Northoftampa: Holiday events

SOLSTICE CELEBRATIONS: Learn about the winter solstice and the many religious and cultural celebrations associated with it, such as the lighting of luminarias, the Hanukkah menorah and Christmas tree lights. The Saunders Planetarium at MOSI, 4801 E Fowler Ave., is presenting 'Tis the Season, which highlights Christian, Jewish, Celtic, Nordic, Roman, Irish, Mexican and Hopi traditions, including some lighthearted traditions such as kissing under the mistletoe and decking the halls with greenery and candles. The show will run daily at 1 p.m. through Jan. 5. Admission is free to the planetarium with a regular museum admission of $13.95 for adults, $11.95 for seniors and $9.95 for children. Call 987-6300.

POLAR EXPRESS: The Museum of Science and Industry, 4801 E Fowler Ave., will be a holiday wonderland through Jan. 5. Children can take a real kid-size train through Santa's workshop to the North Pole. Elves build and wrap toys and pack them into Santa's sack to be delivered to good little girls and boys. In addition, there will be the "Teddy Bears and Trains" exhibit sponsored by the St. Petersburg Times, Channel 8 and the Rough Riders. Call 987-6100.

MEET THE THESPIANS: The Carrollwood Players will host its Holiday Open House at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Carrollwood Playhouse in Plantation Plaza, 3333 Gunn Highway. Actors in the community theater is sponsoring the event to meet those who support them season after season. Call 265-4000.

KWANZAA BALL/RITES OF PASSAGE: The North Tampa African Alliance will present its third annual Kwanzaa Ball and Rites of Passage Ceremony at 6 p.m. Sunday. The event will be held in the Family Center at St. Paul Catholic Church, 12708 N Dale Mabry Highway. The ceremony will feature the "Village Youth," who have participated in a mentoring program to learn skills to negotiate any segment of society and enhance their cultural identity. The nonprofit organization, adapted by the Village Elders, is challenged to promote consciousness and recognition of cultural uniqueness. Kwanzaa is celebrated Dec. 26 through Jan. 1. Other highlights of the event will include arts and crafts for children, music, refreshments and hors d'oeuvres. Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m., followed by dancing. The cost is $25 for adults ages 20 and older, $5 for children. Call 961-6239 or 265-9668.

NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY: Rocky Creek Village, a retirement community at 8400 W Waters Ave., will host a New Year's Eve Party from 9 p.m. to midnight Tuesday. David Cass and his Bring Back the Good Times band will provide entertainment. There will be snacks and a buffet. Tickets are $20 for nonresidents, $10 for residents. Call 884-3388, ext. 237.

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