Dressed Up for the Holidays
Children with juvenile arthritis and professional models showcase clothing by Gap Kids and Adrienne Vittadini in a fashion show to raise awareness of the disease and to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation. Sat., Dec. 3. Renaissance Tampa Hotel, International Plaza, 4200 Jim Walter Blvd., Tampa. Call 813-968-7000 to reserve tickets.
Great American Breakfast and Bake Sale
First Unity Church joins thousands of other participants to fight childhood hunger in America with this special holiday fundraiser. Breakfast is 8 to 11 a.m., and the bake sale 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Christmas bake sale and gourmet breakfast is Sun., Dec. 4. 469 45th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-527-2222.
Historic Holiday Home and Garden Tour
Participants ride a HartLine trolley on this tour of Southeast Seminole Heights, which showcases nine holiday-themed bungalows, a "Decorator's Home Show" by Winchell Interiors and WMNF'S new studios. Tickets ($10) can be purchased at Seminole Heights Baptist Church (801 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa), which also serves as the starting point of the tour; the Joshua House benefits. 1 to 5:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 4. Call 813-767-4242 for more information.
Holiday Victorian Home Stroll
Each turn-of-the-century reproduction home is decked out with all the seasonal trimmings, complete with Christmas trees and tour guides dressed in period costume. All proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House; presented by Traditional Homes by Hernandez and the Rho-Chi chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha. Noon-5 p.m. Sun., Dec. 4. $10 adults/$5 ages 3 to 12. Tickets can be purchased at the first home, 213 W. Palm Ave., Tampa, or in advance by calling 813-416-3577.
18th Annual Deck the Halls Sale
Peruse an assortment of handmade ornaments ($5 each) produced by artists from around Florida. All proceeds benefit The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sat., Dec. 10. Artspace, 10 Fifth St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-804-7004.
23rd Annual Jingle Bell Run
The Boley Center hosts its holiday fundraiser, at which men, women and children are invited to participate in a non-competitive walk, jog or run along the waterfront. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 14. The Pier. To register ($15 in advance/$18 day of event for adults, $10/$12 children), go to www.bolycenters.org or call 727-821-4819.
Uhuru Holiday Pie Sale
Enjoy delicious holiday pies without going through the hassle of making them yourself. Uhuru members offer made-from-scratch apple crumb ($10), pumpkin ($8) and sweet potato pies ($10), are available for pick-up Dec. 17 and 22-24. Proceeds support the African People's Education & Defense Fund programs. To order pies, call 727-821-2437, go to www.apedf.org/pies or visit Uhuru Furniture, 945 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
Holiday Pet Present Sales
Find the greatest gifts for your four-legged friends at the SPCA adoption office and pet supply store, with a range of goodies discounted from 20 to 50 percent off. Proceeds support homeless and abused animals. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fri., noon to 5 p.m. Sat.-Sun., through Dec. 31. SPCA Tampa Bay of Largo, 9099 130th Ave. N., Largo, 727-586-3591.
PARADES, FEStIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
ICE!
Gaylord Palms hosts this holiday attraction, a winter wonderland hand-carved from nearly two million pounds of ice. The display includes interactive environments and scenes, as well as larger-than-life, 3-D ice monuments and sculptures. Call for hours. $16.99-$19.99 adults/$7.99 ages 4-12. On display through Jan. 2. Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, 407-586-4423, www.gaylordpalms.com/ice.
THE CHRISTMAS HOUSE
This St. Pete abode has delighted thousands of visitors since 1977, and the shining spectacle gets bigger each year. Nowadays, a crew of 12 people spend three months installing the display, which features 200 lighted outdoor figures, 60 snowmen, a 150-piece manger scene, artificial snow, a wall of lights, fiber optic forest and much, much more. Dusk-10 p.m. daily, Through Jan. 2. Free (donations gratefully accepted). 2700 Oakdale St. S., St. Petersburg. Call 727-896-6500 for directions.
Hillsborough County's Annual Festival of Lights
Santa flips the switch and sets Courthouse Square ablaze with thousands of lights adorning all the trees in the park. Guests can also enjoy a street carnival with games, arts and crafts, holiday treats, faux-snow, live entertainment and more. 5 to 9 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 1. Chillura Courthouse Square, Pierce Street and Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa. Call 813-272-5275 for more information.
Gulfport Tree Lighting Ceremony
Visit Gulfport's Climber Park for tree lightings, pictures with Santa and live entertainment. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 1. 22nd Avenue S. and Beach Boulevard. Call 727-893-1067.
24th 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. A richly decorated tree is featured in each room; lush greenery and decorations are draped about the Grand Hall; and antique toys, elegantly-wrapped packages and imaginative decorations are scattered throughout. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, Dec. 2-23. $9 adults/$3 children 3 to 12 (on Family Day Mondays, admission is $5 adults/$3 children). 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-258-7302, www.plantmuseum.com.
