Annual Plant Museum Victorian Stroll Runs Daily

TAMPA, FL — Here's a chance to experience the extravagance and grandeur of a Victorian Christmas.

The Henry B. Plant Museum at the University of Tampa, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, will give a glimpse of Christmases past when it presents its annual Victorian Christmas Stroll.

The event runs daily from through Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).

Built in 1891, the former Tampa Bay Hotel, has been transformed for the season. Featuring a different theme in every exhibit room, visitors will be able to find antique German bisque snow babies, tiny feather trees decorated with minute spun cotton ornaments and a 14-foot Christmas tree bedecked in delicate antique mercury glass ornaments.

The 1890s Christmas display includes original watercolor paintings by nationally recognized artist Kathy Durdin. Paintings will be available for purchase, and all proceeds will benefit the museum.

Other decorations include a replica Plant System toy train, vintage fashions, antique toys, orchids, fruit, shells and rooms decorated with 40,000 lights and hundreds of feet of garland.

Guests can enjoy live music on weekends from 1 to 3 p.m.

The Museum Store, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. offers unique gifts, including elegant jewelry, artwork and holiday accessories.

To ensure the safety of all visitors, timed tickets to the Victorian Christmas Stroll are available in limited numbers and should be purchased in advance by visiting the Plant Museum website. Masks are required for all visitors, and sanitization stations are available throughout the museum.

Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors and $10 for youth. The last tickets are sold at 4:30 p.m. On discount days, Dec. 7, 8, 14 and 15, tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and $8 for youth.