The Festive Season is in full swing, so whether it’s holiday concerts, markets, live theater, or boat parades, you’re sure to find something amazing to do this weekend – right HERE!
New Theater Thursday
This Weekend ONLY – Les Misérables
The Straz Center, Morsani hall, Tampa
It may not exactly be Holiday themed, but it’s a monster hit of a classic tale with an indelible score, so I guess we can make an exception…
Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award®-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables, makes a triumphant return to Tampa. This brilliant staging has taken the world by storm and has been hailed as “a reborn dream of a production” (Daily Telegraph). Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. The magnificent score of Les Misérables includes the songs “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More” and many more.
Now – Sunday, December 14th
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
Who’s Holiday
The Off Central, St. Pete
Come gather in close for a story brand-new,
About Cindy Lou Who and the things she’s been through!
She’s all grown up now (yes, life’s been a ride)
With a trailer, some troubles, and gin by her side.
She once saved the Grinch with her heart pure and bright,
But this twisted tale takes place late one wild night.
She’ll spill all the secrets, the triumphs, the scars,
(And maybe some tales that are not fit for Who-bars!)
It’s cheeky, it’s merry, it’s wickedly bold,
A holiday story delightfully told.
With laughter, surprises, and sass on display,
Opens Thursday, December 11th – Sunday, December 21st
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
Friday
Harmony & Light Annual Holiday Party
Imagine Museum, St. Pete
Event Highlights:
Live Harp Performance by Rebecca Cosas in the Grand Hall — her music drifts through the air like a cherished melody from another time.
Museum Admission Included — wander softly lit galleries, each one aglow with the spirit of the season.
Add your touch to the Spark of Light Imagination Wall, a keepsake of shared wonder and reflection.
Enjoy delicate light bites and desserts and sip the evening’s signature Gilded Cranberry Fizz — a toast to joy and togetherness.
Friday, December 12th @5pm – 8:30pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
City of South Pasadena Lighted Boat Parade & Viewing Party
Barbara Gilbert Habitat, South Pasadena
First place in each category – $1,200
Second place in each category – $750
Third place in each category – $500
Friday, December 12th @6pm
Find more information HERE.
A Christmas Carol & A 100th Anniversary Celebration
St. Petersburg City Theatre, St. Pete
A beloved holiday tradition returns to St. Pete City Theatre, but with a twist. Local fave Stephanie Lehman, board president, Lincoln Center Exec, and talent extraordinaire, has written a special adaptation of this timeless classic that takes us back to the WWII era and recreates a 1940 live radio broadcast of A Christmas Carol that aired direct from the St. Petersburg Pier – then known as the Million Dollar Pier. It’s an innovative look at a world-wide classic through the prism of local history – a brilliant concept. Don’t miss it, and SUPPORT community theater! (Especially on their 100th Anniversary!) Then, stay for the party that celebrates a full century of quality live theater that has taken place right here in our own backyard.
Opens Friday, December 12th – Sunday, December 21st
100th Anniversary Celebration starts after the Opening Night 12/12 show
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
A Christmas Carol in Concert
freeFall Theatre, St. Pete
Opens Friday, December 12th – Christmas Eve
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
The Nutcracker Presented by Tampa City Ballet
New Tampa Performing Arts Center
Trouble getting in the spirit? Enjoy a beautiful holiday classic! Each year, The Nutcracker performances rings in the holiday season as a long-held tradition celebrated around the world. In the Tampa Bay Area, TCB brings together audiences of all ages and backgrounds to participate in this family event. This performance will help illustrate just how Tampa City Ballet strives to make a difference through dance, music, performance and high-quality arts education.
Friday, December 12th – 14th @7:30pm – 9pm
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
Saturday
Clearwater Yacht Club’s 51st Annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Coachman Park and other Locations, Clearwater
Holiday lighted power boats and sail boats abound for the annual lighted boat parade in Clearwater, so don’t miss this holiday mainstay as only Florida can do it!
You can either watch from multiple Clearwater locations or participate for prizes. Event info: This dazzling spectacle has become a cornerstone of Clearwater’s festive season, drawing families, boaters, and visitors from across the region to witness a glowing procession of illuminated vessels winding through our waterways. The parade launches just north of the Mandalay Channel Bridge and cruises through Island Estates, past Coachman Park, and along the Memorial Causeway before concluding at the judging area in front of Clearwater Yacht Club. We are also thrilled to welcome back Laura Moody of Fox13 Tampa Bay as Grand Marshal, aboard the stunning 82-foot Monte Fino Yacht, Andiamo! Watch from Papaya St. boat launch, Courtyard Mariott Rooftop, Causeway Bridge, or Coachman Park.
Saturday, December 13th @6:30pm – 9:00pm
Find more information HERE.
25th Annual Hillsborough River Holiday Boat Parade
Lowry Park Boat Ramp and Other Viewing Points, Tampa
Paddlers lead the way upriver from Lowry Park to Sulphur Springs in the 25th Annual Hillsborough River Holiday Boat Parade, Saturday, December 13. Come to Lowry Park Boat Ramp, 1204 W Flora St. between 5:00 & 5:30 to get on the water. Parade starts promptly at 6:00 pm, ends at 7:00 at Sulphur Springs Action League’s Community Party at Sulphur Springs Park.
REGISTER EACH INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANT in your KAYAK, CANOE, POWER BOAT, etc. HERE IN ADVANCE for this SIERRA CLUB OUTING: http://bit.ly/4ougRcT
Saturday, December 13th @5pm
Find more information HERE.
Sunday
7th Annual Jingle Bell Bazaar
Centennial Park, Ybor City
Celebrate the holiday season at the Jingle Bell Bazaar at Ybor, a holiday festival celebration filled with joy, entertainment, and community cheer!
Enjoy live music, entertainment performances, and delicious food from our array of food trucks. Shop unique holiday gifts from local vendors, and visit Santa’s Village for arts and crafts, free face painting, and photos with Santa.
Perfect for all ages, this free event offers something for everyone. Bring your family & friends and experience the magic of the season!
Sunday, December 14th @12pm – 6pm
RSVP and find more information HERE.
**Concert Corner**
Christmas Fest
Milwaukee Ave, Dunedin
Saturday, December 13th @10am – 1pm
Find more information HERE.
Frozen in Concert w/ The Florida Orchestra
Mahaffey Theatre, DTSP
Saturday, December 13th (2 shows)
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve 2025 Tour
Benchmark International Arena, Tampa
Sunday, December 14th – 3 shows
Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE.
Have a great Top 10 weekend!
Cindy
