TAMPA, Fla. — If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend (December 6-8), there's plenty of action happening around the Tampa Bay area.
Friday, December 6
Sledding with Santa
When: 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Lakewood Ranch Branch YMCA at 5100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton
Cost: FREE
Info: Bring the whole family to the Lakewood Ranch Family YMCA and enjoy treats, hot chocolate, arts and crafts with Santa and sledding on REAL SNOW! Don’t forget your cameras!
Tampa’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Curtis Hixon Park at 600 N Ashley Drive, Tampa
Cost: FREE
Info: The evening will include a countdown to light the tree with Mayor Castor and a free movie in the park. Come see Elf with Will Ferrell. Blankets, low back chairs, coolers and dogs on leashes are allowed. Concessions will be available. Glass and alcohol are prohibited.
RELATED: Winter Village opens in downtown Tampa with ice skating, shopping and more holiday fun
Holiday Movie Nights: The Grinch (2018)
When: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Westfield Citrus Park at 8021 Citrus Park Town Center, Tampa
Cost: FREE
Info: Catch your favorite holiday movies at Westfield Citrus Park, starting with The Grinch! Bring a seat and find a spot in the park; the movie starts at 6 p.m. The first 50 kids in line at each movie event will receive a complimentary movie snack pack.
St. Armands Circle Holiday Night of Lights
When: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: St. Armands Circle, Sarasota
Cost: FREE
Info: “Holiday Night of Lights” is St. Armands official kick off to the holiday season. Sarasota Academy of the Arts students will be performing pre-tree lighting beginning at 5:30 p.m. Photos with Santa are available from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. More than a dozen groups and strolling entertainers will delight audiences of all ages throughout the evening. Enjoy holiday entertainment, special store promotions and gracious hospitality from the many shops and restaurants around the Circle.
RELATED: Shop, dine and relax at St. Armands Circle in Sarasota
Trisha Yearwood: Every Girl on Tour
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ruth Eckerd Hall at 1111 McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater
Cost: $43.25
Info: Multi-GRAMMY® and CMA Award winning country music singer, New York Times bestselling cookbook author and Food Network star Trisha Yearwood returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall for the first time since 2014! Kim Richey will open the show.
13 Ugly Men Presents "The Ugly Sweater Party"
When: 8 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Where: Park & Rec TPA at 290 S Meridian Ave, Tampa
Cost: $35
Info: The 13 Ugly Men are at it again, spreading holiday cheer the only way they know how, the Ugly Way. Grab that holiday sweater that’s hanging in your closet and head to Downtown Tampa’s newest venue, Park & Rec TPA. This isn’t your standard holiday party. Experience a winter wonderland complete with custom holiday cocktails, DJ’s spinning the sweetest yule-tide beats, Santa and, of course, snow. Proceeds go to benefit The Skills Center. Tickets cost $40 day of.
Siesta Beach Seafood & Music Festival
When: December 6-8
Where: Siesta Beach Pavillion at 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key
Cost: $5 (kids 12 and under: FREE)
Info: Come share in the festivities of the 4th Annual Siesta Beach Seafood & Music Festival. Bring family and friends to enjoy fresh seafood and outstanding live musical performances. This event will offer a variety of seafood, cooked fresh on site. Seafood dishes are prepared using fresh, local and sustainable ocean resources from the Florida Gulf Coast.
Bradenton Blues Festival
When: December 6-8
Where: Riverwalk Pavilion at 452 3rd Ave W, Bradenton
Cost: Click here for ticket prices
Info: The Bradenton Blues Festival kicks off with a free “Blues Appetizer” Concert Friday night, followed by a full day of talented blues acts on Saturday. Wrap up the festival with the Bradenton Blues Brunch, featuring a three-course meal and live music.
Saturday, December 7
Penguins, Pancakes and Santa
When: 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Where: The Florida Aquarium at 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa
Cost: Adults $49.95 | Kids $44.95 (Members: Adults $27.95 | Kids $22.95)
Info: The Florida Aquarium and Santa Claus cordially invite you to enjoy a delicious buffet-style breakfast. It's one of the most unique breakfasts in Tampa—Pancakes, Penguins and Santa lets families have breakfast together while spending the morning with live penguins! Enjoy a wonderful meal, arts and crafts, penguin and animal encounters, holiday music and more. Each family will have personal one-on-one time with Santa, creating a special moment for all! Kids under 2 get in for free.
Holiday Chalk Walk
When: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Armature Works at 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa
Cost: FREE
Info: Armature Works and the TBBCA have teamed up to present the 2nd annual Holiday Chalk Walk on the Armature Works South Lawn. Get in the Holiday spirit while artists live paint to the theme, “Holiday Stories.” Voting will take place for People’s Choice, the winner will receive a gift card from Armature Works and the vote donations. The finished Holiday chalk art scenes will be on display for you to enjoy at Armature Works throughout the Holiday season. This is an event for all ages that will allow local artists in the Tampa area to showcase their talents.
Snowfest 2019
When: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: Munn Park at 210 E Main St, Lakeland
Cost: FREE
Info: There is SNOW in the forecast for downtown Lakeland! Check out the 39th Annual Snowfest in Munn Park. There will be an artisan craft fair, inflatables, snow mountains, and Santa.
Honeymoon Island Bluegrass Festival 2019
When: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Honeymoon Island State Park at 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin
Cost: $10
Info: This year's festival features a band with members from East Tennessee State University's Bluegrass Program—outstanding musicians all. Ticket sales end Friday at 6 p.m.
Santa Fest
When: 12 p.m. -4 p.m.
Where: Curtis Hixon Park at 600 N Ashley Drive, Tampa
Cost: FREE
Info: Fun for the young and the young at heart! Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is transformed into a winter wonderland. Enjoy free photos with Santa Claus, continuous holiday entertainment, make-n-take holiday crafts and hands-on games and activities. Catch the 38th Annual Downtown Tampa Christmas Parade beforehand at 11 a.m.
Holiday Stroll at Largo Central Park
When: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Where: Largo Central Park at 101 Central Park Dr, Largo
Cost: FREE
Info: Largo's best Holiday Light's Display is back and the event to kick it off is bigger! Carolers and other entertainers will grace the park and stage as your family enjoys the activities for one great night. Tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m. Food and beverage vendors will be on-site, as well as the Holiday Strolling Market, in its new location inside of the park. $10 limited on-site parking and $5 park and walk from Largo High School are available. Dogs are not permitted in the park during large events.
25th Annual St. Pete Beach Corey Area Craft Festival
When: December 7-8
Where: 595 Corey Ave in St. Pete Beach, FL
Cost: FREE
Info: American Craft Endeavors is continuing an annual tradition with the St. Pete Beach Corey Area Craft Fair, bringing contemporary crafts from more than 100 of the nation's most talented artisans to this free community event.
Sunday, December 8
Tea with Santa
When: 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Where: Oxford Exchange at 420 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa
Cost: Adults $50 | Kids $30
Info: Enjoy a read-a-long with Mr. and Mrs. Claus! Event includes tea, lite fare and Christmas cookie decorating. Don’t forget to bring your camera for a photo opportunity with Santa!
RELATED: Oxford Exchange: Tampa's classic brunch spot
Ybor City Festival
When: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Centennial Park at 1800 E 8th Ave, Tampa
Cost: FREE
Info: This one-day festival hosted by Cigar City Magazine, brings together the culture, heritage and history of the Latin culture. The festival will focus on the Cuban Heritage through its rich cultural foods and music. Beer and wine will be available for purchase as well as arts & crafts dedicated to the culture in the heart of Ybor City’s Centennial Park.
Holiday Classics: Elf (2003)
When: 3 p.m.
Where: Tampa Theatre at 711 N Franklin St, Tampa
Cost: $10 ($7 for Tampa Theatre Members)
Info: Catch Will Ferrell in your favorite holiday comedy, Elf. Due to the popularity of the Holiday Classic Film Series, doors will open one hour prior to the film screening. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to guarantee admission or arrive early to avoid long lines at the Box Office.
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