If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend (December 1-3), there's plenty of action happening around the Tampa Bay area.
Friday, December 1
What: Tampa’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
When: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Curtis Hixon Park at 600 North Ashley Drive, Tampa
Cost: Free
Info: Attend Tampa's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on the first Friday in December in beautiful Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park! Festivities begin at 6 p.m. The evening will include a countdown to light the tree with Mayor Buckhorn and a free showing of Polar Express in the park. Admission is free. Blankets, low back chairs, coolers and dogs on leashes are allowed. Concessions will be available. Glass and alcohol are prohibited.
What: Christmas Tree Lighting in Safety Harbor
When: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: John Wilson Park at 401 Main Street, Safety Harbor
Cost: Free
Info: Bring out the family and friends to enjoy the lighting of Safety Harbor's giant Christmas tree. Choirs will warm up the crowd for a visit from Santa Claus!
What: Lady Gaga at Amalie Arena
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Amalie Arena at 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa
Cost: $50
Info: Lady Gaga is bringing her Joanne World Tour to Tampa Bay! The show begins at 7:30 p.m. at Amalie Arena.
What: St. Petersburg Ballet: The Nutcracker
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Palladium Theater at 253 5th Avenue North Historic Old Northeast, Saint Petersburg
Cost: $24
Info: Year in and year out, St. Petersburg Ballet Company‘s production of the Nutcracker enchants and showcases the best and brightest future dance students on their way to Julliard, Boston Conservatory, Alvin Ailey, American Ballet Theater, Cirque du Soleil and others. Experience the magic of the Nutcracker, performed by tomorrow’s superstars of dance.
What: FUN HOME Musical at The Straz
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Straz Center at 1010 North Macinnes Place, Tampa
Cost: $26
Info: Based on Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic memoir, FUN HOME introduces us to Alison at three different ages as she explores and unravels the many mysteries of her childhood. A refreshingly honest musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes. The “groundbreaking,” “exquisite” and “unforgettable” new musical FUN HOME was the event of the Broadway season, receiving raves from critics and audiences alike, winning five 2015 Tony Awards including Best Musical.
Saturday, December 2
What: Victorian Christmas Stroll at Henry B. Plant Museum
When: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Henry B. Plant Museum at 401 West Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa
Cost: $15
Info: Experience the extravagance and grandeur of a Victorian Christmas at the former 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel during the Henry B. Plant Museum’s Victorian Christmas Stroll. Allowing visitors a glimpse of Christmas past, the event runs every day from December 1-23, 10 am – 8 pm daily. The Victorian Christmas Stroll celebrates the warmth and spirit of an old-fashioned holiday. Complimentary cider and cookies will be served on the veranda each day while holiday music floats through the air. Guests can enjoy live music each evening from 6 pm – 8 pm. During the Victorian Christmas Stroll, visitors will explore the Museum transformed by Christmas trees ranging in height from a few inches to more than 14 feet, 40,000 lights, and hundreds of feet of garland. Decorations include vintage fashions, antique toys, locally sourced cigar boxes, and fanciful ornaments.
What: The Holiday Market for Makers
When: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: Ybor City Warehouse at 1702 E 5th Avenue, Tampa
Cost: $7
Info: Get your tickets while they last to the first ever Holiday Market for Makers located downtown Ybor inside a 20,000-square-foot warehouse featuring the top 100+ local makers Tampa has to offer. Once inside the gate you will be able to enjoy a full beer and wine bar, enjoy tons of local food trucks, shop 100+ handmade Makers, take photos in our photo booths, enjoy lounges, workshops and more! Kids 12 and under are free.
What: 36th Annual Tampa Christmas Parade and Santa Fest
When: 11 a.m.
Where: Downtown Tampa
Cost: Free
Info: Bring the family to the 36th Annual Santa Fest and Tampa's Christmas Parade. Festivites begin at 11 a.m. with the Christmas Parade through downtown Tampa and continue with a festival in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. The parade will begin at Morgan Street and Madison Street travel west on Madison Street to Ashley Drive, turn north and end at Ashley Drive and Cass Street. Best viewing along Madison Street.
What: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. San Jose Sharks
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Amalie Arena at 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa
Cost: Click here for ticket information
Info: Come watch the Tampa Bay Lightning host the San Jose Sharks at Amalie Arena!
What: Patel Conservatory presents A Christmas Carol
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Straz Center at 1010 North Macinnes Place, Tampa
Cost: $15
Info: The Straz Center’s Patel Conservatory Theater is pleased to present a student performed and professionally produced production of A Christmas Carol. Performed by students in grades 2-12, Ebeneezer Scrooge and his ghostly encounters come to life in this lavish and thrilling stage adaptation. Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated "Bah! Humbug!" Scrooge summates his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but he's forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present and Future. Thanks to their guidance, Scrooge recognizes his faults and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful "Happy Christmas" before spending the day reconnecting and sharing love with those that mean the most to him.
What: St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show
When: November 30 - December 3
Where: Duke Energy Center for the Arts at 400 1st Street North Downtown, Saint Petersburg
Cost: $17
Info: The 40th Annual St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show is the largest boat show on the Gulf Coast! The show will feature an extraordinary selection of power boats and sailboats in water and on land, including a 40,000-square-foot clearspan tent housing all types of marine gear. Show-goers will be excited to find hundreds of power boats and sailboats including family cruisers, runabouts, fishing boats, magnificent sailing yachts, personal watercraft and so much more! In addition to the large selection of exhibits at this year's show, there will be a multitude of special events and fun and educational activities, including marine seminars and the youth fishing clinics. Veterans and Active Duty Military simply show proof of military service for a free ticket. Free admission for all children 15 and under.
What: Honeymoon Island Bluegrass Festival
When: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Honeymoon Island State Park
Cost: $10
Info: Bluegrass festival visitors will enjoy the event in a large outdoor site at the North end of the beach in beautiful Honeymoon Island State Park. The festival will feature continuous traditional bluegrass music performances by Little Roy and Lizzy Show, and several local bluegrass bands. There will be display tables and a children's activities area. Local food vendors will offer inviting food, beverages and water.
Sunday, December 3
What: China Soul: The Martial Artists and Acrobats of Tianjin
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Straz Center at 1010 North Macinnes Place, Tampa
Cost: $35
Info: Get ready for jaw-dropping Shaolin Kung Fu. Prepare for breathtaking feats of gravity-defying acrobatics. Expect a magic stunt or two. In this dreamy, fantastical recreation of the soul of China, The Martial Artists and Acrobats of Tianjin transport audiences to another world – where everyone juggles, plates and carpets spin on sticks and we catch a glimpse of the rarely seen great Icarian acrobatic performance.
What: Holiday Lights in the Gardens
When: November 24 - December 31 | 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Florida Botanical Gardens at 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo
Cost: $4 donation
Info: The annual "Holiday Lights in the Gardens" is a seasonal escape into a wonderland of twinkling lights and fun entertainment. Over 1 million LED lights shining throughout our Botanical Gardens highlighting our plants and in nature-themed or holiday-themed light displays. This is a family-friendly event with nightly entertainment, including visits with Santa. Refreshments are available, as well as Holiday-themed gifts at the Botanical Bounty Gift Shop. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and a $4 suggested donation is encouraged for entry.
What: Seminole Heights Christmas Tree Lighting
When: 5 p.m.
Where: Seminole Heights United Methodist Church at 6111 N Central Ave, Tampa
Cost: Free
Info: The Seminole Heights Christmas Tree Lighting will begin with our Annual Christmas Concert featuring our children's, choir, hand bells, organ, youth band, and the phenomenal Blake High School Chorus! Following the concert, we will move outside for caroling and the Tree Lighting Ceremony, cookies and hot chocolate, and a visit from a certain "jolly" good friend! Bring your family and friends, and blankets or lawn chairs, and come kick off the Christmas season with a few hundred neighbors!
-------
