11 Things to Do in Tampa Bay This Weekend

Looking for something to do around the Tampa Bay area this weekend? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Sarasota Jungle Gardens Holiday Lights Spectacular – Live music, a marshmallow roast and lots of lights are on tap for this event, which takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The cost is $12 for adults, $6 for kids and free for those 2 and under.
2. Meet Santa Jaws at the Mote Aquarium – The special holiday visitor is expected to be on hand at the Sarasota aquarium through Dec. 20. Visits with Santa Jaws come along with the regular price of admission, which is $19.75 for adults, $18.75 for seniors, $14.75 for kids ages 4 to 12, and free for children 3 and under.
3. Bradenton Jingle Bell Run/Walk – This fundraiser kicks off at 5 p.m. on Friday on Old Main Street in Bradenton. The fundraiser benefits the Arthritis Foundation and features food, drinks and live entertainment, according to the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
4. Downtown Bradenton Farmers’ Market – This event takes place along 12th Ave. W. in Bradenton from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
5. Busch Gardens Christmas Town – With more than 1 million sparking lights, holiday shows and visits from Santa, this special attraction has transformed the Tampa park into a holiday wonderland. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Sunday and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday.
6. Beers on the Pier – The Craft Beer Festival takes place Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. at the St. Petersburg Museum of History. Admission starts at $35.
7. Holiday Hoopla! – This holiday themed event sponsored by the Gulfport Merchants Association takes place at the Gulfport Art Walk from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. It features arts, crafts, food, music and more.
8. St. Pete Illuminated Boat Parade – Head over to Vinoy Park on Saturday at 6 p.m. to watch as decked out boats light up local waters.
9. Wild Wonderland – Visit Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo Friday, Saturday or Sunday to visit the reindeer, meet Santa, check out the lights and more. The Wild Wonderland is open all weekend from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Tampa zoo.
10. Skate Tampa’s Downtown on Ice – Located in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, the rink is open Friday from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 9 p.m. The cost is $10 a person for 90 minutes of skating and skate rentals.
11. Tour De Clay – Take a drive to Pasco County’s San Antonio for the annual Tour de Clay at San Antonio Pottery. The two-day event features five studios and 27 potters. It runs Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information on each event, follow the links.

Have more events to share? Just add them by commenting below!

Santa Jaws from Mote Marine Aquarium’s Facebook page