There’s finally a chill in the air. And we’re prepared to make the absolute most of it.
Let’s turn Tampa Bay into a frosty winter wonderland, shall we? Here’s a selection of the most festive events this month:
Decadent eats
S’mores By the Fire | Wednesday, Dec. 4 | 5-9 p.m. | Armature Works | $10 | Grab your loved ones and roast marshmallows around the fire pit on South Lawn — kits make two s’mores each.
S’mores with Santa | Friday, Dec. 13-Saturday, Dec. 14 | Times vary | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, St. Petersburg | $5 | Make delicious s’mores, crafts, and spend time with Santa Claus himself by the fireside.
Cooking Class: Date Night | Friday, Dec. 13, Friday, Dec. 20 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | 2735 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg | $99 | Learn how to chef up mulled wine, mince pies, and other party eats.
S’mores & Hot Cocoa Board Workshop | Wednesday, Dec. 18 | 6-8 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $40 | The Creative Kitchen shares tips on designing the perfect s’mores and cocoa board to dazzle your guests.
Christmas Wreath Charcuterie Workshop | Saturday, Dec. 23 |5-7 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $40 | Up your Charcuterie game with this guided course, and then eat your coursework.
Holiday tunes
Trans-Siberian Orchestra | Sunday, Dec. 15 | Times vary | Amalie Arena | $60+ | The legendary rock band takes the stage with “The Lost Christmas Eve” performance.
Holiday Pops with The Florida Orchestra | Friday, Dec. 20-Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | Multiple locations | $23+ | Listen to music from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker,” “The Polar Express,” and Handel’s “Messiah.”
Vodka Latte | 8 p.m.-12 a.m. | Aloft Tampa Downtown, Tampa | $36 | Prepare to dance the night away at the Tampa hotel — your ticket includes one drink, heavy hors d’oeuvres, latkes, and desserts.
Fantastic shows
Derek Hough Dance for the Holidays | Wednesday, Dec. 4 | 7 p.m. | Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater | $54+ | The professional ballroom dancer performs his famed moves for the holidays.
“Christmas with C.S. Lewis” | Thursday, Dec. 5-Friday, Dec. 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Jaeb Theater, Tampa | $69+ | This contemplative show dives into the work of the famed author, for a thoughtful reflection and celebration of Christmas and life itself.
St. Petersburg Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker 2024 | Friday, Dec. 6-Sunday, Dec. 8 | Times vary | Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg | $30 | In this holiday classic, Clara tries to save the Nutcracker Prince from the evil Mouse King.
“The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical” | Friday, Dec. 6-Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | Stageworks Theatre, Tampa | $45+ | Watch this comedic musical set in Armadillo Acres, North Florida’s most festive trailer park.
Elf in Concert with The Florida Orchestra | Saturday, Dec. 7 | Times vary | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts | $20+ | Watch this holiday classic on a giant screen while The Florida Orchestra plays the score live.
Tampa City Ballet Presents: “The Nutcracker” | Friday, Dec. 13-Sunday, Dec. 15 | Times vary | New Tampa Performing Arts Center, Tampa | $30+ | Tampa City Ballet’s Sugar Plum Fairies, Mouse King, and Clara perform the classic holiday show.
“A Very Broadway Christmas” | Friday, Dec. 20, Friday, Dec. 20 | Times vary | Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg | $46+ | The cast takes on Christmas songs from Broadway and the radio sung alongside a live band.
The most wonderful time of the year.
Photo by Tampa Downtown Partnership
For the family
Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village | Tuesday, Dec. 3-Sunday, Dec. 29 | 6-10 p.m. | Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, Brandon | $25+ | After filling your belly, stop by the opening day of the two-mile drive-thru Festival of Lights.
Winter Village | Tuesday, Dec. 3-Sunday, Jan. 5 | 5-10 p.m. | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park | Free | Hop aboard the Winter Village Express — a themed excursion through Tampa’s Downtown on the historic streetcar — and enjoy ice skating, treats, music, and all kinds of wintery magic.
Victorian Christmas Stroll | Tuesday, Dec. 3-Tuesday, Dec. 31 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Henry B. Plant Museum, Tampa | $12+ | Enter the iconic Tampa Bay museum for a look at Christmases past while holiday music floats through the air — plus, snack on cider and cookies on the veranda.
Snowfest | Saturday, Dec. 7 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | North Straub Park, St. Petersburg | $5 | Sail down a snowy sled hill, and enjoy arts and crafts tents, games, inflatables, and food trucks on the downtown waterfront.
Tampa’s Santa Fest and Tree Lighting | Saturday, Dec. 7 | 1-9 p.m. | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park | Free | It’s time for the annual Tampa tradition, with a festive parade, dazzling dancers, stage entertainment, a holiday movie, and the tree lighting hosted by Mayor Jane Castor.
Holiday Movies in the Park | Saturday, Dec. 7 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Huggins-Stengel Field, St. Petersburg | Free | Pack a blanket and all the snacks for a family-friendly showing of the “Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Meet Santa in the Park | Saturday, Dec. 14-Monday, Dec. 23 | Times vary North Straub Park, St. Petersburg | Free | Bring your camera along to snap pics of your little one with Mr. Claus.
Sensory-Friendly YuleTides: A Holiday Tradition for Everyone | 8-9:30 a.m. | The Florida Aquarium | $10 | Parents and kiddos can enjoy the museums wintery decorations in a quiet, relaxed state and have the opportunity to meet Santa - perfect for photos and creating lasting memories.
“Tinseltown USA” | Sunday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | American Stage, St. Petersburg | $28 | Enter a magical winter town and add your own flair to this immersive world.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” | Thursday, Dec. 19-Monday, Dec. 23 | Times vary | Tampa Theatre | $10 | What place more magical to watch the 1946 film following the life of George Bailey than the historic Tampa film house?
2024 Holiday Lighted Boat Parade | Saturday, Dec. 21 | 6-9 p.m. | Tampa Riverwalk | Free | Grab a spot along the Riverwalk or waterfront to watch Tampa’s legendary lighted boat parade along the Hillsborough River.
Kwanzaa St. Pete | Thursday, Dec. 26-Wednesday, Jan. 1 | Times vary | Locations vary, St. Petersburg | Free | Gather for the celebration of family, community, and culture at spots like St. Pete Youth Farm and Banyan Tree Project Inc.
Holiday activities
Chase the Dreidel 5K | Sunday, Dec. 8 | 300 58th St. N., St. Petersburg | $45 | Run a scenic race along parts of the Pinellas Trail, then stay for the bounce house and latke dinner post-run.
Holiday Ornament Painting | Monday, Dec. 9 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Armature Works | $30 | Paint your own coloring book ornament with the folks at Practically Pikasso over a glass of vino.
A Christmas and Hanukkah Gingerbread House Decorating Party | Thursday, Dec. 12 | 6-8 p.m. | Safety Harbor Library, Safety Harbor | $40 | Tow your friends or family along to design your dream holiday house with a festive drink or two.
Run Tampa Tinsel Run | Saturday, Dec. 14 | 8-10 a.m. | Al Lopez Park, Tampa | $35 | Wear your holiday-themed flair for a 1-mile or 5K run, and take home a gnome finisher medal.
13th Annual Onbikes Winter Wonder Ride | Saturday, Dec. 14 | 2-10:30 p.m. | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa | $50 | Cruise through downtown Tampa by bike, then stick around for the apres ski after party and rockin’ concert.
Holiday Hangout Paddle | Saturday, Dec. 14 | 5:30-6:45 p.m. | Downtown Tampa | $15 | Downtown Tampa’s lights and decorations are best taken in from a scenic paddle.
Hot Chocolate Run Tampa Convention Center | Sunday, Dec. 15 | 7 a.m. | Tampa Convention Center | $54 | Take on a 5K, 10K, or 15K with a promise of a mug filled with dark chocolate fondue and hot chocolate waiting at the end.
Bracelet Bar | Tuesday, Dec. 17 | 6-8 p.m. | Armature Works | $35 | Join the bracelet-making party to craft two Christmas-themed bracelets — your ticket includes a glass of wine.
Winter Floral Arranging Class | Wednesday, Dec. 18 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Station House, St. Petersburg | $75 | Lean into the season with this guided course on building the perfect bouquet.
Jewish Heritage Night | Thursday, Dec. 19 | 7 p.m. | Amalie Arena | $44 | Join for a special Bolts game vs. the St. Louis Blues, featuring a Menorah lighting, kosher meal, and take home commemorative pin.
Winter markets
Small Wonders: 2024 Holiday Show + Sale | Tuesday, Dec. 3-Friday, Jan. 10 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Morean Arts Center, St. Petersburg | Free | Take home a piece of small and affordable artwork by the center’s members, from ornaments and jewelry to functional pottery.
12th Annual Gift Bazaar | Thursday, Dec. 5 | 6:15-9:30 p.m. | Oxford Exchange | Free | Find the perfect gift from local artisans and small businesses while sipping on champagne.
Music Night: Listening Party: Winter Wonderland Market | Tuesday, Dec. 10 | 3-6 p.m. | The James Museum, St. Petersburg | $10 | Come on down to take a pic with Cowboy Santa, wander the galleries to holiday tunes, and shop local goods.
Water Street Holiday Promenade | 5-9 p.m. | Water Street Tampa | Free | Shop seasonal goods, grab a cup of Chill Bros hot cocoa, and take in the holiday magic of Water Street Tampa.
Holiday Village | Thursday, Dec. 12 | 5-9 p.m. | ArtsXchange, St. Petersburg | Free | Shop for unique, local art, then take a trolley to Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church for a Christmas show complete with lights, carolers, a snow machine, and a tree lighting.
Indie Flea presents St. Pete Holiday Festival | Sunday, Dec. 15 | 12-4 p.m. | Albert Whitted Park, St. Petersburg | Free | Browse locally made and curated hand-crafted goods, vintage housewares, plants, and more at the waterfront market.
6th Annual Jingle Bell Bazaar in Ybor City | Sunday, Dec. 15 | 12-6 p.m. | Centennial Park, Tampa | Free | The historic neighborhood is hopping with performances, a market, food trucks, and Santa’s Village.
