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🎅 Santa’s bringin’ the feast
A steak with garnish and a charred lemon sits atop a black plate on a wood table, with multiple cocktail glasses.
Cheers to a wonderful year with a cocktail at Timpano. | Photo via @timpanohydepark
We adore the holidays here in TBAY. The sparkling lights lighting up Hyde Park’s tree canopy, illuminated holiday scenes along Beach Drive, festive markets in the heart of Tampa, and of course, the food.

But it’s even better when you don’t have to toil in the kitchen yourself. We rounded up local gems open for Christmas dinner:

Editor’s note: Reservations will likely book up quickly, so we recommend booking now.

Dine in on Christmas

Timpano Hyde Park | Now you finally have an excuse to try the Parm to Table experience — bucatini al pesto prepared in a parmesan wheel. Plus, you can take in the magical Hyde Park Village decorations after your meal.

Beau & Mo’s Chicago Style Chophouse | There’s no local eatery quite as Christmasy as the Windy City-inspired steakhouse. Dine on ribeyes and carbonara surrounded by cozy decorations like a leg lamp (like the one from “A Christmas Story”).

SiX | Or book a table at the Marriott’s other fabulous eatery to feast on filet medallions, biscoff tirmasu, and sip on Bourbon & Berry cocktails from the curated holiday menu.
Even more ideas

Asked
A. Ham
B. Stuffing
C. Mashed Potatoes
D. Cranberry relish
Take your pick
Bonnet Springs Park

Events

Wednesday, Dec. 11

S’mores By the Fire | 5-9 p.m. | Armature Works | $10 | Grab your loved ones and roast marshmallows around the fire pit on South Lawn — kits are $10 and make two s’mores each.

Florida Wind Band Presents “Joy to the World!” | 6-7 p.m. | Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church, Tampa | Free | Enjoy a classical music journey through the story of Christmas.

Flavors of Spain | 7-9 p.m. | The Dalí Museum | $90+ | Celebrate the release of Café Gala Cookbook with Spanish tapas and sangria flights inspired by Dalí, enjoy live entertainment, and take home a copy of the book.

Tampa Blues Night | 8 p.m. | Hooch and Hive | Free entry | RM Johnson and the Tomcats delight with blues classics and funky originals too.

Thursday, Dec. 12

Circuit Class with The LAB Athletics | 5:30 p.m. | Armature Works | Free | Get ready to sweat in this outdoor class combining athletics training with circuit workouts — bring a yoga mat and towel.

Tay Party: Taylor Swift Dance Night | 9 p.m. | Crowbar, Ybor City | $16 | Make the whole place shimmer with your outfit and your moves at this Taylor Swift-themed dance party.

Friday, Dec. 13

Tampa City Ballet Presents: “The Nutcracker” | Friday, Dec. 13-Sunday, Dec. 15 | Times vary | New Tampa Performing Arts Center | $30 | Tampa City Ballet’s Sugar Plum Fairies, Mouse King, and Clara perform the classic holiday show.
Calendar events here
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News Notes

Eat

We know what’s for lunch. Head to Ybor City’s first Lunch on the Plaza today to feast on eats from King of the Coop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stop by to grab a hot chicken sandwich and enjoy some time outside. (That’s So Tampa)

Opening

When’s the new Trader Joe’s in Palm Harbor opening? You don’t have to wait long. The popular grocery opens its doors tomorrow, Dec. 12 at 9 a.m. It’s the latest TBAY location for the specialty grocer, which also has locations in South Tampa and St. Pete. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Try This

It’s that time of year. Putt the Pier takes over the St. Pete Pier from Saturday, December 13 through Sunday, January 5. The 18-hole mini course features holiday decorations, obstacles, and music. Tee up some festive plans. (I Love the Burg)

Number

$738 million. That’s how much USF just marked in research funding. USF President Rhea Law announced earlier this year she wants the university to reach $1 billion by 2030. About $429 million comes from federal sources, ~$242 million from private partnerships, and $67 million from state and local agencies. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Announced

To be frank, this news is incredible. The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is on its way to Tampa Bay. Spot the famous hotdog on wheels in the Brandon Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 14 and in the Davis Islands Golf Cart Parade on Sunday, Dec.15. (That’s So Tampa)

History

Once upon a time, an advertising executive spearheaded the Tampa Snow Show of 1958. The Holiday Traditions in Florida exhibit at the Tampa Bay History Center showcases what unfolded: three million pounds of melted shaved ice “snow,” sunburned seals, and an exploded sewer pipe. (Tampa Bay Times)

Sports

Lightning stars Anthony Cirelli and Erik Cernak are dealing with potential injuries. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Wellness

Thinning hair doesn’t stand a chance with KilgourMD’s dermatologist-developed serums. Increase follicle growth by 200% when you get the bundle for $150, featuring 15% + free shipping.*

Announced

Meet Jobs, our virtual job board for all industries that can connect you with top local talent. Post your first listing for free and watch those applications roll in.

Shop

🎁 7 holiday presents $20 or less
A wintry background with snowflakes that reads "Gifts for under $20."
Including a chic bedside carafe and a winter-friendly lip balm. | Graphic by 6AM City
Shop some of our favorite finds that will brighten up anyone’s holiday, all available for $20 or less.

Local pick: Tampa Bay raw honey | $15.99 | Savor the taste of Tampa Bay-harvested honey, perfect for holiday-season charcuterie boards.

Bedside carafe + tumbler | $18.99 | Gift a pretty amber tumbler and glass perfect for adorning any bedside table.

Eucalyptus shower steamers | $19.99 | They’ll love aromatherapy shower steamers that smell like peppermint, menthol, and eucalyptus.

Local pick: Buccaneers insulated can cooler | $19.99 | This simple design keeps any can shape chilled for those toasty pre-game tailgates.

Malin + Goetz lip moisturizer | $16.00 | A hydrating lip moisturizer with a devoted fan base, this gift is perfect for those suffering from chapped lips.

Beer bottle chiller sticks | $19.99 | Instantly turn sad, lukewarm beer into delicious, cold beer.

14K gold cuff earrings | $13.95 | An adorable best-selling accessory.
More holiday gifting inspiration this way

The Buy
A great gift for a significant other or someone you love — a personalized song plaque you can customize with their favorite song + a photo of you together.
Shop most-loved gifts

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Copy of City Editor-Wrap (1).png
Don’t let the holiday season melt away without checking out a few festive TBAY events. We have some ideas.

Answered

Yesterday, we asked “How far do you think the Bucs will make it?”
Raymond James Stadium for a Bucs game. The players are warming up and fans are taking their seats.

Ray Jay is hoping for another playoff game.

Photo by TBAYtoday

It seems many of you aren’t hopeful we’ll be tossing the Vince Lombardi Trophy across the river come spring.

About 48% or our readers predict a wild-card round playoff loss. Though some are staying positive, with ~36% crossing their fingers for at least one playoff win.

A firm ~11% think they’ll miss out on the postseason. And a small, Bucs lovin’ bunch — ~5% — believe they’re going all the way.

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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