Ready for the holidays but your budget’s tight? That’s no reason to stay at home.
Winter break is nearly here, and with it, lights in windows and (hopefully) a chill in the air. Whether you’re observing a religious holiday or just thankful for a break from homework, chances are you’re celebrating something as the year winds down.
They say there’s no place like home for the holidays, but before you leave, there are plenty of ways to get festive right here in the Bay area without breaking the bank.
Here are seven events to put you in the holiday mood.
Chanukah in “The Burg”
Dec. 7
South Straub Park # 5:30 p.m.
For its 13th annual Chanukah celebration, The Chabad Jewish Center of Greater St. Petersburg will be celebrating the Festival of Lights downtown with an eight-foot “candy land” menorah and live entertainment.
There will be free latkes, raffles and crafts, along with concessions for food and refreshments.
Boley Centers’ 33rd Annual Jingle Bell Run
Dec. 9
Downtown waterfront # 7:30 p.m.
Over 1,000 luminarias light the course for the Jingle Bell holiday run along St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront.
The course will feature three “glow zones,” as well as glow necklaces, glow face paint and neon T-shirts. Live music will be playing before, during and after the event.
The run starts and ends at North Shore Pool parking lot. Pre-register by 5 p.m. on Dec. 8 for $25, or register upon arrival for $30.
Holiday Sizzle
Fridays and Saturdays in December
Sundial # various times
Take in a variety of holiday-themed entertainment at Sundial throughout December.
Highlights include the Sundial Style Fashion Show on Dec. 11 from 7-8 p.m. and a “Baroque-style” holiday performance by The Florida Orchestra on Dec. 19 at 11 a.m.
Santa and Ice Skating in North Straub Park
Dec. 9 – 13, 17 – 23
North Straub Park # 6 – 9 p.m.
For those with kids or younger siblings, Santa will be in the park for free visits. Skating on the simulated ice rink is $5 for 30 minute sessions.
Also, be sure to check out the decorations and light displays in North and South Straub Parks, which will be up throughout December.
The Oakdale Christmas House
Now – Jan. 3
2719 Oakdale Street S. # 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
With approximately half a million lights and television appearances on NBC’s Today Show and HGTV’s All Out Christmas, this display certainly takes Christmas to another level.
Head down to Oakdale Street – a little over a mile south of campus – to see the spectacle for yourself.
Hometown Christmas and Parade on Corey Avenue
Dec. 13
St. Pete Beach # 4 p.m.
Enjoy a family-friendly event in the tropics at St. Pete Beach’s Christmas parade.
Starting at 4 p.m., the parade will head south to Corey Avenue from Gulf Blvd at Blind Pass, and then east to Boca Ciega.
The Hometown Christmas event will follow directly after the parade along the event’s route and will feature train rides, carolers and crafts.
Annual Holiday Lights Ride
Dec. 27
1205 Fourth St. N. # 5 p.m.
For the more active, take a nighttime group bike ride into Old Northeast to enjoy the historic neighborhood’s holiday lights and decorations.
Riders are asked to meet at St. Pete Bicycle and Fitness on Fourth Street, 15 minutes before the start time. A helmet and bicycle headlights are required.
