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Did you know? TBAYtoday is part of a team of 28 newsletters across the country. And we want you to get to know all the cities we call home... but we didn’t go easy on you.
Family Artmaking | Monday, Dec. 23-Friday, Jan. 3 | 1-4 p.m. | The James Museum, St. Petersburg | Free | Spend some time at the Western art museum with the kiddos icicle painting, puffy snow painting, and making snowflake gelli prints.
Movie on the Lawn Double Feature | 6 p.m. | Armature Works | Pack the camp chairs and coziest blankets for a showing of “The Grinch” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”
Tuesday, Dec. 24
Vodka Latte | 8 p.m.-12 a.m. | Aloft Tampa Downtown | $36 | Prepare to dance the night away at the Tampa hotel — your ticket includes one drink, heavy hors d’oeuvres, latkes, and desserts.
Wednesday, Dec. 25
Chanukah in the City | 5:30 p.m. | Downtown Tampa | Free | Watch leaders light Tampa’s largest Menorah, plus enjoy a Gelt Drop, latkes, donuts, human bowling, and an obstacle course.
Thursday, Dec. 26
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.
We have a holiday treat for you. Hales Blackbrick just opened its doors in Hyde Park Village. It’s the latest location for the popular Asian restaurant helmed by Chef Richard Hales. The renowned local spot’s menu boasts dishes like Kung Pao Asparagus and a half rabbit. (That’s So Tampa)
Development
Now that both St. Pete and Pinellas County have approved bond sales to fund their part of the new Rays stadium, what’s next? Leaders say the team has until March 31 to fulfill a checklist of tasks like proving they have the ~$700 million for their part of the deal. (Tampa Bay Times)
Seasonal
We deck these halls pretty well. WalletHub just ranked Tampa No. 26 on its “Best Cities for Christmas” list. We’d have to agree, just based on TBAY’s sheer number of holiday events alone. The Burg followed at No. 67. (That’s So Tampa)
Community
Pinellas County just scored its first-ever Period Pantry. Located in the Grand Central District, the free-standing box is packed with period basics like tampons and pads. The pantry is part of an effort to make period products more accessible. Find a location near you. (I Love the Burg)
Eat
How have TBAY’s restaurants fared in 2024? The Tampa Bay Times chronicles some of the plethora of openings and closings of eateries and bars across Tampa + St. Pete this year. Plus, Helen Freunddigs into Michelin updates from our award-winning food scene. (Tampa Bay Times)
Ranked
No. 13. That’s where Tampa ranked on Clever’s “The Best Cities and States in the US, According to Americans” list. The Cigar City took home the title of most desirable city but also came in at No. 9 for most annoying residents and No. 11 for rudest residents. Oops.
Sports
Dig into the high-stakes drama surrounding the Tampa Bay Rays’ future home. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
$1.14 trillion. That’s the staggering number that consumer credit card debt reached in 2024, highlighting a widespread financial struggle. If your debt exceeds $10,000, Freedom Debt Relief could help with a personalized debt settlement plan + creditor negotiations — all with one low monthly payment.*
Trending
Did you know that Amazon offers limited-edition wardrobe collections? Sign up to receive text notifications from The Drop + you’ll be the first to know about styles that are made-to-order just for you.*
The Buy
The Buy
A beanie bottle stopper — because it’s only fair that your unfinished bottle of wine gets to sport a winter look this season, too.
Now, for the main question I, and literally everyone else in TBAY, am wondering. Will we have a “cold” Christmas? Keep your eyes peeled to WTSP’s weather coverage for the latest updates on our quest for a sub 70° holiday.
Answered
Answered
Last week, we asked “How do you like to spend New Year’s Eve?”
Imagine ringing in 2025 at Union New American’s airy bar.
Photo by Pezz Photo
About 63% prefer to spend the final day of the year cozied up on the couch. And we must say, we get it.
Though ~19% of you, love a NYE spent at a festive party. A la “When Harry Met Sally.”
Another ~12.5% are likely heading to the Riverwalk or the Pier to watch a glimmering fireworks show. Finally, ~6% of folks close out the year with a decadent meal.
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