St. Pete Opera is ready to make spirits bright. Their annual Holiday Sparkle spectacular returns to the Palladium Theater from December 19-21, bringing together powerhouse vocalists, a full 40-piece orchestra, and the elegant artistry of Tampa City Ballet for one unforgettable night. Performances include both classic and contemporary holiday favorites, making it the perfect seasonal celebration for families, friends, and arts lovers alike.
More information and tickets are available here. Tickets range from $25-95, depending on seating area. Dates and times run as follows, with performances running approximately 2 hours 10 minutes, including one intermission:
Friday Dec. 19 | 7:30 PM
Saturday Dec. 20 | 7:30 PM
Sunday Dec. 21 | 2:00 PM
Holiday Sparkle is truly one of the season’s spectacles, bringing so many incredible arts institutions under one roof. Some of the area’s most talented performers will be shining their brightest at The Palladium this holiday season. Tickets to the annual favorite are available here.
A closer look at St. Pete Opera
Founded in 2007 by Maestro Mark Sforzini, St. Pete Opera has grown from a small, two-production startup into one of the city’s most vibrant arts institutions. What began as a passion project has since evolved into a full professional company with its own home base, Opera Central, a creative hub that includes rehearsal spaces, offices, and even a small gallery.
Today, the company continues to build on that foundation with a clear focus on both excellence and accessibility. Their mission goes beyond the stage: every year, the company brings opera directly into local schools, giving hundreds of students (many of whom may never otherwise experience live classical music) the chance to engage with the timeless art form.
They also cultivate emerging talent through artist development initiatives like its Emerging Arists apprenticeships, ensuring each season showcases both seasoned performers and rising voices. It’s a mix of growth and intention that keeps their work fresh and innovative, while staying rooted in community impact.
Through these partnerships and programs, St. Pete Opera is an organization that isn’t just producing high-quality opera. They’re keeping the art form alive, local, and genuinely connected to the community.
Spotlight on Tampa City Ballet
Tampa City Ballet is a nonprofit contemporary dance company founded by current Artistic Director Paula Nuñez, a former principal company member of the International Ballet of Caracas, Ballet Nuevo Mundo, and the Cleveland Ballet, San Jose. Nuñez launched Tampa City Ballet School in 2002. Over time, it grew into a full company shaped by her commitment to community connection, interdisciplinary creativity, and bold choreography.
One of TCB’s most notable community engagement initiatives is their “On Your Feet” outreach program, which began as a residency initiative and now brings dance education to youth in schools, summer camps, and underserved communities through collaboration with the University Area Community Development Corporation. In addition to this, TCB also offers scholarships, master-level instruction, and long-term training, empowering students who may otherwise lack access to professional dance education.
Their work extends well beyond youth programs. Tampa City Ballet also connects with seniors, families, and people of all abilities through community performances and wellness programs. Their “FADE” wellness classes combine elements of Ballet, Tai Chi, Pilates, and stretching. Whether teaching movement in senior-living facilities or bringing dancers to public spaces for outdoor performances, they’re making dance a more joyful, shared experience universally.
Make Holiday Sparkle part of your season
As you settle in for Holiday Sparkle, you’re not just enjoying a beautifully crafted performance; you’re supporting two organizations that pour real time, talent, and care back into the community. From arts education to wellness programs to outreach in underserved neighborhoods, St. Pete Opera and Tampa City Ballet make the season brighter all year long.