Photo courtesy of Chelsea Zukowski
By Suzanne Townsend
As the holiday season is upon us there are plenty of opportunities to get into the Christmas spirit right here in St. Petersburg.
Enchant
Enchant at Tropicana Field runs through Dec. 18. This year is the debut of Reindeer Games, a maze of holiday lights which visitors can enjoy alongside a village of holiday storefronts with vendors, specialty crafters and boutiques. There is also an ice skating path through a winter wonderland, and don’t worry Floridians, skates will be provided. The events are all family friendly so bring the kids to meet Santa Clause and enjoy games and activities in the kids zone. Tickets are $34 for adults and $25 for juniors.
Straub Park Lights
Take a stroll through the winter wonderlands of St. Petersburg’s waterfront downtown parks. Visit North and South Straub Park, Pioneer Park and the Pier to check out the thousands of holiday lights and decorations. Also at Vinoy Park there is a giant greeting card display made by local teenagers and contributors from St. Pete’s recreation centers.
Oakdale Christmas Display
The Oakdale Christmas Display will also be returning this year. A St. Petersburg staple since 1977, the display has earned national awards from HGTV and NBC. The half-acre display is located in a residential yard and is free to the public. It will be dazzling visitors throughout the holiday season beginning on Black Friday and staying up until Jan. 3 and is so extravagant that it takes a crew of eight to 15 people to set up over the course of three months, so be sure to drive by 2719 Oakdale St. S. this month.
Miracle at Mezzo
Miracle at Mezzo is a Christmas-themed pop-up bar at Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails. The cafe and bar will be all decked out with holiday decorations and a specialty holiday-themed drink menu for both coffee and cocktail lovers. Also beginning on Black Friday and lasting through New Year’s Eve, open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m., this pop-up event is the perfect spot to drink and be merry.
Museum of American Arts and Crafts Movement Christmas Tree Lighting
On Dec. 5 the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement will host a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. The St. Petersburg High School chorus will grace guests with Christmas caroling and guests can also enjoy holiday-themed art making.
Holiday Bazaar
In case Black Friday shopping isn’t your cup of coco, get your gift shopping done at the Holizaar Handmade Holiday bazaar on Dec. 16. The market will be at The Studio@620 where 28 local indie artisans will be selling items such as fine art, jewelry, ornaments and snacks.
Bush Gardens Christmas Town
There are also plenty more festive holiday lights to see on the other side of the bay at Busch Gardens Christmas Town event. Thrill-seekers can enjoy the usual roller coaster rides as well as themed drinks and eats and even meet Santa and Rudolph themselves. The holiday fun lasts until Jan. 7 and the event is included with admission to the park.
