Your weekend is here, Tampa Bay! Here’s a look at the news and what events are going on in the area.
Clouds will increase going into this weekend, and it appears we’ll finally get a better chance of rain.
As of right now, it appears Sunday will be the better rain-chance day this weekend.
For Saturday, you can expect mostly cloudy skies with a 20% chance of showers.
Saturday night will be mostly cloudy and very mild with lows in the 60s.
Sunday will be cloudy with a 60% coverage of rain showers. Highs will be in the upper 70s.
Beach and boating
Both days this weekend will feature a lot of clouds, but Saturday will be the better beach day since chance of rain is higher on Sunday.
Boating conditions will be fine this weekend with winds generally in the 8 to 14 knot range. But Saturday will be the better day as it will be drier.
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PINELLAS
Reindeer Lane | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | $2 – $4: This holiday event includes games, prizes, crafts, photo ops, and fun for the whole family. Santa will also make an appearance. This event costs $2 with pre-registration and $4 day of event.
Location: Countryside Recreation Center | 2640 Sabal Springs Dr, Clearwater, FL 33761
A Whoville Holiday at The BayCare Sound | 4 p.m.: There will be a Grinch movie screening, a meet-and-greet, Christmas carols, hot
chocolate and more.
Location: The BayCare Sound | 255 Drew St, Clearwater, FL 33755
HILLSBOROUGH
Santa Paws | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Bring your four-legged friends for complimentary pet photos with Santa Paws. The afternoon will feature pup letter writing to Santa, treats, a live DJ and more tail-wagging fun.
Location: Sparkman Wharf | 615 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Old Hyde Park Home Tour | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | $30 – $40: Several distinctive homes in the Hyde Park neighborhood will be available to explore, with sips, snacks and music, plus other surprises along the way. Proceeds to benefit the preservation and beautification efforts of Hyde Park Preservation, Inc.
Location: 727 S Edison Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
Holiday Gift Gala | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Shop a variety of vendors offering original art, handmade goods, fashion, jewelry, home decor, seasonal gifts, retail items and more. Stroll, shop, eat, and enjoy the festive atmosphere as you support local creators and small businesses.
Location: Westchase Town Center | 9540 W Linebaugh Ave, Westchase, FL 33626
POLK
Holidays on Central | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: This annual event brings in over 100 vendors, kids’ activities, several giveaways, a show by the Chain o’ Lakes Big Band, a 90-minute performance by Dwight Icenhower as Elvis, and a visit from the big man himself: Santa Claus!
Location: Central Park in Downtown Winter Haven | 58 4th St NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881
Lakeland Snowfest | 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.: Snowfest allows families to step into a festive winter wonderland in sunny Florida. Guests can enjoy a shimmering landscape of man-made snow, twinkling lights, seasonal decor, and joyful holiday music that brings the spirit of the season to life. Admission is free with a canned food donation.
Location: Lake Mirror Park | Frances Langford Promenade, Lakeland, FL 33801
Jingle Mingle Christmas Market | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: This festive event is where local vendors showcase their handmade crafts, gifts and other holiday-related items. Guests can also snap a picture with Santa.
Location: RP Funding Center | 701 W Lime St, Lakeland, FL 33815
PASCO
Festival of Lights & Christmas Parade | 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.: Residents, visitors, and families are invited to join this community tradition and help light up the season together. The 2025 parade theme is “Christmas in Toyland.”
Location: Downtown Zephyrhills | 38500 5th Avenue Zephyrhills, FL, 33542
Pioneer Christmas and Vintage Market | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | $5 – $10: Enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, shopping, a visit from Santa, children’s activities, craft demos and more at the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village.
Location: Pioneer Florida Museum and Village | 15602 Pioneer Museum Rd, Dade City, FL 33523
Celebration of Lights at the Concourse | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | $25: Bring your loved ones to a 1.5 mile long drive through a holiday light display, food and craft vendors, a holiday train ride (for additional fee), a Christmas tree lighting and a free picture with Santa.
Location: The Concourse | 11919 Alric Pottberg Rd, Shady Hills, FL 34610
HERNANDO
MANATEE
Christmas at the Gamble Plantation | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: The mansion will be decorated for Christmas and free tours are provided by docents in historical attire. Come and learn about the history of Florida in the Antebellum period.
Location: Gamble Plantation Historic State Park | 3710 US-301, Ellenton, FL 34222
North River Community Market | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Visit the North River Community Market every first Sunday of the month. There will be vendors, live music, kids zone, food trucks and more.
Location: Palmetto Marriott’s The Yard | 600 US-41, Palmetto, FL 34221
Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival 2025 | 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. | $75 – $150: Get ready for a soulful, high-energy weekend filled with music, food, local vendors, and a blues community vibe. This year’s lineup is packed with both crowd favorites and new acts that’ll blow you away.
Location: Waterside Park | 7301 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240
CITRUS
Crystal River Christmas Parade | 6 p.m.: Celebrate all your favorite holiday moments as the streets come alive with dazzling floats, festive music, and the warmth of community cheer. This year’s theme, “Holiday Favorites,” showcases all of our most-loved seasonal traditions, from cozy winter wonderlands and classic storybook scenes to joyful pop‑culture nods and nostalgic holiday memories.
Location: South of the Hwy 44 & NW 3rd St intersection | Crystal River, FL
Light Up Liberty | 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Gather around to count down to the lighting of Liberty Park’s Christmas tree and decorated lamp posts, marking the start of the holiday season. Meet and greet Santa Claus and explore festive crafts and activities for all ages.
Location: Liberty Park | 34420, 268 N Apopka Ave, Inverness, FL 34450
School of Dance Arts Presents: The Nutcracker Excerpts | 3 p.m. | $17.25: Experience the grace and elegance of ballet as talented performers transport you to the whimsical world of Clara and her beloved Nutcracker.
Location: Valerie Theatre | 207 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL 34450
For more events going on in your area, check out our Community Calendar >>
1. Right on schedule: With roof fixed, cleanup continues inside the Trop
2. Agencies taking latest steps to bring back rebranded ‘Tampa Bay Ferry’ service
3. DeSantis says Florida will redistrict Congressional map in 2026
4. U.S. military conducts strike on another suspected drug boat as probe into the first strike begins
5. Florida House Kicks Off Redistricting Effort
6. USF hires Ohio State OC Brian Hartline as head coach
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Location: Winter Haven | Courtesy: Cissy Matthews
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