ART EXHIBITS AND HOLIDAY SHOPPING
A Season of Giving: Members Holiday Show and Sale This holiday exhibit is an 18-year tradition in St. Petersburg and features handmade gifts by 250 Florida fine craft artists. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Continues through Dec. 31 at Florida Craftsmen Gallery, 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-821-7391.
Celebrations: Annual Holiday Exhibition Holiday-themed works by center members, featuring ornaments, jewelry, pottery, paintings, holiday cards, handblown glass and more. Free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., and noon to 5:30 p.m. on Sun. Continues through Dec. 31 at The Arts Center, 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-822-7872.
Pasco Arts Council's Holiday House 2004 The house sparkles with holiday decorations and a large assortment of fine handcrafted items from community artists, as well as manufactured items, available for purchase. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Continues through Dec. 23 at The Pasco Arts Center, 5744 Moog Road, Holiday, 727-845-7322.
Winter Gathering Arts & Crafts Show This juried arts and crafts show features 80 booths whose exhibitors display unique, handcrafted merchandise and sell ornaments specifically to raise money for the Children's Dream Fund. Admission: $3. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 5, at The Coliseum. See box for address.
17th Annual Deck the Halls Sale Peruse an assortment of ornaments and decorations donated by artists from all over Florida, with all proceeds benefiting The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. For further information, call 727-894-9059. 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 12. Artspace, 10 Fifth St. N., St. Petersburg.
Annual Christmas Show and Sale Select from a variety of unique holiday gifts, including ceramics, prints, pottery, calligraphy, cards and more. An opening reception takes place from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 12. Gallery hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Continues through Dec. 17. Elliott Gallery — Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-864-8340.
BENEFITS AND FUNDRAISERS
Lights of Lake Park Estates Each year, the residents of Lake Park Estates light up the neighborhood to celebrate the holidays, and collect donations and canned goods for ASAP's Harvest Time Food Bank, a nonperishable food pantry. Visitors are encouraged to bring donations or a canned food item. 6:30-10 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., and 6:30-11 p.m. Fri. and Sat., Dec. 1-31. For directions, call 727-586-4432 or go to www.thehospice.org/lolp.htm.
17th Annual Madrigal Dinner — A Victorian Yule Feast Dine on a scrumptious dinner prepared by the Wine Cellar Restaurant while enjoying a performance of holiday songs by the Eckerd College Concert Choir and Eckerd Ringers. Proceeds go toward the Eckerd College Concert Choir 2005 Spring Tour of Italy. Call 727-864-8875 to make reservations. Tickets: $65. 6:15 to 9:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., Dec. 2-4, in The Marly Room — Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg.
Create Your Own Gingerbread House Champagne Brunch The fifth annual fundraiser features delicious holiday foods and refreshments, a holiday boutique, a drawing for prizes and, of course, the opportunity to decorate a gingerbread house. Red Cross Angel Wings Transportation Program, which provides free trips to medical appointments for the elderly and disabled, benefits. Tickets are $60 per person and can be reserved by calling 813-348-4820. 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 4, at Plant Hall — University of Tampa, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa.
Historic Holiday Home and Garden Tour Visitors are given the opportunity to tour nine holiday-themed bungalow-style homes. Tickets can be purchased at Seminole Heights Baptist Church (801 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa), which also serves as the starting point of the tour and which features two free holiday concerts at 2 and 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person and a portion of the proceeds benefits the Joshua House. Call 813-767-4242 for more information. 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 5.
Holiday Taste & Tour The Bed & Breakfast Association presents its third annual holiday event, where guests enjoy a self-guided tour through 13 area inns. This is a fundraiser for the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay and the group performs carols at each location. For a list of inn locations, go to www.spaabbi.com or call 888-343-4445 for more information. Tickets: $15. 2-8 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 5.
Saks Fifth Avenue Musical Extravaganza This fundraiser for the Florida Orchestra's Heartstrings program is a holiday party with performances by a variety of TFO musicians, the 70-voice Tampa Oratorio Society and others, in addition to samplings of hors d'oeuvres by Bonefish Grill, fine wines and a martini bar. Guests also receive a festive gift bag. Tickets: $50 in advance/$60 at the door. 6-9 p.m. Tues., Dec. 7, at Saks Fifth Avenue, 258 Westshore Plaza, Tampa, 813-371-5100.
22nd Annual Jingle Bell Run The Boley Center, a not-for-profit organization that serves people with emotional, psychiatric and behavioral problems, presents its holiday fundraiser at which men, women and children are invited to join a non-competitive one-mile or three-mile run along the waterfront. To register ($15 in advance/$18 day of event), go to www.bolycenters.org or call 727-821-4819. 6-9 p.m. Wed., Dec. 15, at The Pier, 800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg.
PARADES, FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
Wild Wonderland Lowry Park Zoo's annual winter festival features a dazzling light show, live reindeer and photo opportunities with Santa at "Holiday Hometown Village U.S.A."; a "Jingle Bell Carriage Ride"; games and more. Admission is $10.50 for adults, $8.50 for ages 3 to 11, and children 2 and younger enter free. 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 26-28, and Dec. 3-5, 10-11, 17-23 and 26-28. Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa, 813-935-8552.
Holiday by the Bay/Snowfest Kickoff St. Petersburg's tree lighting festivities begin at 5:30 p.m.; the city's 40-foot tree is "turned on" at 7 p.m. and Mayor Baker flips the switch to the city's downtown waterfront holiday lights shortly after. Free. Fri., Nov. 26, at North Straub Park, Beach Drive and Fifth Avenue N.E., 727-823-2000.
23rd Annual Victorian Christmas Stroll Experience the charm of a 19th-century holiday as the H.B. Plant Museum is transformed into the Tampa Bay Hotel of 1891. A richly decorated tree is featured in each room, and lush greenery and decorations are draped throughout the Grand Hall. Admission is $9 for adults and $3 for ages 3 to 12. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Dec. 1-23. 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-258-7302.
Santa Fest and Holiday Parade The City of Tampa's free holiday festival includes visits with Santa Claus, continuous entertainment, 30 tons of snow, an outdoor ice-skating rink, crafts and hands-on activities, a talking Christmas Tree and much more. The festival occurs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 2 (Eighth Avenue between Centro Ybor and Centennial Park, Ybor City), culminating with the Krewe of Venus Holiday Parade. The procession begins at Nuccio and Sixth Avenue and makes its way north down Seventh Avenue, eventually making its way to Palm Avenue, where it ends.
Hillsborough County's Third Annual Festival of Lights Santa flips the switch and sets the Courthouse Square ablaze with thousands of lights adorning all the trees in the park. Guests can also enjoy a street carnival with games, arts and crafts, holiday treats, snow, live entertainment and more. Call 813-272-5275 for more information. 5 to 9 p.m. Thu., Dec. 2, at Chillura Courthouse Square, corner of Pierce Street and Kennedy Boulevard in downtown Tampa.
Winter Wonderland Created by 400 members of the Church of Scientology's Clearwater Community Volunteers, this holiday village features 50,000 lights on 90 Christmas trees, storybook structures with hands-on activities, a skating rink, petting zoo, pony rides and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. The grand opening occurs at 7 p.m. Fri., Dec. 3. Regular hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Mon.-Fri., and 1 to 9 p.m. Sat. and Sun., Dec. 4-22. Corner of Drew Street and N. Fort Harrison Avenue in downtown Clearwater, 727-298-5404.
Annual Holiday Faire The School of the Suncoast presents a day of gift-making activities for children, a marionette puppet play, live music, an organic lunch, baked goods, hand-crafted items and more. Call 727-532-0696 for more information. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., Dec. 4. 2476 Nursery Road, Clearwater.
New Port Richey Holidays Festivities Throughout the month of December, visitors can see a display of lights and decorations adorning local businesses competing in the annual "Light Up Downtown" contest. The Riverlights Boat Parade occurs after dark on Sat., Dec. 4. Public seating, refreshments and live entertainment are presented to those watching the parade from Sims Park, located on the Pithlachascotee River (River Road and Main Street). Historic downtown New Port Richey offers "Main Street Holidays," Dec. 11-12, at which the community can enjoy the traditional hustle and bustle of seasonal shopping in addition to holiday music, delicious food, and the Holiday Arts and Craft Show in Sims Park. Rounding out the festivities is the 28th Annual Holiday Rotary Street Parade beginning at 7 p.m. Sat., Dec. 11, in downtown New Port Richey (Main Street). For more information, call 727-842-7651 or e-mail chamber@westpasco.com.
Breakfast with Santa This Delta Sigma Theta Sorority event features arts and crafts, Christmas carols, a hearty breakfast, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a Santa Health Hut. Call 727-864-6004 for more information. Admission: $4.50. Begins 9 a.m. Sat., Dec. 4, at Pinellas Technical Education Center, 901 34th St. S., St. Petersburg.
Santa Parade and Snowfest This annual Christmas parade begins at 10 a.m., and proceeds north along Bayshore Drive from Fifth Avenue S.E. to Fifth Avenue N.E. The parade is immediately followed by Snowfest in North Straub Park (Beach Drive and Fifth Avenue N.E.), an event that features a snowball throw, toboggans, a moonwalk, ice-skating, pony rides and a petting zoo. Sat., Dec. 4. Call 727-893-7441 for more information.
Gulfport Lighted Boat Parade The procession departs from the Boca Ciega Yacht Club Marina (4600 Tifton Drive S., Gulfport) and moves past the city's pier, Municipal Beach and through several areas along Boca Ciega Bay. 6-8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 4.
Clearwater Holiday Parade The parade starts at 7 p.m., and moves down Cleveland Street from Crest Lake Park (S. Highland Avenue) all the way to N. Osceola Avenue. Wed., Dec. 8. For more information, call 727-562-4803.
Breakfast with Santa Claus Children can participate in craft activities, take pictures with Santa and peruse four rooms of animated Christmas scenes after enjoying a yummy breakfast. 8 to 11:30 a.m. Sat., Dec. 11, at Old Lutz Schoolhouse, 18819 U.S. 41, Lutz, 813-949-7481.
16th Annual St. Petersburg Lighted Boat Parade Music and festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. at The Pier (800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg); decorated boats set sail at 7 p.m. and are visible from Vinoy Park (501 Bayshore Drive N.), Straub Park (Beach Drive and Fifth Avenue N.E.), and Demens Landing (Bayshore Drive and Second Avenue S.). Sat., Dec. 11. For more information, call 727-821-6443.
Christmas Jamboree Visit an early 19th-century home, sawmill, print shop, and blacksmith while listening to live bluegrass and folk music, and participating in some old-fashioned holiday activities and holiday shopping. Free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., Dec. 11, at the Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 2900 31st St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-893-7326.
St. Pete Beach Lighted Boat Parade The procession departs from the historic Merry Pier (801 Pass-A-Grille Way) at 6 p.m., and runs north past the Don CeSar to the tip of the island. The public is invited to watch the parade from the Merry Pier. Wed., Dec. 15. For more information, call 727-363-9245.
18th Annual Indian Rocks Beach Lighted Boat Parade The boats head north from the Holiday Inn Harbourside Marina (401 Second St., Indian Rocks Beach), and continue north, passing under the Walsingham/State Road 688 Bridge and finishing at the north end of the city limit off Harbor Drive S. 7 p.m. Sat., Dec. 18.
Holiday Fest An afternoon stories, carols and crafts celebrating Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa. Free. 3-5 p.m. Sat., Dec. 18, at South Branch Library, 2300 Roy Hanna Drive S. (aka 62nd Ave. S.), St. Petersburg, 727-893-7244.
MUSIC
The Temptations & The Four Tops — A Motown Christmas Celebrate the season R&B style. 8 p.m. Fri., Nov. 26, at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Tickets: $45-$75; 8 p.m. Tues., Nov. 30, at Van Wezel Performing Art Center. Tickets: $55-$65.
Holiday Cabaret Celebrate the holidays while enjoying a funny, entertaining and merry revue of your favorite songs of the season. Tickets: $28.50. 7:30 p.m. Wed. and Thu., 8 p.m. Fri., 2 and 8 p.m. Sat., and 4 p.m. Sun., Nov. 27-Dec. 19. Jaeb Theater — Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.
The Oak Ridge Boys This popular country group weaves distinctive four-part harmonies into a special performance that includes Christmas music and hit songs. Tickets: $28-$45. 2 p.m. Sun., Nov. 28, at Ruth Eckerd Hall.
Dave Koz Smooth Jazz Christmas Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson, Norman Brown, Brenda Russell and Wayman Tisdale perform holiday tunes and jazz numbers. Tickets: $35-$70. 8 p.m. Tues., Nov. 30, at Ruth Eckerd Hall.
A Peter White Christmas Featuring Rick Braun and Mindi Abair. Tickets: $35-$45. 8 p.m. Thu., Dec. 2, at Ruth Eckerd Hall.
'Tis the Season for Colorful Music! Susan Haig conducts The Florida Orchestra through a program that includes Berlioz's Overture to Beatrice and Benedict and Respighi's whimsical The Pines of Rome, in addition to some seasonal favorites. Tickets: $17.50-$28.50. 11 a.m. Fri., Dec. 3, at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center; 3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 5, at Center for the Arts at River Ridge, R.R. 11646 Town Center Road, New Port Richey, 727-774-7381; and 11 a.m. Thu., Dec. 9, at Mahaffey Theater.
Heralds of Harmony Christmas Celebration The men's vocal ensemble performs traditional Christmas music with accompaniment by The Florida Orchestra Brass Quintet and Central Florida's Liberty Voices. Call 813-689-2811 to purchase tickets ($20-$30). 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 3, at Mahaffey Theater; 2 and 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 4, at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.
Messiah Sing-a-Long Have fun singing Handel's oratorio with accompaniment from an orchestra and organ. Sections to be sung: "Part One," "Behold the Lamb of God," "Hallelujah," "Worthy Is the Lamb" and "Amen." Both singers and listeners are welcome. 7:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 5, at Griffin Chapel — Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-864-8480.
Colors of Christmas featuring Peabo Bryson, James Ingram, Marilyn McCoo and En Vogue A contemporary alternative to the standard holiday concert. Tickets: $45-$55. 8 p.m. Mon., Dec. 6, at Van Wezel Performing Arts Center.
Too Hot to Handel: The Gospel Messiah The Florida Orchestra presents this Super Pops concert, a gospel-jazz version of the classic Messiah, conducted by Susan Haig and co-arranged by Gary Anderson and Bob Christianson. Tickets: $22.50-$50.50. 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 10, at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center; 7:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 12, at Ruth Eckerd Hall; 7:30 p.m. Mon., Dec. 13, at Mahaffey Theater.
Christmas Celebration The Eckerd College Concert Choir and Eckerd Ringers, and the Chancel Choir & Fellowship Ringers of First United Methodist Church, present a program of festive holiday music. 4 p.m. Sun., Dec. 12, at First United Methodist Church, 212 Third St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-894-4661.
Christmas from Dublin Starring The Three Irish Tenors The tenors are joined by special guests The Irish Divas for this Emerald Isle performance. Tickets: $30-$40. 8 p.m. Mon., Dec. 13, at Van Wezel Performing Arts Center.
Irish Rover's Christmas Party These Irish music ambassadors offer an energetic and highly entertaining stage show with hits like "Wasn't That a Party" and "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer." Tickets: $15. 1 p.m. Tues., Dec. 14, at Ruth Eckerd Hall.
Rockapella Holiday Show The a cappella quintet performs doo-wop harmonies and pop-rock-jazz arrangements of seasonal standards. 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 17, at Mahaffey Theater.
Christmas Inferno — A Disco Christmas with KC & The Sunshine Band and The Village People With special guest The Trammps. 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 17, at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Tickets: $40.50-$75; 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 18, at Van Wezel Performing Arts Center. Tickets: $45-$55.
Sing-a-Long with Santa Sip hot chocolate with the kiddies, sing holiday carols and enjoy a visit with old Saint Nick. All kids get candy canes, a special gift and a chance to sit on Santa's knee. Tickets: $7. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sat., and 5 p.m. Sun., Dec. 18-19, at American Stage, 211 Third St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-823-7529.
Blue Jeans Concert: Celebrate the Holidays The Florida Orchestra presents a fun, family evening with pre-concert activities, highlights from Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker, a holiday sing-along with Christmas carols and Chanukah songs, and a special show with the Pinellas Youth Symphony's Serenade Strings. $18 adults/$10 students/$9 ages 12 and younger. Doors open at 6 p.m.; the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 18, at The Coliseum.
Skaggs Family Christmas Featuring holiday favorites performed in genuine bluegrass style by the Skaggs and White families. Tickets: $27-$45. 2 p.m. Sun., Dec. 19, at Ruth Eckerd Hall.
Many Moods of Christmas Richard Zielinski conducts The Florida Orchestra and The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay through a program that includes highlights from Handel's Messiah (including the Hallelujah Chorus) and Craig Courtney's A Musicological Journey Through the 12 Days of Christmas. Tickets: $22.50-$50.50. 7:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 19, at Ruth Eckerd Hall; 7:30 p.m. Mon., Dec. 20, at Mahaffey Theater.
THEATER
It's a Wonderful Life Carrollwood Players present Ray Crew's adaptation of the classic Frank Capra film. Tickets: $12 general/$10 students and seniors. 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat., and 3 p.m. Sun. Continues through Dec. 11. Carrollwood Playhouse, 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa, 813-265-4000.
Gallagher's Holiday Smash Before the show, Gallagher has an autograph signing party in the lobby. Tickets: $27-$39. 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 3, at Ruth Eckerd Hall.
Nuncrackers Island Community Theatre presents Dan Goggin's hilarious holiday musical that follows the nuns of Mount Saint Helen's Convent as they prepare to put on their annual Christmas program. Bring your extra canned goods to drop off for the theater's canned food drive. Tickets: $10. Dec. 3-5 and 10-12 at the St. Pete Beach Recreation Center, 7525 Blind Passage Road, St. Pete Beach, 727-360-4141.
The Nutcracker The West Florida Ballet performs this version of the holiday classic. Tickets: $15.50 general admission/$12 students. 1 and 6 p.m. Sat. and Sun., Dec. 4 and 5, at Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo, 727-587-6793.
Tampa Theatre's Winter Classic Movie Series A Christmas Story, 3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 5; White Christmas, 3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 12; It's a Wonderful Life, 3 p.m. Sat. and Sun., Dec. 18-19. Admission: $7 adults/$6 students, seniors and military. Tampa Theatre, 711 Franklin St., Tampa, 813-274-8286.
A Christmas Cannoli: Or a Tale of Two Families Can the Ghosts of Christmas save mob boss Ebenezer Scungili? Should they really consider saving a guy who put a hit on Santa Claus? The Go Down Players star in this adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, presented by Yellow Snow Productions. Call 813-818-0991 for reservations. Tickets: $20. 7 p.m. Fri., and 3 and 7 p.m. Sat., Dec. 10-18, at Clearwater Cinema Café, 24095 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater.
The Chocolate Nutcracker Enjoy an evening of jazz, Afro-Cuban, hip-hop and gospel music as over 250 local artists perform in this unique version of the holiday classic. Tickets: $12 general admission/$6 children. 7:30 p.m. Fri., 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sat., and 2 p.m. Sun., Dec. 10-12, at Ruth Eckerd Hall.
The Nutcracker Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker features stunning new sets and costumes by Valentine Federov, choreography by Valery Lantratov and Anatoli Emalyanov, larger-than-life puppets and a look at Drosselmeier's workshop. Tickets: $25-$45. 3 and 7 p.m. Sat., Dec. 11, at Mahaffey Theater.
The Santaland Diaries American Stage presents David Sedaris' one-man show about Crumpet, an unemployed, chemically dependent actor who witnesses a darker side of "the most wonderful time of the year" after he takes a job at Macy's Santaland in New York City. For mature audiences only. 7:30 p.m. Tue.-Thu., 8 p.m. Fri., 3 and 8 p.m. Sat., and 3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 14-19, at American Stage, 211 Third St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-823-7529.
Santa's Holiday Revue Central Park Players performs in this musical production that features dances, songs and stories that celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa and other denominations. Tickets: $6.50 per person/$20 family four-pack. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sat., Dec. 18, at Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive, 727-587-6793.
King Island Christmas Presented by American Stage, this musical tells the true story of a remote Alaskan village waiting for the arrival of a ship bearing their priest and a bunch of winter supplies. When the ship gets caught in a storm, the people must cross a mountain and reach the ship so they can survive the winter and celebrate the holidays. Directed by Julie Rowe. Tickets: $7. 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 18, at Palladium Theater.
Black Nativity Written by Langston Hughes as a retelling of the Christmas story from a black point-of-view, the play draws on folk and popular songs, traditional seasonal music, and biblical narratives to present a joyous account of a historic event that occurred 2,000 years ago. Directed by Bob Devin Jones. Tickets: $16-$25. 2 and 8 p.m. Sat., and 2 p.m. Sun., Dec. 18-19, at Mahaffey Theater.
The Oft Told Story A charming storytelling hour featuring tales about the birth of Jesus as recounted by the animals. Written by Alan and Margo Armstrong, and narrated by Fred Johnson and the USDK Players. $12 adults/$10 seniors/$6 children under 12. 7:30 p.m. Fri., and 3 and 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 19-20, at Palladium Theater.
The Nutcracker Local dance school students partner with Miami City Ballet and The Florida Orchestra to present this performance of the holiday classic. Tickets: $26-$40. 2 and 8 p.m. Sat., and 1 p.m. Sun., Dec. 23-24, at Ruth Eckerd Hall.
Babes in Toyland Part of Van Wezel's 2004-05 Broadway series, Babes in Toyland takes place in a land where toys walk, talk and sing. Tickets: $26-$30. 3 p.m. Thu., Dec. 24, at Van Wezel Performing Arts Center.
A Garfield Christmas When the ornaments on his Christmas tree come to life, Garfield learns the true importance of the holidays and the joy of giving in this new musical production. Tickets: $15. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sun., Dec. 26, at Ruth Eckerd Hall.
VOLUNTEERING AND HOLIDAY DRIVES
RCS Food Bank The Religious Community Services Food Bank needs four volunteers to man stations to receive and load food in RCS vehicles (Clearwater High School Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, Nov. 25). Drivers are also needed to assist with deliveries and pick-ups of food donated during the holiday season. Drivers should have a clean driving record and have the ability to drive Food Bank vehicles. Finally, Food Bank needs volunteers to sort and prepare boxes of food for distribution to households in need. To volunteer, call 727-443-4031.
Hospice Volunteers are needed for Trees of Love at Tyrone Square Mall and Westfield Shoppingtown Countryside. Volunteers greet community members and accept contributions from individuals wishing to honor loved ones with personalized dove ornaments. A variety of volunteer positions are also available in the gift-wrap areas at both shopping centers. All proceeds benefit programs and services provided by The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. Call 727-586-4432 or e-mail jenniferblecher@thehospice.org to volunteer. Nov. 26-Dec. 24.
Brighter Season for Children Toy Drive Brighter Seasons for Children, a service of The Hospice's AIDS Service Association of Pinellas (ASAP), collects toys and signs people up to sponsor children and families every holiday season. Through this program, children of families served by ASAP are provided gifts they may not otherwise receive for the holidays. Contributions should be dropped off by Dec. 15 at 410-A N. Ft. Harrison St. in Clearwater, or 300 E. 31st St. N., St. Petersburg. Please call 727-449-2437 for more information.
Metropolitan Ministries MetMin feeds thousands of homeless and poverty-stricken locals each month and you can lend a hand by volunteering at the holiday center, where donations are received, sorted and distributed. For more information, call 813-209-1044. Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Center is located on the 2100 block of N. Florida Avenue in Tampa.
CHANUKAH EVENTS
Chanukah Sale and Gift Shop A selection of gifts for adults and children. For more information, call 813-598-6479 or 727-785-3465. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mon.-Fri. at Congregation B'nai Emmunah, 3374 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs.
Sisterhood Judaica Gift Shop Featuring an abundance of Chanukah gift items. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mon.-Fri. at Schaarai Zedek, 3303 W. Swann Ave., Tampa, 813-876-2377.
Chanukah Gift Fair Congregation Beth Am's "Judaica by Sisterhood" presents its annual gift fair and bake sale of Chanukah gifts and kosher foods. All purchases are tax-free; credit cards accepted only for purchases over $25. Call 813-968-8511 for more information. 9:30 a.m. to noon Sun., Nov. 21 and Dec. 5, at Beth Am, 2030 W. Fletcher Ave., Tampa.
Tampa Jewish Community Center Annual Chanukah Party Children's activities include "pin the flame on the menorah," a water pistol menorah "shootout," cookie decorating with Chanukah designs, card making, a sing-along and much more. Adults can watch the Bucs game on the big screen while enjoying a latke recipe exchange and other relaxing activities. Dinner is served at 5 p.m. after the menorah lighting. For more information or to make reservations, call 813-264-9000 or go to www.jewishtampa.com. General admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children (JCC members receive a $2 discount). 3-6 p.m. Sun., Dec. 12, at the JCC Campus, 13009 Community Campus Drive (Veterans Expressway and Gunn Highway), Tampa.
Chanukah Tot Shabbat Families are invited to join Rabbi Arthur Baseman for "Dinner with the Maccabees," which is followed by a telling of the story of Chanukah, finding the "hidden oil," a lighting of the children's menorah and a Chanukah sing-a-long. To make reservations, call 727-531-5829. $8 adults/$5 children. 6:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 3, at Temple Bnai Israel, 1685 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater.
Downtown Tampa Public Menorah Lighting A celebration of the beginning of Chanukah with a giant menorah, live music and entertainment, hot latkes and more. 5:30 p.m. Tues., Dec. 7, at the downtown Tampa City Hall Plaza (Franklin Street and Kennedy Boulevard).
Chanukah Celebration at the Mall Chabad Lubavich of Sarasota and Manatee counties presents this public Chanukah celebration that features child performances, Judah the Maccabbee, dreidels, face painting and a 9-foot menorah. Call 941-925-0770 for more information. From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7-15 at Westfield Shoppingtown, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
Chanukah Family Dinner Join Rabbi Arthur Baseman for a shabbat meal (including latkes) and a celebration of the fourth night of Chanukah with a lighting of the menorah (families are encouraged to bring their own menorah to "light up the room"). A special Chanukah and Shabbat service (open to all) follows. Call 727-531-5829 to make reservations. Dinner is $10 for adults and $5 for children. 6:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 10, at Temple Bnai Israel, 1685 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater.
Chanukah Party Chabad of Tampa presents an evening of fun Chanukah festivities, including arts and crafts, an olive-oil-pressing workshop, music and lots of tasty foods. Call 813-963-2317 for more information or to make reservations. 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 11, at Chabad of Tampa, 14908 Pennington Road, Tampa.
Chanukah Festival and Menorah Lighting Join Chabad of Bradenton for its first annual festival, which includes a drawing, face painting, doughnuts, music, hot latkes, balloons and more. Call 941-758-2799 for more information. 3 to 5 p.m. Sun., Dec. 12, at Prime Outlets — Ellenton, 5461 Factory Shopps Blvd., Ellenton.
Chanukah Bash Chabad of Brandon presents an evening of Chanukah festivities and fun, including an assortment of children's activities, a special olive-oil-press workshop, a Chanukah family game show and tons of yummy foods. For more information, visit www.chabadbrandon.org or call 813-685-7289. Entry is $4 for adults and $5 for children. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 12, at Shirley's Dance Studio, 4326 Bell Shoals Road, Valrico.
NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATIONS
2004 New Year's Eve Gala: Ultimo Tango The festivities begin with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at the mezzanine, followed by a four-course meal in the main ballroom and an evening of dancing to the music of The Florida Orchestra and the Southtown Fever Dance Band. Alcohol and beverages are served throughout the evening and The Florida Orchestra benefits. Tickets: $350/$500 per person. Call 813-286-1170 to make reservations. 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fri., Dec. 31, at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort, 501 Fifth Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg.
New Year's Eve with Donna the Buffalo Presented by WMNF-88.5 FM. BYOB. Tickets: $35 in advance/$45 at the door. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fri., Dec. 31, at The Coliseum.
First Night 2005 The 12th annual New Year's Eve Celebration of the Arts takes place at 28 different venues throughout downtown St. Petersburg, and features an assortment of alcohol-free, family-oriented activities and diversions including live music and entertainment, dancing, games, art, fireworks and more. Admission is $8 in advance or $10 the day of for adults; children enter for $5 (kids under 5 enter free). Call 727-823-8906 for more information. 5:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Fri., Dec. 31.
New Year's Eve with Comedian Louis C.K. The Improv offers two separate options for New Year's revelers. The dinner show includes a full meal and refreshments ($55 general/$75 V.I.P. 7:30 p.m.). The New Year's Celebration Show includes a fruit and cheese platter for two, champagne and party favors. After the show, ring in the New Year by watching the ball drop in New York City on the Improv's big screen ($55 general/$75 V.I.P. 10 p.m.). The Improv Comedy Theater & Restaurant, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa, 813-864-4000.
This article appears in Nov 17-23, 2004.