Top 15 Tampa Bay area events for the week of Nov. 22-28
Enchant Christmas: Tropicana Field transforms into a winter wonderland with a Christmas light maze and village, ice skating trail, an artisan market, visits with Santa and a hunt for gifts taken by a mischievous elf. $35, $32 seniors/military, $25 ages 3-17, 2 and younger free. 4-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Sunday. Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg. 315-558-2623.
Festival of Lights: A nearly two-mile drive-thru of continuous light features followed by a festive walking visit to Santa’s Village. The elaborate light displays themed to Florida and traditional winter holidays are complemented by individual presentations representing Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. $25 per car (up to 8 people). 6-10 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Road, Brandon. 813-737-3247.
Sanding Ovations: This year’s sand sculpting exhibition and competition is called “Sandlantis” to see what happens when master sculptors use their imaginations and turn piles of sand and buckets of water into art. The actual competition was last week. This weekend is an “encore weekend” for more opportunities to view the popular event. Free. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Treasure Island Beach Trail Park, 10400 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island. 727-547-4575.
Kite Festival: Make it a double header on Treasure Island Beach and watch professionals fly kites over the Sanding Ovations sand sculptures. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Treasure Island Beach Trail Park, 10400 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island. 727-547-4575.
Christmas in the Wild: The family-friendly holiday event will be open on select nights through Dec. 30 with one of Tampa Bay’s largest light displays, holiday treats and new festive adventures that will connect guests with wildlife and the spirit of the season. There are six new illuminated light zones including two light shows across the entire manatee circle. Shows are every 15 minutes. And you can dance and play reindeer games at the Wallaroo Wrap Party. $29.95; $5 reservation fee for members refunded as a voucher 4-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. ZooTampa at Lowry Park, 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa. 813-935-8552.
Holiday Lights in the Gardens: The botanical gardens will sparkle with 1 million, twinkling LED lights in a multitude of colors. Vibrant laser lights and lighted figures round out the display to wow guests of all ages. Suggested donation: $10 for ages 13 and up 5:30-9:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. 727-582-2117.
Celebration of Lights: The seventh annual drive-thru light show with family entertainment including the Holiday Train (Friday and Saturdays only). Lights run 6 to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday evenings Nov. 26-Dec. 19 and Dec. 20-21. 6-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday. $20 car load, $3 train. The Concourse, 11919 Alric Pottberg Road, Shady Hills. 727-233-2968.
Glorious Night - A Drive-In Christmas Light Show: A 30-minute drive-in light show featuring Christmas songs, a story of hope, and thousands of programmed Christmas lights. Free. 6-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday. First Baptist Church Plant City, 3309 James L. Redman Pkwy., Plant City. 813-752-4104.
Christmas Under the Moon: Walk through a dazzling light display, a Christmas tree lane, meet Santa and check out the petting zoo, ball zone, hill slide and arts and crafts. $10 age 3 and up. 6-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday. HarvestMoon Fun Farm, 15990 Stur St., Masaryktown. 727-326-3256.
Oakdale Light Display: St. Petersburg’s annual light display with a religious tendency features more than half a million lights, 18 model trains, water fountains, a 70-foot lighted tree, animated dolls, a 30-foot snowman, 20-foot reindeer, flying planes and a bubble machine. This display has been featured on HGTV, HSN, NBC’s Today Show and in People Magazine. Free. 6-10 p.m. Friday through Jan. 3. Oakdale Street, 2719 Oakdale St. S, St. Petersburg. 727-822-5562.
Hanukkah Spectacular: Mayor Frank Hibbard greets the crowd for the lighting of a surprise-themed menorah. Also, enjoy hot latkes, doughnuts, an appearance by ThunderBug, a gelt drop by the Clearwater Fire Department, caricature art, goodie bags and children’s entertainment. Free. 4 p.m. Sunday. Surf Style Mega Store, 311 S Gulf Blvd, Clearwater. 727-265-2770.
Snowcat Ridge: The world of snow returns to Dade City with snowy slopes, an Arctic igloo, a new Crystal Ribbon ice skating rink, Eskimo Outpost and an Alpine Village. $26.95-$39.95. Skate rental $9.95. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. Snowcat Ridge, 27839 Saint Joe Road, Dade City. 813-576-1450.
Holiday Classics at Tampa Theatre: The holiday movie series returns with classic films and singing along to Christmas carols with the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ before the show. It kicks off with 1947′s Miracle on 34th Street. Before the film, guests are invited to meet Santa himself and take home a free commemorative photo. $10; $7 members. 3 p.m. Sunday. Tampa Theatre, 711 N Franklin St., Tampa. 813-274-8286.
Shopapalooza Festival: Shop local as more than 300 local businesses and makers offer up items at this festival with food and music. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Vinoy Park, 501 Fifth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. 727-637-5586.
Hanukkah Street Fair: Hit the street at the mall for a Hanukkah party with DJ music, a stilt walking robot, rock climbing, an obstacle course, bungee basket ball, human foosball, face painting, balloon art, arts and crafts, latkes, doughnuts, spider mountain, games and a grand menorah lighting. Free. 5-7 p.m. Sunday. The Grove at Wesley Chapel, 6105 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel. 813-642-3244.
