It's less than two weeks until Christmas, but who is counting?
This weekend and next are your last chances to get in lighted boat parades, local Christmas markets, holiday light tours and parades. There are also some non-holiday events this weekend like a surreal exhibit and stargazing at MOSI.
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10 things to do this weekend in Tampa Bay
Ice skating
A real ice skating rink debuts this weekend at Albert Whitted Park in St. Petersburg. The rink is open select days and times through Jan. 7. Sessions are $10 for an hour and include skate rentals. You’ll have to bring your own socks. Don’t forget to check out the more than a mile of Christmas lights decking out Vinoy Park to Albert Whitted Park through Jan. 1.
More information here.
Wreaths Across America
The annual laying of the wreaths at the Florida National Cemetery is Saturday morning. The event is organized and sponsored by the U.S. Military Vets Motorcycle Club to honor veterans, the Merchant Marines, prisoners of war and those missing in action. The wreath laying begins at 10 a.m. followed by a flag ceremony and a ceremonial wreath presentation. More than 1,400 cemeteries nationwide participate in Wreaths Across America each year.
More information here.
MCAT Tour of Lights
Take a 90-minute ride through local neighborhoods filled with Christmas lights aboard one of Manatee County’s public buses. The county said nearly 2,000 people participate in this tradition that began in 2002. The ride is free, but it’s suggested that riders bring a non-perishable food item or unwrapped toy to be donated to community organizations and Toys-For-Tots. Passengers should arrive no later than 6:15 p.m. and be ready to ride by 6:30 p.m.
Building 29 at State College of Florida, 5840 26th St. W, Bradenton
More information here.
Gingerbread house workshop
Make your own gingerbread house Saturday at FarmTable Cucina in Locale at Sundial. Sit beside the Christmas tree and sip apple cider while crafting your own culinary, architectural create. Tickets are $35 and include one gingerbread house, building supplies and two seats on the patio.
Book your spot here.
Boat parades
Treasure Island Lighted Boat Parade: Because of weather, the boat parade was rescheduled for Sunday evening. More than 45 boats get decked out in holiday lights and slowly sail through the waterways nears John’s Pass and Boca Ciega Bay. A pre-party at City Hall begins at 4:30 p.m. and the parade kicks off at 6:20 p.m.
Indian Rocks Beach: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, begins at Holiday Inn Harbourside, 401 Second St.
Hernando Beach: 6 p.m. Saturday, 4163 Shoal Line Blvd.
Redington Beach/Indian Shores: 6 p.m. Sunday. Begins north of the Tom Stuart Causeway and ends at Caddy’s Pub for an after-party. 20025 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores.
Skywatch at MOSI
Enjoy a night of stargazing when MOSI brings out its telescopes in the parking lot. On Saturday, catch the moon, Mars, Alberio, Pleiades and the Orion Nebula from 7-10 p.m. Free and open to the public.
4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa
More information here.
Christkindlmarket at Hofbrauhaus
Sip a warm glass of Glühwein while shopping for homemade holiday crafts on Saturday and Sunday at St. Petersburg’s German beer hall. There will also be live music, face painting and appearances by players from the Tampa Bay Tornadoes.
11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday
More information here.
Old Fashioned Christmas Parade
The holiday parade through downtown Largo on Saturday begins on 4th Street SW near Ulmer Park and finishes at the intersection of 1st Avenue SW and Ridge Road SW. The best viewing areas are in lots next to the Pinellas County School Board building. Food trucks will also be set up at the parade start point.
Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, downtown Largo
More information here.
Magritte & Dali
This first-of-its-kind exhibition debuts Saturday morning and celebrates two of the world’s most renowned surrealists: Salvador Dali and Rene Magritte. The exhibit Magritte & Dali showcases works from the late 1920s through the 1940s, when the two spent time together and displayed work in the same Surrealist exhibitions.
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, The Dali Museum, One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg.
More information here.
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