2015 Holiday Events Around Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay area residents ready to celebrate the holiday season will find no shortage of events to help them out. Here’s a sampling of just a few of the upcoming holiday events, boat parades and more:

• Winter’s Miracle on Cleveland Street – This event takes place Dec. 5 from 5 to 10 p.m. along Clearwater’s Cleveland Street. Sponsored by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Ruth Eckerd Hall, it features falling show, ice skating, horse and carriage rides, pictures with Santa and more. Some activities may require a wristband, which can be purchased for $8. To find out more, visit the event’s website.
• Snow on 7th Avenue Holiday Parade – This Ybor City event takes place Dec. 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. on East 7th Avenue from 15th to 17th streets. Snow machines will cover more than four blocks to create snow zones while floats, marching bands and Santa all make appearances. There’s no cost to attend. To find out more, check out the event’s website.
• Snowfest and Santa Parade – This St. Petersburg tradition takes place in North Straub Park. More than 65 tons of snow will be blown to create the perfect place for toboggan rides. Lots of other activities are planned at the event that takes place Dec. 5 starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m. at the Fifth Avenue Northeast and Bayshore Drive park. To find out more, visit the city of St. Petersburg online.
• Christmas on the Braden River – This Bradenton event takes place Dec. 6 starting at 5:30 p.m. The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. with boats passing Jiggs Landing and heading to Linger Lounge.
• Largo Holiday Stroll – This event takes place Dec. 5, Dec. 12 and Dec. 19 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive. Activities vary each Saturday. To find out more, visit the city of Largo online.
• River of Lights Christmas Boat Parade – Set for Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m., this New Port Richey event starts at Catches Restaurant on U.S. 19 and ends at Sims Park.

This is just a sampling of holiday events planned in the Tampa Bay area. If you know of others, be sure to share them by commenting below!

Photo courtesy of the City of St. Petersburg Facebook page