TAMPA, Fla. — If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend (December 20-22), there's plenty of action happening around the Tampa Bay area.
Friday, December 20
Christmas Carriage Rides
When: December 19 & 20
Where: Hernando County Court at 20 N Main St # 362, Brooksville
Cost: $5/person (12 people wagon) | $10/person (4-6 people carriage)
Info: Classic Reflections Carriages is once again bringing traditional Christmas carriage rides to historic downtown Brooksville. Take in the sights and sounds of magical historic downtown during this wondrous season. Reservations are made in person on the day of the event beginning at 4 p.m. at the Courthouse. Rides start at 6 p.m.
Christmas Lane
When: December 19-24
Where: Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds at 2209 W Oak Ave, Plant City
Cost: Ages 13 and up - $5 | Ages 4-12 - $3 | Ages 3 and under - FREE
Info: Christmas Lane is a winter wonderland at the Florida Strawberry Festival. Dazzling displays with trees ranging from 4 to 40 feet, thousands of lights and more! Visit Santa, build creations at the LEGO station, get your face painted, check out the rides, and listen to the story of the first Christmas under the stars! Parking for this event is free.
Christmas in the Wild
When: December 20-23
Where: ZooTampa at 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa
Cost: $26.95
Info: Christmas in the Wild returns with more twinkling lights, delectable holiday treats, and new jolly adventures. This wild family tradition immerses you in a world of holiday cheer that will create lasting holiday memories for your whole family.
The Christmas Trail
When: December 20-23
Where: 2837 S Frontage Rd, Plant City
Cost: FREE
Info: The Christmas Trail is an outdoor Christmas attraction, featuring over a 1/4 mile walking trail filled with Christmas themed scenes and several thousand lights throughout. Guests can walk the trail at their leisure but can expect it to last around 10 minutes. Photo ops, a 25ft tall Christmas tree, and even snow highlight a few of the magical aspects of The Christmas Trail. Also enjoy laser tag, a Christmas Escape Game, free face painting and more!
Movie on the Beach - The Santa Clause
When: 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Archibald Memorial Beach Park at 15100 Gulf Blvd, St. Petersburg
Cost: FREE
Info: Come on out for a FREE holiday movie on the beach! The Santa Clause will begin just after the sun sets. Bring your own chairs and blankets, or you can rent chairs through Saltwater Destination. Normal beach parking rates apply.
Downtown Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade 2019
When: 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Tampa Riverwalk at 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa
Cost: FREE
Info: This FREE holiday event along the Riverwalk will include a large route with multiple public viewing areas. The official judging station will be located at Sparkman Wharf.
'Twas the Weekend Before Christmas
When: 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Westfield Citrus Park at 8021 Citrus Park Town Center, Tampa
Cost: FREE
Info: Have some fun with Santa and Mrs. Claus before they take flight on Christmas Eve. Children will enjoy a night filled with holiday crafts, story times, cookie decorating, and more. The first 200 children will receive a Westfield stocking filled by Santa with surprises.
It’s A Wonderful Life(1946)
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Tampa Theatre at 711 N Franklin St, Tampa
Cost: $10 ($7 for Tampa Theatre memebers)
Info: Catch It's a Wonderful Life as a part of Tampa Theatre’s Holiday Classics series. Additional show times will take place on December 21 and 22 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., as well as December 23 at 7:30 p.m. Doors open one hour before show time.
Holiday Movie Night: The Grinch
When: 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Where: Caddy's Indian Shores at 20025 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores
Cost: FREE
Info: Celebrate the holidays with Jim Carrey in this classic movie! Enjoy an evening full of laughter. Keep warm with a hot meal or cool off with one of Caddy’s many tasty drinks! Fun for the whole family!
Saturday, December 21
Buccaneers vs. Texans
When: 1 p.m.
Where: Raymond James Stadium at 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa
Cost: $45
Info: Watch the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the Houston Texans. Parking lot opens at 9:30 a.m. and gates open at 11:30 a.m.
7th Annual Lighted Holiday Bike Parade
When: 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Flora Wylie Park at 1400 N Shore Dr NE, St. Petersburg
Cost: FREE
Info: Light up your bikes and come out for a leisurely, lighted, holiday bike ride through Old NE! This ride will be approximately 3-4 miles. Meet at the Flora Wylie Park parking lot on Beach Dr NE, just north of the tennis and volleyball courts. Stick around afterwards for some tasty beverages too as you end the ride at a favorite local watering hole (TBA)!
Rock the Yacht - Motown Christmas
When: 9 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Where: Yacht StarShip Cruises at 603 Channelside Dr, Tampa
Cost: $45.57
Info: Party like a Yacht Star on a Yacht StarShip’s Live Music Party Cruise - the hottest DJ dance party on the water! Rock the Yacht is taking off on select dates, featuring a spectacular 2.5-hour cruise on the waters of Tampa Bay, energetic live DJs, dancing, and multiple decks of entertainment! There is NO reserved seating for these cruises. All tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. These events will cruise rain or shine. **MUST BE 21 AND OLDER WITH A VALID PHOTO ID**
Sunday, December 22
Sounds of the Season
When: 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Where: Westfield Countryside at 27001 US Hwy 19 N Suite 1039, Clearwater
Cost: FREE
Info: The brass ensemble of The Florida Orchestra will be performing at Westfield Countryside on Sunday, December 22 starting at 1 p.m. to delight guests with Holiday Sounds of the Season. This performance will be on the upper level in center court.
Christmas Cupcake Decorating Class
When: 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Where: County Line Produce at 206 Newberger Rd, Lutz
Cost: $25
Info: Join JB’s Sweet Addiction at County Line Produce - Lutz for a fun and a festive cupcake decorating class! At this Christmas themed cupcake class, you will learn all the basic skills you need to make your cupcakes look sweet and festive. This decorating classes will be very casual and fun! It's a great activity to do with friends or family. No previous decorating experience is needed.
Light the Night
When: 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: Hyde Park Village Circle at 804 S Village Cir, Tampa
Cost: FREE
Info: Meet up at the Fountain in Hyde Park Village for a stroll through the neighborhood's Christmas lights with stops along the way. At each stop, guests can sing a classic Christmas song and hear a piece of the Christmas story. Strollers, wagons, and dogs are welcome!
Rockapella Christmas
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Bilheimer Capitol Theatre at 405 Cleveland St, Clearwater
Cost: $30
Info: A Rockapella Christmas returns to the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre after their sold-out performance last year. For their Christmas show, a capella superstars Rockapella will perform all your favorite holiday classics.
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