**Due to inclement weather this weekend, please check the websites and links to check on any cancellations**
Please remember to check previous Top 10s for all the best ongoing holiday happenings. Find them all right here.
Thursday
Five From Florida
The Studio @620, DTSP
Five of our very favorite local authors (and friends), gather this Thursday for a holiday celebration of all things literary. The Studio @620 hosts
Bill DeYoung, Paul Wilborn, Kerry Kriseman, Shana Smith, and Tom Gribbon – whose books have all been published by our own St. Petersburg Press. These highly successful works contain some of the very best fiction, history, short stories, graphic novels, and historical fiction from the imaginations and hard work of those listed here. There will be readings, a book market, author Q&A, and even merry music by three of the authors who are also accomplished musicians. Stop by – admission is free,
Thursday, December 14th @7pm
Find more information (article by Bill DeYoung of the St. Pete Catalyst) HERE.
MFA Holiday Soiree
Museum of Fine Arts, DTSP
Share the joy of the season with all your friends and museum lovers at MFA for this special holiday event. Enjoy hot chocolate, cider, Christmas cookies and wonderful music. Explore current exhibitions and the permanent collections throughout the galleries and take advantage of late museum store hours to do some holiday shopping for unique and unusual gifts.
Thursday, December 14th @6pm – 9pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Friday
Christmas in the Wild
Zoo Tampa @Lowry Park, Tampa
You may be surprised to know that Zoo Tampa has one of the largest holiday light displays in the Bay area. This year is the biggest yet, with animal related lights and activities, festive goodies, and lots of family friendly events, entertainment, and fun. Combining the zoo with the holidays? Sounds wild! Holiday festivities begin at 4pm.
Friday, December 15th – December 30th @4pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Whinge! a performing arts scratch festival
The Fringe Theatre, Tampa
A new Winter festival in the Fringe tradition, this is a festival of experimentation, ideas, risk taking. A “scratch” festival!
What will you see? A range of performing artists taking risks and trying out new ideas. With multiple venues in the building, coupled with performances lasting 5-30 minutes, you will fill your day with a multitude of visions. All scratches are never before tested.
Friday & Saturday, December 15th & 16th
Find tickets, performance schedules, and more information HERE.
The Dome After Dark – Holiday Edition
The Dali Museum, St. Pete
Here’s an exclusive holiday happening at Dali’s fabulous new 360-degree dome experience. Unleash your inner artist with an interactive art activity – create your own surreal mini embroidered holiday sweater creation to take home. The Dali DJ spins joyful tunes, creating the perfect holiday atmosphere. Mingle with a Dalí-inspired Santa. Guests will receive one complimentary specialty drink and access to the galleries. In addition, compete for the ultimate “ugliest sweater” prize, including two free Gallery Admission tickets and surprise holiday goodies, by wearing your quirkiest holiday sweater. Don’t forget – the Dali Museum store is perfect for the most unusual and surreal holiday gifts.
Friday, December 15th @6:30pm – 9pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Saturday
**Registry Spotlight Event**
This wonderful market has become an area holiday mainstay in its 15-year run, so this week, Holizaar shines in the #RegistrySpotlight
15th Annual Holizaar: Handmade Holiday Market
The Studio@620, St. Pete
It’s become a true local holiday tradition! 28 local indie artisans bring their lovingly crafted wares to the Studio, including everything from fine art to unique jewelry, funky ornaments and much more. There will also be tasty treats to enjoy as you find something for everyone on your gift list.
Saturday, December 16th @10am – 3pm
Find more information HERE
Sunday
Winter in the Wood
Seminole Park, Historic Kenwood
Winter in the Wood is a charming neighborhood winter festival featuring exhibits and performances by enclave artists, activities
for children and adults, a visit by Santa, delicious food, live music, and so much more. Find unique and handmade gifts during this last-minute holiday shopping opportunity from local arts & crafts vendors. Bring your lawn chairs, or blankets, and plan to spend a festive day in this Historic Kenwood neighborhood park celebrating the season with your neighbors, family, and friends!
Sunday, December 17th @12pm – 5pm
Find more information HERE.
23rd Annual Hillsborough River Holiday Boat Parade
Lowry Park Boat Ramp, Tampa
There were so many boat parades last weekend, but we saved on for this week! for almost a quarter century, the Friends of the Hillsborough River and the Sierra Club have hosted this free, fun, family event. You see all kinds of watercraft from boats to canoes, power boats, kayaks, and all things seaworthy. The lighted boat parades of Tampa Bay truly make the season bright.
Sunday, December 17th @6pm – 7:30pm
Find more information HERE.
The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays
The Mahaffey Theater, St. Pete
Celebrate the holidays with the entire family at The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays, a mind-blowing showcase featuring jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth. The Illusionists tour has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.
Sunday, December 17th @6pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
**Concert Corner** Holiday Edition
The Many Moods of Christmas – a Benefit Concert for St. Pete Free Clinic
First Presbyterian Church, DTSP
Friday, December 15th @7pm
Free admission – find more information HERE.
Holiday Pops – The Florida Orchestra
The Straz Center, Tampa
Friday – Sunday, December 15th -17th
Find tickets, performance schedules, and more information HERE.
Orilla – Holidays Around the World
freeFall Theatre, St. Pete
Friday, December 15th @7pm
FInd tickets and more information HERE.
Dunedin Concert Band Holiday Performance
Dunedin Community Center, Dunedin
Sunday, December 17th @8pm – 11pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Have some great holiday fun out there and stay safe!
Cindy
Send your events to: cstovall5@gmail.com
