Tampa Bay toy drives, parades and events to keep you in the holiday spirit

It’s the last month of the year and our calendars are filling up with a bajillion invites for parties and other shenanigans. And while there are so many places in Tampa Bay to see holiday lights and take in a holiday concert, local bars, businesses and municipalities are also getting into the holiday spirit with toy drives, parades and more.

Take a breather from the day-to-day stuff and kick back a bit with this evolving list of Tampa Bay holiday events.

American Social Dust off your ugly sweater for the annual Ugly Sweater Party. The ugliest piece of outerwear wins a $150 AmSo gift card. $8 Tito’s cocktails and $25 Truly Buckets available during the party too. Thursday, Dec. 16 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. 601 S Harbour Island Blvd. Unit 107, Tampa, 813-605-3333. americansocialbar.com

Armature Works A ceremonial tree lighting kicked off the food hall’s family-friendly activities, and Ola the Elf is there every night through Christmas. 1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa, 813-250-3725. armatureworks.com

Bayboro Brewing Co. Enjoy kid-friendly activities, live music, and vendors while donating to an annual toy drive. Guests receive a free draft with a toy donation (minimum $5 value). Donations benefit Boys & Girls Club. Event starts at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11. 2390 5th Ave. S, St. Petersburg, 727-767-9666. bayborobrewing.com

Bula Kavananda Kava Bar Grab last minute Christmas gifts at the holiday market. Live music and drink specials on deck. Saturday, Dec. 11 2 p.m.-9 p.m. 5803 N Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-444-5571. bulakavananda.com

City of Dunedin Celebrate the holidays with a parade (Dec. 11), Santa’s Calling (Dec. 11-20), the Christmas Experience (Dec. 16-20), plus the recurring Saturday downtown market in and around Edgewater Park. 51 Main St., Dunedin, 727-738-2920. dunedin.gov

City of Largo Recreation, Parks, and Arts Holiday season is here so take a ride on the Largo Central Railroad and see all the beautiful lights throughout the park. Proceeds benefit the Largo Central Railroad. Dec. 10- Dec. 11 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Dec. 12 5 p.m.-9 p.m. $10 per person. 102 Central Park Dr., Largo, 727-587-6740. playlargo.com
Clearwater Garden Club Visitors can see shimmering Christmas lights on this garden tour and enjoy live entertainment, food & drinks plus vendors. Friday, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. 405 Seminole St., Clearwater, 727-316-5504. clearwatergardenclub.com

Dade City Merchants Association Take a stroll through downtown Dade City and marvel at festive decorations and more. There’s a parade (Dec. 10), a holiday drive around the park (Dec. 11), gingerbread contest (Dec. 23) and more. downtowndadecity.com

First Night St. Pete Celebrate NYE with an arts-filled night in downtown St Petersburg. Dec. 31 at 4 p.m. $5-100. firstnightstpete.com

City of Gulfport Meet Santa and get some holiday shopping done while strolling down Beach Boulevard at the Gulfport Indie Faire this Saturday. This month’s theme is “Cocktails and Candy Canes.” Saturday, Dec. 18, 1 p.m.-9 p.m. Beach Boulevard, Gulfport. visitgulfportflorida.com/indiefaire—Jennifer Ring

Keep Saint Petersburg Local A unique pop-up market experience along the Pinellas Trail with plenty of chances to do some Christmas shopping. Satrurday, Dec. 11 3 p.m.-9 p.m. @thefactorystpete on Facebook

Gioffre’s A night of music, christmas, friends and fashion during a live holiday acoustic concert from duo Luna Akire and Jessy LeRos. Friday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m. $25. 8 S Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater, 727-442-4172. eventbrite.com

M. Bird Bring two unwrapped toys valued at $10 each or a $20 donation in exchange for two complimentary cocktails. All donations benefit Metropolitan Ministries. Monday, Dec. 20 7 p.m.-midnight. 1903 Market St., Tampa, 813-296-2702. mbirdtampa.com
The Historic Manhattan Casino The Hip Hop Holiday is a day of fun, food and music as part of the Winter Market for 2nd Saturday. Live entertainment, food, to-go drinks, vendors and winter wonderland. Wednesday, Dec. 15 3 p.m.-9 p.m. 642 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-592-1267. bookthemanhattan.com

ZooTampa at Lowry Park This year’s “Christmas in the Wild” features light displays, holiday treats, amazing wildlife and new adventures. Advanced-purchase tickets and timed reservations are strongly encouraged to guarantee admission. $29.95 per nonmember. A $5 reservation fee applies to each member and “Pay for a Day, Come Back All Year” passholder then reimbursed in the form of a $5 food and merch voucher to be used that night only. Ends Dec. 30. 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa, 813-935-8552. zootampa.org
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