12.03.2024

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64º | 0% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:05 a.m. | Sunset 5:33 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | Low: 10:41 a.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 2:03 p.m. + 11:46 p.m. | Low: 6:56 a.m. + 5:51 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

We’re fa la la-ing for winter

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Make sure you pack your camera for the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade. | Photo via @cityoftampa

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

Children are at the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon. There is fake snow falling and holiday lights are twinkling in the background. — The most wonderful time of the year.

For the family

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.

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.

40+ more events

Asked

Which wintery activity are you most excited for?

A. Fake snow, duh
B. Strolling a holiday market
C. Eating all the treats
D. Catching a festive show

Take your pick

Events

Tuesday, Dec. 3

Wednesday, Dec. 4

Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Square at Lykes Gaslight Park, Tampa | Free entry | Spruce up your lunch break with eats from a local food truck at this monthly event.

Special Holiday Event: The Dalí Dozen 2024 | 6:30-9 p.m. | The Dalí Museum | $30+ | Take in art from 12 Tampa Bay artists, from photography and paintings to sculptures, jewelry and more, plus enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cash bars.

Human Threads Film Festival | 8-9:30 p.m. | Reeves Theater, Tampa | Free | Prepare to be transfixed with documentaries and films exploring the diverse tapestry of human experiences and a special performance.

Thursday, Dec. 5

Friday, Dec. 6

Raise the Flags Friday at Busch Gardens Christmas Town | 6-9 p.m. | Busch Gardens | $90+ | Get ready for the Bucs’ Red Out home game against the Las Vegas Raiders to play yard games, pickup free Bucs flags, take photos, and try on uniforms — included with park admission.

Calendar events here

Click here to have your event featured.

Arts

🖼️ Exploring AGB’s 2025 Expansion

Presented by Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art

Renders of the newly renovated AGB Museum entrance.

While you’re there, we highly recommend stopping by the stunning new exhibit on Dutch Expressionism. | Images provided by the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art

You may not immediately recognize the new + improved Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art, but trust us, you’re going to love the fresh look.

Set to be complete in January 2025, the multi-year expansion and renovation includes:

14,000 additional square feet of gallery, classroom, and art laboratory space in the primary building.
All new galleries to triple the Museum’s current major exhibition space.
Entryway renovations and improvements throughout.

Best of all: The AGB will still be 100% free to visit and enjoy.

Explore current + upcoming exhibitions

News Notes

Civic

The City of Tampa announced cold shelters will be open tonight. Check in from 6 to 8 p.m. at Church of God of Prophecy Hyde Park, Tampa Bay Mission of Hope, Hyde Park United Methodist Church at The Portico, and Amazing Love Ministries. (WTSP)

Sports

It’s not over yet. The Rays did not send St. Petersburg or Pinellas County a letter to end the new stadium agreement. The team’s leaders hold their position that they’re honoring the original deal, and are waiting on the city and county to issue their bonds, for deadlines to be missed, or the agreement to be terminated. (Tampa Bay Times)

Announced

$550,000. That’s how much St. Pete City Council just awarded in arts grants for fiscal year 2025. Some of the recipients include renowned community institutions like the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement, American Stage, Creative Clay, freeFall Theatre, Girls Rock St. Pete Inc., Keep St. Pete Lit, and the Salvador Dalí Museum. (Tampa Bay Times)

Open

Need some post-Thanksgiving relaxation? Us too. Hyde Park Village just welcomed VISAGE by ÉLAN, a new luxe spa offering focusing on holistic Ayurveda and bespoke treatments. The spa is hosting grand opening events soon. (That’s So Tampa)

Coming Soon

Here comes the Sun-Ray Cinema. The Jacksonville-based brand is opening a 10-screen theater with a massive kitchen in Tampa next week. What’s screening? The first slate includes “Wicked,""Moana 2,” and “Nightbitch.” (That’s So Tampa)

Try This

Speaking of openings, Steamy Lit is now slinging books at its new Tampa location. The all-romance bookstore shares a space with Procure by All Women’s Collective and offers tons of reads by women, people of color, and non-binary or genderqueer authors. (That’s So Tampa)

Sports

The Bucs escaped Carolina with a 26-23 win in overtime against the Panthers despite a bad performance from Baker Mayfield. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Shop

Looking for a last-minute gift? We found one that’s more than 60% off, can be delivered instantly + will last forever. That’s speaking our language. Shop the sale.*

Finance

If holiday shopping — on top of your outstanding debt — is weighing on you this season, find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. Here are hands down some of the best.*

Plan Ahead

Don’t let those leftovers go to waste. Use the remainder of your end-of-year budget + get your business in front of thousands. For a limited time, take 25% off ads in our self-service ad portal when off you use the promo code “2025" at checkout.

The Buy

These trendy cat eye sunglasses — because you can never have too many pairs. They boast scratch resistant lenses + 400UV protection. Bonus: Your purchase helps provide those in need with free eye exams + glasses.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:

Did you miss me? Cause I missed you all, even though I know the ever-lovely Brianna and Michael took wonderful care of you.

Now back to business. I’m working on a story sharing all of our favorite unofficial historical markers — you know, the fun ones. Share yours with me + the class.

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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