I was on Facebook looking for things to do this weekend when I was besieged by photographs of Santa Claus. It looks like Santa is everywhere this weekend, from parks to bars to shopping malls. I couldn't help but be amused by the sheer multitude of events featuring the jolly man in red, and they're not all just for kids. Rather than avoid it, I've decided to embrace it.
1. Take your picture with Santa in St Pete's Crescent Lake Park
It's a busy time of year for Santa, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised that he wanted to spend a nice, relaxing Saturday morning in the park. He'll be at Crescent Lake Park. Bring yourself and your family (including your pets) to Crescent Lake Park Saturday morning for a $10 digital photo with Santa — proceeds go to Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital and Gimme Shelter Pet Adoption. Crescent Lake Park, 1320 5th St. N., St. Pete. Dec. 16, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. with pet portraits from 1-2 p.m.
2. Get your pet pics with Santa at The Humane Society of Tampa Bay
There's no shortage of opportunities to get Fido's picture taken with Santa Claus this weekend — he's at PetSmart, Petco (on Saturday), and a variety of other locations in Tampa Bay, including the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Get your dog's pic with Santa and the money benefits the Humane Society of Tampa Bay's rescue work. Humane Society of Tampa Bay, 3607 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa. Dec. 16, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $10.
3. Skate with Santa at the Clearwater Ice Arena
I don't know that Santa will actually skate here Saturday, but he will be here. So say hi and then hit the ice for some traditional holiday fun. Clearwater Ice Arena, 13940 Icot Blvd., Clearwater. Dec. 16, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
4. Spend your Saturday with Santa at The Florida Aquarium
Santa will be at The Florida Aquarium in Downtown Tampa. I can only imagine what the backdrop to that photo is going to look like. The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa. Dec. 16 & 23, 10:30 p.m.
5. Eat cupcakes with Santa at Oldsmar's Smallcakes Cupcakery
This looks like a good event for both kids and adults. Kids can take their photo with Santa and enjoy a free mini cupcake, and adults can purchase holiday-themed cupcakes, while supplies last. Smallcakes Cupcakery, 3705 Tampa Rd., Ste. 4, Oldsmar. Dec. 16, 2-3:30 p.m.
6. Take a Selfie with Santa at Hofbrauhaus St. Petersburg
I was really hoping to find a photo of Santa holding a liter beer for this one, but I guess Santa's not supposed to look drunk, because, well, kids. But you can hoist up a liter beer and take a selfie with Santa at Hofbrauhaus. Hofbrauhaus St. Petersburg, 123 4th St. S., St. Pete. Dec. 16, 5-8 p.m.
7. Get drunk with Santa at Santapalooza
You get to be the drunk Santa in this scenario. This DTSP bar crawl starts at Caddy's on Central, then travels to MacDinton's, Yard of Ale, Five Bucks Drinkery, The One Night Stand, Ringside Café and Thirsty First. Tix are $26.99 in advance, or $30 at the event. Get yours here: Santapalooza tickets. Caddy's on Central, 217 Central Ave., St. Pete. Dec. 16, 8 p.m. until the reindeer come home.
8. Have breakfast with Santa at Kelly's Chic a Boom Room in Dunedin
This Sunday, Kelly's Chic a Boom Room is serving their standard breakfast and brunch with one special addition: Santa. No reservations required. Kelly's Chic a Boom Room, 319 Main St., Dunedin. Dec. 17, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
9. Have tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus at The Oxford Exchange in Tampa
Here's a nice luxury event for those of you with kids. You can bring your child to Oxford Exchange for afternoon tea this Sunday, along with Christmas cookie decorating and a read-along with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Get your tickets here. Oxford Exchange, 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. Dec. 17, 2 p.m. $50/adult; $30, kid.
10. Run with Santa at the 4th Annual Santa & Suds 5K in Clearwater
You don't have to wear your Speedos, but you should wear something festive to this Sunday's Annual Santa & Suds 5K in Clearwater. Registration includes a slice of pizza and a drink (soda, water, or beer) from Tony's Pizza. Register here. Sunday, December 17th, at 5 pm. 400 Block on Cleveland St., Clearwater. Dec. 17, 5 p.m. $20.
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This article appears in Dec 14-21, 2017.