 pm, Free, Dalí Museum, One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. The Tampa Bay male vocal ensemble under the direction of Stephen Allen will perform songs of the season on the steps of the Museum’s helical stairway. 727.823.3767 thedali.org
Friday, December 7 – Boat Parade and Winter Festival in the Park
6 pm, Free, Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr., St. Pete Beach. Boat Parade Viewing Party to include live music, art projects for children, and a special visit from Santa! spbrec.com/special-events
Friday, December 7 – Death By Chocolate
7 pm, $20/$25, Central Park Performing Arts Center, 105 Central Park Dr., Largo. This chocolate “heaven” will tempt your taste buds while holiday music fills the air. 100% of the proceeds raised by this event benefit and support local youth programs. 727.587.6793 largoarts.com
Friday, December 7 – Holiday Movies in the Park – The Christmas Story
7 pm, Free, Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Pete. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and settle in for a holiday movie. It’s sure to be a fun evening for the entire family. stpeteparksrec.org/holidayevents
Friday, December 7 – Holiday Movie Double Feature on the Beach
6:30 – 9:30 pm, Free, Archibald Park, 15100 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach. Enjoy two Christmas classics, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Home Alone. Chairs available for reservation 727.612.3090. Food and drink specials at The Old Snack Shack, Madeira Beach facebook.com/events/351119459028614/?active_tab=about
Friday, December 7 – Silver Bells Luncheon
11 am, $100, St. Petersburg Yacht Club, 11 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Enjoy a “Holiday Extravaganza” including a sumptuous luncheon, entertainment by Maestro Mark Sforzini and members of the St. Petersburg Opera, plus a fabulous silent auction. Ursula Carroll 727.367.9289
Saturday, December 8 – Boca Ciega Yacht Club Lighted Christmas
Boat Parade 6 pm, Free viewing, Starts at the Gulfport Municipal Marina, heads to Williams Pier, Town Shores, Kipps Colony, Pasadena Yacht & Country Club, Pasadena Golf Club Estates and Isla del Sol. sailbcyc.org/ChristmasBoatParade
Saturday, December 8 – Christmas Parade and Santa’s Visit to Whoville
11 am, Free, St. Pete Beach. Starts at City Hall, 155 Corey Ave. and heads west down Corey Ave., south on Blind Pass Rd., east on 73rd to Bay St. and back to City Hall. Art projects, a movie and a special visit from Santa at the end of the parade will be at the St. Pete Beach Library. Best parade viewing areas will be along Corey Ave. After the parade, Santa will be at St. Pete Beach Library, 353 73rd Ave, with hot chocolate & snacks available. Parking will also be available at the Community Center. spbrec.com/special-events
Saturday, December 8 – Holiday Hoopla
10 am – 5 pm, Free, 3101 Beach Blvd. S, Gulfport. A celebration of arts, crafts, foods, holiday music and roving holiday characters set in a waterfront atmosphere. facebook.com/HolidayHooplaGulfport
Saturday, December 8 – Madeira Beach Annual Festival of Lights
Illuminated Boat Parade 6:30, Free viewing, Starts at ROC Park and heads down the Intracoastal Waterway to John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk. islandneighborschamber.org
Saturday, December 8 – Pinellas Park Christmas Parade
6 pm, Free, Starts at 58th St. and proceeds eastbound on Park Blvd. to The Shoppes at Park Place. This annual event rich in Christmas tradition is the perfect way to bring holiday cheer. Watch as festive floats parade down the streets of Pinellas Park. celebratepinellaspark.com/pinellas-park-holiday-parade
Sunday, December 9 – Historic Old Northeast Candlelight Tour of Homes
3 – 8 pm, $25/$30, Historic Old NE, St. Petersburg. Tour eight beautiful and distinctive homes. Stroll the brick streets, take in the festive decorations, home renovations and perhaps even pick up some decorating ideas. Proceeds benefit neighborhood improvements. honna.org
Sunday, December 9 – Robby’s Pancake Breakfast
8 am – noon, $5, Treasure Island Community Center, 154 106th Ave., Treasure Island. Pancakes, sausage patties, coffee & tea, juice. $5 Bloody Marys. Bring a new unwrapped toy or food to help fill the Red Sled for Foster Care Kids.
Monday, December 10 – Christmas With Michael W. Smith
8 pm, $69/$79, Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland Street, Clearwater. Multi-GRAMMY® award winning artist Michael W. Smith returns to Clearwater with an evening of Christmas joy for his Capitol Theatre debut with very special guest Melinda Doolittle. 727.791.7400 rutheckerdhall.com/capitol-theatre
Tuesday, December 11 – Holiday Lights Neighborhood Bicycle Tour
6 – 8:30 pm,$15 Members/$25 Non-members, 836 16th Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. Visit several of ‘Burg’s historic neighborhoods, making stops to look at the holiday lights/decorations as well as to hear a bit about neighborhood history. At the end of the ride, enjoy some refreshments on the verandah of the Elwyn home. 727.824.7802 preservetheburg.org
Tuesday, December 11 – New Horizons Band Holiday Concert
7 pm, Free, Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport. Celebrate the season. The New Horizons Band will be playing familiar holiday tunes plus pop hits. 727.893.1070 mygulfport.us
Wednesday, December 12 – Boley Angels Jingle & Mingle Holiday Brunch
10:30 am, $50, Club at Treasure Island, 400 Treasure Island Causeway, Treasure Island. A great opportunity to mix, mingle, jingle and bid on items to support the Boley Angels. Kathryn Juarez 727.821.4810 x 5724
Wednesday, December 12 – Hungrytown
6 – 7 pm, Free, St. Pete Beach Public Library, 365 73rd Ave., St. Pete Beach. The worldwide touring folk music duo presents a winter holiday themed concert. You won’t want to miss this. 727.363.9238 spblibrary.com
Thursday, December 13 and Tuesday, December 18 – Holiday Light Tours
$8 Members/$10 Non-members, Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport. Enjoy the sights of the season viewing the Lights of Lake Park Estates. Transportation provided by GEMS Gulfport Getaway. Seating is limited. Advance registration required. 727.893.2242
Friday, December 14 – Boley Centers’ 36th Annual Jingle Bell Run
7:30 – 9 pm, $30/$35 Race Fee, Albert Whitted Park, 480 Bayshore Dr. SE, St. Petersburg. A 3-mile event that will feature 1,500 luminarias, 15 bands, three glow zones, snow, glow in the dark face paint, glow necklaces and thousands of merry runners, joggers, walkers and four-legged trotters! Participation supports housing for individuals and families who have been chronically homeless. runsignup.com/Race/FL/SaintPetersburg/BoleyCentersJingleBellRun
Friday, December 14 – Christmas Carols by the Pitchforks
3 – 4 pm, Free, St. Pete Beach Public Library, 365 73rd Ave., St. Pete Beach. The St. Petersburg High School acapella group “Pitchforks” will regale you with sounds of the season. Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Library. 727.363.9238 spblibrary.com
Friday, December 14 – Holiday Movies in the Park – The Santa Clause
7 pm, Free, Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and settle in for a holiday movie. It’s sure to be a fun evening for the entire family. stpeteparksrec.org/holidayevents
Friday, December 14 – Treasure Island’s Holiday Lighted Boat Parade 6:20 – 8:15 pm, Free viewing, departs from The Club at Treasure Island and ends at John’s Pass. Dazzlingly decorated boats circle the city. mytreasureisland.org
Saturday, December 15 – 93.3 FLZ Jingle Ball 2018
7 pm, $41 – $151, Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. Annual holiday concert. All-star performers will include Shawn Mendes, Marshmello, Khalid, NF, Bebe Rexha, Bazzi and Sabrina Carpenter. 813.301.6500 amaliearena.com
Saturday, December 15 – An Old Florida Christmas
11 am – 4 pm, Free, Manatee Village Historical Park, 1404 Manatee Ave. E (SR 64), Bradenton. Family-friendly entertainment including musical performances, make-and-take seasonal crafts, heritage artisans, food vendors, and vintage silent holiday films – something to delight every age. manateevillage.org
Saturday, December 15 – Let It Snow
6:30 – 9 pm, Free, Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Dr., Largo. Santa, kids’ snow slide (additional cost), lighted motor cyces at 7:45, holiday gift market with more than 60 local merchants, holiday characters, children’s crafts and fun Christmas photo ops. playlargo.com/special_events.php\
Saturday, December 15 – Senior Excursion to Holiday Lights in the Gardens
4:30 – 9:30 pm, $15 Bus transportation only, departs from Community Center, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr., St. Pete Beach. Delight in the shimmering lights, holiday entertainment, beautiful flora and warmth of the season. Pre-registration required. 727.363.9245
Saturday, December 15 and Sunday, December 16 – St. Petersburg Holiday of the Arts
10 am – 5 pm, Free, South Straub Park, 198 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. Artisans from across Florida and throughout the United States journey to St. Petersburg to create an outdoor gallery comprised of the most beautiful and stunning original and handmade art. paragonartevents.com/S-82-St.+Petersburg +Holiday+of+the+Arts.html
Saturday, December 15 and Saturday, December 22 – A Very Misfortunate Christmas
8 pm, $15, Spitfire Theater, 14 18th St. S, St. Pete. A holiday romp that will leave you gasping for breath, sniffing the soup, and wondering who will win the mysterious present under the tree. Once again with inappropriate comments, misheard names, moments of deep suspicion, and of course, shadow puppets. spitfiretheater.com
Saturday, December 15 through Sunday, December 30 – Gingerbread Village
10 am – 5 pm Monday through Friday/10am – 6 pm, Saturday/1 – 6 pm Sunday, Activity included with general admission, Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. Celebrate the holidays as the Museum transforms into a gingerbread wonderland. Build your own sweet design with festive materials and decorations, and add it to a cardboard gingerbread house. glazermuseum.org
Sunday, December 16 – Cirque Musica Holiday Presents Wonderland
7 pm, $25 – $85, USF Yuengling Center, 4202 E Fowler Ave., Tampa. This show blends the spellbinding grace and daredevil athleticism of today’s greatest circus performers with the sensory majesty of a symphony orchestra performing the greatest holiday music of all time. 800.745.3000 yuenglingcenter.com
Sunday, December 16 – Annual Christmas Concert – ‘Tis the Season
7 pm, Free, Pasadena Community Church, 227 70th St. S, St. Petersburg. Usher in the season with a beautiful reminder of the “reason for the season.” Choir, camerata, instruments and narrators celebrate the Christmas story with carols and songs of the season. 727.381.2499
Sunday, December 16 – Suncoast Jazz Society Christmas Dinner & Dance
6 pm, $35/$40, Cove Cay Country Clubhouse, 1949 Cove Cay Dr., Clearwater. Christmas concert featuring the Terry Meyers Quartet. Dinner catered by Banquet Masters. Reservations: 727.215.2938 or jazzreservations@aol.com
Sunday, December 16 – Matinee Opera Players: The Holiday Extravaganza
3 – 5:30 pm, Donations accepted, Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center, 4951 78th Ave. N, Pinellas Park.
The St. Petersburg Ballet Company will open the show with scenes from the Nutcracker. Listen to traditional holiday songs like White Christmas, Silent Night and other favorites. Family-friendly, complimentary snacks at intermission, raffles, door prizes, and plenty of free parking. 727.204.4163 MatineeOperaPlayers.org
Sunday, December 16 – Nutcracker Tea
11:30 am – 1 pm, $25 Members/$30 Non-members, Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. Join ballet dancers from Next Generation Ballet for high tea as they perform scenes from Nutcracker. There will be a ballet workshop with the performers, photo opportunities, hot tea and light food. glazermuseum.org
Thursday, December 20 – Holiday Arts + Crafts Bazaar
4 – 6 pm, Free, Dalí Museum, One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. Enjoy the seasonal ambiance & holiday music. Melting clock and mustache ornaments from the Museum Store will be available for purchase, as well as the unique paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry, books, glassware and fabric arts & crafts created by in-house artists, artisans and makers. 727.823.3767 thedali.org
Friday, December 21 – Holiday Movies in the Park – Santa Paws 7 pm, Free, Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Pete. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and settle in for a holiday movie. It’s sure to be a fun evening for the entire family. stpeteparksrec.org/holidayevents
New Years Eve
Monday, December 31 – First Night St. Pete
4 pm – 12:15 am, $12 Adults / $5 Children 6 – 12 / Free Children 5 and under. Various venues in Downtown St. Petersburg. The largest family friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration of the Arts in the state of Florida. Ring in the New Year with music, drama, games, comedy, lights, dance, fire, bubbles, stories, creative fun and fireworks. firstnightstpete.com
Monday, December 31 – 2018 New Year’s Eve Gala
8 pm – 1 am, $35, Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport. Music, dancing, full cash bar, gourmet dessert, party favors, a champagne toast at midnight, a free 4×6 photo and an unlimited amount of salty popcorn for your snacking pleasure. 727.239.5280 facebook.com/events/1863695976981091
Monday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve at Selby Gardens
8 pm – 1 am, $250, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S Palm Ave., Sarasota. A black-tie event featuring a private journey through tropical holiday light displays, passed hors d’oeuvres, a seated four – course dinner, live entertainment and dancing, a champagne toast and a perfect view of fireworks overlooking the Sarasota Bay. 941.366.5731 selby.org
Monday, December 31 – New Year’s at Noon
10 am – 2 pm, $5 Members/$15 Non-members, Great Explorations Children’s Museum, 1925 4th St. N, St. Petersburg. Ring in the New Year starting with a dance party, craft your own festive hat, enjoy sparkling juice and tasty treats but most importantly watch more than 1000 balloons drop at noon as we celebrate the New Year together. 727.821.8992 greatex.org
Monday, December 31 – NYE@MFA
7:30 pm – 1 am, $175 Party/$350 Dinner + Party, Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive. NE, St. Pete. Dinner includes open bar, special seated dinner with piano bar and American songbook cabaret performance and access to special exhibitions. Party includes open bar, desserts, savory bites, dancing to music, access to the special exhibitions and midnight champagne toasts while watching First Night St. Pete fireworks. 727.894.4638 mfastpete.org
Monday, December 31 – Rock Around the Clock
7 pm, $95, Banquet Masters, 13355 49th St. N, Clearwater. Ring in 2019 with a full dinner (tip included), show, dancing to salsa, rock & disco with complimentary champagne at midnight. 727.541.7876 comedyhall@aol.com
Monday, December 31 – Swingin’ the New Year
9 pm to 1 am, $30 and up, The Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N, St. Petersburg. Grand New Year’s Eve celebration for the whole family. Music featuring Gloria West, dancing, midnight countdown, balloon drop, party favors, noisemakers, cash bar and more. 813.220.3911 newyearswing.com
Monday, December 31 – Toast by the Coast
8 pm – 1 am, $120, Tradewinds Island Resort, 600 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Featuring two live bands (Motel Funk and The Railway Kings), photo booth, champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight, party favors, extensive hors d’ oeuvres buffet, chef’s carvery and pasta bar and decadent dessert table.
Reservations: 727.363.2258 tradewindsresort.com/index