There are several communities in the Tampa Bay area offering Christmas celebrations, parades, arts and crafts sales, athletic events, lighting adventures and a train and model train extravaganza.
The events are:
December 9, 2011:
Tree Lighting Festival & Boat Parade Viewing:
You will find the parade at 7701 Boca Ciega Dr. in St. Pete starting at the Beach Community Center St. at 5:30pm.
Enjoy the lighted boat parade and the tree lighting and holiday carolers. There will also be a bounce house, games and a visit from Santa. The will also be refreshments served.
“A Florida Holiday” Boat Parade Dinner Party:
The dinner is being served in the Boca Ciega Ballroom on 7701 Boca Ciega Dr. in St. Pete Beach from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.
For $25 you can watch the Lighted Boat parade while you enjoy a tropical meal and be entertained with a live band.
December 10, 2011:
Moving Towards a Cure 5K Brain Tumor Awareness Run/Walk:
The walk/run is scheduled for 8:00am to10:30am at Al Lopez Park in Tampa. The entry fee is $25 for adults. Come help raise funds for brain tumor research.
St. Pete Beach Holiday Land Parade:
The parade starts at 9:00am in St Pete. This parade will include marching bands and dancers along with colorful floats and uniquely decorated vehicles. The parade starts at 71st and Gulf Blvd and ends at Corey Ave.
Old -Fashioned Christmas and Holiday Parade:
You will find this parade in downtown Dunedin. The parade begins at 4:00pm and ends at 9:00pm.
Treasure Island Holiday Boat Parade:
Treasure Island Yacht and Tennis Club at 400 Treasure Island Causeway on Treasure Island is hosting the holiday boat parade.
Festivities start at 4:30pm. The parade begins at 6:20pm at The Club Treasure Island and ends at 8:15pm at John’s Pass. The parade can be viewed all over the island. Prizes will be awarded for the best displays. There will be live entertainment and a visit from Santa. Free hot dogs, clam chowder with dessert, hot apple cider and coffee will be served.
December 11, 2011:
10th Annual Gulf Beaches Holiday Halfathon:
Registration for the Halfathon begins at 5:30am. The race starts at 7:05am at the City Hall on 300 Municipal Drive in Madeira Beach. The entry fee is $70 online and $80 at check-in.
The course runs along the Pinellas Trail through commercial and residential areas and the local parks. Volunteers will serve Gatorade and oranges along the route. There will be a celebration after the run with entertainment and refreshments.
5th Annual Winter Arts Festival:
Congregation Beth Am on 2030 West Fletcher Ave in Tampa is putting on their 5th annual arts festival from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Contact Nataly Balk 813-247-2787 [email protected].
Over 35 artists, crafters and vendors offer gifts, crafts, jewelry, handmade art and food at this outside event. This would be a good opportunity to do some Christmas shopping.
December 17:
7th Annual Tampa Railfair and Model Train Show and Sale:
On December 17 to18 from 10:00am to 5:00pm the Florida State Fairgrounds on 4800 US Hwy. 301 will be hosting the their 7th annual Railfair in the North Tampa Special Events Center in Tampa. The entry fee is $8.00 for both days. Children under 12 are free.
Dealers and presenters from all over the nation with over 350 tables will be offering everything on railroading from times past to model railroading both current and antique. Award winning displays, working layouts and clinics offer different scales and types of model trains and items for sale. Santa will be present to give each child a gift.
December 21, 2011:
3rd Annual Beef O Brady’s Bowl:
Beef O Brady’s is hosting their 3rd annual Bowl from 8:00pm to10:30pm at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. There will also be the Beach Bash and the Battle of the Bands in conjunction with this event.
ESPN will be televising the game between a BIG EAST team and Conference USA team. Stay tuned to find out how who the teams will be. The tickets will be available at the official website.