The turkey-stuffing season is over, which means the holidays are officially in full swing.
Luckily, even more festivities kick off this weekend.
Holiday lights in Largo Central Park
The annual tradition returns with dozens of light displays around the 70-acre park, carousel rides and a seven-story Ferris wheel. Park admission is free, but rides are $5 each. The rides and displays are open 6-11 p.m. nightly through Jan. 1. Dec. 1 and 15 also see additional events including meet and greet with Santa, a holiday craft fair and live entertainment.
Check here or call 727-587-6740 for more information.
Christmas Lane at Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds
The nightly displays open Friday through Dec. 24 at the Strawberry Festival grounds with thousands of light displays and decorated trees. Entertainment includes the Fritzy Brothers One Man Circus, an expanded KidZone with places to mail a letter to Santa and a Lego station, living Nativity scenes every Thursday through Saturday night, holiday rides, concession areas and opportunities to meet Santa, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph and the elves. Tickets $5 ages 13 and up, $3 ages 4-12, free for ages 3 and under. Rides are a separate ticket. Parking is free.
More information here.
Santa Parade and Tree Lighting
The Santa Parade begins at Albert Whitted Park in downtown St. Petersburg then runs along Bayshore Drive to Fifth Avenue N. Following the parade, Mayor Rick Kriseman hosts the annual lighting of the massive tree along the waterfront in North Straub Park. The festive evening is capped by holiday games, a marching band performance and concessions. Admission is free. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair for the parade and tree lighting. The parade kicks off at 5:30 p.m. and the tree lighting begins at 8 p.m.
More information here.
Symphony in Lights
The Shops at Wiregrass hosts its annual light show nightly through Dec. 31. The show of twinkling, dancing lights and holiday decor even includes “snow.” The show is also choreographed to music from Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Admission is free. 6-9 p.m.
More information here.
Oakdale Mega Light display
Possible the biggest holiday light display in Tampa Bay returns Friday night and runs through Jan. 3. Oakdale light display in south St. Petersburg has been entertaining holiday lovers for decades with half a million lights, light shows on the house, animated decor, festive trains and lots of Christmas trees. The owners of the home say the electricity bill is usually nearly $5,000. This is the display’s 41st year.
More information here.
Tampa Bay Beaches Festival of Trees
The inaugural event on Saturday is hosted at five locations: St. Pete Beach Community Center, Madeira Beach City Center, Treasure Island Community Center, Indian Shores Municipal Center and Indian Rocks Beach. Chambers are helping fundraise for Tampa Bay Watch, which works to preserve local estuaries. Decorated trees will be on display and available for public auction. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
More information here.
Water Ski Show: Elf Holiday Show
The classic Florida watersports show gets a holiday twist with the Elf Holiday Show on Saturday. Skiers from ages 6 to 60 perform on the water similar to those seen at Cypress Gardens -- this time, in Christmas attire. Admission is free and the event also has concession and covered seating available. 4-5 p.m. Saturday. 130 Burbank Rd, Oldsmar.
More information here.
Girls Meetup and Skate
Every last Saturday of the month, the Skatepark of Tampa hosts a meetup for girl skateboarders to learn new tricks from each other and chill. The Skatepark teamed up with Vans to offer free pizza every month and giveaways. Some local celebrity skateboarders include Alexandra Bibiloni, who will be there to show new skaters around help mentor. The last two meetups of the year are Saturday and Dec. 29. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.
More information here.
Lakewood Ranch Seafood and Music Festival
Thousands are expected to head to Main Street in downtown Lakewood Ranch this weekend for seafood creations from top local restaurants and food purveyors. The dishes are created fresh onsite and incorporate indigenous and sustainable resources from Florida’s coastal waters. Live entertainment includes performances by Kate Keys Band, Sarasota Steel Pan Band, Big Night Out and more. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. General admission is free. VIP tent admission is $75 and includes an open bar and a service staff.
More information here.
Winter’s Wonderland
The holiday celebration continues this weekend at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Guests can experience light displays and decorations around the aquarium, see holiday-themed habitats set up for the animals and see lights around Clearwater Bay during the Seal of Lights boat cruise. Kids can also learn about penguins and polar bears in the Fun Zone and meet Santa and his elves in Mavis’s Rescue Hideaway. The aquarium is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. this weekend. Admission is $23.98 for the Sea of Lights Boat Package.
More information here.
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