TAMPA, Fla. — It's officially holiday season in Tampa Bay. Get into the holiday spirit by enjoying these local events with family and friends!

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Here are some of the events happening around the Tampa Bay Area:

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

SANTA'S FLIGHT ACADEMY AT INTERNATIONAL PLAZA
Nov. 7 - Dec. 24 | 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. 
International Plaza - 2223 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa 
This holiday attraction merges the physical and digital to provide a personalized adventure for every child, and ends with a special visit with Santa.

CURTIS HIXON PARK WINTER VILLAGE
Nov. 16 - Jan. 24 
Curtis Hixon Park - 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa, FL 
Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Tampa where Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is transformed with the sights, sounds and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages. 
Ice skating tickets $15

CHRISTMAS TOWN AT BUSCH GARDENS
Nov. 16 - Jan. 6 
Busch Gardens 
It's Christmas every day at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, with millions of twinkling lights, the Sing-Along Train, holiday shows and of course, visits with Santa and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Christmas Town features extended hours on weekends and additional select dates with even more festive experiences, including indulgent culinary treats at the Christmas Town Village, nighttime experiences on Florida’s best thrill rides and more.

CHRISTMAS LANE
Nov. 29 - Dec. 24 | 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. | Thursday - Sunday
Florida Strawberry Fesitval Grounds
Christmas Lane is a winter wonderland featuring dazzling displays, live entertainment, pictures with Santa and more!

CHRISTMAS IN THE WILD
Select nights Nov. 29 - Dec. 23
Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park - 1101 Sligh Ave. Tampa
Families will experience a merry and memorable evening and immerse themselves in the spirit of the season. From the stunning sights of thousands of twinkling lights, and delectable seasonal holiday treats and refreshments, to the wonder and enchantment of wildlife at night - Christmas in the Wild will offer guests of all ages a whimsical holiday experience.

RIVER OF LIGHTS HOLIDAY CRUISES
Nov. 29 - Dec. 30 | Departing every hour from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Tampa Convention Center - 333 S. Franklin St.
This boat tour takes you along the Hillsborough River where you'll see lighted bridges and downtown. The captains will entertain you with whimsical narration and you'll be able to join in for a sing along of christmas carols.
Tickets: Child: $18 Adult: $28 

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS STROLL
Dec. 1 - Dec. 23 | 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Henry B. Plant Museum
401 W. Kennedy Blvd. Tampa
Visitors will explore the Museum transformed by Christmas trees ranging in height from a few inches to more than 14 feet, 40,000 lights, and hundreds of feet of garland. With a different theme in every exhibit room, there is something for everyone including an interactive sensory tree activity for visitors with sensosry disabilities.
Tickets start at $8

93.3 FLZ'S JINGLE BALL 2019
Dec. 1 | 7 p.m.
Amalie Arena
Many of the world's biggest artists are coming to Tampa with some incredible performances and special surprises! Taking the Stage at the 2019 Jingle Ball Tour wii be Sam Smith, Lizzo, Normani, French Montana and more!

THE 13 UGLY MEN UGLY SWEATER PARTY
Dec. 6 | 8 p.m.
American Social Tampa - 290 S. Meridian Ave., Tampa
This isn't your standard holiday party. Experience a winter wonderland complete with custom holiday cocktails, DJ's spinning the sweetest yule-tide beats, a one of a kind North Pole Lounge, and, of course, snow.

JINGLE BELL BAZAAR
Dec. 15 | 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Centennial Park - 1800 E. 8th Ave., Tampa
LIVE music by Tampa's favorite saxophonist Marlon Boone, beautiful songstress Cienna Alida, MC Righteous, and DJ TeePee, 70+ craft & food vendors, fashion showcase by local boutiques and pictures with Santa in Santa's Village.

CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY
Dec. 18 | 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. 
The Yuengling Center - 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa 
Cirque Musica Holiday presents Wonderland - a fun-filled concert experience for the whole family featuring the talented cast of Cirque Musica.
Tickets start at $25

PASCO COUNTY 

ANNUAL WINTER WONDERLAND CRAFT AND VENDOR FAIR
Dec. 7 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
St. Ann's Catholic Church - 7120 Massachusetts Ave. New Port Richey
This holiday shopping event will have 60+ specialized vendors and great food. Come join in the fun there is something for everyone! Family friendly and FREE admission!

THE INSPIRE FOUNDATION'S 5TH ANNUAL EVENT FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Dec. 7 | 10 a.m - 3 p.m. 
Trinity New Life Church
This special, free, VIP experience is for children and young adults with special needs and their families. This is the only event of its kind in the Tampa Bay area. Santa's Workshop comes to life with special sensory friendly activities, including snow and other interactive tables.

9TH ANNUAL HOW THE GRINCH SAVED CHRISTMAS
Dec. 13 | 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. 
Spartan Manor - 6121 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey 
Join us for  this popular and heartwarming holiday event to help support local families in need! Your ticket includes appetizers, a dinner buffet, along with live music, dancing and contests!
Tickets: $35

PINELLAS COUNTY

HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN THE GARDEN
Nov. 29 - Jan. 4 | 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Florida Botanical Gardens - 12520 Ulmerton Road
Walk along the illuminated paths that highlight all types unique flowers and plants. Over 1 million LED lights are used to set the gardens aglow. Refreshments and holiday-themed gifts are available at the Gardens' gift shop. 
$5 suggested donation

A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Dec. 6 - 15
St. Petersburg City Theater - 4025 31st Street South, St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg City Theater will stage A Christmas Carol as the Holiday Presentation of its 94th season. Scrooge, Tiny Tim, a host of beloved characters and strolling carolers come to life in this spectacular production of the most loved holiday story of all time.
Tickets: $15-$70

GLASS ORNAMENT PAINTING PARTY 
Dec. 5 | 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Tarpon Turtle Grill & Marina 
Grab your friends, family & co-workers and join us for a seasonal paint and sip evening. You will have the option to create THREE glass holiday ornaments. One of our talented artists will guide you through the process. You’ll go home with three ornaments designed and painted by YOU! They make great stocking stuffers and gift ideas for that special someone.
Tickets: $35

A HARBOR HOLIDAY 
Dec. 7 | 5 pm to 9 p.m.
Downtown Safety Harbor, Main Street
Hop aboard the Holiday trolleys that transport you through a Harbor Holiday adventure. Our elves will take you to various stops that include the Waterfront Wonderland, Vintage Christmas, Santa’s Workshop, Holiday Acres, Rigsby Gingerbread house and more!

THE ENCHANTMENT
Nov. 22 – Dec. 29
Tropicana Field
The World's Largest Christmas Light Maze and Market featuring larger-than-life light sculptures is taking over Tropicana Field. On your adventure, glide along the light-adorned ice skating trail, mosey through a Christmas Market of over 40 local artisan vendors, listen as carolers sing your favorite holiday tunes, and more. 
Tickets $14.99-$84.99

MANATEE COUNTY

TAMPA BAY HOLIDAY MARKET
Nov. 16 10 a.m. - Nov. 17 5 p.m.
The Coliseum - 535 4th Ave. N., St. Petersburg
There will be goodies and treats, gifts large and small, something and everything for one and all! Tampa Bay Holiday Market will have various kinds of chocolates, candles, jewelry, handbags, garments, holiday gifts and decorative items. Lots of different exhibitors to help you get your shopping done!

VENICE BOAT CHRISTMAS PARADE
Dec. 7 | 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Intracostal Waterway, Venice 
Southwest Florida has several parades featuring decorated boats, starting with this long-running tradition in Venice, taking place mostly through the Intracoastal Waterway.

HOLIDAYS AROUND THE RANCH 
Dec. 13 | 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Main Street, Lakewood Ranch 
Main Street closes to car traffic and revelers will stand in awe as Santa arrives on a horse-drawn carriage. Carolers sing around the fountain leading to the lighting of the Christmas Tree. There will be lots of activities for all, including an outdoor snow slide. Stage performances from local music and dance studios will occur throughout.

ANNUAL JINGLE 5K RUN/WALK
Dec 20. | 7 p.m.
Main Street, Lakewood Ranch
It's a festive way to enjoy the season and tie jingle bells to your shoelaces, which they will supply, along with lighted flashers. There is Holiday music along the course and live music at the finish plus there is a huge post-race party with lots of fun!
Registration $35

POLK COUNTY

SNOWFEST 2019
Dec. 7 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Munn Park - 210 E Main St, Lakeland
There is SNOW in the forecast for downtown Lakeland! Join us for the 39th Annual Snowfest! There will be an artisan craft fair, inflatables, Snow Mountains, and Santa.

MAKE IT MAGICAL
Dec. 13 | 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Lake Wales Main Street
Enjoy shopping in our sweet downtown and strolling through local shops, art and craft vendors with plenty of holiday decor and live music. Free admission treats guests to crafts, activities, a visit with Santa and SNOW!!

Jingle Bark Pet Festival
Dec 14, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Northeast Regional Park - 50901 Highway 27, Davenport
Jingle Bark is a pet friendly festival held at Northeast Regional Park, Davenport. This festival will feature vendors, food vendor, pet photos with Santa, contests and much more. Free admission for all humans and furry friends **Pets must be on a leash or in a carrier*

Winterfest and Parade
Dec 14, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Wilson Park - 5 State Street, Davenport
Join the city of Davenport for food, floats and fireworks at the Christmas Parade and Winterfest! The Parade starts at 6 p.m.

Holiday Glow Ball Scramble
Dec. 14 | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Leadbetter Golf Academy - 8595 White Shark Blvd, Davenport
Help us light up the night at our first holiday glow ball scramble. SANTA! Cookies and Milk! Glow-in-the-dark golf balls! Medals for 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Teams! So much fun to be had.
Tickets: $25/team

CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR 
Dec. 20 | 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
RP Funding Center - 701 W Lime St. Lakeland
CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR is quite simply one of the most delightful and enchanting Christmas shows ever, featuring glittering costumes, a dazzling cast and the highest kicking chorus girls this side of the North Pole.
Tickets starting at $61

HERNANDO COUNTY

LIVE REINDEER & SANTA IN DOWNTOWN BROOKSVILLE
Dec. 18 | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Hernando Park Bandshell - 205 E. Fort Dade Ave.
For 2019 we will again offer two pinto colored reindeer. Their stunning color makes them the most popular color combination. These are the ONLY reindeer available in the State of Florida. These are REAL REINDEER, not Caribou or Florida Deer. The handlers and reindeer are brought down from the Canadian/NY border just for this time period.

BROOKSVILLE'S CHRISTMAS ON THE HILL
Dec. 19 | 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The Wired Bird - 107 S Saxon Ave.
An evening of shopping and fun. Travel from shop to shop and enjoy a beautiful evening of specials, snacks and prizes. The Shops on the Hill will be open and full of Christmas Spirit. Westover's Flowers & Gifts, Mallie Kyla's, The Pearl Porch, Florida Cracker Trading Company, Transformed Treasures, The Tilted Tea Cup and The Wired Bird will all be participating.

FLORIDA CRACKER CHRISTMAS
Dec. 21 | 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Florida Cracker Kitchen - 966 E. Jefferson St.
On December 21st Florida Cracker Kitchen is teaming up with Operation Heart F.E.L.T. and Florida Natives, The Bellamy Brothers for the inaugural Florida Cracker Christmas! With a full lineup of country music and headliners The Bellamy Brothers, it is sure to be a great night supporting a great cause. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Operation Heart F.E.L.T.
Tickets $10

CITRUS COUNTY

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