Take a breather with holiday fun

By Times Staff Writer
Published December 14, 2007

Face it. It's tough getting into the swing of the holidays knowing that while the calendar reads December, the thermometer is reading July. And though no amount of wishing is likely to lure Frosty the Snowman to our area, you can still find some fun things to do nearby in the days leading up to Santa's visit.

Here are some suggestions sure to make things a little more merry and bright.

Hernando County

Angels on High: The Spring Hill Community Association's seventh annual community decoration and display runs from 6:30 to 9 nightly through Sunday on the grounds of the Lake House at 1202 Kenlake Ave. Each night will be hosted by a different community organization and will feature live entertainment, refreshments, a visit from Santa and, of course, lighted decorations. For information, call 666-4746.

Hernando Beach Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade: The 30th annual event starts at 6 p.m. Saturday at the club headquarters at 4163 Shoal Line Blvd. Visitors are welcome to view the parade from the yacht club grounds, where food and beverages will be available for purchase. Call 596-3805 for information.

Winter Waterland at Weeki Wachee Springs: The annual tradition runs from 7 to 10 p.m. today and Saturday, with a special underwater performance by the mermaids, a Christmas show, live nativity scene, children's activities and an appearance by Santa Claus. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children ages 3-10, free for annual season pass holders. Call 596-2062 for information.

Big-band dance: Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10209, now at 14736 Edward R. Noll Drive, off Anderson Snow Road, will have a big-band dance featuring Frankie Dee and the New York Orchestra from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Cost is $9. Call 596-9486 for information.

Pasco County

The Nutcracker: It's just not Christmas without this ballet. Expressions THE dance company will present its version of Tchaikovsky's classic with more than 100 dancers at 7 tonight and 2 p.m. Saturday at the Center for the Arts at River Ridge High School, Town Center Road, New Port Richey. Tickets are $18. Call (727) 842-8175 for information.

A Show Palace Christmas: Presented weekends through Dec. 25 at the Show Palace Dinner Theatre, 16128 U.S. 19, Hudson.Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets for dinner and show are $44; show only, $32.95; for children 12 and younger, $26.45 and $21.45, all plus tax and tip. Call toll-free 1-888-655-7469 for reservations and information.

Holiday Hate Tour: Okay, this isn't exactly a family show, but if you're a metal head with a penchant for ear-shattering rock, the Bourbon Street Concert Club, at 4331 U.S. 19 in New Port Richey, has an early holiday treat at 8 p.m. Saturday. Bands include Psychostick, Indorphine, Screaming Mechanical Brain and Life Scorn. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Doors open at 7:30. Call (727) 843-0686 for information.

[Last modified December 13, 2007, 20:29:07]