The Nutcracker Another version of the holiday classic, this one performed by Orlando Ballet with more than 100 students from Tampa and Orlando dance schools, and featuring live accompaniment by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., 2 and 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 21-23. $18.50-$54.50. Carol Morsani Hall-Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.
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 adaptation of the holiday classic. 7:30 p.m. Fri., 1 and 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 22-23. $32-$52. Mahaffey Theater.
A Christmas Carol A large stage production of the Charles Dickens' classic about Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas. 2 and 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 23. $25-$36. Ruth Eckerd Hall.
HANUKKAH EVENTS
Hanukkah Party Latkes, soup, salad and dessert will be served, and guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped children's toy to be donated to Jewish Family Services. 7 p.m. Wed., Dec 13. Congregation B'nai Emmunah, 3374 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. For more information, call 727-726-8626.
Sisterhood Judaica Gift Shop Featuring an abundance of Hanukkah gift items. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sun., through Dec. 13. Schaarai Zedek, 3303 W. Swann Ave., Tampa, 813-876-2377.
Hanukkah Musical Extravaganza: Revolt in Modi'in Fri., Dec. 15. Congregation B'nai Emmunah, 3374 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. For more information, call 727-726-8626.
Hands on Hanukkah Community Celebration Tampa Jewish Community Center hosts this event, which includes a hot dog and latke lunch, an oil press demonstration, a family Menorah contest, a dreidel competition, a Hanukkah sing-a-long and Israeli dancing, and more. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sun., Dec. 17 (reservations must be made by Dec. 10). Free admission. 13009 Community Campus Drive, Tampa, 813-264-9000, www.jewishtampa.com.
Hanukkah Bowl Chabad of Brandon hosts an afternoon of bowling, air hockey, foosball and arcade games. A grand dreidel game is planned and attendees also enjoy hot latkes and other treats. 1-3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 17. $10 per person ($36 per family). Brandon Crossroads Bowl, 609 Crater Lane, Brandon. To R.S.V.P., call 813-657-9393.
Hanukkah Concert Hosted by the Chabad Jewish Center of St. Petersburg. 5 p.m. Mon., Dec. 18. Free. 6151 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-344-4900.
Let There Be Light Chabad of Tampa Bay and Brandon host this Hanukkah celebration with the lighting of a giant menorah, live music by Benny Friedman, hot latkes, popcorn and cotton candy, a prize drawing and more. 6-8 p.m. Mon., Dec. 18. Downtown Tampa City Hall Plaza, Franklin Street and Kennedy Boulevard. Call 813-963-2317 for more information.
Wishes For Wellness: Healthy Hanukkah Party An interactive educational program geared toward providing health and wellness information to adults that want to stay active and healthy during the holiday season. 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Fri., Dec. 22, $3 general (free to members). Golda/Meir Kent Jewish Center, 2010 Greenbriar Blvd., Clearwater, 737-736-1494.
Menorah Madness A short service is followed by a pot luck dinner and live music by the Pittard family. Attendees are encouraged to bring a menorah and candles to light, and a dish to share. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 22. Congregation B'nai Emmunah, 3374 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. For more information, call 727-726-8626.
Vodka Latke 2006 A holiday fundraiser for the Young Adult Division of the Tampa Jewish Federation. Sun., Dec. 24. $20 in advance/$25 at the door. Gaspar's Grotto, Ybor City. For information or to R.S.V.P., call 813-769-2103 or e-mail [email protected].
VOLUNTEERING AND HOLIDAY DRIVES
RCS Food Bank The Religious Community Services Food Bank — which serves 4,000 clients each month and has approximately 60 distribution sub-sites throughout Pinellas County — seeks volunteers to help with office work, sorting food, delivering and picking up supplies, interviewing clients and more during the holiday season. Donations of baby food, cereal, formula, juices, after school snacks, boxed and canned food items, powdered milk, and plastic and paper grocery bags are also needed. To volunteer or make a donation, call 727-443-4031.
Holiday Toy Drive Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers ("HAWL") seeks donations for USF's Kinship Care Center, which provides a variety of support services to grandparents and other relatives raising their family members' children. Unwrapped gifts or gift cards should be delivered before December 12 to: Nancy Hutcheson Harris & Associates, P.A., Barrister's Building, 505 E. Jackson St., Suite 306, Tampa. For more info, call 813-281-1900 or 813-223-5421.
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 813-209-1000. Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Center is located on the 2100 block of N. Florida Avenue in Tampa, and is open through Dec. 24.
