'Tis the season
By ARLEEN SPENCELEY, Times Staff Writer
Published December 14, 2007
Santa Claus at the mall: Meet Santa now until Dec. 24 at Westfield Citrus Park mall, 8021 Citrus Park Town Center. The big guy will be available for photos 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. On Sunday Dec. 23, he'll be free for extended hours, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 24. Santa will take hourlong breaks to feed his reindeer at 2 p.m. Sundays and at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. every other day. Call 813 926-4644.
Holiday in the Park: Take a hayride down "Greeting Card Lane," featuring nearly 40 4- by 6-foot greeting cards, and take a tour through holiday decor during Holiday in the Park today and Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Upper Tampa Bay Park, 8001 Double Branch Road. The free event is sponsored by the Hillsborough County Parks Department and Friends of the County Parks. Light refreshments will be served; donations accepted. Call (813) 855-1765.
Holiday performance: The Wharton High Thespians and LSA Reperatory Theatre Company will take to the stage with Striking 12, a holiday performance at 7 tonight and Saturday. For ticket information, call (813) 631-4710, ext. 266, or e-mail whartonhs@cheaptheatricks.com
A Christmas comedy: Yellow Snow Productions Inc. will perform A Christmas Cannoli at 8 tonight and Saturday at Masque Community Theatre, 8825 56th St., Temple Terrace. The show is mob-style and puts a new spin on Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Tickets are $14 for adults; $12 for military, students and seniors 55 and older; $10 for children 12 and under. For reservations, call (813) 980-3321.
Holiday jazz cabaret: Stephanie Roberts, jazz vocalist, will perform holiday music from 9 p.m. to midnight tonight and Saturday at Take 2 Lounge inside the Tampa Pitcher Show, 14416 N Dale Mabry Highway. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door and include appetizers. Call (813) 963-0578.
A Southern gospel Christmas: The Sunshine State Quartet will perform traditional and contemporary Southern gospel Christmas songs at 6 p.m. Saturday at Forest Hills United Methodist Church, 904 W Linebaugh Ave., at N Boulevard. After the performance, guests can sing Christmas carols and share some figgy pudding. Call (813) 932-8081.
Come explore Christmas decor: Tour rooms and see trees that will be decorated with a Christmas theme from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Old Lutz Schoolhouse, 18819 U.S. 41. The GFWC Lutz/Land O'Lakes Woman's Club hosts the event. Call (813) 996-7742.
"Holiday Joy" at Spirit of Life: Sing carols and listen to diverse holiday stories and readings at 11 a.m. Sunday at Spirit of Life Unitarian Universalist Church, 18412 Burrell Road, Odessa. Call (813) 792-1622.
Holiday concert: The Sunshine Brass Band will play Sunday at the Carrollwood Cultural Center. The event will start with an art exhibit, holiday boutique shopping and a J. Christopher's coffee and treat sale at 2 p.m.;the concert is at 3 p.m. at the center, 13345 Casey Road. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for FCCC members and free for students. Call (813) 969-3991.
They Worshipped Him ... : Bible-Based Fellowship Church will host the musical drama production to celebrate Christmas at 6 p.m. Sunday at the church, 4811 Ehrlich Road. Bring a food item or toy to be donated. Call (813) 264-4050.
Holiday music: Schwarzkopf Elementary School will host its annual holiday music program Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Gaither High School, 16200 N Dale Mabry Highway. Call (813) 975-6945.
Volunteers sought to help others enjoy the holidays: The Northdale OWLS (Older, Wiser, Lively Seniors) will volunteer at Metropolitan Ministries on Dec. 20. The group will depart from Northdale Park at 9 a.m., 15550 Spring Pine Drive, and return to the park at 2 p.m. Volunteers are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations. Call Marty at (813) 961-5649.
Christmas Eve services: Join Forest Hills United Methodist Church for a family-oriented Christmas Eve service at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 24 at the church, 904 W Linebaugh Ave. at N Boulevard. A second service, by candlelight, is at 8 p.m. Call (813) 932-8081.
Candlelight Christmas Eve service: Be part of a candelight Christmas Eve service featuring a Christmas story, readings and carols at 7 p.m. Dec. 24 at Spirit of Life Unitarian Universalist Church, 18412 Burrell Road, Odessa. Call (813) 792-1622.
OWLS trip to Christmas Spectacular: The Northdale OWLS (Older, Wiser, Lively Seniors) will go to the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular on Dec. 30. The group will depart from Northdale Park at 3 p.m., 15550 Spring Pine Drive. After the show, the OWLS will enjoy a Dutch dinner at Splash Ocean Grill. The cost is $60. Call Sylvie at (813) 949-5564.
Gift for library: A book drive is under way to benefit the New Tampa Regional Library. The book drive lasts through December at the library at 10001 Cross Creek Blvd. A large donation box is just inside the entrance; books donated will be sold at the onsite bookstore. Call (813) 971-1299.
Planning a religious, charitable or cultural event to celebrate the holiday season? Let us know about it. We'll publish 'Tis the Season through New Year's Day. Send e-mails to northtampa@sptimes.com faxes to (813) 269-5310 or snail mail to 14358-B N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, 33618. The deadline is two weeks before your event.