by Adele Woodyard
No snow, but it’s sure beginning to feel a lot like Christmas (for Floridians that’s whenever the temperature dips below 60 degrees).It’s then we wish we hadn’t given away our winter garb when we moved to the Sunshine State from the snowbound North. At least chilly weather doesn’t slow down the hot doings around Tampa Bay. Here’s a sample of what’s going on right now
Wondering what to get the one who has everything? Visit Arts and Crafts shows for unique gifts. For instance, this weekend there’s one in St. Pete’s Roser Park that adds historic district home tours to their 7th annual Festival; 727-772-3860.On Saturday the Garden Club of St. Petersburg presents Antiques in the Park; 727-421-0441, while Safety Harbor has their Holiday Arts & Crafts Show on Sunday; 727-776-4830.
If pottery is your thing, there are six studios displaying a variety of demonstrations during Tour de Clay. Since they all have kilns, you can keep warm while you watch. Kiln openings are timed so you can visit them all, starting at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.in Palm Harbor. From there it’s on to Tampa, Lutz, and Odessa, ending in San Antonio at 5 p.m. http://www.tampatourdeclay.com
Polished off your gift list and looking for entertainment? The Nutcracker, a perennial favorite holiday ballet, dances across several stages this month. Dec 11 and 12,. Sarasota offers two shows at the Opera House, Saturday; 941-366-8450. Saturday is also St. Pete’s showing of The Nutcracker at the Palladium. Brandon Ballet presents two shows on both Saturday and Sunday; tickets online, http://www.brandonballet.org
Miss this weekend and you get another chance on Dec. 18 and 19 in Clearwater with the Moscow Classical Ballet at Ruth Eckerd Hall; 727-791-7400; and Largo, with the Bay City Ballet offering three performances, 727-587-6793.For a real change of pace, Chocolate Nutcracker gives a jazzy new sound to the classic performance at St Pete’s Mahaffey Theater; 727-892-5798.
Tampa presents the Great Imperial Ballet version at the Performing Arts Center on Dec. 22 and 23 813-229-7827. And that’s not all The Nutcracker ends the season with larger-than-life puppets performing Moscow Ballet’s ‘Great Russian Nutcracker’ at the Mahaffey Theater, Dec. 28.
Don’t forget the Christmas parades; the holiday lights, the visits to Santa. If you still need a nudge for the Christmas Spirit, listen to the Florida Orchestra Holiday Pops. 8 p.m Dec.11 at the Performing Arts Center, Tampa;. 7:30 p.m, Dec, 12 at Ruth Eckerd Hall. 727-892-3337. http://www.floridaorchestra.org
What’s happening in your town?
Vacation Fun Florida Weblog 