Photo Credit: Mike Lawrie/Getty Images
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens
November 30, 2012 – December 23, 2012 Busch GardensEnjoy Busch Gardens’ Christmas celebration as they transform the park into a nighttime holiday wonderland. All of the rides will be open plus you can enjoy Santa’s House, Snow World, Sesame Street shows and other live entertainment, as well as seasonal food favorites.
The CW44 wants to help you get in the holiday spirit; that’s why we’re hosting a contest November 26, 2012 thru November 30, 2012 to win free tickets to this event! Find out more details HERE!
36th Annual Oakdale Christmas Light Display
November 23, 2012 – January 3, 2013 2719 Oakdale Street S., St. Petersburg, FloridaIf you love the feeling and sight of Christmas lights, then this event is for you. This year’s light display is sure to be one of the best, featuring more items and lights than ever before. It will be up for the duration of the holiday season, so you can go whenever it’s convenient. The entire family can marvel at the incredible workmanship all for the unbeatable price of FREE. Checkout some of the past year’s displays here.
Santa Fest & Downtown Holiday Parade
Saturday, December 1, 2012 Citrus Hixon Park11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Start the month off right by getting the whole family in the holiday spirit with holiday entertainment including make-n-take holiday crafts, hands-on games and activities, ice-skating, and a holiday parade. The parade starts at 11 am on Morgan Street and Kennedy Boulevard
Big Chanukah/Holiday Shopping Bazaar
Sunday, December 2, 2012 Temple B’nai Israel 9:00 am – 2:oo pmWhen we talk about the holidays, we can’t forget Hanukah! Come get all your holiday gifts and get in the Chanukah spirit with this shopping bazaar filled with jewelry, artwork, crafts, toys, home decor, and much more. There will also be food and vendors. What’s not to enjoy!
Art in the Park
Saturday, December 8, 2012 Centennial Park9:00 am
This holiday event sponsored by the City of Tampa’s Parks and Recreations Department brings over 25 artists to Ybor City to showcase their works. There will also be live entertainment and several vendors.
The Nutcracker
December 6, 2012 – December 9, 2012 Polk TheaterThe Nutcracker is a winter tradition and holiday favorite. This year, check out the Florida Dance Theater’s rendition at the Polk Theater in Lakeland, Florida. Public performances are on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, Dec. 9 at 2:00 pm. There will also be a special children’s performance on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 10:00 am
Snow Fest Sarasota
December 14, 2012- December 23, 2012Sarasota Fairgrounds
Sarasota’s annual event features plenty of cool activities like tubing, snow slides, and a bounce house. There will also be special guests, including Santa Claus and Frosty! This will take place at the Sarasota Fairgrounds.
Tampa Bay Jingle Bell Run/Walk
Saturday December 15, 2012HCC Dale Mabry Campus
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
You can come out to this family-friendly event that is also a good way to help others during the holiday season (not to mention working off those extra pounds from Thanksgiving). In addition to the 5K or 1 mile route, there will also be a holiday costume contest, kids activities, a Santa chase, and other kinds of food and entertainment. Check-in for the run begins at 7:30 am.
2013 New Year’s Eve Toast
December 31, 2012 Channelside Bay Plaza 9:00 pmEnd the year right with lots of fun as Channelside hosts its annual New Year’s Eve party with food, live entertainment, and fireworks. It can be your last great hurrah before you make your resolution to party less!



