The holiday season is quickly surrounding us, and we want you to be prepared with plenty of ideas to make it the best for you and your family. Luckily, Tampa Bay has some rich traditions, so we have listed a few of our favorites for you to consider.
Christmas finds a favorite in the Lighted Boat Parades in every part of the Tampa Bay area. The Annual MarineMax Lighted Boat Parade features, music, festivities, and elaborately lighted boats in downtown Saint Petersburg; and all event proceeds support The Children's Dream Fund. The St. Pete Beach and South Pasadena Illuminated Boat Parade procession departs from the historic Merry Pier and travels through the channels of St. Pete Beach and South Pasadena. Gulfport’s annual parade sets sail from the Boca Ciega Yacht Club and continues past the city pier and municipal beach. Every year the Hillsborough River Holiday Boat Parade includes motorboats, kayaks, and canoes that meet at the Lowry Park ramp, before passing the illuminated Sulphur Springs Tower. Tarpon Springs’ lighted vessels proceed down the Anclote River and into the bayous, where Santa hands out treats to the children in Spring Bayou. On the Tampa side of the bay, the Downtown Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade launches from Davis Islands and ends at the Convention Center.
Ice Skating might not jump to mind in Florida locations, but a visit to the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa includes ice skating under a shelter, that has been built just for the season. Starting the weekend after Thanksgiving, the event runs through New Year's Day. Skates are included with admission for 90 minutes. The City of St. Petersburg also features a new simulated ice rink in North Straub Park with skates included in a wide range from toddler's size 8 to men's 15.
The Christmas House on Oakdale Street is a popular annual tradition. Since 1977, the homeowner presents a shining spectacle for all city residents and visitors with 400 animated figures, an enormous manger scene, “snow flurries,” and walls of lights.
Clearwater joins the fun with Winter Wonderland. Picture petting zoos, pony rides, photo ops with Santa, and cookie decorating with Madame Claus are all available and benefit the Homeless Emergency Project charity. Another meaningful addition to the holiday calendar is the member’s show at Florida Craftsmen Gallery in St. Petersburg. With holiday themes, craft works include all types of media – wood, glass, mixed media, paper, and jewelry – all designed by Florida artists and artisans.
With all of the local attractions in and around Tampa Bay, you can count on numerous lively – and no doubt pricey – New Year’s celebrations. A family favorite, though, is First Night St. Petersburg celebrated at a number of venues throughout the downtown area. Concerts, storytelling, puppetry, ice skating, and fireworks promise a dizzying pace and a lively celebration.
Across the bay in the Channelside District, plenty of entertainment awaits holiday revelers. Either watch the fireworks from the StarShip dining yacht, or watch the Times Square-style ball drop from any number of Channelside land venues. For a decidedly different slant on New Year’s festivities, check out the family slate of activities at Lowry Park Zoo; where you can gather for games, crafts, and a toast with juice!
