The holiday fun rolls on and #RegistryTampaBay chooses the cream of the festive crop just for you! Mark your weekend calendars now, and
check out who shines in the #RegistrySpotlight this week!
**Mini Review**
The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical
Stageworks Theatre, Tampa
It’s the final weekend for this hilarious holiday take on The Great American Trailer Park Musical at Stageworks Theatre in Tampa. I saw the show this past weekend, and without exaggeration, I laughed through the whole production. Betty (Haldeman), Lin (Krueger), and Pickles (Rifino) are trying to win $10,000 in holiday prize money for Armadillo Acres from an esteemed Trailer Park magazine. But their plans are at risk of being thwarted by the park ‘Scroogette,’ Darlene, played to perfection by Ashley Whiting – Darlene is literally shocked into amnesia, becoming more like Mary Bailey than Scrooge, and the hilarity ensues – with a little romance thrown in. Whiting’s ability to play polar opposite characters, along with her soaring vocals are a definite highlight, but the entire cast, including James Putnam (Rufus), and Quinton Paxton (Jackie), each have standout moments. Collectively, the cast is a well-oiled machine of comic timing, wonderful vocals, and true chemistry. The sound and set design are really impressive and the cues seamless. Of course, any show directed by Producing Artistic Director, Karla Hartley, is sure to be top notch. Don’t miss this final weekend – you won’t be sorry.
Runs through this Sunday, December 22nd
Find tickets HERE.
Thursday
Museum of Fine Arts Holiday Soiree
Museum of Fine Arts, DTSP
Get ready to kick off the festive season in style at MFA’s Holiday Soirée! Grab your friends, bring a date, or gather the whole family for an evening of holiday cheer. Don’t miss the chance to snap the perfect photo in front of the spectacular tree in the Great Hall. Enjoy live music by Boho Sideshow, a captivating troupe blending eclectic tunes with whimsical tales that will leave you mesmerized. Indulge in the warmth of the season with complimentary hot chocolate, cider, and holiday cookies, or sip on a festive drink from the cash bar. Enjoy a night of fun for everyone with holiday-themed docent tours, a spirited scavenger hunt, and hands-on crafts to spark your creativity. Free for members, only $15 for ‘soon to be members.’
Thursday, December 19th @5pm – 8pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Friday
16th Annual Gasparilla Bowl
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa
Our very own home state Florida Gators (SEC) take on the Tulane Green Wave (AAC) for an epic bowl battle right here in Tampa. Tampa Bay will be seen around the world, as the game will also be televised on ESPN2. Gasparilla Bowl is a key lead-in game for the first ever 12-team college football playoffs! There are related fan events, so make sure you check the website link. A portion of the proceeds will be reinvested in the community via multiple non-profit organizations.
It’s always special when a ‘home’ team plays in a bowl game right in your back yard, so don’t miss it!
Friday, December 20th @3:30pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
**Registry Spotlight Event**
When Broadway stars come to town to create an amazing holiday concert, you sit up, take notice, and shine the #RegistrySpotlight on
A Very Broadway Christmas. Enjoy!
A Very Broadway Christmas
Mahaffey Theater, DTSP
Experience Christmas on Broadway with the largest collection of Broadway talent to hit the stage in St. Pete. Featuring musical numbers from some of your favorite Christmas shows, Broadway style production numbers, and even Santa Claus. The holiday musical magic features Broadway Stars representing over 25 Broadway shows. Listen to your favorite Christmas songs from Broadway and the radio sung by Broadway’s best alongside a live band. The show features amazing local talent including America’s Got Talent Semifinalist Pranysqa Mishra, the Pinellas County Center for the Arts Vox Nova Chamber Choir, and a 16-person ensemble performing full Broadway production numbers.
Friday, December 20th @4pm & 8pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Dance Theatre of Tampa – The Nutcracker 25th Anniversary
Yuengling Center, Tampa
For a quarter century, Dance Theatre of Tampa, has been performing one of the greatest Christmas traditions for the live stage. The Nutcracker embodies the best in dance, classic music, and breathtaking scenery. It’s a true holiday tonic for the senses that the whole family will love. Tickets are going fast, so jump on this opportunity to see a particularly beautiful show.
Friday through Sunday, December 20th through 22nd
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
Saturday
Old Fashioned Christmas Parade
Highland Ave NE, Largo
Everyone loves a parade, especially during the holidays, and this particular parade captures the magic of Christmas past. Grab your spot along the route and see all the old timey floats, costumes, cars, jeeps, music, and much more! It’s a wonderful free event for the whole family, so get there early for the best views.
Saturday, December 21st @12pm
Find more information HERE.
House for the Holidays – Block Party
Humble House Records, St. Pete
Humble House Records invites you to the ultimate winter wonderland street rave! Join in as an entire city street is transformed into a festive haven filled with the best house music, holiday vibes, a curated selection of vendors & much more. They are shutting down the block for a holiday celebration like no other, to honor the record label, the talented artists who bring the label’s vision to life, and the vibrant community that makes it all possible. Donations accepted.
Saturday, December 21st @2pm – 11pm
Find more information HERE.
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Tampa RiverWalk, Tampa
You know, rivers are frozen in many parts of the country – so being in Tampa Bay during the holidays presents a major advantage – lighted boat parades! Tampa’s largest lighted boat parade will happen this Saturday along the Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa. The parade begins at the southern tip of Davis Islands, travels through the Convention Center basin and up to the Heights where the boats will turn around and head to Sparkman Wharf where judging will occur and the parade will end. All registered boats will receive prizes!
Saturday, December 21st @6:30pm
Find parade map, and more information HERE.
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
What happens when you combine the magic of the holidays with the wonder of a Cirque show? Find out this Saturday! Join in for a breathtaking spectacle featuring the unparalleled talents of the Cirque Musica ensemble. From awe – inspiring acrobatics to gravity – defying aerial feats, every moment is a testament to the extraordinary skill and boundless imagination of our performers. Don’t miss your chance to experience the wonder and excitement of Cirque Musica Holiday Wonder land – where the magic of the holidays comes alive in a dazzling display of talent and spectacle.
Saturday, December 21st @7pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Sunday
Santa Brunch at the Birchwood
Birch & Vine @The Birchwood, DTSP
You’re invited to a family-friendly Christmas event filled with fun and delicious eats for all ages. Meet Santa, share your Christmas wishes, and snap festive photos. Face Painting for the little ones and a delicious Christmas Brunch Buffet for everyone. Indulge in Santa Scramble with cheddar, Holiday Hawaiian Ham, Belgian Waffle Station, Mac and Cheese, and Chicken Tenders—perfect for picky eaters! Don’t miss out on the holiday fun—reserve your spot today and make memories to last a lifetime!
Sunday, December 22nd – Multiple time slots
Find RSVP spots, and more information HERE.
**Holiday Concert Corner**
SOULstice – A Holiday Cabaret
The Studio @620, DTSP
Thursday, December 19th through Sunday, December 22nd
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
Dueling Pianos
Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater
Friday, December 20th @6pm – 9pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Holiday Pops with The Florida Orchestra
Three Venues throughout Tampa Bay
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, December 20th, 21st & 22nd
12/20 – Straz Center/ 12/21 – Mahaffey/ 12/22 – Ruth Eckerd Hall
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
Home Free: Any Kind of Christmas Tour
Historic Tampa Theatre, Tampa
Saturday, December 21st @7:30pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Have a wonderful ‘Top 10’ holiday season weekend!
Cindy Lou Who
Don’t forget to send your events to: cstovall5@gmail.com
