Time to bundle up, TBAY

Tampa Bay’s coldest Christmas weekend in 27 years

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Tampa Bay is already decked out with holiday decorations like these in downtown St. Pete. | Photo via @cyacondos

We’re sure you’ve heard, but it’s going to get pretty chilly this weekend. Forecasters predict this will be the coldest Christmas weekend in 27 years, with temps in the mid-30s, according to Bay News 9. On that 1995 Christmas Day, the low was 33 degrees, and the high was 56 degrees, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Here are some cold weather tips for our fellow Floridians:

Now is a socially acceptable time to turn the heat on. Remember, turning the heat on after a long period without use may cause the system to emit a smell. It should wear off within a few hours. Pro tip: change your air filter before turning on the heat to keep the system running smoothly.
Need somewhere warm to spend the night? Check Hillsborough County’s website for shelter openings and information. Pinellas County cold night shelters will be open Friday, Dec. 23 and Saturday, Dec. 24. from 6 p.m.-6 a.m.
Bring your potted plants in before the cold air rushes in on Friday. Plus, wrap those tropical varieties in your yard that might be more susceptible to freezing temps (Think Bird of Paradise). Stop by your local hardware store for frost blankets, burlap, and safety pins to get that flora wrapped up tight. Pro tip: this is a great time to put that old bedding to use.
Check your tires to make sure they have enough air. Sometimes tires can drop pressure in the cold. Plus, look under the vehicle for cats or other creatures that may be taking refuge underneath from the cold before you drive away.
Keep an eye on the forecast.

But once you’ve prepped your home for the cold, get out there and enjoy our miniature taste of wintry weather. May we suggest an after-dinner stroll along Bayshore or a lazy Christmas morning hammocking it up in North Shore Park? Here are some other ideas for taking it in.

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Today, Dec. 22

Victorian Christmas Stroll | Thursday, Dec. 22-Friday, Dec. 23 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Henry B. Plant Museum, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa | $12-$18 | The 41st Annual Victorian Christmas Stroll includes tiny antique trees, vintage Santas and nutcrackers, and vintage fashions.
Winter Village | Thursday, Dec. 22-Wednesday, Jan. 4 | 4-11 p.m. | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa | $17-$200 | The park transforms into a wintery wonderland with a cafe offering holiday treats, a shopping village, ice skating, curling, and train rides.
A Night of Lights | Thursday, Dec. 22 | 5-8 p.m. | Water Street Tampa, 1011 E. Cumberland Ave., Tampa | Free | Celebrate the holiday with a special menorah lighting, live entertainment, and face painting.
Holiday Lights in the Gardens | Thursday, Dec. 22-Sunday, Jan. 1 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | 12520 Ulmerton Rd., St. Petersburg | Free | The gardens are decked out with more than one million LED lights.
“Wonderful Life” Holiday Play | Thursday, Dec. 22-Saturday, Dec. 24 | 7-8:30 p.m. | American Stage Theatre Company at Raymond James Theater, 163 Third St. N., St. Petersburg | $35 | Watch as Matt McGee plays every character, including the iconic George Bailey.

Friday, Dec. 23

Tokyo Godfathers (2003) | Friday, Dec. 23 | 10:30 p.m. | Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa | $9 | Tokyo Godfathers is loosely based on the 1948 John Wayne western “3 Godfathers” and follows the journey of a trio as they work together to bring a newborn home.

Saturday, Dec. 24

Hannukah Celebration | Saturday, Dec. 24 | 11 a.m. | Beit Tehila Congregation, 1705 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Brandon | Free | A traditional service followed by Hannukah-inspired meals, crafts, games, a giant slide, menorah lighting, and snacks.
Christmas w/ Cavalry Chapel Fellowship | Saturday, Dec. 24 | 6-8 p.m. | Spa Beach Park, 600 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg | Free | Cavalry Chapel Fellowship brings holiday tunes, Santa, and lots of winter treats to the St. Pete Pier.

Sunday, Dec. 25

Bucs Football on Christmas Night! | Sunday, Dec. 25 | 8 p.m.-3 a.m. | MacDinton’s Soho, 405 S. Howard Ave., Tampa | Free+ | Watch the Bucs take on the Arizona Cardinals.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

72º | Scattered thunderstorms | 50% chance of rain

Sunrise + sunset

Rise: 7:17 a.m.
Set: 5:39 p.m.

Tides
Old Tampa Bay

High: 12:17 a.m.
Low: 8:29 a.m.

Clearwater Beach

High: 12:02 p.m. + 9:57 p.m.
Low: 4:52 a.m. + 4: 08 p.m.

Sports

The Rays will spend some of the upcoming spring training season at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. The team will hold its workouts at the complex from Feb. 6 to March 1, as the team’s Grapefruit League home in Port Charlotte was damaged by Hurricane Ian. The Trop will host the bulk of the team’s spring training games. ⚾

Community

Do you remember Christmas Card Lane? From the late 1940s to the 1980s, local businesses, homeowners, and organizations lined Bayshore with massive Christmas card light displays every December. (Tampa Bay Times)

Plan ahead

Country legend Emmylou Harris is coming to Clearwater’s Ruth Eckerd Hall this spring. The 14-time Grammy winner is known for hits like “If This is Goodbye” and “Pledging My love.” Tickets to the Tuesday, Feb. 21 show start at $43.25. 🎤 (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Opening

California cool jewelry brand gorjana is opening this winter in Hyde Park Village. The location opens shop Friday, Jan. 6, at 1602 W. Snow Avenue. This will be the first Florida location for the brand that sells everything from fine-plated necklaces to cocktail rings. 💎

Ranked

There’s no place like home for the holidays… and we have proof. Tampa ranked No. 27 — and St. Pete made No. 67 — on WalletHub’s “2022’s Best Cities for Christmas” based on criteria like shopping options, events, and the community’s generosity. 🎄 (WalletHub)

Number

2 hours and 2 minutes. That’s how early you should arrive at the Tampa International Airport before a domestic flight. A recent study from Upgraded Points analyzed criteria including the number of gates and terminals, average TSA wait time + airport size to determine this metric. Pro tip: Read our guide to navigating TPA for parking tips and terminal eats.

Listen

Need a gift that only takes a few mouse clicks? Gift three, six, or 12 months of an Audible Premium Plus membership. They’ll get one credit a month good for any title, plus instant access to thousands of books and podcasts in The Plus Catalog. Hello, future book club. 📚*

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TBAY, farmers’ market capital of the world

A new market on Water Street

The neighborhood has already hosted a few similar events, like October’s Weekend in Water Street. | Photo via Water Street Tampa

Between the Hyde Park Village Fresh Market and downtown St. Pete’s Saturday Morning Market (and more), TBAY kind of owns the farmers’ market game.

Starting in January, you’ll be able to peruse fresh veggies and local artisan goods right at Water Street Tampa and grab lunch steps away at Sparkman Wharf or the Edition. The fresh market will take over the heart of the neighborhood every third Sunday of the month from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. — starting Sunday, Jan. 15.

Attendees will be able to check out a rotating cast of 50+ food and wellness vendors, including Green Leaf Farms, The Honey Couple, Sweet Harvest Farms, Tampa Bae Macrame + vintage and eco-friendly goods, and live music and entertainment.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Bailey.

Editor’s pick: Have you checked out Toast the Hostess? I’m pumped to visit the new Grand Central boutique for some last minute holiday treats.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Embrace a little zen with us.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Brad Haft, Bailey LeFever, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Kailey Burke | Advertise with us.

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