If you’d like to catch a sighting of Jolly Old St. Nick, or enjoy some holiday lights, watch a parade, nibble on holiday cookies, take in a concert or two, or do a bit of shopping — you have plenty of choices around Pasco and Hillsborough counties.
Here’s a look at some local events that may help make your season brighter.
Symphony in Lights
Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel
When: Nightly through Dec. 31, hourly from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Symphony in Lights presented by CalAtlantic Homes features a 55-foot tree trimmed top to bottom, with dazzling lights choreographed to music.
A Saint Leo Christmas
Where: Black Box Theatre in Benedictine Hall, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo
When: Nov. 30, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Dec. 1, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. (4 p.m. performances are first-come, first-served; 7 p.m. performances require a reservation by emailing )
Cost: Admission is free.
Details: “A Saint Leo Christmas” is the annual student and faculty holiday concert presented by the Saint Leo University School of Arts and Sciences. (Also note: Benedictine Hall, on the west end of campus, has its own parking lot.)
Magical Night Christmas Parade
Where: Historic downtown Dade City
When: Dec. 1
Cost: Free admission
Details: Dozens of floats, entertainment, bands, seasonal displays and a visit from Santa
Information: The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, (352) 567-3769.
Cookies & Cocoa with Santa
Where: Imagine Center, 32750 Pennsylvania Ave., San Antonio
When: Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: $5 per child in advance ($20 family maximum); $10 at the door ($30 family maximum) Register at ImagineCenterFL.com.
Details: There will be cookie decorating, hot cocoa, rock painting and photos with Santa for the kids, and Dough-Mestic Confections Café, Christmas Marketplace, Silent Auction for adults.
Proceeds benefit Sunrise of Pasco County Inc.
Information: Call (813) 440-2741
Festival of Lights
Where: Downtown Zephyrhills
When: Dec. 2, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. (The parade begins at 7 p.m.)
Cost: Admission is free
Details: The Main Street Zephyrhills Christmas Parade is the main feature of this event, but festivities also include entertainment, food, arts and crafts vendors, and other merchandise. Door prizes also will be given away.
Information: Call Main Street Zephyrhills at (813) 780-1414.
Traditions on the Green Holiday Concert
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Stage, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: Dec. 2, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Details: Performances by the Land O’ Lakes High School Band, the Pine View Middle School Band, the Pine View Middle School Dance Team and the Lake Myrtle Elementary School Choir. There also will be a tree lighting, a kids’ corner with Santa, and a basket raffle to benefit the schools.
Lutz Arts & Crafts Show
Where: Keystone Prep Campus, 18105 Gunn Highway, Odessa
When: Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Admission is free; parking is $5.
Details: More than 300 vendors with metal art, wood art, Christmas décor, photography, a food court.
Christmas in the Park
Where: San Antonio City Park, 32819 Pennsylvania Ave., San Antonio
When: Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.
Cost: Admission is free.
Details: The Founders Garden Club of San Antonio presents “Christmas in the Park,” which includes the lighting of the Christmas Cards and entertainment featuring The Huran family, singing hymns, harmonizing and playing several instruments. There also will be a drawing for a variety of beautiful gift baskets. Raffle tickets are $1 or six for $5. Complimentary refreshments and coffee will be served. Bring a folding chair and a flashlight.
Information: Call (352) 588-3631.
21st annual Christmas at the Old Lutz School
Where: 18819 U.S. 41 N., in Lutz
When: The evenings of Dec. 7, Dec. 9, Dec. 12, Dec. 14, Dec. 16, Dec. 19, Dec. 21, Dec. 22 and Dec. 26, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free with donations accepted. Bring a toy or nonperishable food item, which will be given to those less fortunate.
Holiday Arts & Crafts Bazaar
Where: American House Senior Living Communities, 38130 Pretty Pond Road in Zephyrhills
When: Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Admission is free
Details: More than 20 vendors will showcase their hand-crafted items, including jewelry, clothing, pottery and more.
Information: Call (813) 400-2263
Country Christmas Open House
Where: The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
When: Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $5 or free admission, with the gift of an unwrapped toy
Details: Visit the museum, do some holiday shopping with vendors, which will be selling chocolates, jewelry, holiday décor, soaps, candles, honey, essential oils and other items.
The Caroling Company will be performing on the Gazebo, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., with breaks, dressed in period clothing and singing Christmas songs, a capella. The Dade City Joy Ringers will play Christmas music. Santa & Mrs. Claus will be available from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. There also will be food.
Information: PioneerFloridaMuseum.org
Holiday Pops
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Stage, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: Dec. 10, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Details: Holiday Pops with the Florida Orchestra Brass Quintet (the quintet performs from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. There also will be a food truck, Santa, bouncy house and other activities. Bring lawn chairs or blankets.
Joyful Holiday Celebration
Where: Asturia Amenity Center, 14575 Promenade Parkway, Odessa
When: Dec. 16, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Details: See Santa and his elves, enjoy refreshments, take part in games and activities for the kids. There also will be face painting, a balloon artist, a visit from a surprise holiday character and more. To RSVP, call (813) 510-3601.
Information: AsturiaFlorida.com
Kol Ami Hanukkah Party Celebration
Where: Congregation Kol Ami, 3919 Moran Road in Tampa
When: Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Hanukkah foods, fun and games, DJ music, dancing, pin the gimel on the dreidel, poi spinning, hula hooping and more at this family event.
Information: Call (813) 962-6338.
Published November 29, 2017
