"Time flies when you are having fun!" Who said that; does anybody know? Totally true isn't it, when we are bored time crawls, but with Halloween behind us and Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's squarely in sight, the next 6 weeks are guaranteed to fly. Leaving us in 2018 looking back marveling at the number of things we did, the people we met and how quickly we ran up our credit cards! Tis' the season for fun in Tampa Bay and experience proves, the sooner you get your shopping done, and presents wrapped the less stressful (and more fun), the holidays become. On our list of Top 10 Things to Do this Weekend in Tampa Bay 11/17 - 11/19, you have an opportunity to shop 130 vendors, an excuse to visit a shopping village for a tree lighting and plenty of other chill events. The holidays are not just about presents, they are about your presence, so get out there this weekend and have some fun!
Things to Do this Weekend in Tampa Bay, Friday
Festival of Trees Tampa Bay: All I Want for Christmas 10 am Friday - Sunday 5 pm
Festival of Trees presented by AmeriLife benefits The Arc Tampa Bay, a non-profit organization supporting and empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1963. Cost for this weekend-long indoor display of trees and wreaths decorated by local businesses, community leaders, and families (all available for purchase) are $5, kids under 10 are FREE. Besides beautiful wreaths and trees, you find a variety of vendor booths selling holiday goods, live performances, photos with Santa, and an arts and crafts area for children. Click the link for hours.
Winter Village Opening Night 5 pm through Jan 5th
Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Tampa at opening night for the annual Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. On Tampa's Riverwalk, the Park transforms with holiday sights, sounds, and activities for children and adults of all ages. The Ice Rink (real ice, real skates), waterfront cafes like Mise En Place waterfront bar, and the Kahwa Coffee rinkside coffee bar will keep you warm, or cool with holiday beverages and themed treats while 15 Holiday Shops featuring a variety of gift items allow you to find unique items for the people on your list. Click the link above for hours or to call for group rates.
2017 St. Pete OozeFest 6 pm - 10 pm
Taking place in Albert Whitted Park The OOZE BOOZE FEST is a free event oozing with two of our favorite things, cheese and beer! Twenty-five food trucks unite this night to serve up their cheesiest concoctions. The event is pet and child-friendly. Dine waterside, let the kids play and relax at this event, perfect for the whole family!
Things to Do this Weekend in Tampa Bay, Saturday
Dunedin Celtic Music & Craft Beer Festival 10 am - 10 pm
The 19th Annual Dunedin Celtic Music & Craft Beer Festival kicks up at 10 AM with Music from Noon to 10 PM on 2 stages with performances by: Off Kilter, BROTHER, Tartan Terrors, Glengarry Bhoys, the City of Dunedin Pipe Band, and the Young Dubliners! Enjoy more than 20 Craft Beers, Celtic merchandise, food vendors and a Kids area (Kids 12 and under enjoy FREE entry at this event, GA Adult is $17, VIP is $75 Adult, $10 child). Bring your lawn chair and stay awhile!
Tampa Bay Holiday Market 10 am Sat to 5 pm Sun
The Holiday Market and Expo is a 2-day event at The Coliseum in Downtown St. Petersburg. Considered an international trade show this event features products and services related to gifts and the handicraft industry. More than 130 vendors are expected this year with decadent chocolates, candles, jewelry, handbags, garments, holiday gifts and decorative items. If you missed the annual Junior League Holiday Market last week, don't miss this one! It's an opportunity to cross everyone off your list in one day! Hint from an expert 'Market-girl' - bring cash and know that many of the vendors will make a deal.
Hot Life Hot Love 11 am Sat - 7 pm Sun
Hot Life Hot Love™ is an exclusive gathering of Bold and Brave Women™ – divorced, single, or married ~ mothers, business women – talented loving women – anyone who wants immediate results to get to their next level of success in life and business. Read more about this event in Happily Ever After | Mai Vu's Hot Life Hot Love Event for Women
Enchanted Tree Lighting 5 pm - 9 pm
Hyde Park Village in South Tampa invites you to take part in the Enchanted Tree Lighting benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay and to stroll the village, checking out the shops and restaurants, the lights and decorations. Food trucks will be on hand at this FREE, family-friendly event in Tampa including photos with Santa, live music, a Kids Zone, face painting, balloon animals and more!
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light the Night Walk 2017 5 pm
The Light The Night Walk is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s annual fundraising walk at Channelside Bay Plaza and a night designed to bring hope to people battling blood cancer. Participants walk a one to two-mile route carrying lighted lanterns— white for cancer survivors, red for supporters, and gold lanterns in memory of loved ones lost. This year includes a Survivors celebration, a Remembrance Dome to honor and remember a family member or friend lost to cancer and a spectacular fireworks show. You also find music, activities, food, and more as you support a future without blood cancer! All are welcome however you must preregister. Click the link to navigate to their website.
10th Annual Chillounge Night St Petersburg 6 pm - 11 pm
This anniversary party under the stars will feature stylistic cool vibes and the perfect waterside retreat benefitting Creative Clay this Saturday night. Ticket prices are GA $25, VIP $100 with reserved seating options available. Click the link to attend this chill night, lounging in North Straub Park.
Busch Gardens Christmas Town 12 pm thru Dec 31st
Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay’s annual holiday tradition, Christmas Town will beam bright with twinkling lights, spectacular holiday shows, special event holiday shopping and a visit to Santa’s House! Christmas Town opens at noon this Sunday and is open through December 31st. Enjoy yuletide sweets and savory treats created to delight the child in each of us! Ride the rides, have breakfast with Rudolph and much more. Click the link above to learn about this annual Christmas event in Tampa.
