Up curtain!! There will be so many wonderful holiday shows opening this weekend, so be ready to enjoy the delights of live theater! Of course there are many other offerings to enjoy – Vintage cars, Beach Volleyball and Flamingos in December, and Elmo, Stevie Nicks, and Peter Noone all come to town. Don’t miss a minute!
New Theater Thursday
The Magi
American Stage Theatre, DTSP
In the O’Henry tradition, American Stage brings this holiday tale to the live stage for the season of giving. Even more noteworthy is that Eli Pafumi, son of producing artistic director, Helen Murray, wrote the score for the production. He is a music instructor at Green Brooms Music Academy and lends his talent to this very special family collaboration.
The Story: Nix and Jude have been on the road as The Magi for eight years — and have shared nearly all of that time together, falling in love after seven years and eleven months. Now, as the holiday lights begin to glow, both the band and the couple find themselves at a breaking point. The Magi peels back the curtain on the sacrifices we make for those we deeply cherish. Equal parts festive concert, tender love story, and deliciously awkward moments — get ready for an evening as real as it is heartwarming.
VIP experience available – be a part of the action!
Preview – Thursday, December 4th @8pm
Opening night – Friday, December 5th @8pm Runs through Sunday, December 21st
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
A Christmas Carol – Live Radio Play
Straz Center, Shimberg Theatre, Tampa
Celebrate the season with a timeless classic, reimagined! Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol comes to life as a live 1940s radio play, complete with holiday music, clever sound effects, and a cast of Tampa Bay favorites featuring Michael Gregory. Gather ‘round as the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge unfolds in a nostalgic evening of ghosts, redemption, and festive storytelling. It’s a heartwarming reminder that even the coldest heart can be warmed by the spirit of Christmas.
Opens Friday, December 5th
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
Friday
**Registry Spotlight Event**
It’s genius to infuse the holidays, not only with smash hit comedy, but with a timely message that you’ll actually learn from while you laugh!
Stageworks shines this week in the #RegistrySoptlight
Latin History (For Morons)
Stageworks Theatre, Tampa
Latin History for Morons is a critically acclaimed play written and originally performed by John Leguizamo.
The story follows John, a father who discovers a glaring absence of Latin American contributions in his son’s history textbooks. Determined to fill the gap, he embarks on a hilarious and poignant journey through 3,000 years of Latin history, from the Mayan civilization to modern-day heroes.It’s a fast-paced, irreverent, and laugh-out-loud show that blends personal storytelling with historical revelations. The play challenges the erasure of Latin / Hispanic history and celebrates its profound impact on the world. Audiences often leave feeling inspired to learn more and advocate for inclusive education.
Opens Friday, December 5th – Sunday, December 21st
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
Opens Friday, December 5th –
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
The Nutcracker Presented by: The St. Petersburg Ballet
The Historic Palladium, Hough Hall, St. Pete
Don’t we love a beautiful holiday classic live on stage? That’s just what you’ll find at the historic Palladium this weekend. The story of the “Nutcracker” begins on a magical Christmas Eve in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1872. It is told through the eyes of an eccentric toymaker, Herr Drosselmeyer, and his beloved Goddaughter, Clara. Clara must find the courage to believe in the power of love for the enchanted Nutcracker Prince in order to save him from the evil Mouse King.
The Ballet features dancing children, mischievous boys, a Siamese Warrior, toy soldiers, giant mice, sword fights, Snowflakes, Spanish dancers, Buffoons, Waltzing Flowers, and the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.
Friday, December 5th – Sunday, December 7th
Find tickets, performance rimes and more information HERE.
Saturday
Gasparilla Cars in the Park: Presented by Gasparilla Concours d’Elegance Inc.
Carrollwood Village Park, Carrollwood (Tampa)
Come to Carrollwood village to see some of the most rare and beautiful collectable and vintage cars you might ever see in your life!. You’ll be awe struck by the amazing condition these cars are in as well as their rare sleekness and beauty. There will also be vendors, food, live entertainment and panel discussions. During the Event, our own Tom DuPont will moderate a discussion to discuss his long love affair with the classic automobile and “shine a spotlight on Tampa Bay’s thriving collector car community.” Read the intro on the event page.
If you love the automobile, this ia a not to be missed event.
Saturday, December 5th @10am – 3pm
Find schedules, and more information HERE.
Jobsite Rocks!
New World Tampa Music Hall, Tampa
Here’s a chance to celebrate all the amazing theater brought to us all year long at this Tampa Bay mainstay live performance venue.
From our friends at Jobsite: Our Jobsite Rocks! tradition is now over two decades old, and we’re excited for the party of all parties this December! Join us early in the evening for a VIP reception inclusive of food and drink before an epic musical show featuring members of our ensemble and special guests!
Help us celebrate another great year, hoist a glass with your favorite Jobsiteers, all while supporting us while we try to make our end-of-year fundraising goal to avoid further cuts in 2026.
This is a come-as-you-wish event. There is no dress code.
Saturday, December 6th @6:30pm – 9:30pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Sunday
Special Announcement:
Registry Tampa Bay Sponsors an Event benefitting The Children’s Dream Fund
Santa’s Workshop
Upham Beach Volleyball Courts, Tampa
This Sunday, workout with Santa on Sunday December 7th at 9 AM at the Upham Beach Volleyball Courts!
All donations go directly to the Children’s Dream Fund, a nonprofit that grants life-changing wishes for children facing serious illnesses. Give back while getting your sweat on!
- Donations: Start at $10 (includes workout, Christmas coffee from Fruit Float Cafe, pics with Santa, and prebiotic soda from Simply Pop)
Sponsored by: Registry Tampa Bay & Teens Who Care St. Pete RSVP now and join us beachside for a workout that gives back!
Sunday, December 7th @9am
Find more information HERE.
Flamingo Festival
Historic Sunken Gardens, St. Pete
Here’s a lovely tropical December event as only one of our most historic Florida tourist venues can do it!
Sunken Gardens celebrates their flamingos with a day of fabulous festivities and holiday fun. Wear pink for $1 off admission.
Activities include:
- Live music by Jimmy Nash
- Kids’ activities led by Great Explorations Children’s Museum
- Food by Cary’s Concessions, ice cream by Wildflower Ice Cream, and beverages—including our signature “flamosas”—will be available for purchase.
Flamingo Festival is free with Gardens admission or membership.
Sunday, December 7th @10am – 4:30pm
Find tickets, schedules, and more information HERE.
Elmo & Friends Say Hello Live!
The Mahaffey, DTSP
Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to St. Petersburg to say hello! At Elmo and Friends Say Hello, sing, dance, and play alongside your favorite furry friends, all while you follow Elmo’s puppy, Tango, in a fun game of hide & seek. So put on your dancing shoes and make your way to where the air is sweet for this all-new celebration on Sesame Street!
Sunday, December 7th @2pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
**Concert Corner**
Charlie Berens – The Lost & Found Tour
The Historic Tampa Theatre, Tampa
Friday, December 7th @7pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Ruth Eckerd Hall Holiday Concert
Murray Theatre @Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
Saturday, December 6th @6pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Stevie Nicks
Benchmark International Arena, Tampa
Sunday, December 7th @7pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Three Dog Night w/ Herman’s Hermits and Peter Noone
Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
Sunday, December 7th @7pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Have a great Top 10 weekend!
Cindy
