Hillsborough County

  • Victorian Christmas Stroll: Take a stroll through Christmas past at the Victorian Christmas Stroll’s debut weekend at the Henry B Plant Museum. Look at beautiful old-fashioned Christmas decoration exhibits that feature a 14-foot tall tree adorned with vintage Christmas ornaments, snow babies, and antique Santas all while snacking on some complimentary cookies and cider.

  • Lutz Arts and Crafts Festival: It’s time to get creative at the 42nd annual Lutz Arts and Crafts Festival! Find some unique holiday gifts at the over 300 vendors that will be present, and stick around to enjoy food and a festive atmosphere. The festival will take place on Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, with general parking costing $5.

  • Jimmy Buffet: Parrotheads rejoice as Jimmy Buffet is making his return to Tampa this Saturday night at 8:00 pm! Jam out to some tropical classics like Margaritaville and Cheeseburger in Paradise at Amelie arena. Tickets and more information on the concert are available here.

  • Tampa City Ballet’s The Nutcracker: Witness the holiday classic and hear Tchaikovsky’s iconic score this Sunday at 4:00 pm at the Tampa City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker. Visions of sugar plum fairies, toy soldiers, and wretched rats come alive on the stage with help from the American Ballet School, with this production featuring the work of local dance students, budding choreographers, and theater enthusiasts. Tickets for the show are available here.

 

Pasco County

  • Pioneer Christmas and Vintage Market: Learn how the holidays were celebrated 200 years ago at the Pioneer Florida Museum this Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. In addition to food trucks and vendors, the Pioneer Christmas and Vintage Market will have a petting zoo, blacksmith demonstrations, arts and crafts, and much more! 

  • Grove Christmas Market: Shop local this Saturday from 5:00 to 9:00 pm at The Grove in Wesley Chapel! The Grove Christmas Market is hosting over 65 local small businesses and artisans this year,  as well as live music acts, food and drink vendors, and an ugly sweater contest.

  • Christmas Train Ride: Experience a scenic train ride through Wilderness Park, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. In addition to the unlimited train rides through the park that are included with admission, the Christmas Train Ride will have a meet and greet and photo opportunity with Santa, with concessions and refreshments available to purchase.

Pinellas County

  •  Snow Place Like Tarpon Springs: Let the festivities begin at Snow Place Like Tarpon Springs on Friday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm! This family-friendly event in Downtown Tarpon Springs will offer a boat parade, train rides, plenty of food and holiday shopping, outdoor movies, and even snow! 

  • Holiday Rides and Lights:  Largo’s annual tradition is back this weekend, with the holiday light displays, carousel, and 7 story Ferris wheel returning to Largo Central Park. Hours of operation are from 5:00 to 11:00 pm, with the rides and lights displays staying up throughout the holiday season.

  • Winter Wonderland Clearwater: Celebrate the season of giving at Clearwater’s 27th annual holiday charity drive, which is having its grand opening on Saturday at 6:00 pm. Winter Wonderland Clearwater is a complete Christmas village experience, with a hot chocolate shop, cookie decorating class with Mrs.Claus, holiday train ride, and much more. Admission to the season-long event is free, but guests are encouraged to bring a can of food or toy to donate for the benefit of the children of Pinellas county.

Sarasota/Manatee County

  •   Ellenton Holiday Village: Enjoy some classic carnival merriment at the Ellenton Holliday Village this weekend! Chow down on your favorite fair food, watch jaw-dropping stunts at the circus, see stunning light displays, and even visit Santa Claus! The Ellenton Holiday Village is going to be at the Ellenton Premium Outlets throughout the holiday season, with ride tickets and more information available here.

Polk County

  • Sun ‘n Fun Holiday Fly-In Festival and Car Show: Soar to new heights at the Sun n’ Fun Festival in Lakeland this Friday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturday from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. Events include an air show and demonstration, car show, hot air balloon glow, movie night, and a scale model gingerbread plane competition.

 

Citrus County

  •  Christmas on the Square: Experience ice skating in the Sunshine State at the City of Crystal River’s own Christmas on the Square. The festivities will take place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 9:30 pm and will also include an inflatable Christmas-themed maze to navigate.

 

Lee County

  •  Jurassic Quest: Travel to a land of prehistoric dinosaurs smack dab in the middle of Fort Meyers! This weekend, Jurassic Quest is coming to the Lee Civic Center with full-sized replicas of over 100 dinosaurs, dino rides, fossil digs, and an interactive baby dinosaur experience.