Archive | Winter/Snow Festivals | whatsdoingtampabay.com

The Florida Aquarium’s Holiday FantaSea

Filed under Dec. 2012 Events, Holiday 2012 Events, Winter Break Activities, Winter/Snow Festivals by whatsdo2 on December 23, 2012 at 11:26 am {no comments}

Time: 9:30 a.m.- 6:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 through Sunday, December 30, 2012
Location: The Florida Aquarium
Cost: FREE for members or included with regular admission; Cafe Ray will be open late with special holiday treats and beverages available for purchase (Holiday FantaSea Kids Special: Aquarium lunch box, 12 oz. souvenir cup and crazy straw for just $5 with purchase of any Kids Meal)
Info: (813) 273-4000; Florida Aquarium Website; Aquarium Holiday Festivites

What’s Doing?
After Christmas, the Florida Aquarium will welcome winter with a play area featuring real snow for the kids to play in (Age 8 and younger; begins at 2 p.m.), holiday light shows (6 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.), mermaids at 5:30 p.m. nightly, and a model train display.

All aquarium exhibits will be open, and extended hours (open until 6:30 p.m.) will give you and your kids even more time to enjoy the exhibits and winter-themed festivities.

Address:
The Florida Aquarium
701 Channelside Drive
Tampa, FL 33602

Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

Throw a Real Snowball at Next Level Church’s Snowy Winter Spectacular

Filed under Dec. 2012 Events, Faith-Based Events, Holiday 2012 Events, Winter/Snow Festivals by whatsdo2 on December 17, 2012 at 6:12 pm {no comments}

Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Sunday, December 23, 2012
Location: Tarpon Spring High School
Cost: FREE
Info: LiteTheCity.com; Hope Mob Facebook Page

What’s Doing?
We have one more snow events for you to enjoy this season. Snow — the real thing — is being imported by the tons from up north! So put on some mittens and bring your family to make a snow man, throw a snow ball, or make a snow angel. There will also be:
— Pony rides
— North Pole photo booth
— Hot chocolate
— Giveaways (beginning at 5:45 p.m.)
— Christmas program (6 p.m.)
… and plenty of food, fun, and festivities!

This event is sponsored by Next Level Church.

Address:
Tarpon Spring High School
1411 Gulf Road
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Images courtesy of Next Level Church

Thank you to Krystin A. for sending us this information!

Crossing Christmas 2012: Jingle Jam

Filed under Dec. 2012 Events, Faith-Based Events, Holiday 2012 Events, Winter/Snow Festivals by whatsdo2 on December 17, 2012 at 5:03 pm {no comments}

Time: Tampa Campus: 4 p.m. & 6 p.m. (Sat.); 9 a.m., 11 a.m. & 5 p.m. (Sun.); En Español @ 1:30 p.m. (Sun.) SouthShore Campus: 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. (Sun.)
Date: Saturday, December 22, 2012 (Tampa Campus only) & Sunday, December 23, 2012 (Tampa and Southshore Campuses)
Location: The Crossings Church Tampa Campus & Lennard High School (Southshore Campus)
Cost: FREE
Info: (813) 626-0783 or (813) 626-3293; Crossing Christmas 2012

What’s Doing?
Jingle Jam is a Christmas party for the entire family. When you walk in the front doors, imagine you’ve been transported to the North Pole. There will even be a Polar Express to pick you up! Pet the animals at the petting zoo and enjoy the decorations, and when you arrive in the auditorium, you’ll experience a Christmas production that reminds us all that it’s better to give than receive. The Christmas songs will rock, the choir will sing, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an special guest appearance, taking time for photos with your family.

Tampa Jingle Jam
The Tampa Jingle Jam will include:
— Hayride
— Train ride (Polar Express)
— Pony rides
— Petting zoo
— Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus
— Cookies and hot cocoa
— Family Christmas production

SouthShore Jingle Jam
The South Shore Jingle Jam will include:
— Train ride (Polar Express)
— Petting zoo
— Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus
— Cookies and hot cocoa
— Family Christmas production

Address:
The Crossing Church
10130 Tuscany Ridge Drive
Tampa, FL 33619

Lennard High
2342 Shell Point Road East
Ruskin, FL 33570

Image by OCAL, courtesy of Clker.com
Image courtesy of The Crossing Church

Chick-fil-A on ICE!

Filed under Dec. 2012 Events, Holiday 2012 Events, Winter/Snow Festivals by whatsdo2 on December 16, 2012 at 8:28 am {no comments}

Time: 5-8 p.m.
Date: Friday, December 21, 2012
Location: Chick-fil-A at North Dale Mabry
Cost: Activities are FREE, you pay only for your food
Info: (813) 908-0787; Chick-fil-A N. Dale Mabry Facebook Page

What’s Doing?
Enjoy an evening of family skating at Skate for FREE with Synthetic Ice Concepts on their 20′x24′ rink. Skates will be provided, and it’s FREE to use! Afterward, bounce in the bounce house, courtesy of Suncoast Bounce. Kids can also meet Ivan the Giraffe from the new book Ivan Becomes a Hero, by local author Linda Rosseti Brocato. Copies of the book will be available for purchase. And, of course, the Chick-fil-A Cow will be around, too, giving hugs, shaking hands, and taking pictures!

Address:
Chick-fil-A at North Dale Mabry
15801 North Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33618

Image courtesy of Chick-fil-A at North Dale Mabry

Winter Blast Kick-Off Party

Filed under Dec. 2012 Events, Holiday 2012 Events, Winter/Snow Festivals by whatsdo2 on December 14, 2012 at 9:33 am {no comments}

Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Date: Saturday, December 15, 2012
Location: Seven Oaks Club House
Cost: FREE and open to the public
Info: (813) 994-7000

What’s Doing?
New Tampa Eye Institute will be sponsoring a Winter Blast Kick-off-Party at the Seven Oaks Clubhouse with activities for the whole family to enjoy. Kids can bounce in the bounce houses, slide down slides, enjoy holiday snacks and more. For the adults, there will be FREE visual screenings and chances to win gift cards to local restaurants.

Address:
Seven Oaks Club House
2910 Sports Core Circle
Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Ybor City Celebrates the Holidays with a Parade, Snow on 7th & Winter Carnival

Filed under Dec. 2012 Events, Holiday 2012 Events, Holiday Parades, Winter/Snow Festivals by whatsdo2 on December 12, 2012 at 4:25 pm {no comments}

Time: 7-9 p.m. (NOTE: The Winter Carnival will remain open until 2 a.m.)
Date: Saturday, December 15, 2012
Location: 7th Avenue in Ybor City (between 15th & 17th Streets)
Cost: The holiday parade and Snow on 7th are both family-friendly and FREE; Winter Carnival: Purchase tickets at ticket booths or all-day passes for $20
Info: (813) 241-8838; Ybor City Website

What’s Doing?
The festive evening kicks off with Ybor City’s first annual holiday parade, which will be lead by Mayor Bob Buckhorn. The parade steps off at 7 p.m. at 20th Street and 7th Avenue. Horse drawn carriages, marching bands, performers and Santa Claus will parade down 7th Avenue before heading west to Avenida Republica de Cuba (14th Street), where it will end at the Winter Carnival. (Celebrate the season Ybor City-style at the Winter Carnival with Santa’s village, family-friendly games and carnival rides from 7 p.m.-2 a.m. on Friday, December 14 and from 12 p.m.-2 a.m. on Saturday, December 15.)

2nd Annual Snow on 7th
Snow flurries will descend on 7th Avenue in the “snow zone” between 15th and 17th Streets. There guests will be able to take photos with Santa, listen to live holiday music at Centro Ybor, and hum along with carolers in Centro Ybor’s courtyard. Be sure to bring your camera to take your child’s photo with Santa Claus at the Winter Carnival after the parade.

NOTE: Traffic will be shut down for several blocks along Seventh Avenue at 5 p.m. Saturday and will reopen later that night.

Address:
Historic Ybor City
7th Avenue
Ybor City, FL 33605

Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image courtesy of the Ybor City Development Corporation.

Temple Terrace’s Winter Wonderland, Caroling & Lighted Golf Cart Parade

Filed under Dec. 2012 Events, Holiday 2012 Events, Holiday Parades, Winter/Snow Festivals by whatsdo2 on December 5, 2012 at 8:58 am {no comments}

Time: 6-9 p.m.; Caroling: 6:30 p.m.; Golf Cart Parade: 7:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, December 8, 2012
Location: Woodmont Park
Cost: FREE
Info: (813) 506-6400; Download the Winter Wonderland PDF

What’s Doing?
Thrown on those jackets — don’t forget the mittens — and head over with the family to Winter Wonderland for community caroling in the park and Temple Terrace’s annual Lighted Golf Cart Parade. The mittens are because there will be SNOW! Shaughnessy Lawn Care and TECO are providing the snow, and Ace Hardware of Temple Terrace will provide several fire pits to warm up by. Here’s what else is planned for the evening:
— Games
— Crafts
— Music
— Hayrides

The Temple Terrace Gymnastics Booster Club will be selling hot chocolate, coffee, sweet treats and other concessions.

At 7:30 p.m. brightly lit golf carts will parade through the park with Santa Claus arriving on the last cart with a bag full of candy canes for the children. Children and families will have the opportunity to visit with Santa Claus at the park’s gazebo.

Address:
Woodmont Park
407 Woodmont Avenue
Temple Terrace, FL 33617

Image courtesy of Clipart Guide / Pamela Perry

Christmas in Tarpon Springs: Illuminated Boats, Christmas Parade, Candy Cane Hunts and More

Filed under Dec. 2012 Events, Holiday 2012 Events, Holiday Parades, Lighted Boat Parades, Winter/Snow Festivals by whatsdo2 on December 2, 2012 at 4:21 pm {no comments}

There’s Snow Place Like Tarpon Springs Victorian Christmas
Time: 4-9 p.m.
Date: December 7, 2012
Location: Festival takes place in Craig Park; Boat parade begins at the Tarpon Springs Marina and ends at Spring Bayou
Cost: FREE admission; Food and beverages available for purchase (NOTE TO PARENTS: Alcohol will be served during this event)
Info: Festival: (727) 934-9255; Boat Parade: (727) 942-5628; City of Tarpon Springs Website

What’s Doing?
The Christmas season in Tarpon Springs, FL kicks off snow falling on Tarpon Avenue, a chance to see real reindeer, and plenty of family holiday fun, including:
— Christmas hayrides
— Children’s activities
— Holiday gift vendors
— Music will begin at 4 p.m. and continue until the boats arrive from the parade
— Illuminated boat parade at the Bayou

The 23rd Annual Tarpon Springs Recreation Holiday Illuminated Boat Parade will begin at the Tarpon Springs Marina at 6:45 p.m., travel down the Anclote River, and arrive in Spring Bayou at approximately 8:30 p.m., where Santa will give out treats to the children.

Even Better! Bring your letters for Santa’s mailbox.

Address:
Craig Park
100 Beekman Lane
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Tarpon Landing Marina
21 Oscar Hill Road
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

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Santa’s Calling
Would you like for your child to receive a phone call from Santa Claus at home? Applications
are available at City Hall to schedule a phone call from Santa and his helpers between 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 12, 2012.

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Tarpon Springs Christmas Parade and Santa Fest
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Saturday, December 15, 2012
Location:
Cost: FREE
Info: (727) 937-6109; City of Tarpon Springs Website

What’s Doing?
Shriners clowns, vehicles, colorful floats and marching bands will take to the street for the City’s annual Christmas parade. Afterward, parade watchers are invited for more holiday fun in Craig Park, where children can participate in the annual candy cane hunt and have pictures taken with Santa Claus and his elves.

Candy Cane Hunt
Children will be divided into three age groups to hunt for candy canes. To make the game even sweeter, cool prizes will be awarded and there will be FREE hot cocoa!

Address:
Christmas Parade Intersection
South Pinellas Avenue and Mears Boulevard
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Craig Park
100 Beekman Lane
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

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Tarpon Springs Christmas Stroll
Time: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Date: Saturday, December 15, 2012
Location: Historic Downtown Tarpon Springs and Sponge Docks
Cost: FREE to attend; Items individually priced
Info: (727) 942-9463; City of Tarpon Springs Website

What’s Doing?
Start checking off that holiday gift list while enjoying live entertainment at the Sponge Docks.

Address:
Historic Downtown Tarpon Springs and Sponge Docks
Dodecanese Boulevard
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Image courtesy of Clipart Guide / Pamela Perry
Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Bright House Networks 5th Annual Miracle on Cleveland Street

Filed under Dec. 2012 Events, Holiday 2012 Events, Winter/Snow Festivals by whatsdo2 on December 2, 2012 at 1:50 pm {no comments}

Time: 5:30-10 p.m.
Date: Friday, December 7, 2012
Location: Downtown Clearwater Cleveland Street District
Cost: FREE admission; Food and beverages available for purchase (No outside food or beverages will be permitted.); Movie screenings of Elf are FREE, but tickets are required (Please call the ticket office at (727) 791-7400 to check on current availability; Tickets are not available online.)
Info: Ruther Ekerd Hall Website; Cleveland Street District Website

What’s Doing?
Real snow will fall every 30 minutes in front of the Capitol Theatre during this winter snow festival. Toboggan down two slides covered in snow and visit with Santa Claus. There will be holiday treats for all ages.
— Games and prizes
— Vendor booths
— FREE screenings of the movie Elf (PG) inside the Capitol Theatre (5 p.m., 7 pm. & 9 p.m.)

NOTE TO PARENTS: Beer and wine will be sold at this event.

Address:
Downtown Clearwater Cleveland Street Distict
400 Block of Cleveland Street (Osceola Avenue and Cleveland Street)
Clearwater, FL 33755

Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Christmas in Dunedin: Old Fashioned Christmas & Holiday Parade

Filed under Dec. 2012 Events, Holiday 2012 Events, Holiday Parades, Winter/Snow Festivals by whatsdo2 on November 28, 2012 at 10:58 am {no comments}

Time: 4-9 p.m.
Date: Saturday, December 8, 2012
Location: Downtown Dunedin (Main Street)
Cost: FREE
Info: (727) 812-4530; City of Dunedin Website

What’s Doing?
Stake our your viewing spot for this year’s Holiday Parade, which steps off at 4 p.m. with festive floats, bands and entertainers, and finally … Santa Claus! Afterward, families can enjoy an old fashioned Christmas with live music and performances, carriage rides, children’s activities and — best of all — snow!

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Santa’s Calling
Dunedin residents can schedule to have Santa Claus or Mrs. Claus call your child (age 7 or younger) between 5:30-8:30 p.m. on the evening of Thursday, December 13. This will be the North Pole calling with a direct line and personal call to your child from either Santa or Mrs. Claus. Forms must be received by Wednesday, December 12 and can be picked up at the Dunedin Library or the Dunedin Community Center. For more information, please call (727) 812-4530.

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Address:
Downtown Dunedin
Main Street
Dunedin, FL 34698

Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image courtesy of [image creator name] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net