Holiday events (12.20)
By Times Staff Writer
Published December 17, 2007
Downtown Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Presented by Downtown Tampa Attractions Association. Boats launch from Davis Islands, parade ends at Convention Center. 6:30 p.m. Sat. View from Channelside, Cotanchobee Park, Beneficial Bridge and the Convention Center area. Free. (813) 471-1533; www.funintampabay.com
Rockapella
The group has earned a cult following from such diverse corners as the children's show Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego, to television screens and stages across America. See the Rockapella Holiday Show when the five talented gentlemen make a stop in Tampa to show off their vocal prowess at 7 p.m. Friday at the Tampa Theatre; $21-$30. Call (813) 287-8844.
Victorian Christmas Stroll
Extended. Henry B. Plant Museum, the former turn-of-the-century Tampa Bay Hotel, decorates 14 exhibit rooms with Victorian-styled trees, also antique toys and holiday accessories. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs.-Sun.; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wed. through Dec. 30. In Plant Hall at the University of Tampa, 401 W Kennedy Blvd.. $10, $4 ages 12 and younger. (813) 254-1891; www.plantmuseum.com
Wild Wonderland
Lowry Park Zoo's evening winter festival with holiday lights, poinsettia "forest," animatronic displays, live reindeer, carolers and live bands, visits with Santa, Frosty's Foam Factory (snow alternative), free rides, Jingle Bell horse-drawn carriage rides ($4), holiday-themed games (50 cents each). 6-9 p.m. Thurs.-Sun. and Wed; also select nights through Dec. 30. 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa. $13 adults, $11 children. (813) 935-8552; www.lowryparkzoo.com
Winter Wonderland
With entertainment, petting zoo, pony rides, pictures with Santa, cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, hot chocolate shop, more. Charity drive for the Homeless Emergency Project; bring non-perishable food item or unwrapped new toy for donation. 6-9 p.m. Thurs.-Fri. Drew Street and Fort Harrison Avenue, downtown Clearwater. Free. (727) 442-2099
Ice Skating in the Park
City of St. Petersburg offers family holiday skating on new simulated ice rink. 6-9 p.m. Thurs.-Sun. North Straub Park, Fifth Avenue NE and Bayshore Drive, St. Petersburg. $5 for 30 minutes; skates included in cost. (727) 893-7441
Segway Holiday Lights Tour
One-hour guided tours of downtown St. Petersburg waterfront parks on Segway Human Transporter. All tours leave from St. Petersburg Museum of History. 5:30 p.m. Thurs.-Fri., by reservation only. 335 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. $35. (727) 896-3640
Illuminated Gardens
Florida Botanical Gardens in Pinewood Cultural Park is illuminated with more than 425,000 holiday lights. 6-10 p.m. nightly. Through Jan. 3. Special Event: Friday Nights and Garden Lights, includes music, kid's crafts, photos with Santa ($5), 6-9 p.m. Fri. Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. Free. (727) 582-2100; www.flbg.org
Holiday Hay Rides
Hay rides with Christmas carols, hot cider and more; by Vogel's Carriage Services. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Timber Oaks Golf Club, 8575 Ponderosa Ave., Port Richey. $2.50 per person; 3 and younger free. (727) 916-2199
Babes in Toyland
Holiday musical celebration. Continuing through Fri. The Pier, 800 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. Free. (727) 821-6443
Classic Car Show and Holiday Toy Drive
With cars from 1976 and earlier. Please bring new, unwrapped toy donation for children at All Children's Hospital. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. Pier, 800 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. Free for spectators; $10 participant fee. (727) 821-6443
Lights in Bloom
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are illuminated by light displays and light "sculptures" of butterflies, orchids, birds. Trees in historical mansion highlight cultures of Japan, Sweden, France and the Latino community. Also live entertainment, 25-foot bromeliad tree, cookie decorating, storytelling, train display. 6-9 p.m. today-Sun. and Wed. through Dec. 30. 811 S Palm Ave., Sarasota. $12, $10 members; 12 and younger free with adult. (941) 366-5731; selby.org
Christmas at Pinewood
Tours of Pinewood Estate's 1930s Mediterranean Revival mansion, with holiday decor highlighting the antique furnishings and architectural elements. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 1-5 p.m. Sun. Through Jan. 1. Historic Bok Sanctuary, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. $18 adults, $9 ages 5-12 (includes admission to Historic Bok Sanctuary). (863) 676-1408; www.boksanctuary.org
ICE!
Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee's winter wonderland of larger-than-life ice sculptures, carved from two million pounds of ice, with flourescent and fiber optic lights frozen within the ice. Closed-toe shoes and long pants required. Hooded parkas provided inside the exhibit. Open daily; hours vary. Continuing through Jan. 3. 6000 W Osceola Parkway (Exit #65 off I-4), Kissimmee. $19.99-$24.99; $16.99-$21.99 seniors; $9.99 ages 4-12. Discounts online. (407) 586-4423; gaylordpalms.com
Free Kid's MoviesA Christmas Carol (1951), starring Alistair Sim as Scrooge. Also Christmas cartoons and sing-along. 10 a.m. Sat. Beach Theatre, 315 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach. (727) 360-6697; www.beachtheatre.com
Holiday Classic Movie Series
It's A Wonderful Life (1946, NR, 130 min.), from director Frank Capra and starring Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed and Henry Travers. 3 p.m. Sun. Tampa Theatre, 711 Franklin St., Tampa. $8. (813) 274-8286