If you're looking for something fun to do this holiday weekend (December 22-24), there's plenty of action happening around the Tampa Bay area.
Friday, December 22
Cirque Musica Holiday presents BELIEVE
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Amalie Arena at 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa
Cost: $25
Info: Cirque Musica Holiday’s Believe features a live symphony orchestra singing your all-time favorite holiday songs. This concert and visual experience gives audiences a journey into a world of high-flying adventure with amazing acrobats, aerialists, hilarious hijinks and holiday cheer, too! The show blends the spellbinding grace and daredevil athleticism of today’s greatest circus performers with the sensory majesty of the greatest holiday music of all time. It’s the perfect opportunity for the entire family to experience great holiday music live while enjoying an edge of your seat circus experience.
Rudolph theRed NosedReindeer
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ruth Eckerd Hall at 1111 North McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater
Cost: $35
Info: The beloved TV classic Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer The Musical. It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us.
Gabriel Iglesias: FluffyMania
When: 8 p.m.
Where: USF Sun Dome at 4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa
Cost: $35
Info: Gabriel Jesus Iglesias, known professionally as Gabriel Iglesias and comically as Fluffy, is an American comedian, actor, writer, producer and voice actor. He is known for his shows I'm Not Fat… I'm Fluffy and Hot & Fluffy.
Saturday, December 23
Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Tampa Riverwalk
Cost: Free
Info: Come out and join the fun for the Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Boat Parade of Lights! This free, holiday event along the Riverwalk begins at Rick's on the River, then to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, The Tampa Convention Center, down the Seddon Channel between Harbour Island and David Island then back to The Sail.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Minnesota Wild
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Amalie Arena at 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa
Cost: Click here for ticket information
Info: Come watch the Tampa Bay Lightning host the Minnesota Wild at Amalie Arena Saturday night!
Next Generation Ballet's Nutcracker
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Straz Center for the Performing Arts at 1010 North Macinnes Place, Tampa
Cost: $30
Info: Wind the clock, mind the mouse, and get ready for the Tampa Bay area’s stand-out production of Clara’s great dream in The Land of the Sweets. Next Generation Ballet’s delightful, inventive Nutcracker has become the crown jewel of a glittering holiday performance season. The production features internationally-renowned principal dancers from Miami City Ballet and New York City Ballet onstage with NGB’s award-winning young dancers. This family-friendly favorite transports audiences to a fantastical place where magic fills the theater, toys come to life and visions of Sugar Plum Fairies dance in your head.
Sunday, December 24
Holiday Lights in the Gardens
When: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Florida Botanical Gardens at 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo
Cost: $4 donation
Info: The annual "Holiday Lights in the Gardens" is a seasonal escape into a wonderland of twinkling lights and fun entertainment. Over 1 million LED lights shining throughout our Botanical Gardens highlighting our plants and in nature-themed or holiday-themed light displays. This is a family-friendly event with nightly entertainment, including visits with Santa. Refreshments are available, as well as Holiday-themed gifts at the Botanical Bounty Gift Shop. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and a $4 suggested donation is encouraged for entry.
The Oakdale Christmas House
When: 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Where: 2719 Oakdale Street S., St. Petersburg
Cost: Free
Info: The Oakdale Christmas House in St. Pete has been featured on HGTV and The Today Show as one of the best Christmas light displays in America! This light show showcases 12 truckloads of lights, model trains and railroads, holiday inflatables, water fountains and much more.
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
When: Nov. 18 - Dec. 16
Where: Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park 600 North Ashley Drive Downtown, Tampa
Cost: Free
Event Info: Come celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Tampa at the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park! Located along the Tampa Riverwalk, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is transformed with the sights, sounds and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages. Go ice skating, shop at a Christmas market or soak in the holiday lights.
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens
When: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay at 10165 N McKinley Drive, Tampa
Cost: Click here for more
Info: Busch Gardens transforms into a beautiful Christmas wonderland with 2 million sparkling lights, holiday shopping, festive foods and even Santa's reindeer. Enjoy some of the park rides at night for a unique thrill.
————
