The following is a list of Holiday events and activites around Tampa Bay. To view a
December 10th, Jim Brickman Beautiful World: Christmas Concert, Ruth Eckerd Hall. 8 p.m. www.rutheckerdhall.com
Through January 3rd, Florida Botanical Garden’s Holiday Light Up:
This year’s celebration runs nightly from 6 to 10 p.m. through. Sunday,
Jan. 3. Visitors stroll and watch as the Gardens transform into a
holiday wonderland with more than 425,000 twinkling lights. This
special event is free to children under 12 with a donation of $2 per
adult suggested. Florida Botanical Gardens is located at 12520 Ulmerton
Road, Largo, Florida. More information: www.flbg.org/events_seasonal_lights.htm
Through January 3rd, Trees and Traditions: The
festive display of trees and decorations, continues through Sunday,
Jan. 3, at Heritage Village. The 21-acre living history museum that is
home to some of Pinellas County’s most historic structures will offer
holiday-themed guided tours through the homes, some of which date back
to the 19th century. More information: www.pinellascounty.org/heritage/events_trees_tradition.htm
December 10-13, “Glice Skating”: Bring
your socks, rent skates and take a spin on the newly enlarged “glice”
skating ring in downtown St. Pete’s North Straub Park. Skating is $5
for 30 minutes and is available Dec. 10-13, 17-23. More information:
727-893-7441
December 10-13th, Stafford House Victorian Christmas: Open
from 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Safford House Museum, 23 Parkin Court. The open
house features Victorian carolers, complimentary refreshments, holiday
gift shop, live music and free digital photos with a Victorian Santa.
Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for members. More information: www.tarponarts.org
December 11th, Winter Wonderland Opening: The annual Christmas Village presented by the Church of Scientology and the Clearwater Community Volunteers returns for another season of Holiday Joy for Clearwater’s children (young and old). Grand Opening at 6:30 pm, on the corner of Drew and Ft. Harrison. Please bring a new toy or non-perishable food item for the annual food and toy drive!
December 11th, Holiday Light Up and Miracle on Cleveland Street: Experience the “miracle” of snow on Cleveland Street! And don’t miss the lighting of the grand Christmas tree in Station Square Park. Experience the magic from 5:30 to 10:00 pm.
December 11th, Bowzer’s Holiday Rock ‘n’ Roll Party: Concert featuring Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge and more. Ruth Eckerd Hall 7:30 p.m. www.rutheckerdhall.com
December 11th – 21st, Canned Food Drive: Food
items will benefit the Homeless Emergency Project (HEP) which is one of
Tampa Bay's oldest and largest providers of emergency housing and
support, including clothing and food, serving an estimated 100,000
meals in 2009. Canned food donations can be dropped off in Toyota of
Tampa Bay’s showroom 9am - 9pm Mon - Friday, 9am-7pm Saturday, and
11am-5pm Sunday.
December 12th, Old Fashioned Christmas:
With snowflakes falling on the Pinellas Trail, Dunedin’s “Old-Fashioned
Christmas” will have live entertainment and horse and carriage rides
along delightful downtown’s Main Street. The event’s Jingle Bell
Village stars Santa and includes children’s holiday crafts and a chance
to make your own s’mores.
December 12th, Snowfest: Acclaimed
saxophonist Eric Darius will help ring in the Holidays in Safety Harbor
at the annual “Snowfest” celebration, held at the Safety Harbor
Baseball Complex. A huge ramp blanketed with 30 tons of snow is primed
for sledding, while a special snow area awaits toddlers and handicapped
children. Proceeds from the event will benefit terminally and seriously
ill children and their families.
December 12th and 13th: Exceeding Great Joy: The combined
Music Ministries of First United Methodist Church of Tarpon Springs and
Palm Harbor United Methodist Church will present Exceeding Great Joy, a
“Musical Celebration of the greatest event in all of history,” on Sat,
Dec 12th at the Tarpon Springs Church and Sun, Dec 13th at the Palm
Harbor Church. Both performances will be at 7:00pm. Admission is Free
and there will be free valet parking available. For more information
call Palm Harbor United Methodist Church at 727-785-7487 or First
United Methodist Church of Tarpon Springs at 727-937-3271.
December 12th and 13th, Arts & Crafts in John’s Pass:
Fish-famous John’s Pass will be featuring arts & crafts and holiday
music at a celebration at the quaint fishing village and boardwalk in
Madeira Beach. More information: www.johnspassfestivals.com
December 12th, 13th, 19th and 20th, The Santaland Diaries: A true and
humorous account of the author’s stint working as a Christmas Elf at
Macy’s by David Sedaris. Presented by the West Coast Players. www.wcplayers.com .
December 12th, Pangea Christmas Bazaar:
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Local vendors will sell jewelry, clothes, hand bags,
chocolate, plants, etc. at Pangea Café in Downtown Clearwater.
December 19th, Merry Chriskwanzanukah: Clearwater Main Library, 2:00 p.m. Shana Banana presents Merry Chriskwanzanukah!, a musical show that highlights both the similarities and unique traditions of Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa.
December 19th, Florida Boychoir Christmas Concert: Join the Choirboys of the Florida Boychoir for a special concert of Christmas music under the director of Choirmaster and Founder, Brian Collar. Grace Lutheran Church, Tampa. 7:00 p.m. Call Brian Collar at 1-877-671-SING(7464) for more info.
December 19th, Tour de Trail Christmas Ride: The ride will be Saturday, Dec. 19th. Meeting place will be Skips on Dunedin Main St at Noon. www.thetdt.org for more information.
December 19th and 20th, The Nutcracker: Presented by the Moscow Classical Ballet with the Florida Orchestra. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 2:00 and 8:00 p.m. www.rutheckerdhall.com .