Santa Parade and Snowfest This annual Christmas parade begins at 10 a.m. and proceeds north along Bayshore Drive from Fifth Avenue S.E. to Fifth Avenue N.E. The parade is immediately followed by Snowfest in North Straub Park (Beach Drive and Fifth Avenue N.E.), an event that features a snowball throw, toboggans, a moonwalk, ice-skating, pony rides and a petting zoo. Call 727-525-5950 for more information. Sat., Dec. 1. Free.
Santa Fest and Holiday Parade The City of Tampa's free holiday festival includes visits with Santa Claus, continuous entertainment, 30 tons of snow, an outdoor ice-skating rink, crafts and hands-on activities, a talking Christmas tree and much more. The festival occurs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 1 (Eighth Avenue between Centro Ybor and Centennial Park, Ybor City), and culminates with the Holiday Parade. The procession begins at Nuccio Parkway and Seventh Avenue, and makes its way north down Seventh Avenue, eventually making its way to Palm Avenue, where it disbands.
Trees & Traditions St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society hosts this multicultural event, which features holiday trees decorated in colorful global themes, music and dance performances, house tours and more. Sat., Dec. 1, 1-4 p.m. Free admission (donations accepted). 11909 125th St. N., Pinewood Cultural Park, Largo, 727-582-2123.
Regency Centers Holiday Events A national chain of grocery-anchored shopping centers hosts holiday family activities and promotions at two Bay area locations. Free activities include Yuletide stories and songs, performances by the Season's Best Circus, an Abracadabra magic show, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, stilt walking toy soldiers, a juggling elf and plenty else. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat., Dec. 1, Village Center, 13100-13262 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, and 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat., Dec. 8, Regency Square, 2400-2578 W. Brandon Blvd., Brandon.
Holiday Parade of Homes Tour apartment homes with a variety of floor plans at Allegro at East Lake in Tarpon Springs and enjoy holiday songs by the Sunset Serenade Barbershop Quartet, eggnog and fresh baked holiday cookies and treats, a performance by The Allegros' resident chime choir and more. Thurs., Dec. 6, 1-4 p.m. For directions or to R.S.V.P. please call 727-943-8878.
Holiday Ale Festival/Tasting Taste 50 fine and rare holiday ales, including St. Nick Rock, Santa's Private Reserve, Seriously Bad Elf, Sam Smith's Winter Welcome, Delirium Noel, Corsendonk Christmas, Winterbraun and He'brew Jewbelation Eleven. Thurs., Dec. 6, 7:30-10:30 p.m. $12 general admission. New World Brewery, 1313 Eighth Ave., Ybor City, 813-248-4969.
19th Annual St. Petersburg Lighted Boat Parade Holiday music is performed from 4 to 6 p.m. by the Dicken's Carolers, and more music and festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. (The Pier, 800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg). The 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 raised at the event go to The Children's Dream Fund; a Tuba Christmas concert follows. Sat., Dec. 8. For more information, call 727-821-6443.
Palms and Poinsettia Holiday Celebration Featuring holiday decorations, children's craft activities, holiday music, a palm tree lighting and meetings with Santa in the gazebo. Sat., Dec. 8, 5-7 p.m. Free admission. Ulmer Park, 301 West Bay Drive, Largo.
35th Annual Pinellas Park Christmas Parade Illuminated and old-fashioned decorated floats mark the evening parade, which begins at 6 p.m. at Park Boulevard and 58th Street, and proceeds east down Park to 40th Street. Sat., Dec. 8. For more info, visit pinellasparkholidayparade.com.
Still No Room at the Inn ASAP Homeless Services hosts its 21st 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. Fri., Dec. 14, 6:30-9 p.m. For more info, call 727-823-5665.
Palm Harbor 25th Annual Community Holiday Parade The parade travels down Nebraska Avenue to 11th Street, where Santa makes an appearance. Sat., Dec. 15, 3 p.m. For more info, call 727-771-6000.
Indian Shores and Redington Beaches 25th Annual Boat Parade Lighted boats leave from the Tom Stuart (Madeira Beach) Causeway at 6 p.m., and cover a route along the Intracoastal Waterway, to finish at the Pub Restaurant, 20025 Gulf Blvd. The Pub hosts an awards ceremony and refreshments for boat captains at 9:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 16. For more information, call 727-421-0885.
MUSIC
Half-Baked Holiday Una Voce: The Florida Men's Chorale performs a program of holiday music, from traditional favorites like to selections from The Nutcracker. 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., Nov. 30-Dec. 1, SPC Music Center, 6605 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg, and 4 p.m. Sun., Dec. 2, USF College of Visual and Performing Arts Theatre I, 42002 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. $15. una-voce.org.
