Fresh Up Dance Party
In celebration of the Bahamian “fresh up” attitude, the MFA presents a tropical-themed party from 7 to 10 pm July 29 featuring DJ, dancing, and Bahamian-influenced cuisine and drinks. Don your best Going Out Clothes as you and your friends will be mingling with featured artist Gio Swaby!
Looking for inspiration? Summery bright colors, floral prints, enamel jewelry, and straw bags are traditional. The party happens in the museum Conservatory; tickets are $30 for non-members with admission applied to the cost of a new membership. Go to https://mfastpete.org/event/fresh-up-dance-party/
Holiday Happenings
Here’s your complete guide to festivities happening around town this holiday season.
It won’t be quite the same holiday season in downtown St. Pete this year since it was announced that the popular annual First Night on New Year’s Eve will not take place. But all is not lost. Plenty of other festivities are on tap from family friendly events like Snowfest to the annual Old Northeast Holiday Home Tour and performances of Christmas classics like The Nutcracker and St. Pete Opera’s Holiday Sparkle. Take a stroll along St. Pete's waterfront and enjoy the city’s lighted tree and immersive holiday lights. The holidays are right around the corner!
City Events
Sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation Department.
Nov. 26 – Santa Parade at 6:30 pm starts at Albert Whitted Park and moves along the waterfront. Tree Lighting in North Straub Park with Mayor Ken Welch, 7 pm, entertainment starts at 6 pm.
Dec. 3 – Snowfest, 9 am to 2 pm. in North Straub Park, toboggan slides for adults and children, inflatables, arts and crafts tents, food trucks and more. A $5 wristband includes all activities.
Dec. 10-11 and Dec. 16-23 – Santa in the Park, 6 - 9 pm in North Straub Park, bring the family for a meet-and-greet with Santa perfect for photos.
Dec. 16-17 – Cookies with Santa, 5:30 – 8:30 pm at the pole barn at the Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, $5 per person. Decorate gingerbread cookies, meet Santa and his elves, and purchase small gifts (all items $5 and under). Free gift wrapping provided. Must register online.
Dec. 17 – Movie in the Park, 8 pm at Crescent Lake Park. TASCO will be showing “The Grinch,” along with family fun activities and a Santa photo booth. Parking lot opens at 7 pm.
In the ‘Hood
Dec. 18 - Celebrate the winter holiday season at “Winter in the ‘Wood,” 2 – 7pm at Seminole Park in Historic Kenwood; parking at Metro Inclusive Health, 3251 3rd Ave N.
The Artist Enclave will host a German-style winter festival with exhibits and performances by enclave artists, activities for children and adults, visit from Santa, live music, last-minute holiday shopping opportunities. After the festivities in Seminole Park, Historic Kenwood neighbors invite you to stroll the neighborhood to admire holiday lights and decorations and vote for your favorites. More event info: kenwoodartistenclave.org/winter-in-the-wood
Historic Old Northeast Candlelight Tour of Homes
December 11 - A range of historic residential styles from cozy bungalows to Mediterranean Revival mansions will be all aglow during the 24th Annual Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association Candlelight Tour of Homes from 3 – 8 p.m.
This year’s tour will highlight homes built during the Roaring ‘20s. Docents in ‘20s attire and jazz era musical favorites will help transport attendees back 100 years to when St. Pete and the burgeoning Old Northeast neighborhood were just beginning to roar.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.HONNA.org or at several local business outlets.
On Stage
Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts Mahaffey Theater:
Nov. 15 – Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, 8 pm
Nov. 25-26 – Nutcracker! Magic of Christmas Ballet, times vary
Dec. 10 – Holiday Pops with Florida Orchestra, Bob Bernhardt conducting at 2 pm and 8 pm
Dec. 17 - Classical Christmas Carols with Florida Orchestra at 8 pm, Michael Francis conducting along with The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay
Dec. 27 – Cirque Dreams Holidaze, 7:30 pm
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Nov. 25-27 – The Night Before ‘22, at freeFall Theatre. Local fave Matthew McGee returns for the hit holiday comedy musical with an updated romp through 2022. Original music by Michael Raabe; times vary.
Dec. 2 – 5 – The St. Petersburg Ballet Company’s production of The Nutcracker, featuring students from the Academy of Ballet Arts, Inc., at The Palladium, times vary.
Dec. 14-15 - The Birchwood on Beach Drive will host two evenings of holiday inspired Concerts performances by Listeso String Quartet at 6:30 and 9 pm both evenings. Tickets only available in advance at feverup.com
St. Petersburg Opera Holiday Sparkle
If anything gets you in the mood for the holidays, you can count on St. Pete Opera’s popular Holiday Sparkle. This year will feature a full-staged production of Gian Carlo Menotti’s one-act opera in English, Amahl and the Night Visitors, followed by an array of holiday music from the opera’s talented cast members and a 20-piece orchestra.
Shows will be performed at Opera Central, 2145 1st Ave. S. on Dec. 15, Dec. 17 at 8 pm, Dec. 20 and Dec. 22 at 7 pm. Tickets for Opera Central shows are $30 to $250 for a VIP table for four.
But wait, there more! On December 18 at 3 pm, the Holiday Sparkle Singers will entertain at a POPera-style afternoon concert with family friendly numbers on the outdoor stage in North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Dr. NE. VIP seating $35 per person; or bring your own folding chair or blanket and pay what you. https://stpeteopera.org/holiday-sparkle/
Fairs and Fests
Nov. 19-20 - Holiday Markets at the Coliseum, 10 am to 5 pm, free admission, free parking.
Local vendors provide unique holiday gifts including home essentials, handmade gifts, cosmetics, holiday decor, food, apparel, accessories, and more.
Nov. 26-27 - Shopapalooza Festival at Vinoy Park, 350+ local makers and small businesses present annual shopping extravaganza, including four outdoor food halls, live entertainment and activities all weekend long, food trucks, beer and wine stations.
Dec. 11 – St. Petersburg Holiday of the Arts in Williams Park , 10 am to 5 pm, showcases original artwork by more than 100 artisans from throughout Florida and across the United States.