ART EXHIBITS AND HOLIDAY SHOPPING

Candy Cane Lane Holiday Craft Fair Featuring homemade crafts, ornaments, jewelry, food and more. Sat., Dec. 8, 9 a.m. Free admission. Dunedin Community Center, 1920 Pinehurst Road, Dunedin, 727-812-4530.

Holiday Art Sale Featuring discounted original paintings, drawings photography, ceramics and holiday gifts as well as free cider and cookies for all shoppers. Proceeds benefit Project Return, a nonprofit that provides educational, vocational, and supportive housing services to people with mental illnesses. Dec. 8-9, 11 p.m.-4 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Free admission. The Lobby Gallery 2 @ Project Return, 303 W. Waters Ave., Tampa..

BENEFITS AND FUNDRAISERS

Safford House Museum Victorian Candlelight Tour The house is decorated for the season and reflects the spirit of Christmas as it was celebrated in the 1880s. A vintage toy exhibit, live music and seasonal refreshments are also featured. Proceeds support the museum's continued restoration. Dec. 6-9, 5:30-8 p.m. Thurs-Sun. $10 general/$5 members. 23 Parkin Court, Tarpon Springs, 727-937-1130.

Third Annual Latin Christmas Party & Children's Toy Drive Latin Times Magazine and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce invite the public to this special edition of the monthly First Friday Latin ConneXions Business Networking Social. which features a free buffet and exhibit. All attendees should bring a new unwrapped toy. Fri., Dec. 7, 5:30-9 p.m., Mirage Restaurant and Lounge, 3605 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, 813-901-5292, Latin-Connections.com.

Jackson's Second Annual Christmas Charity Event Featuring Christmas décor and four rooms' worth of music. Proceeds benefit the boys and girls at The Children's Home. Fri., Dec. 7, 9 p.m.-3 a.m., $10, Jackson's, 601 S. Harbour Island Blvd., Tampa. 813-864-1536.

The Great Figgy Pudding Street Corner Caroling Competition Teams of carolers perform holiday music and comical feats to raise pledges to benefit the St. Petersburg Free Clinic. Sat., Dec. 8, 5:30 p.m., North Straub Park, Bayshore Drive and Fifth Avenue N.E., St. Petersburg.

20th 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. Sat., Dec. 8, 5:30-9 p.m. Free admission. Artspace, 10 Fifth St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-418-8887, artspaceartists.com.

Seventh Annual Light The Way Home The Humane Society of Pinellas hosts this ceremony, during which the shelter is illuminated up with lights purchased in honor and memory of loved ones, both pets and people. Sun., Dec. 9, 6 p.m. 3040 S.R. 590, Clearwater, 727-797-7722, humanesocietyofpinellas.org.

PARADES, LIGHTS, FESIVALS, SPECIAL EVENTS

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.

Eighth 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. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 7-8, 14-16, 19-23 and 26-30, 6-9 p.m. $13 adults ($9.95 members)/$11 ages 3 to 11 ($7.50 members; children 2 and younger enter free). 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa, 813-935-8552, lowryparkzoo.com.

Christmas Village and Boat Parades at John's Pass Village This month-long celebration features an arts and crafts merchants sidewalk sale (10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., Dec. 8 and 15); pictures with Santa (10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat., 1-6 p.m. Sun., Dec. 8-9, and noon-2 p.m. Sat., Dec. 15); a tree-lighting ceremony (5 p.m. Sat., Dec. 8), the annual Treasure Island Lighted Boat Parade (6-8:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 9); an Early Bird Pajama Sale (10 a.m.-noon Sat., Dec. 15); a "Hope and Harmony" concert by John Hopkins Middle School; the Madeira Beach 41st Annual Festival of Lights Boat Parade (7-8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 15). 150 John's Pass Boardwalk, Madeira Beach. For more info, visit JohnsPassFestivals.com.

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. Sat., Dec. 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 2900 31st St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-893-7326.

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. 8, Regency Square, 2400-2578 W. Brandon Blvd., Brandon.

Science with Santa Learn about winter weather, enjoy snow-machine produced flurries, see and touch winter animals, watch planetarium shows about winter skies, make holiday ornaments with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and then dine on pizza and sweet treats with the North Pole duo. Sat., Dec. 8, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $15 general/$10 members. Science Center of Pinellas County, 7701 22nd Ave N., St. Petersburg, 727-384-0027.

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.

Seventh Annual Hillsborough River Holiday Boat Parade Local folks with kayaks, canoes and traditional motor craft are invited to take part; participants meet at the Lowry Park boat ramp at 5:30 p.m. and travel upriver from 6 to 8 p.m. past the illuminated Sulphur Springs Tower to the Harbor Club at Nebraska Avenue. Spectators can see the parade at the riverfront park by the Sulphur Springs City Pool and Historic Gazebo. Sat., Dec. 8. For more info, call 813-841-3601.

22nd Annual Gulfport Lighted Boat Parade The parade launches from the Boca Ciega Yacht Club (4600 Tifton St. S.) at 6 p.m., sails past the city pier and municipal beach, and through several areas along Boca Ciega Bay. Sat., Dec. 8. For more information, call 727-321-7295.

Winterfest Holiday Festival Diversions include holiday music, holiday entertainers, the arrival of Santa Claus, a Santa's Village, holiday lights, hayrides, ice carving demonstrations, holiday crafts, bouncy houses, snow and more. Sat., Dec. 8, 5-9 p.m. Free admission. Seminole City Park, 7464 Ridge Road, Seminole, 727-391-8345.

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.

18th Annual Tarpon Springs Lighted Boat Parade The vessels proceed down the Anclote River and into the bayous where Santa hands out treats to the children in Spring Bayou. Sat., Dec. 8, 6 p.m. Call 727-942-5628 details.

Museum of Fine Arts Holiday Open House Enjoy free admission to the museum, a Victorian-style Christmas tree in the Great Hall, artistic crèche, Hanukkah menorahs, a Kwanzaa display and performance by the Soulful Arts Dance Academy, visits with Santa Claus, ornament-making and plenty else. Sun., Dec. 9, 1-4 p.m. 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg.

MUSIC

A Festival of Lessons and Carols A re-telling of the Christian story beginning with the fall of Adam and leading into the coming of the "Word Incarnate" in addition to a festive program of Christmas music for choir, bells, organ and orchestra presented by the Eckerd College Concert Choir and Eckerd Ringers with members of the New German Symphony Orchestra. Thurs., Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. Free admission. Wireman Chapel — Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-864-8480. ALSO: The Gift of Christmas Cantata A similar Christmas program by the Eckerd College Concert Choir and Eckerd Ringers, this time with the First united Methodist Chancel Choir and Fellowship Ringers as well as the New German Symphony Orchestra. Sun., Dec. 9, 5:30 p.m. Free will offerings gratefully accepted. First United Methodist Church, 212 Third St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-894-4661.

A Christmas Celebration with the Tampa Bay Heralds of Harmony The male vocal ensemble presents its annual holiday concert. Sat., Dec. 8, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., $20-$30. Ferguson Hall-Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.

Candlelight Christmas Concert The 140-member SPC Chorus perform a "Christmas Around the World" program of traditional seasonal numbers as well as holiday songs from Brazil, France, Ireland, England, Italy and other international locales. Sat., Dec. 8, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Free admission. SPC Music Center, 6605 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-341-4301.

Tuba Christmas A holiday sing-along with tuba, baritone and euphonium performances by volunteer musicians of all ages. Sat., Dec. 8, 8 p.m. Free admission. The Pier, 800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg, 727-821-6443, stpete-pier.com.

THEATER AND DANCE

Radio City Christmas Spectacular The Rockettes bring their high-kicks and precision dance moves to Tampa in a show that features nearly 100 cast members — including Santa Claus himself — as well as holiday hits and Rockette faves like "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and "Living Nativity." Dec. 6-30, 7:30 p.m. Tues., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 1, 5 and 8 p.m. Fri., 11 a.m., 2, 5 and 8 p.m. Sat., 1, 4, and 7:30 p.m. Sun. (no 2 p.m. show Dec. 6, no Christmas Day show, no 5 p.m. show on Dec. 28, and no 7:30 p.m. show Dec. 30), $39-$74, Carol Morsani Hall-Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.

Black Nativity: A Gospel Song Play The Langston Hughes work — which celebrates the Christmas story as told via Hughes' poetic language and with gospel music — is performed by a multicultural cast of more than 50 local singers, dancers and musicians ranging in age from 8 to 82. Bob Devin Jones directs, with choreography by Paulette Walker Johnson. Dec. 7-9, 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Free admission. Palladium Theater.

The Chocolate Nutcracker Enjoy an evening of jazz, Afro-Cuban, hip-hop and gospel music as more than 150 local children and 180 adults (professional dancers and otherwise) perform in this unique adaptation of the holiday classic; presented by Life Force Cultural Arts Academy. Sat., Dec. 8, 1 and 7:30 p.m. $27-$47. Mahaffey Theater [see info box for address info].

The Nutcracker Miami City Ballet teams up with students from local dance studios to produce the holiday classic as interpreted by George Balanchine, which features Tchaikovsky's timeless score performed live by The Florida Orchestra. Dec. 8-9, 2 and 8 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. $30-$46. Ruth Eckerd Hall.

A Christmas Carol The Society Players brings Charles Dickens's timeless Christmas tale to the Bay area, with proceeds from ticket sales to benefit the Mason Dixon Christmas Wish Fund. Dec. 8-9, 8 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. $29-$32 general/$25 seniors/$15 students 19 and younger. Largo Cultural Center, 501 Central Park Drive, Largo, 727-587-6793.

Miracle on 34th Street Island Community Theater's stage production about a single mother, her daughter, and their dealings with a department store Santa who just might be the real Santa Claus. Through Dec. 16, 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 1:30 p.m. Sun. $14.99 per person. Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport, 727-345-1474, islandcommunitytheatre.com.

Venue Actors Studio Youth Theatre Holiday Showcase This year's offerings are The Enchanted Toyshop and The Other Pole. Nov. 30-Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2:30 p.m. Sun. $6. Venue Actors Studio, 9125 U.S. 19 N., Pinellas Park, 727-822-6194 VenueActorStudio.org.

The Great Russian Nutcracker Moscow Ballet's production features a cast of 50 dancers, live musical accompaniment by the Moscow Symphony Orchestra, lush costumes, spectacular sets and scenic design by Valentine Federov, larger-than-life puppets and a sneak peek into Drosselmeier's workshop. Dec. 21-22, 7:30 p.m. Fri., 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sat., $37-$67. Mahaffey Theater.

A Christmas Story Carrollwood Players produce a stage adaptation of the classic 1983 film about Ralphie Parker and his attempts to get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Through Dec. 22, 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. $14 general/$12 students and seniors, Carrollwood Playhouse, 4335 Gunn Highway, Tampa, 813-265-4000, carrollwoodplayers.org.

Hannukah EVENTS

Chanukah Family Dinner Join Rabbi Arthur Baseman for a shabbat meal (including latkes) and a celebration of the fourth night of Chanukah with a lighting of the menorah; families are encouraged to bring their own menorah to "light up the room." A special Chanukah and Shabbat service (open to all) follows. Fri., Dec. 7, 6 p.m. $18.50 adults/$8 children, Temple Bnai Israel, 1685 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater, 727-531-5829.

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. Fri., Dec. 7, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Congregation B'nai Emmunah, 3374 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. For more information, call 727-726-8626.

Chanukah Party Guests enjoy latkes, soup, salad and dessert, and are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped children's toy to be donated to Jewish Family Services. Thurs., Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. Congregation B'nai Emmunah, 3374 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. For more information, call 727-726-8626.

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.

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.

ADDRESS BOX

Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-898-2100, mahaffeytheater.com.

Palladium Theater, 253 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-822-3590, mypalladium.org.

Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 N. McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater, 727-791-7400, rutheckerdhall.com.

Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, downtown Tampa, 813-229-7827, tbpac.org.

This article appears in Dec 5-11, 2007.