Our Top 3
ELVIS: A Blue Christmas Show
7-9 p.m. Dec. 18. New Tampa Performing Arts Center, 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa. Matt Stone performs the closest thing to the King in history. Stone brings a never-before-seen level of authenticity and attention to detail to his craft, captivating audiences with his flawless recreation of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll in his prime. $30-$87. www.newtampaartscenter.org/events
Very Merry Midtown Market
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 20. Midtown Tampa, 3650 Midtown Drive, Tampa. Midtown will be hosting its second annual Merry Midtown Market in partnership with Tampa Bay Markets to offer unique special programming including complimentary gift wrapping, festive holiday beverages and live holiday music while shoppers can pick from a curated selection of locally sourced goods suitable for last-minute holiday gifting. https://tinyurl.com/muy9a66m
Pasko 2025
12-6:30 p.m. Dec. 21. Bayanihan Arts and Events Center, 14301 Nine Eagles Drive, Tampa. The Philippine Cultural Foundation, Inc., together with the Bicol Association of Southern Florida and the Philippine Nurses Association, Gulf Coast Chapter, warmly invites you to experience Pasko 2025, a spectacular Christmas celebration bursting with Filipino energy, color, and community spirit. The evening will continue with a treasured Simbang Gabi service beginning at 7 p.m.
THURSDAY
Winter Village
Dec. 18-Jan. 4. Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa. Check online for events on select nights, such as the Tampa Bay Ice Show, Winter Village Express, River of Lights cruise, silent disco Fridays, trivia Wednesdays, Tuesday themed skate nights, small business Saturdays and more. https://wintervillagetampa.com
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Christmas Town
Dec. 18-Jan. 5. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa. Busch Gardens will transform into a dazzling winter wonderland featuring millions of twinkling lights and two spectacular new additions — a holiday drones show synchronized to classic holiday music, and an immersive, multi-sensory light and music display across the park’s iconic Serengeti Plain. Favorites such as Santa’s North Pole Experience and Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland return.
Medicare Basics
10:30 a.m. Dec. 18. New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. A Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) volunteer will be available to answer Medicare questions. SHINE services are free, unbiased, and confidential. SHINE counselors do not sell anything. 813-788-6375.
Pastels
1-3 p.m. Dec. 18. Life Enrichment Center, 9704 N Blvd., Tampa. Join instructor Janice Schindle and explore a variety of approaches to the beautiful medium of pastels. Gain a deeper understanding of the medium and develop your personal style with pastels. $8-$10. https://lectampa.org
Free Christmas Jazz Concert
1:30-2:45 p.m. Dec. 18. Harvester Community Church, 2432 Collier Parkway, Land O’Lakes. Sweet Jazz Tampa Bay, a 4-piece live band featuring local musicians, will be performing a “Senior Friendly” concert. You will hear a variety of “old-fashioned” holiday classics and seasonal standards that you just don’t seem to find anymore. Bring your family and friends and even have fun with a couple of audience “sing-alongs.” 813-948-2311.
Christmas in the Wild
4-10 p.m. Dec. 18-30. ZooTampa, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa. This popular holiday tradition transforms the Zoo into a glowing wonderland filled with over a million lights, larger-than-life illuminated animal sculptures, unforgettable entertainment, delicious seasonal food, and interactive experiences. Christmas in the Wild takes place on select nights, visit zootampa.org for more information.
Santa’s Workshop at the Old Lutz School
6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 18. Old School Lutz, 18819 U.S. Highway 41, Lutz. Elves have been working their magic, turning the classrooms into a twinkling display of model trains, nutcrackers, LEGO villages, nativity scenes and Christmas trees decorated by local organizations. Free, but a suggested non-perishable food donation or toy to help local families is appreciated.
Third Thursday Tampa
6-10 p.m. Dec. 18. Grand Central at Kennedy, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., Unit 208, Tampa. Since 2012, every third Thursday features live music, cocktails and food trucks on Madison Street at Grand Central at Kennedy in the center of the Channel District of downtown Tampa.
Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village
6-11 p.m. Dec. 18-28. Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Road, Dover. Children and adults will enjoy the nearly 2-mile drive-thru immersive experience of continuous light features, followed by a festive walking visit to Santa’s Village. The month-long event is full of attractions, holiday goodies and visits with Santa. Heroes Night on Dec. 18 offers active and retired military, police, fire and first responders a discounted admission of $15 per car. Other nights vary from $25-$30. https://tinyurl.com/unxnk2yw
FRIDAY
Senior Social
3 p.m. Dec. 19. B&B Theatres Wesley Chapel, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd. Join B&B Theatres every Friday for fun card games with our 50+ community. Come alone or bring a few friends. Instruction available for all games. Free to play. Food and drinks available for purchase.
Suzanne & Jim Victorian Holiday Musical Event
3-4 p.m. Dec. 19. New River Branch, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel. You will want to don your top hat, cape and muffler and join the Merry Carolers, Suzanne and Jim. If you don’t have the holiday spirit when you come in, you will sure have it when you leave.
Movie Screening “Elf”
3 p.m. Dec. 19. New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa. After accidentally falling into Santa Claus’ gift sack, a human baby is raised at the North Pole, growing up to believe he is an elf. Due to his large size, the “elf” causes chaos in Santa’s workshop, forcing Kris Kringle to send him on a mission to find his human roots. Rated PG.
Laser Light Shows: Holiday/Pink Floyd
6:30 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Dec. 19. MOSI, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. Laser light shows are taking over MOSI’s new Saunders Planetarium & Digital Dome Theatre. Step inside America’s second-largest planetarium and experience vivid laser visuals, dynamic music, and dazzling special effects. The first show will feature a mix of holiday music, while the second show will feature the music of Pink Floyd. $10-$13. https://mosi.org/event/laser-light-shows
Live Music Fridays
7-10 p.m. Dec. 19. Florida Avenue Brewing Co., 2029 Arrowgrass Drive, Wesley Chapel. Every Friday night come out for a diverse lineup of live music performances in a vibrant beer garden. Enjoy a night of great music, delicious craft brews, and good company. https://tinyurl.com/4ayy574a
Side Splitters Comedy Club presents Robert Powell
7:30 p.m. Dec. 19-20. Side Splitters Comedy Club at the Grove, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Known for his smooth delivery, razor-sharp wit, and grown-man humor, Robert brings a hilarious mix of intelligence, storytelling, and pure Southern charm every time he touches the mic. Before comedy, Powell worked in politics, serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Mayor of Monroe and later for the Louisiana Governor’s Office. So, when he talks about life, relationships, and real-world chaos, he’s speaking from experience. https://sidesplitterscomedy.com
A Christmas Carol
8 p.m. Dec. 19-21. Carrollwood Players, 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa. CWP’s annual holiday tradition returns to its roots as they present the beloved, classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas, adapted for the stage with all the Victorian splendor, warmth, laughter and storytelling you expect from the original Dickens novella. Matinee shows available. $24-$27. https://carrollwoodplayers.org
Latin History for Morons
8 p.m. Dec. 19-21. Stageworks Theatre, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. Latin History for Morons is a critically acclaimed play written and originally performed by John Leguizamo. It’s a fast-paced, irreverent, and laugh-out-loud show that blends personal storytelling with historical revelations. The play challenges the erasure of Latin / Hispanic history and celebrates its profound impact on the world. Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. $30-$50. https://stageworkstheatre.org/show/latin-history-for-morons
SATURDAY
Fresh Market at Wiregrass
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 20. The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel. Held the first and third Saturday of the month. Featuring over 50 vendors located on Paseo Drive in the heart of the shopping center. Guests can expect to find a variety of locally grown produce and take-home foods. The market also features local artists showcasing their creative efforts and eco-friendly products.
Oldsmar Saturday Market
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 20. City Hall – East Lot, 100 State St. W., Oldsmar. Support local vendors while enjoying fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious food. Presented by the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Ybor City Saturday Market
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 20. Centennial Park, 1800 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. The Ybor City Saturday Market is one of the most popular shopping destinations for locally produced items unique to the Tampa Bay area. Find great produce at great prices, gourmet foods & sauces, fresh baked breads, prepared foods, herbs & plants, pet treats, honey, fine cigars, unique gifts, photography, artwork, jewelry, woodworking, bath & body products, candles & so much more.
Medicare Basics
10 a.m. Dec. 20. Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway. A Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) volunteer will be available to answer Medicare questions. SHINE services are free, unbiased, and confidential. SHINE counselors do not sell anything. 813-929-1214.
Holiday Downtown Saturday Market
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 20. Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, 4424 Friendly Way. Visit a vibrant outdoor market experience filled with gifts, baked goods, home decor, and your favorite local small businesses just in time for the holidays.
Saturday Night Market
5-9 p.m. Dec. 20. Florida Avenue Brewing Co., 4315 N Florida Ave., Tampa. Browse handmade goods, unique gifts, and local treasures while enjoying the lively atmosphere of the brewery. Grab a brew, explore the market, and make some cherished memories with the whole family. Every third Saturday of every month.
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
6:15 p.m. Dec. 20. The parade kicks off near the Lighthouse off Davis Islands, with both large and small vessels cruising past Sparkman Wharf, Harbour Island, and ending at the Tampa Convention Center. Spectators can enjoy free viewing along the Riverwalk at multiple locations, with judging and a VIP viewing area located at Sparkman Wharf. All registered boats are eligible for prizes. https://tinyurl.com/yty3juvj
Santa’s Workshop at the Old Lutz School
6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 20. Old School Lutz, 18819 U.S. Highway 41, Lutz. Elves have been working their magic, turning the classrooms into a twinkling display of model trains, nutcrackers, LEGO villages, nativity scenes and Christmas trees decorated by local organizations. Free, but a suggested non-perishable food donation or toy to help local families is appreciated.
‘80s Night
7-11 p.m. Dec. 20. Krate at the Grove, 5862 Goldview Parkway, Wesley Chapel. Held every third Saturday of the month. Soundtrack by the legendary DJ Charlie Chase, mixing all of your favorite hits from your favorite era.
SUNDAY
The Market at Water Street Tampa
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 21. Water Street, 971 Water St., Tampa. Every third Sunday, start fresh with The Market at Water Street Tampa. Shop from 60-plus local food and wellness-focused vendors with an array of fresh, local, homemade, handcrafted, fair-trade, vintage or eco-friendly products.
Board Game Night
1-11 p.m. Dec. 21. The Tampa Bay Bridge Center, 114 W. 109th Ave., Tampa. The Tampa Gaming Guild invites the public out for weekly game nights on the first and third Sundays of the month, as well as every Wednesday and Friday evening from 5:30-11 p.m. Trial memberships give you access to regular gaming sessions up to 30 days free. tampagamingguild.org
Holiday Cheer Carol Concert
2-3 p.m. Dec. 21. Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa. Join the library for an afternoon of holiday cheer as the Wesley Chapel Theatre Group sings holiday carols.
Meet Loaf: The Nationally-Touring Tribute
7-10 p.m. Dec. 21. New Tampa Performing Arts Center, 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa. Experience a world-class show that delivers powerful wide-ranging male and female operatic lead vocals, along with the epic theatrical elements that Meat Loaf fans have come to love, in an unforgettable evening of smash hits. $17-$25. www.newtampaartscenter.org/events/meetloaf
MONDAY
Painting with Rick Austin
1-3 p.m. Dec. 22. Life Enrichment Center, 9704 N. Blvd., Tampa. Explore different painting methods and techniques to complete a painting in this hybrid class. Students will work from the same resource, which will be sent before class. Any painting medium you have will work. This class is great for beginners to advanced students. Members $10, nonmembers $12. Register at lectampa.org or call 813-932-0241.
Donation Based Community Yoga
6-7:15 p.m. Dec. 22. Lotus Pond Center for Yoga and Health, 6201 Lynn Road, Tampa. Learn yoga techniques that help reduce stress. Donations appreciated but not required to attend. Classes offered each Monday.
Movie on the Lawn Double Feature
6-10 p.m. Dec. 22. Armature Works South Lawn, 1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa. Families and friends of all ages are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets for this free outdoor screening of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” and “Christmas With The Kranks.” Outside food, beverages, and coolers are prohibited. VIP seating available from $10-$25. www.armatureworks.com/all-events
TUESDAY
General Knowledge Trivia Night
5-7 p.m. Dec. 23. Florida Avenue Brewing Co., 2029 Arrowgrass Drive, Wesley Chapel. Enjoy a night out with challenging trivia questions covering a variety of topics, from pop culture and history to science and current events. Arrive early to snag a table. All seats are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations. No saving seats. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Bingo
5:30 p.m. Dec. 23. John Nelson Memorial Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 29, 4300 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes. Every Tuesday, evening early bird game starts at 5:30 p.m. and the regular session begins at 6 p.m. The snack bar provides food and drinks for purchase. 727-992-1499.
Santa’s Workshop at the Old Lutz School
6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 23. Old School Lutz, 18819 U.S. Highway 41, Lutz. Elves have been working their magic, turning the classrooms into a twinkling display of model trains, nutcrackers, LEGO villages, nativity scenes and Christmas trees decorated by local organizations. Free, but a suggested non-perishable food donation or toy to help local families is appreciated.
Big Band Jam
7 p.m. Dec. 23. Concordia Village Tampa, 4100 E. Fletcher Ave. Come out and enjoy music performed by a 17-piece big band every Tuesday in the senior ballroom. Free and open to the public.
Karaoke Nights
7-9 p.m. Dec. 23. Shops at Wiregrass Center Court, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel. Guests can sing their heart out while listeners grab some light bites or drinks from nearby eateries. Karaoke is free. Normally presented every third Friday of the month. Lawn chairs and blankets are recommended.
Game Night at the Grove
7:30 p.m. Dec. 23. B&B Theatres, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Game nights alternate between trivia and bingo each week. This week’s theme is Christmas movie trivia (Christmas Story/White Christmas/Love Actually/Die Hard). Free to play, no reservations required.
WEDNESDAY
Senior Fitness Walk
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Dec. 24. Citrus Park Town Center Mall, 8021 Citrus Park Town Center, Tampa. Free and fun Senior Fitness Walk every Wednesday morning. Meet at the mall entrance to Dick’s Sporting Goods. 813-494-6376.
LOOKING AHEAD
Santa’s Workshop at the Old Lutz School
6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 26. Old School Lutz, 18819 U.S. Highway 41, Lutz. Elves have been working their magic, turning the classrooms into a twinkling display of model trains, nutcrackers, LEGO villages, nativity scenes and Christmas trees decorated by local organizations. Free, but a suggested non-perishable food donation or toy to help local families is appreciated.
Sunshine Market featuring Kids Market
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 27. Midtown Tampa, 3650 Midtown Drive, Tampa. This vibrant community market offers an exciting variety of fresh produce, artisan goods, delicious foods, and unique finds from an incredible array of local makers. Live music kicks off at 10 a.m. sharp on the green, bringing even more energy to this dog-friendly and family-friendly popular market. Every fourth Saturday of the month.
Sunshine Sunday
8-10 a.m. Dec. 28. Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. Sunshine Sunday is a special monthly event on the last Sunday of the month for children with special needs and their caregivers. Come explore the museum with lights and sounds turned down and sensory-adapted tools, special programs, and community resources at your fingertips. $5 for nonmembers, free for members.
Harvest Market
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 28. The Grove at Wesley Chapel, 6105 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Second and fourth Sunday Harvest Market hosts 60-plus vendors, artists, artisans, makers, crafters, and more. Free. www.facebook.com/flpenguinmarkets
Noon Year’s Eve
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 31. Armature Works West Lawn, 1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa. Child-friendly event, more details to come. www.armatureworks.com/all-events
New Year’s Eve
8 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 31. Armature Works South Lawn, 1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa. Get ready for one of Tampa’s most unforgettable waterfront celebrations featuring GRAMMY nominated artist Sofi Tukker and Austin Millz. Tickets start at $112. www.tixr.com/groups/piedpiper/events/nye-2026-161016
Sunset Market
6-10 p.m. Jan. 1. Midtown Tampa, 3650 Midtown Drive, Tampa. End your day with live music, cocktails and over 40 local vendors including artists, jewelry, and makers from the Bay Area. The Sunset Market occurs on the first Thursday of each month.
Free Downtown Concert: Rock The Park
6:30-9:45 p.m. Jan. 1. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa. For 15 years, the Tampa Downtown Partnership has produced a free monthly music series showcasing musical talents of all genres. The concert will also have local food trucks to purchase from. www.facebook.com/RockThePark
The Greatest Show On Earth
Jan 2-4. Benchmark International Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. The Greatest Show On Earth is back with a high-energy, music-driven experience with bold circus performances, unforgettable characters and a nonstop party vibe. This new production moves at the speed of today’s world: fast-paced, dynamic and full of energy. Times vary. https://tinyurl.com/2m9c4bph
Sangria Night
5-10 p.m. Jan. 2. Keel Farms, 5202 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. The first Friday of each month, enjoy an evening filled with Latin music, dancing, and handcrafted sangria flights. First come, first serve with free parking and free admission. www.keelfarms.com
The Market Elaine
5:30-9:30 p.m. Jan. 2. The Grove at Wesley Chapel, 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Come experience a vibrant atmosphere filled with more than 150 vendors, live entertainment and activities for all ages. Held the first Friday of each month.
Museums On Us Weekend
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 3-4. Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, 1630 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa. The Museums on Us program offers Bank of America and Merrill Lynch debit and credit cardholders free admission to over 225 museums and cultural institutions across the United States on the first full weekend of every month.
Ukulele Jam
12-2 p.m. Jan. 3. New River Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel. Bring your ukulele and jam with the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society on the first Saturday of each month.
Native Plant Walk at Lettuce Lake
9:30-11 a.m. Jan. 4. Lettuce Lake Park, 6920 E. Fletcher Ave., Tampa. Come discover the beauty of native plants on a guided walk with a representative of the Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. The two-hour walk will start behind the Joel E. Jackson Nature Center in the Native Plant Garden. Walks are free but there is a $2 entrance fee.
Fresh Market at Hyde Park Village
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 4. Hyde Park Village, 1602 W. Snow Ave., Tampa. Fresh Market is a monthly farmers market every first Sunday of the month featuring over 80 local vendors including produce, handcrafted goods, plants and more. While you shop and stroll, enjoy live music. This event is pet friendly.
Board Game Night
1-11 p.m. Jan. 4. The Tampa Bay Bridge Center, 114 W. 109th Ave., Tampa. The Tampa Gaming Guild invites the public out for weekly game nights on the first and third Sundays of the month, as well as every Wednesday and Friday evening from 5:30-11 p.m. Trial memberships give you access to regular gaming sessions up to 30 days free. tampagamingguild.org