Sisterhood Judaica Gift Shop
Featuring an abundance of Chanukah gift items. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mon.-Fri., Dec. 4-13. Schaarai Zedek, 3303 W. Swann Ave., Tampa, 813-876-2377
Chanukah Gift Fair
Congregation Beth Am's "Judaica by Sisterhood" presents its annual gift fair and bake sale. All purchases are tax-free; credit cards accepted. 9:30 a.m. to noon Sun., Dec. 4 and 11. Beth Am, 2030 W. Fletcher Ave., Tampa. Call 813-968-8511 for more information
Chanukah Party
Chabad of Tampa presents an evening of fun Chanukah festivities, including arts and crafts, an olive-oil-pressing workshop, music and lots of tasty foods. 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 10. Free. Chabad of Tampa, 14908 Pennington Road, Tampa. Call 813-963-2317 for more information or to make reservations
City Hall Chanukah Extravaganza
A celebration of the beginning of Chanukah with the lighting of a giant menorah, live music and entertainment, hot latkes and more. 5 p.m. Sun., Dec. 25. Downtown Tampa City Hall Plaza, Franklin Street and Kennedy Boulevard. Call 813-963-2317 for more information
Menorah Lighting Ceremony
The candle lighting occurs at the Keystone Road entrance to the Woodfield Subdivision; a reception follows at Congregation B'nai Emmunah (3374 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs). 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 28. Call 727-938-9000 for additional information
Shabbat/Chanukkah Service and Menorah Madness
Bring your Chanukkah Menorahs and candles to this service, which is followed by a dinner and activities. 6 p.m. Fri., Dec. 30. Congregation B'nai Emmunah, 3374 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, 727-938-9000
Chanukah Bowling
Chabad of Bradenton hosts an afternoon of bowling. Sun., Jan. 1. Location TBA. Call 941-758-2799 for more information.
NEW YEAR'S CELEBRATIONS
Noon Year's Eve
Lowry Park Zoo and Radio Disney AM host this annual daytime New Year's celebration, which begins at 9:30 a.m. and culminates with a countdown to a juice toast at noon. Sat., Dec. 31. $14.95 adults/$10.50 for ages 3-11 (children 2 and younger enter free). Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa, 813-935-8552
New Year's Eve with Donna the Buffalo
Presented by WMNF-88.5 FM; a B.Y.O.B. event. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sat., Dec. 31, $35 in advance/$45 at the door. The Coliseum.
First Night 2005
The 12th annual New Year's Eve Celebration of the Arts takes place at 28 different venues throughout downtown St. Petersburg, and features an assortment of alcohol-free, family-oriented activities and diversions. Enjoy live music and entertainment, dancing, games, art, fireworks and more. 5:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Sat., Dec. 31. Admission is $8 in advance or $10 the day of for adults; children enter for $5 (kids under 5 enter free). Call 727-823-8906 for more information
New Year's Eve with Lewis Black
The Tampa Improv presents comedian, author and Daily Show regular Lewis Black for New Year's revelers. Sat., Dec. 31. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa, 813-864-4000
Jerusalem Delight Disco Night New Year's Eve Party
Come dressed in your favorite 1960s, '70s or '80s attire, dance to Israeli and disco hits, and enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. 8:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 31. $36 per person. Golda Meir/Kent Jewish Center 2010 Greenbriar Blvd., Clearwater, 727-736-1494.
Additional reporting by Editorial Assistant Anne Arsenault.
