Annual Christmas Show and Sale Select from a variety of unique holiday gifts, including ceramics, prints, pottery, calligraphy, cards and more. Gallery hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Free admission. On display through Dec. 9 at Elliott Gallery, Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-864-8340.
Holiday Art Sale A selection of original paintings, drawings, photography, ceramics and other holiday gifts for anywhere from 15 to 50 percent off; all proceeds benefit the Project Return art program and artists with mental illnesses. Guests enjoy free cookies and cider. Noon to 4 p.m. Sat.-Sun., Dec. 10-11. Free admission. The Lobby Gallery at Project Return, 304 W. Waters Ave., Tampa, 813-933-9020 www.projectreturn.org.
19th Annual Holiday Show and Sale Dunedin Fine Art Center presents unique gifts and decorations by Fair Trade artists from around the world. UnWrapped: A National Invitational of Contemporary Fine Art and Craft is also on display, along with 10 Christmas trees featuring handmade ornaments. Extended holiday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon.-Wed. and Fri., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thurs., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat., 1 to 4 p.m. Sun. Free admission. On display through Dec. 23. 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin, 727-298-3322, www.dfac.org.
Pasco Arts Council's Holiday House 2005 The house sparkles with holiday decorations, and a large assortment of handcrafted items by community artists are available for purchase. Also featured, a special ornament painting demonstration by Leonard Lewis (1 to 2:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 10). Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Free admission. On display through Dec. 23. Pasco Arts Center, 5744 Moog Road, Holiday, 727-845-7322.
Florida Craftsmen Gallery Holiday Members Show and Sale This exhibit is a 19-year tradition that features handmade gifts by 250 Florida fine craft artists. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon to 4 p.m. Sun. Free admission. On display through Dec. 31. 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-821-7391.
Antique Holiday: A Train Exhibit Highlights include a holiday tree decorated with antique ornaments; toy trains from the 1920s, '30s and '40s; and a Lionel Polar Express Train on loan from H & R Trains. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun.; the trains are on display through Jan. 3. $7 adults/$5 seniors and students/$3 ages 7-17 (free for kids 6 and younger). St. Petersburg Museum of History, 335 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg, 727-894-1052.
Celebrations: 2005 Holiday Show Invitational A selection of holiday-themed work by Arts Center members, including ornaments, jewelry, pottery, paintings, holiday cards and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., and noon to 4 p.m. Sun. Free admission. On display through Jan. 22. 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-822-7872.
40th Annual Silver Bells The Florida Suncoast Opera Guild hosts its annual luncheon and fashion show with the theme "Christmas Around the World," featuring holiday attire provided by Natasha's Boutique of Seminole and Dixana of St. Petersburg. Attendees can also enjoy live entertainment and a silent auction; FSOG benefits. 11 a.m. Fri., Dec. 9. $45. St. Petersburg Yacht Club, 11 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-822-3873.
18th Annual Deck the Halls Sale Peruse an assortment of handmade ornaments ($5 each) produced by artists from around Florida. All proceeds benefit The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sat., Dec. 10. Artspace, 10 Fifth St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-804-7004, www.artspaceartists.com.
23rd Annual Jingle Bell Run The Boley Center hosts its holiday fundraiser, at which men, women and children are invited to participate in a non-competitive walk, jog or run along the waterfront. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 14. The Pier. To register ($15 in advance/$18 day of event for adults, $10/$12 children), go to www.bolycenters.org or call 727-821-4819.
Uhuru Holiday Pie Sale Enjoy delicious holiday pies without going through the hassle of making them yourself. Uhuru members offer made-from-scratch apple crumb ($10), pumpkin ($8) and sweet potato pies ($10), are available for pick-up Dec. 17 and 22-24. Proceeds support the African People's Education & Defense Fund programs. To order pies, call 727-821-2437, go to www.apedf.org/pies or visit Uhuru Furniture, 945 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
Holiday Pet Present Sales Find the greatest gifts for your four-legged friends at the SPCA adoption office and pet supply store, with a range of goodies discounted from 20 to 50 percent off. Proceeds support homeless and abused animals. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fri., noon to 5 p.m. Sat.-Sun., through Dec. 31. SPCA Tampa Bay of Largo, 9099 130th Ave. N., Largo, 727-586-3591.
Lights of Lake Park Estates Each year, the residents of Lake Park Estates light up the neighborhood to raise money for a local charity. This year's recipient is the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. 6:30 to 10 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 6:30 to 11 p.m. Fri.-Sat., through Dec. 31. Donations gratefully accepted. For directions, call 727-586-4432 or visit www.thehospice.org/lolp.htm.
Safford House Victorian Candlelight Tour Enjoy the holiday spirit of the 1880s at the historic home of one of Tarpon Springs' original developers. Guests are treated to seasonal refreshments, tours of the festively decorated house and live music. 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sun., Dec. 8-11. $6. Safford House Historic House Museum, 23 Parkin Court, Tarpon Springs, 727-937-1130.
Wild Wonderland Lowry Park Zoo's annual winter festival features dazzling seasonal lights; live reindeer and photo opportunities with Santa at "Holiday Hometown Village U.S.A."; a "Jingle Bell Carriage Ride"; themed games and more. $13 adults/$11 ages 3 to 11 (children 2 and younger enter free). 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 9-11, 16-18 and 21-23. 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa, 813-935-8552, www.lowryparkzoo.com.
Fourth Anniversary Holiday Celebration Florida Estates Winery celebrates the holidays and four years of business with a wine tasting, scrumptious hors d'oeuvres, a commemorative logo wine glass, prize drawings and live music by Gregg Jones. 6 to 9 p.m. Fri., Dec. 9. $8 advance/$10 day of. 25241 S.R. 52, Land O' Lakes, 813-995-0393, www.floridaestateswines.com.
New Port Richey Main Street Holidays 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 Main Street Holidays run Dec. 9-11 and include daily activities, live entertainment, and a weekend-long carnival and midway. The annual Genesis School Holiday performance features a selection of music and dancing at 7 p.m. Fri., Dec. 9; Historic downtown offers "Movies in the Park" Fri. and Sat., Dec. 9-10; and 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 visit www.nprmainstreet.com.
17th Annual St. Petersburg Lighted Boat Parade Music and festivities begin at 6 p.m. at The Pier; 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.). Fri., Dec. 9. For more information, call 727-821-6443.
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. 8:30 to 11 a.m. Sat., Dec. 10, at Old Lutz Schoolhouse, 18819 U.S. 41, Lutz, 813-949-1937.
Tarpon Springs' 16th Annual Holiday Boat Parade The procession casts off from The Landing (21 Oscar Hill Road), travels down Anclote River and stops in Spring Bayou (Craig Park, 5 Beekman Way), where Santa makes a special appearance (6 to 8:30 p.m.). Area folks are also invited to enjoy a holiday screening of Polar Express at the Craig Park Band Shell (6 p.m.). Sat., Dec. 10. For more information, call 727-942-5628.
Fifth Annual Hillsborough River Holiday Boat Parade All types of boats are welcome, including kayaks and canoes. Interested participants gather at the Lowry Park Boat Ramp at 5:30 p.m. and travel upriver past the illuminated Sulphur Springs Tower to Hanna's Whirl. Spectators can watch from the riverfront Harbor Club restaurant, which hosts a community caroling party during and after the parade. 6 to 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 10. Harbor Club is located just east of Nebraska Avenue and the Tampa Greyhound Track at 915 E. Grant Ave., Tampa.
Christmas Jamboree Visit an early 19th-century home, sawmill, print shop, and blacksmith shop while listening to live bluegrass and folk music, and participating in some old-fashioned holiday activities and shopping. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., Dec. 10. Free. Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 2900 31st St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-893-7326.
Seventh 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. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat., Dec. 10. Free admission. 2476 Nursery Road, Clearwater. Call 727-532-0696 for more information.
Palm Harbor Holiday Parade Featuring 40 to 60 floats, with Santa and Mrs. Claus bringing up the rear. 3 p.m. Sat., Dec. 10. Palm Harbor. For more information, call 727-784-4287.
St. Pete Beach Lighted Boat Parade The procession departs from the historic Merry Pier (801 Pass-A-Grille Way) at 6 p.m., runs through Boca Ciega Bay and ends at St. Pete Beach Yacht and Country Club. The public can watch the parade from Merry Pier and boaters are invited to take part. Sat., Dec. 10. For more information, call 727-363-9244 or 727-224-4190.
Christmas in the Park/Christmas Card Lane Opening Three Lutz Elementary choirs perform, Santa arrives via firetruck, and the lights to Christmas Card Lane and the community Christmas tree are turned on for the first time. 6 p.m. Tues., Dec. 13. Bullard Park, U.S. 41, Lutz.
Presents for Primates Celebrate the season with Lowry Park Zoo's primate family at this annual holiday event, at which primates open specially wrapped presents given to them by zoo staff as part of a zoo enrichment program. 1 p.m. Fri., Dec. 16. Regular zoo admission applies: $14.95 adults/$10.50 for ages 3-11 (children 2 and younger enter free) Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa, 813-935-8552, www.lowryparkzoo.com.
Annual Indian Rocks Beach Lighted Boat Parade The boats head out 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 off Harbor Drive S. 7 p.m. Sat., Dec. 17.
Christmas Parade and Candy Cane Hunt The parade begins at 10 a.m. at Mears Boulevard and U.S. Alt. 19 and concludes at Craig Park (5 Beekman Way), where kids can enjoy the hunt, pictures with Santa, and a seasonal performance by singer Lisa Nicole. Sat., Dec. 17. For more information, call 727-942-5628.
Holiday Fest An afternoon of crafts, carols and stories celebrating Christmas. 2 to 5 p.m. Sat., Dec. 17. Free. South Branch Library, 2300 Roy Hanna Drive S. (aka 62nd Ave. S.), St. Petersburg, 727-893-7244.
Indian Shores and Redington Beaches 23rd Annual Boat Parade Lighted boats leave from the Madeira Beach Welch Causeway at 6 p.m. and head north to finish at 9 p.m. at the Pub Restaurant (20025 Gulf Blvd.), where an awards ceremony begins at 9:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 18. For more information, call 727-596-0316 or 727-595-4020.
24th Annual Victorian Christmas Stroll Take a step back into the 19th century as the Henry B. Plant Museum is transformed into the Tampa Bay Hotel of 1891. A richly decorated tree is featured in each room; lush greenery and decorations are draped about the Grand Hall; and antique toys, elegantly-wrapped packages and imaginative decorations are scattered throughout. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily through Dec. 23. $9 adults/$3 children 3 to 12 (on Family Day Mondays, admission is $5 adults/$3 children). 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-258-7302, www.plantmuseum.com.
ICE! Gaylord Palms hosts this holiday attraction, a winter wonderland hand-carved from nearly two million pounds of ice. The display includes interactive environments and scenes, as well as larger-than-life, 3-D ice monuments and sculptures. Call for hours. $16.99-$19.99 adults/$7.99 ages 4-12. On display through Jan. 2. Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, 407-586-4423, www.gaylordpalms.com/ice.
THE CHRISTMAS HOUSE This St. Pete abode has delighted thousands of visitors since 1977, and the shining spectacle gets bigger each year. Nowadays, a crew of 12 people spend three months installing the display, which features 200 lighted outdoor figures, 60 snowmen, a 150-piece manger scene, artificial snow, a wall of lights, fiber optic forest and much, much more. Dusk-10 p.m. daily, through Jan. 2. Free (donations gratefully accepted). 2700 Oakdale St. S., St. Petersburg. Call 727-896-6500 for directions.
Too Hot to Handel: The Gospel Messiah Without Walls International Church Sanctuary Choir joins The Florida Orchestra, tenor Robert Mack, soprano Natalie Oliver Atherton and Mezzo-soprano Cheryl Barnes in a gospel-jazz version of the classic Messiah. Directed by Keith Dobbins, and co-arranged by Gary Anderson and Bob Christianson. 8 p.m. Wed., Dec. 7. Ruth Eckerd Hall; and 8 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 8, Carol Morsani Hall, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. $15.50-$50.50.
Winter Holiday Concert and Silent Auction The Countryside High School Band and Chorus hosts this fundraising concert to raise money for a 2006 student trip to the SBC Cotton Bowl. 7 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 8. Free admission. Countryside High School Auditorium, 3000 S.R. 580, Clearwater, 727-724-0975.
Herald Vocal Arts Ensemble The program is a celebration of Christmas throughout history, from Medieval times to the present. Expect period costumes, drama and festive instruments. 7:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 9. $12-$18. Palladium Theater.
Merry Chriskwanzanukah! Local children's favorite Shana Banana celebrates the holidays with this musical show highlighting the traditions and similarities of Christmas, Kwanzaa and Chanukah. 10 a.m. and noon Sat., Dec. 10. $6.50. TECO Theater, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.
A Christmas Celebration with the Heralds of Harmony The men's vocal ensemble performs its annual Christmas concert. Call 813-689-2811 to purchase tickets. 2 and 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 10. $20-$30. Ferguson Hall, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.
Tuba Christmas A holiday sing-along with tuba and euphonium performances by volunteer musicians of all ages. 7 p.m. Sat., Dec. 10. Free. The Pier.
Concert Choir Christmas Celebration A festive program of Christmas music for choir, bells, organ and orchestra presented by the Eckerd College Concert Choir and Eckerd Ringers. 4 p.m. Sat., Dec. 10. Free admission. Griffin Chapel, Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-864-8480. ALSO: Welcome to Our World: A Christmas Musical Celebration, another Christmas program by the Eckerd College Concert Choir and Eckerd Ringers, this time for choir, orchestra and bells. 4 p.m. Sun., Dec. 11. Free will offerings gratefully accepted. First United Methodist Church, 212 Third St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-894-4661.
Gregorian Chant III: Mass for the Third Sunday of Advent Larry Kent conducts Florida Pro Musica through this chanted Latin Mass during Advent at Sacred Heart Catholic Church; a reception follows. 4 p.m. Sun., Dec. 11. $20 general/$15 seniors/$5 students. Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 509 Florida Ave. N., Tampa. To make reservations or for more information, call 813-258-4226 or visit www.FloridaProMusica.com.
Many Moods of Christmas Concert The Chancel Choir and the Chancel Handbell Ringers join the Iona Consort to present this holiday benefit concert for the Free Clinic of St. Petersburg. Festival of Carols is a montage of seasonal sounds using five octaves of handbells, a small chamber orchestra and a chorus of over 75 singers. 7:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 11. Donations gratefully accepted. First Presbyterian Church sanctuary, 701 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg, 727-822-2031.
Irish Rover's Christmas 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." 8 p.m. Sun., Dec. 11. $25-$40. Van Wezel Performing Arts Center; and 1 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 15. $15. Ruth Eckerd Hall.
Andy Williams Christmas Show The American pop singer appears at Ruth Eckerd Hall for the first time in 15 years to present this concert of hits and Christmas tunes. 8 p.m. Tues., Dec. 13. $45-$75. Ruth Eckerd Hall.
Christmas with the Mantovani Orchestra The 43-member ensemble is internationally renowned for its classy, festive and sometimes dramatic concerts. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 14. $27 general/$19 ages 19 and younger. Largo Cultural Center (see Main Venues for address).
Greenwood & Gayle Country music stars Lee Greenwood and Crystal Gayle perform hits and seasonal favorites. 8 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 15. $40-$50. Van Wezel Performing Arts Center; and 2 p.m. Sun., Dec. 18. $33.50-$50. Ruth Eckerd Hall.
A Night of Hallelujahs Join instrumentalists, soloists, actors, dancers, the First Unity choir, the "Unitones," and Rev. Temple for an evening of holiday fun; a dessert social follows. 7 p.m. Fri., Dec. 16. Free admission (donations accepted). First Unity Church, 469 45th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-527-2222, www.firstunity.org.
A Peter White Christmas Featuring Rick Braun and Mindi Abair. 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 16. $35-$45. Ruth Eckerd Hall.
The Beach Boys Holiday Show A concert of classic hits and Christmas tunes. 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 17. $41.50-$77. Lakeland Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland, 863-834-8137; and 7 p.m. Sun., Dec. 18. $49-$69. Van Wezel Performing Arts Center.
Christmas Cabaret Celebrate the holidays while enjoying a funny, entertaining and merry revue of your favorite songs of the season. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Fri., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sat., 4 p.m. Sun., through Dec. 18. $29.50. Jaeb Theater, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center (see Main Venues for address).
My Sinatra Christmas Performer Cary Hoffman recreates the magic of Ol' Blue Eyes in this musical tribute show, which includes Sinatra classics and holiday favorites. 1 p.m. Mon., Dec. 19. $15. Ruth Eckerd Hall.
A Rockapella Holiday The a cappella quintet performs doo-wop harmonies and pop-rock-jazz arrangements of seasonal standards. 8 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 22. $30 adults/$21 children 12 and younger. Tampa Theatre, 711 Franklin St., Tampa, 813-274-8286, www.tampatheatre.org.
A Christmas Evening Enjoy a family-friendly evening of live music and drama at this special production, which is directed by Bill Williams. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 8-11. $5. Royalty Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater, 727-441-8868.
A Tuna Christmas Island Community Theatre stages the sequel to Greater Tuna, in which the zany Tuna, Texas, townsfolk are coping with a variety of seasonal dilemmas only 24 hours before the big day. 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. and 1:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 9-11; and 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. and 1:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 15-18. $12. Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport, 727-345-1474.
The Chocolate Nutcracker Enjoy an evening of jazz, Afro-Cuban, hip-hop and gospel music as more than 250 local students perform alongside professional dancers in this unique production of the holiday classic. 7:30 p.m. Fri., 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., Dec. 9-11. $14.50-$19.50. Ruth Eckerd Hall.
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 Dickens' classic, presented by Yellow Snow Productions. Call 813-818-0991 for reservations. 7 p.m. Fri., Dec. 9 and 16, and 3 and 7 p.m. Sat., Dec. 10 and 17. $12. Clearwater Cinema Café, 24095 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater.
Holiday Showcase The young students of Venue Actors Studio perform an Australian folk tale, Why We Have Night and Day, and a new original show by the Teen Theatre, The New Nick. Saturday performances include a special presentation of The Frog Prince by the Little Bits Theatre Group. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9-11 and 16-18. $7 general (family five-packs are $25). Venue Actors Studio, Mainlands Plaza, 9125 U.S. 19 N., Pinellas Park, 727-822-6194.
A Christmas Carol Carrollwood Players Theater by Young People stage a musical version of the classic about Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas, featuring a cast of actors ages 5 to 18. 3 p.m. Sat., Dec. 10; and 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., Dec.16-17. $12 general/$10 seniors and students. Carrollwood Playhouse, Plantation Plaza, 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa, 813-265-4000.
Babes in Toyland: 2005 Youth Holiday Show Presented by Masque Community Theatre. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. and 2 p.m. Sun., through Dec. 11 (2 p.m. Sat., Dec. 10). $14 adults/$12 students, seniors and military/$10 children 10 and younger. 8825 56th St., Temple Terrace, 813-980-3321.
The Oft Told Story A play about the birth of Christ as told by the animals in the Bethlehem stable. 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., through Dec. 11. $10. St. Pete Little Theatre, 4025 31st St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-866-1973, www.splt.info.
The Gift of the Magi This adaptation of O. Henry's holiday story is about the sacrifices a husband and wife make, so that each may buy a gift for the other. 2 p.m. Sun., Dec. 11. $7.50-$11.50. Ferguson Hall, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.
Broadway's Spirit of Christmas: A Magical Holiday Celebration Part of Van Wezel's 2005-06 Broadway series, this lavish holiday extravaganza features Christmas songs and characters, elaborate costumes, high-kicking chorus girls and much more. 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 14. $37-$57. Lakeland Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland, 863-834-8137; and 8 p.m. Fri., 2 and 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 16-17. $25-$55. Van Wezel Performing Arts Center.
Black Nativity Written by Langston Hughes as a re-telling 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. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun., Dec. 16-18. $11-$18. Palladium Theater.
Santa's Holiday Revue Central Park Players perform in this musical production for children, which features dances, songs and stories that celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa and other denominations. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sat., Dec. 17. $7 adults/$5 children/$20 family four-pack. Largo Cultural Center.
Tampa Theatre's Winter Classic Movie Series White Christmas, 3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 11; It's a Wonderful Life, 3 p.m. Sat.-Sun., Dec. 17-18. $7 adults/$6 students, seniors and military. 711 Franklin St., Tampa, 813-274-8286, www.tampatheatre.org.
Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol American Stage presents this adaptation of the classic tale told from the viewpoint of the spirit of Jacob Marley. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., 3 and 8 p.m. Sat., and 3 p.m. Sun., through Dec. 18. $21-$34 ($7.50 children). 211 Third St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-823-7529.
A Queer Carol Gypsy Productions stages a production of Joseph Godfrey's Christmas tale, a contemporary re-telling of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol from a gay perspective. Co-directed by Trevor Kellor and Derek Baxter. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. and 1:30 p.m. Sun., through Dec. 18. $16. Suncoast Theatre, 3000 34th St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-456-0500, www.gypsyproductions.org.
Babes in Toyland Van Wezel's 2005-06 Broadway series continues with this fun operetta, which takes place in a land where toys walk, talk and sing. 7 p.m. Mon., Dec. 19. $25-$35. Van Wezel Performing Arts Center.
The Nutcracker Another version of the holiday classic, this one performed by the Orlando Ballet, along with students from Tampa and Orlando dance schools. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 21-23. $18.50-$54.50. Carol Morsani Hall, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.
The Nutcracker Miami City Ballet teams up with students from 20 local dance studios for this production, which features Tchaichovsky's timeless score performed live by The Florida Orchestra. 8 p.m. Thurs., 2 and 8 p.m. Fri., 1 p.m. Sat., Dec. 22-24. $29-$45. Ruth Eckerd Hall.
Brighter Season for Children Toy Drive BSC, a service of The Hospice's AIDS Service Association of Pinellas (ASAP), collects toys and finds sponsors for children and families every holiday season. Through this program, children get gifts they may not have otherwise received. Contributions should be dropped off by Dec. 14 at 1214 Cleveland St. in Clearwater, or 300 31st St. N., St. Petersburg. Please call 727-449-2437, ext. 11, for more information.
RCS Food Bank The Religious Community Services Food Bank needs volunteers to help serve food during the food bank's extended hours (9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) during Christmas weekend. Drivers are also needed to assist with deliveries and pick-ups of donated foods. 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, accept contributions from individuals wishing to honor loved ones with personalized dove ornaments, and work the gift-wrap station. All proceeds benefit programs and services provided by The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. Call 727-586-4432 to volunteer. Through Dec. 24.
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. New this year are "Boxes of Hope," which encourage individuals and companies to provide a complete meal for a poor or homeless family. For more information, call 813-209-1044. Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Center is located on the 2100 block of N. Florida Avenue in Tampa, and is open through Dec. 24.
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. 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 10. Free. Chabad of Tampa, 14908 Pennington Road, Tampa. Call 813-963-2317 for more information or to make reservations.
Chanukah Gift Fair Congregation Beth Am's "Judaica by Sisterhood" presents its annual gift fair and bake sale. All purchases are tax-free; credit cards accepted. 9:30 a.m. to noon Sun., Dec. 11. Beth Am, 2030 W. Fletcher Ave., Tampa. Call 813-968-8511 for more information.
Sisterhood Judaica Gift Shop Featuring an abundance of Chanukah gift items. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mon.-Fri., through Dec. 13. Schaarai Zedek, 3303 W. Swann Ave., Tampa, 813-876-2377.
Jewish Celebration of Christmas A unique celebration commemorating the birth of the Jewish Messiah. The event is also referred to as "Yom Mashiach" — The Day of the Messiah. The public is invited to attend. 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 24. Ohr Chadash Synagogue, 3190 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., Clearwater, 727-726-1472.
Vodka Latke The Young Adult Division of the Tampa Jewish Federation hosts a party to benefit the federation. Sat., Dec. 24. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Club Code, Ybor City. For information or to R.S.V.P., call 813-769-2803 or e-mail Pamela.behar@jewishtampa.com.
City Hall Chanukah Extravaganza A celebration of the beginning of Chanukah with the lighting of a giant menorah, live music and entertainment, hot latkes and more. 5 p.m. Sun., Dec. 25. Downtown Tampa City Hall Plaza, Franklin Street and Kennedy Boulevard. Call 813-963-2317 for more information.
Chanukah Festival and Menorah Lighting Join Chabad of Bradenton for its second annual festival, which includes a drawing, face painting, doughnuts, music, hot latkes, balloons and more. 6:30 p.m. Mon., Dec. 26. Prime Outlets Ellenton, 5461 Factory Shopps Blvd., Ellenton. Call 941-758-2799 for more information.
Menorah Lighting Ceremony The candle lighting occurs at the Keystone Road entrance to the Woodfield Subdivision; a reception follows at Congregation B'nai Emmunah (3374 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs). 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 28. Call 727-938-9000 for additional information.
Shabbat/Chanukkah Service and Menorah Madness Bring your Chanukkah Menorahs and candles to this special service, which is followed by a dinner and activities. 6 p.m. Fri., Dec. 30. Congregation B'nai Emmunah, 3374 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, 727-938-9000.
Chanukah Bowling Chabad of Bradenton hosts an afternoon of bowling. Sun., Jan. 1. Location TBA. Call 941-758-2799 for more information.
Noon Year's Eve Lowry Park Zoo and Radio Disney AM host this annual daytime New Year's celebration, which begins at 9:30 a.m. and culminates with a countdown to a juice toast at noon. Sat., Dec. 31. Regular zoo admission applies: $14.95 adults/$10.50 for ages 3-11 (children 2 and younger enter free). Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa, 813-935-8552, www.lowryparkzoo.com.
New Year's Eve with Donna the Buffalo Presented by WMNF-88.5 FM; a B.Y.O.B. event. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sat., Dec. 31, $35 in advance/$45 at the door. 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. Enjoy live music and entertainment, dancing, games, art, fireworks and more. 5:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Sat., Dec. 31. 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.
New Year's Eve with Lewis Black The Tampa Improv presents comedian, author and Daily Show regular Lewis Black for New Year's revelers. Sat., Dec. 31. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa, 813-864-4000.
Jerusalem Delight Disco Night New Year's Eve Party Come dressed in your favorite 1960s, '70s or '80s attire, dance to Israeli and disco hits, and enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. 8:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 31. $36 per person. Golda Meir/Kent Jewish Center 2010 Greenbriar Blvd., Clearwater, 727-736-1494.
Additional reporting by Editorial Assistant Anne Arsenault.
This article appears in Dec 7-13, 2005.