Lights of Love: Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital Christmas Tree Lighting Santa is present at this tree lighting to benefit the Helen Ellis Hospital Auxiliary. 7 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 7. 1395 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs, 727-942-5048.
19th Annual Deck the Halls Sale Peruse an assortment of handmade ornaments ($5 each) produced by artists from all over Florida. All proceeds benefit The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. 5:30-9 p.m. Sat., Dec. 9. Artspace, 10 Fifth St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-804-7004, artspaceartists.com
24th Annual Jingle Bell Run The Boley Center, a nonprofit organization that serves people with emotional, psychiatric and behavioral problems, hosts its holiday fundraiser at which men, women and children can participate in a non-competitive walk, jog or run along the waterfront. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 13. The Pier, 800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg. To register ($15 in advance/$18 day of event adults, $10/$12 children), go to www.bolycenters.org or call 727-821-4819.
PARADES, LIGHTS, FESTIVALS, SPECIAL EVENTS
Seasonal Sensations — an Illuminated Garden More than 425,000 lights adorn the Florida Botanical Gardens in celebration of the holidays. 5-10 p.m. nightly, through Jan 3. Free admission. 12175 125th St. N., Largo, flbg.org.
Trees & Traditions A collection of holiday trees decorated in colorful global themes dot the Heritage Village Visitor Center galleries, and holiday decorations adorn buildings throughout the village. Through Dec. 31. Free admission (donations accepted). 11909 125th St. N., Pinewood Cultural Park, Largo, 727-582-2123.
ICE! Gaylord Palms hosts this annual holiday attraction, a winter wonderland hand-carved from nearly two million pounds of ice. The display includes interactive environments and scenes, like a holiday train and depot and life-size nativity as well as larger-than-life, three-dimensional ice monuments and sculptures. On display through Jan. 2; Call for hours. $16.99-$24.99 adults/$9.99 ages 4-12. Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, 407-586-4423, gaylordpalms.com/ice.
The Christmas House Owners Ted and Kim Kresge have been putting on the lights at this St. Petersburg mainstay since 1977 and the shining spectacle has only grown each year. The extensive display takes at least three months to complete and features 400 moving and animated figures, a huge manger scene, artificial snow flurries, a wall of lights, a fiber optic forest and much more. 6-10 p.m. nightly, through Jan. 3. Free (donations gratefully accepted). 2700 Oakdale St. S., St. Petersburg. Visit christmasdisplay.org for directions.
25th 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. Twenty-five richly decorated trees line the halls and rooms, and lush greenery, decorations and elegantly-wrapped packages are scattered throughout. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, through Dec. 23. $10 adults/$4 children 12 and younger (reduced admission Mondays and Tuesdays: $6 adults/$3 children). 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-258-7302, plantmuseum.com.
Seventh Annual Wild Wonderland Lowry Park Zoo's winter festival features seasonal lights and holiday displays throughout the zoo, live reindeer appearances, a "Jingle Bell Narrated Carriage Ride," holiday carolers and live bands, themed games, visits with Santa and more. $13 adults ($9.95 members)/$11 ages 3 to 11 ($7.50 members; children 2 and younger enter free). 6-9 p.m. Dec. 8-11, 14-17, 20-23 and 26-30. 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa, 813-935-8552, lowryparkzoo.com.
Still No Room at the Inn ASAP Homeless Services hosts its 20th annual event, at which participants carol through downtown St. Petersburg to Straub Park (Beach Drive and Fifth Avenue N.E.). The event is preceded by a free cookout at the ASAP Drop-In Center (423 11th Ave. S., St. Petersburg) and followed by free cookies and hot chocolate at Straub Park. 7-9 p.m. Fri., Dec. 8. For more info, call 727-823-5665.
18th Annual MarineMax Lighted Boat Parade Music and festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. at The Pier (800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg); decorated boats set sail around 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.). All proceeds go to The Children's Dream Fund. Fri., Dec. 8. For more information, call 727-821-6443.
Clearwater Holiday Parade A night parade with plenty of illuminated floats, costumed Krewes, clown troupes, collector cars and trucks, marching bands and more. 7-9 p.m. Fri., Dec. 8. Cleveland Street, downtown Clearwater. For more info, call 727-562-4813.
Christmas Jamboree Visit an early 19th-century home, sawmill, print shop and blacksmith shop while listening to live bluegrass and folk music, sipping hot apple cider and nibbling sugar cookies, and participating in some old-fashioned holiday activities and shopping. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., Dec. 9. Free admission. Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 2900 31st St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-893-7326.
