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Special Winter Events 

Safety Harbor Tree Lighting

LOCATION: Gazebo at John Wilson Park, 401 Main Street, Safety Harbor

DATE: December 6, 2024 at 6pm

DETAILS:   Come enjoy the lighting of Safety Harbor’s giant Christmas tree. Choirs will warm up the crowd for a visit from Santa Claus that is arranged by the Safety Harbor Fire Department.

FEE: FREE

Safety Harbor

Holiday Parade

LOCATION: Main Street, Safety Harbor

DATE: December 7, 2024 from 10am-11:30am

DETAILS:   Floats, old fashioned cars, community groups and Santa are just a few of the highlights. Group applications available on our city website at SafetyHarborEvents.com.

FEE: FREE

Safety Harbor

Santa's Twlight 5K

LOCATION: 110 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor

DATE: December 14, 2024 from 7-9pm

DETAILS:   Join the fun at this holiday themed 5K night run in Safety Harbor. All participants will receive a really cool shirt, holiday themed finisher medal, glow sticks for the run, jingle bells for your shoes, and holiday cookies and hot chocolate at the finish. 

FEE: $59 & $42 for remote participation

Safety Harbor

Sponge Docks Tree Lighting (Sponge Docks)

LOCATION:  Sponge Docks, 750 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs

DATE: December 4, 2024 form 5:30-6pm

DETAILS:  Come see the tree lighting on the docks!

FEE: FEE

Tarpon Springs

There's Snow Place like Tarpon Springs

LOCATION:  100 E. Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs

DATE: December 6, 2024 from 5-10pm

DETAILS:  There’s Snow Place Like Tarpon Springs returns to Historic Tarpon Avenue on Friday, December 6th, 2024 from 5 – 10 pm. The event is held on Tarpon Ave between Spring Blvd and Ring Ave. This year’s event will feature Tree Lighting at 6 pm in the Mother Meres Parking Lot. The Boat Parade will arrive in Spring Bayou around 8:00 pm. Other activities include children’s crafts and activities, holiday performers, live music, holiday shopping, restaurants, food vendors, falling snow, outdoor movies, snow slide, and much more. Santa will also be in attendance! This family-friendly event is FREE.

Parking is limited downtown, so we suggest taking our complimentary shuttle from St. Timothy Lutheran Church, located on Tarpon Ave just west of US Highway 19, and the Tarpon Tower, west of US Highway 19 off of Martin Luther King Jr Dr. Shuttles will begin at 4:30 pm and continue until 10:30 pm.

St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church

812 E Tarpon Ave.

Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Tarpon Tower

905 E Martin Luther King Jr.

Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

FEE: FREE

Tarpon Springs

35th Annual Boat Parade 

LOCATION: Tarpon Avenue at Spring Blvd., Tarpon Springs

DATE: December 6, 2024 from 6-8pm

 

DETAILS:  The 35th Annual Boat Parade will be held on Friday, December 6st. Vessels will proceed down the Anclote River and into the Whitcomb and Spring Bayous.  You can view the parade from the Sponge Docks, Whitcomb Bayou, Craig Park & Spring Bayou. Boats should arrive at Whitcomb Bayou at approximately 8 pm.

There is no charge to participate, but all vessels must be registered to enter. Registration forms may be obtained at the City Marina and the Recreation Division administrative office or online here.  Trophies will be awarded to the best-decorated boats.

FEE: FREE

Tarpon Springs

Santa's Calling

LOCATION:  N/A

DATE:  December 7, 2024 from 6-8:30pm

DETAILS:   Here’s your chance to have Santa Claus call your children. Applications will be available online (TSRDonline.com) or at the recreation centers for Santa and his helpers to call between 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm on Thursday, December 7th.

FEE: FREE

Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs Christmas Parade

LOCATION:  100 E .Tarpon Avenue, Tarpon Springs

DATE:  December 14, 2024 from 10am-12pm

DETAILS:   Join the City of Tarpon Springs and the Chamber of Commerce for a special holiday parade through the downtown area of Tarpon Springs!

FEE: FREE

Tarpon Springs

Festival of Trees

LOCATION:  The Long Center, Clearwater

DATES:  November 22 - 24, 2024 

DETAILS:  The Festival of Trees is a cherished tradition in the Tampa Bay area that marks the beginning of the holiday season. Join us at the Long Center in Clearwater and immerse yourself in a winter wonderland, adorned with meticulously decorated trees contributed by many members of our Tampa Bay community!

Your generous support is instrumental in bringing the Festival of Trees to life. Each year, thousands of event patrons attend, providing sponsors with a platform to showcase their brand to a diverse audience and align themselves with a cause that provides essential services and promotes quality of life.

Whether you are a business looking to enhance your visibility or an individual citizen that values meaningful ways to give back to your community, sponsoring this event provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to helping others.

We extend our deepest gratitude to AmeriLife for being our dedicated Presenting Sponsor for the past 13 incredible years of Festival of Trees!

Join us to experience the Festival of Trees!

Premiere Night:

Friday, November 22, 2024, 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

General Admission:
Saturday, November 23, 2024, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, November 24, 2024, 10 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

FEE: $10/person

Clearwater

Holiday Tree Lighting & Strolling Market

LOCATION:  Largo Central Park, Largo

DATE:  December 7, 2024 from 5-9pm

DETAILS:  Stroll through our light display and watch various performers during our annual Holiday Tree Lighting & Stroll event. The tree lighting is at 6pm. Santa will make a visit for free Photos with Santa from 6:30-7:30 pm. Food and beverage vendors will be on-site selling delicious treats and eats.

You also don't want to miss the annual Strolling Market that will be on-site to help finish your holiday shopping.  Browse through local artisans, crafters and businesses for this incredible evening.


Please note that the playground will be closed during this event. The Holiday Lights will shut off at 10:00 pm on December 7.

Dogs are welcome, but please make sure your pets are on a leash.

FEE: FREE, $10 on-site parking (credit card only)

Largo

Holiday Lights & Carnival Rides

LOCATION:  Largo Central Park, Largo 

DATES:  November 28 - December 29, 2024, 5-10pm daily 

DETAILS:  This family-friendly annual tradition presented by the City of Largo starting November 28,2024-December 29,2024 features a spectacular holiday light display, with more than 2.5 million dazzling LED lights.


THIS IS A WALKING TOUR. NO GOLF CART, UNATHORIZED VEHICLE PERMITTED IN LARGO CENTRAL PARK.

Food, beverage and market vendors on site selling homemade items, delicious treats and eats. Dogs on a leash are welcome but must remain on the leash at all times.

 

Carousel:

Minimum height for ticketed rider is 36"

Riders 36"-42" must have a ticketed adult rider with them

 

Ferris Wheel:

Minimum Height to ride alone: 56″.

This is a family ride. We do allow infants/toddlers and ticketed children from 36″ to 56″ with a responsible and ticketed adult rider and all riders must have a ticket.


All rides will end at 10:00 pm. No exceptions. 

FEE:  Free to park and walk to view the lights. Amusement rides $6/ride or 10 rides for $50

Largo

Holiday Lights in the Gardens

LOCATION:  Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo 

DATES: November 29 - January 4, 2025

DETAILS:  The Florida Botanical Gardens will sparkle with 1 million, twinkling, LED lights in a multitude of colors. Vibrant laser lights and lighted figures round out our display to wow guests of all ages. The opening of our new Majeed Discovery Garden will take this already awesome event to the next level. You won't want to miss it! Interested in being a sponsor? See the information below.

Kids Activities
There will be free kids activities in the Majeed Discovery Garden every Sunday and Thursday evening throughout the month of December.

FEE:  Suggested donation of $10/person & kids 12 and under are free

Largo

Winter Wonderland Holiday Market & Festival 2024

LOCATION:  Plato Academy Clearwater, 2045 Palmetto Street

DATE:  December 7, 2024 from 4pm - 10pm

DETAILS:  Capture the magic of our December Winter Wonderland! A professional photographer will be on-site to snap beautiful photos of your family’s special moments and you’ll have the opportunity to purchase these keepsakes!

Ticket includes unlimited play at all attractions, including bounce houses, snow tubing, obstacle courses, games, reindeer food making, balloon artistry, and activity tables.

🎁 Gift Shopping – Find the perfect presents for everyone on your list.
🎶 Live Music – Enjoy the festive tunes that will make your spirit bright.
🎅 Meet Santa – Capture the moment with the jolly man himself.
👧 Kids Zone – Endless fun with bounce houses, obstacle courses, and games.
❄️ Snowy Surprises – Experience the magic of real snow!
🍔 Delicious Food & Drinks – Warm up with tasty treats and holiday beverages.
🎨 Creative Fun – Make reindeer food, meet a balloon artist, and more!

FEE:  $20/child 5 and Up

Clearwater

Boca Ciega Yacht Club Holiday Boat Parade

LOCATION: 5500 Shore Blvd S, Gulfport

DATE: December 14, 2024 at 6pm

DETAILS: Holiday decorated boats will light up the intracoastal waterway in downtown Gulfport! The 39th annual boat parade presented by the Boca Ciega Yacht Club will kick off at 6pm. Parade-goers can get a good look from Gulfport's Williams Pier and the beach near the Gulfport Casino. This is a free event and family-friendly!

FEE: FREE

Gulfport

Annual Festival of Lights Boat Parade in Madeira Beach

LOCATION: 503 150th Avenue, Madeira Beach

DATE:  December 14, 2024 at 6:30pm

DETAILS:   Watch as the waterways in Madeira Beach light up with boats displaying their best Christmas lights! The 58th annual Madeira Beach Holiday Boat Parade will kick off at the American Legion Post 273 at 6:30 p.m. and will travel all the finger canals through the city, ending at John's Pass around 9:45 p.m. Head to ROC park for the best view of the parade and to enjoy holiday music, the Merry Market, food and much more.

FEE:  Registration is required . Kids 2 and under $9, 3+ is $25 per person  

Madeira Beach

Clearwater Yacht Club Annual Holiday Boat Parade

LOCATION:  830 S. Bayway Blvd. Clearwater

DATE:  December 14, 2024 at 6pm

DETAILS:    The annual Clearwater Yacht Club Holiday Boat Parade can be seen from waterfront restaurants and hotels. The parade launches just north of the Mandalay channel bridge, following its traditional route heading north, and boats will be judged as they pass by the Clearwater Yacht Club. Cash, trophies, and prizes will be awarded for several categories, including a grand prize.  Come out and witness the beautiful holiday light show on the water!

FEE:  FREE

Clearwater

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet

LOCATION:  Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg

DATES:  December  28, 2024 at 3pm & 7pm and December 29, 2024 at 1pm & 5pm 

DETAILS:   The beloved family tradition is back: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet. Gather your loved ones for the warm-glow-nostalgia of America’s favorite Christmas celebration. The 2024 tour unveils reimagined scenes crafted by acclaimed choreographer Viktor Davydiuk blending classical ballet with jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger than life puppets and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes. Don’t miss this chance to experience the wonder of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet.

FEE:  Starting at $32/person and up, depending on seat

St. Petersburg

Treasure Island's Holiday Lighted Boat Parade

LOCATION:  400 Treasure Island Causeway, Treasure Island

DATES:  December  21, 2024 at 6pm

DETAILS:    The holiday celebration at Treasure Bay Golf & Tennis will also be on December 21st from 5 - 7:30pm. At this festive viewing spot where the boat parade starts, there will be a DJ, a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus, interactive entertainers, and food/beverage concessions.

The parade will begin promptly at 6pm just south of the Treasure Island Causeway. The route travels south, and into the fingers of Paradise Island, back past Treasure Bay Golf & Tennis and through the Treasure Island Causeway Bridge around 7pm, through each of the fingers of Isle of Palms and each of the fingers through Isle of Capri, and finishes at John’s Pass at approximately 8:30 - 9pm. Winners will be announced via social media and prizes can be claimed at City Hall 10451 Gulf Blvd.

FEE:  FREE

Treasure Island

Reddington Beach & Indian Shores Holiday Boat Parade

LOCATION:  20025 Gulf Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach

DATE:  December 15, 2024 at 6pm

DETAILS:  Festively decorated boats will float through the intracoastal waterways from the Tom Stuart Causeway to Caddy's Pub restaurant in Indian Shores. The holiday parade kicks off at 6pm. Free and family-friendly! Top prizes will be awarded after the parade that evening at Caddy's Pub.

FEE:  FREE

Indian Rocks Beach

A Christmas Carol

LOCATION:  Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater

DATE:  December 23, 20224 at 7pm

DETAILS:  The beloved holiday classic A Christmas Carol returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall! One of the greatest stories in the history of English literature, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol has enchanted audiences the world over and become a best beloved Christmas tradition for families everywhere. This powerful tale of redemption follows Ebenezer Scrooge on his epic journey from nasty curmudgeon to benevolent saint. Tour 2024 is written and directed by award-winning theatre artist Scott H Severance, who has traveled the country for over 10 years spreading Holiday joy as Uncle Scrooge. This dazzling new adaptation bursts onto the stage with first class professional actors, gorgeous costumes, stunning sets and puppetry. More than two dozen timeless Christmas carols are woven throughout this glorious production, the ghosts of Jacob Marley, Christmas Past, Present, and Future are alternately horrifying and hilarious, and you will find yourselves awestruck and spellbound by the tremendous humor and heartfelt sentiment on display in this spectacular theatre event. Celebrate the true Spirit of Christmas with this splendid show, filled with haunting special effects and an enormous dose of laughter. A Christmas Carol is delightful and thoroughly entertaining, the perfect Holiday event for all ages.

FEE:  $29 - $75 a ticket

Clearwater

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