Hillsborough County

  • Cats: Broadway is back in the Bay! The traveling production of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s beloved musical, Cats, is coming to The Straz Center this weekend. Enjoy the larger-than-life costumes, jaw-dropping choreography, and the iconic songs that cemented Cats as the longest-running show on broadway. Tickets and showtimes are available here.

  • Christmas in the Country: Travel back in time to see how the holiday season was celebrated in 19th century Florida, this Saturday, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Experience period-accurate decor and music, old-world traditions, and make holiday keepsakes like salt dough ornaments. Christmas in the Country also features a general store that has handmade historical candy, books, toys, and more for holiday gifting.

  • Tampa Brewsology: Brew aficionados can barley believe that Brewsology Beer Fest is coming to Tampa this Saturday! From 7:00 to 11:00 pm, MOSI will be transformed into an expo that celebrates local beer and cider breweries. Taste craft beers, learn about the science behind brewing and fermentation, and talk with industry experts at this 21+ only event.

  • Upstairs Downstairs at the Tampa Bay Hotel: Witness a unique drama set in the Henry Plant Museum, with characters based on the actual hotel staff and guests of a bygone era. See the hotel from the perspective of its past residents, with performances that shed light on the spirit of the time and Tampa’s rich history. The show is scheduled to go from 2:00 to 2:30 pm. Afterward, you can explore the museum and the new exhibits that feature Victorian Christmas decorations. 

Pasco County

  • Dade City Christmas Parade: A tradition that has been going strong for nearly 30 years is returning to Downtown Dade City! Dade City’s nighttime parade, which starts at 7:00 pm, offers plenty of fun floats, dazzling lights, and an appearance by Santa Claus.

  • Stuff Your Stocking Drive-Thru: Celebrate the holidays in your car at the Stuff Your Stocking Drive-Thru at the Tampa Premium Outlets. From 9:00 am to 12:00 pm this Saturday, cars can drive through the parking lot and stick stockings out of the windows to receive holiday goodies from a number of local businesses. Decorated cars have a chance to win a prize, and the first 500 people who show up will get a surprise. The Grinch will also be making a special guest appearance!

  • Alpaca Farm Holiday Tour: Meet some new furry friends at Sweet Blossom Alpaca Farm this Sunday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Pet and feed the farm’s alpacas and llamas, or even take a selfie, and learn more about caring for these amazing creatures. You can even purchase handmade gifts for the holidays that are made from genuine alpaca fleece.

Pinellas County

  •  St Pete Winter Market: Wander down the Pinellas trail this Saturday and witness dozens of local artisans, food trucks, and local businesses at the St Pete Winter Market. In addition to good food and holiday shopping, the trail will provide a scenic view at sundown as luminaries light your way through the market, a DJ will be playing live music to dance to, and storytime with Santa.

  • Pinellas Park Christmas Parade: Pinellas Park will be hosting their 48th annual Christmas parade this Saturday at 6:00 pm. The event has been a popular mainstay in the area with thousands of people coming to the parade every year.

  • Old Fashioned Christmas and Holiday Parade: Dunedin will also be hosting a holiday parade on Saturday night, from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The event features breathtaking floats and seasonal displays as well as carriage rides, snow flurries, face painting, and live music. The event is free to attend, but there will be collection areas available for donations, with the proceeds from the parade going to the Dunedin for Youth Scholarship fund.

Sarasota/Manatee County

  • Coquina Beach Seafood and Music Festival: Partake in some delicious locally sourced seafood, tasty desserts, and refreshments and enjoy the live music this weekend at the Coquina Beach Seafood and Music Festival in Anna Maria Island. In addition to seafood, there will also be plenty of freshly cooked meat and vegetarian options. The festival starts Friday evening from 4:00 to 10:00 pm and continues Saturday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Polk County

  • Holiday Night Market: The holidays are turning up in Downtown Lakeland at this massive holiday market that’s hosting four separate market pop-ups in one night! Holiday shoppers have over 100 artisans, vendors, and artists to choose from, and there will be a DJ playing live, with specialty food and drinks being served up from local Lakeland spots. The Holiday Night Market takes place on Saturday, from 5:00 to 10:00 pm.
     

Citrus County

  •  Joyful Holidays Concert: Listen to the seasonal stylings of the Nature Coast Community Band at the Joyful Holidays Concert this Saturday, starting at 3:00 pm. The band will be performing some familiar holiday tunes and will host a sing-along with plenty of classics to get you in spirit! This concert is free to attend, but donations are greatly appreciated.

 

Lee County

  •  Santa Fest: Visit the Wa-Ke Hatchee Parks & Recreation Center this Saturday for the 15th annual Santa Fest! Hang out and take a picture with Santa, compete in a fun-filled ugly sweater competition, and listen to the Heights Elementary choir perform some holiday favorites.