Did you survive? The family, friends and the food frenzy? And can someone explain how Black Friday rolls into Monday and Cyber Monday rolls into Tuesday? If you've had enough 'retail therapy' to hold you for awhile, we invite you to STOP propping up the economy and get out for a tree lighting, a boat parade, to play in the mud, or if you must, find one of a kind items at one of the largest Holiday Craft markets in Tampa Bay. The weekend forecast is for cold, well, cold for us, weather. The mid-50s last time we checked. It's going to feel 'wintery' this weekend, take advantage, break out those sweaters and coats, grab the kids and your friends and marvel at the beautiful place we call home as you indulge in holiday cheer!
Things to Do this Weekend in Tampa Bay, Friday
Tampa Tree Lighting Ceremony 2017 6 pm - 10 pm
Join Tampa’s first family, The Buckhorns, as they officially light the 30-foot glittering Christmas Tree at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park this Friday, at this FREE Family Friendly Event in Tampa. Immediately following the tree lighting will be a free movie in the park.
Annual Tarpon Springs Boat Parade 7 pm - 9 pm
Visit quaint old Tarpon Springs, stroll the streets, grab something unique to eat at any of the area's beloved Greek restaurants in Tarpon Springs, or sweets from Hella's. Then head down to the Anclote River and into the bayous where Santa will give out treats as local fishermen and boat owners compete in the annual holiday boat parade. Your best bet for viewing the vessels is from Craig Park/Spring Bayou. The event is FREE; the boats are expected to enter Spring Bayou around 8 p.m.
Lady Gaga Joanne World Tour 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
It's finally here! The Joanne Tour with Lady Gaga! Fans are counting down the minutes. Find her tour at Amalie Arena in Downtown Tampa where there are plenty of things to do this weekend before and after the concert. The nightlife in Tampa is never dull!
Mud Endeavor 9 9 am - 11 am
Join Mud Endeavor, along with Crunch Fitness in South Tampa this weekend in Brooksville (352area) where flat-earthers find 100-foot elevation changes, mud pits and more for the challenge of a lifetime! An old dirt mine, spectator viewing is going to be great for this one! Click the link for tickets; it's time to get down and dirty with your bad self!
The Holiday Market for Makers Tampa Sat 10 am to Sunday 6 pm
Grab your tickets while they last to the first ever Holiday Market for Makers located in downtown Ybor City inside a 20,000 sq ft warehouse featuring the top 100+ local crafters in Tampa as they sell their sought-after wares! Once you are shopped out, explore all that is new, did you know there are several new restaurants in Ybor City to try? We recommend Cheezy's Bistro and Speakeasy, they are now open and serving their full menu!
Related Content: Slick Speakeasy Cheezy's in Ybor
97X Next Big Thing 2017 Sat 10 am to Sunday 11 pm
This weekend in Tampa Bay 97X starts the party Saturday, Dec 2nd at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre as they showcase The Lumineers, Paramore, Walk The Moon, X Ambassadors, Vance Joy, Portugal. The Man, Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness, Saint Motel, Joywave, Magic Giant, Misterwives, The Aces, Barns Courtney, Mondo Cozmo, Arkells, and Vinyl Theatre! Click the link above and head to the 97xonline website for chances to meet your favorite band and more.
Santa Fest 2017 Noon - 4 pm
The FREE annual Santa Fest, featuring the Tampa Holiday Parade takes place this weekend in Downtown Tampa at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Make plans to enjoy a full day of family-friendly fun to get you in the holiday spirit! Take free photos with Santa, ice skate for $5, play games, do activities and get involved with the community! It fun, it's free, and the weather is going to be perfect!
2017 Pass-a-Grille/Vina Del Mar Lighted Boat Parade
We mentioned the Tarpon Boat parade above, and now Pass-a-Grille in St. Peterburg, the most southernly boat parade on our list of Top 10 Things to Do this Weekend in Tampa Bay 12/1 - 12/3. Looking for one in the middle somewhere? You have another choice, check out this parade in Dunedin if you want to experience a boat parade this weekend! Learn more about this mid-county event in Dunedin Holiday Boat Parade & Tree Lighting. For restaurants in Dunedin click the link, and find restaurants in St. Petersburg Beach too. We recently tried Lucky Lobster Co. in Downtown Dunedin. Off the main street, it was exceptional; the Maine Lobsters were a treat.
The Red & Green Party
Tampa Bay's premiere Holiday event for the LGBTQ community where hundreds will gather, including close friends and supporters. Celebrate PRIDE with access to multiple venues throughout the evening, each featuring something different and unique. With an open bar featuring vodka, beer and soft drinks, and complimentary appetizers, guests will dine al fresco at Sunken Gardens to start the evening. Click the link to get your tickets now.
Things to Do this Weekend in Tampa Bay, Sunday
Cookies, Carols & Crafts Workshop with Santa & Friends
Join Santa and his elves at the Cookies, Carols and Crafts Workshop this family-friendly weekend event in Tampa at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Enjoy decorating gingerbread cookies with Sur La Table, creating Lego ornaments and a holiday mosaic with Bricks 4 Kidz! Make and take pottery with Color Me Mine and design a stocking. Photos with Santa will be taken, and Olaf will be there along with a princess or two. Capture holiday memories singing and dancing with your kids on the dance floor while DJ, Aiden Sherlock spins holiday hits. Tony the Balloon Guy will be on hand with his team to make awesome balloon art and face paiting! We heard Elsa is even going to make it snow! Cookies and milk, a chocolate fountain and mini sandwiches will be served!
