Tis the season

Compiled by Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published December 3, 2000

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: New Tampa residents are encouraged to dress up their homes for the holidays and register to become part of the official Festival of Lights neighborhood tours. Businesses are also welcome to participate. Prizes will be given. The entry deadline was Friday; judging is Sunday to Tuesday. For information, call (813) 767-2959.

CHRISTMAS PLAY: The Carrollwood Players will present The Man Who Came to Dinner, a Christmas story about a grouchy radio personality and his self-serving antics. Performances are at 8 p.m. Friday and Dec. 9, 15 and 16, plus two Sunday matinees Dec. 3 and 10 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students with ID and seniors 55 and older. All performances will be held at the Carrollwood Playhouse at 4333 Gunn Highway. For information, call (813) 265-4000.

THE NUTCRACKER: The New Tampa Dance Theatre will perform The Nutcracker at 7 p.m. Friday and Dec. 9 at Wharton High School, 20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Special guests include the Hunters Green Elementary choir, Pride Elementary choir and Showkidz. Tickets are on sale at the New Tampa Dance Theatre, 19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite A-2 just behind Durango Steak House in the Pebble Creek Collection Plaza. For information, call (813) 991-4343.

CHRISTMAS TREE SALE: St. James United Methodist Church will hold its annual Christmas tree sale through Dec. 10 at the church, 16202 Bruce B Downs Blvd. in Tampa Palms. The tree lot is operated by members of the church, and proceeds will benefit church ministry programs. For information, call (813) 979-6122.

FESTIVITIES IN LUTZ: Lutz will have Christmas in the Park at 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at the historic Lutz Train Depot in Bullard Park downtown. Choirs from Lutz and Maniscalco elementary schools and the jazz band from Buchanan Middle School will perform. Christmas Card Lane 2000 will be unveiled, and Santa will arrive by firetruck to greet all the kids. Bring a lawn chair to this free event. For information, call (813) 949-7481.

FREE FESTIVAL AND TOYS: Children who might not otherwise get a holiday present should plan on setting aside some time Dec. 14 to visit with Santa at the University Area Community Center gym. From 2 to 6 p.m., he'll be there to hear children's wishes as part of a free holiday festival organized by the USF Area Community Civic Association.

The gift program is organized by Toys for Tots and the University Area Community Development Corp.

Fruit, cookies and beverages will be served. University area parents who registered for free holiday gifts for their children will be able to pick up their gifts a few days before Christmas. The gym is near the University Area Community Park, 14015 N 22nd St. For information, call (813) 558-5212.

HELP FOR THE HOLIDAYS: The Tampa Jewish Family Services Community Food Bank is looking for sponsors for the Help for the Holidays, Community Mitzvah Project. Store gift certificates are needed. The group gives 125 families bags of food every other Wednesday. All gifts must be received by Dec. 15. For information, call (813) 960-1848.

PHILIPPINE CHRISTMAS: Celebrate Christmas with Philippine food, music, dancing, rides, Santa Claus and Christmas trees from 3 p.m. to midnight Dec. 16 at the Philippine Cultural Enrichment Complex on Nine Eagles Drive, just north of Race Track Road. Tickets are $2, free for children 10 and under. For information, call (813) 931-8687.

DONATIONS COLLECTED: The 4 L (Lutz, Land O'Lakes) Lion's Club will collect food and toys for needy families. Donations will be accepted from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays until Dec. 22 at the Lion's Den on Lutz-Lake Fern Road at Highway 41. For information, call (813) 996-6832.

HANUKKAH PARADE: The JCC/Jewish Federation is sponsoring a torch light parade to celebrate Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights. The parade starts at the Winn-Dixie parking lot on Gunn Highway at Lynn-Turner Road at 5:10 p.m. Dec. 24 and continues 1 mile to the JCC campus just east of the Veterans Expressway. Shuttles from the campus to the Winn-Dixie run every 10 minutes, starting at 4:30 p.m. The parade finishes at 6 p.m. with a lighting of the menorah. A party, catered by the JCC's Jerusalem Cafe and Deli, follows the parade. Entertainment includes music, dancing, a juggler and an art exhibit. Tickets are $8 at the door for adult JCC members, $6 for members 12 and younger, $10 for non-member adults and $8 for non-member children. For more information or to RSVP, call the JCC at 264-9000, ext. 218.

MOSI WONDERLAND: Hop aboard a train for a ride through a fantasy land of toy soldiers, candy canes and lollipops, toy drums, sleds and decorated trees. The Museum of Science and Industry, 4801 E Fowler Ave., has become a wonderland with Teddy Bears & Trains. Meet Dr. Lynn Rogers, also known as "the Bearman," and see his exhibit of 50 bear photographs. The exhibit runs through Jan. 7. For information, call (813) 987-6100.

-- Tis The Season is a central place where you can place holiday announcements for your church or synagogue, school or charity. We run this list every Friday and Sunday from now through New Year's Eve, and we're happy to repeat announcements. Events should be open to the public and, as with any news release, please be sure to include a contact name and phone number. Send your holiday announcements to St. Petersburg Times, 14358-B N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33618, fax them to (813) 226-3352, or e-mail to northtampa@sptimes.com.

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