Christmas in Florida Theme Parks

by Adele Woodyard
Legoland Winter Haven, may be the newest entry in holiday themes among the biggies but its 30-foot tree made of bricks is no match to Tampa’s Busch Gardens Christmas Town. The brand-new tradition is a separate ticket event that runs from 6-11 p.m .Fri-Sun through Dec. 23, and its trees are built of bright red poinsettias. Kids have a Snow World play area made of snow where they can make a snowman, and take a slide down the white stuff. They can even throw snowballs at a target across the street. Of course there’s a Santa to visit in his house along Candy Cane Lane, and a dinner buffet by Mrs. Santa for the hungry. No kids? Adults will still enjoy the Carol of the Bells show at Crown Colony House restaurant, and ice skaters Angels of Peace; A Christmas Journey on Ice at the Moroccan Palace. Then there’s the African penguins or rides on Cheetah Hunt, SheiKra and Gwazi that will be open. Advance tickets online: $24.99 adult, $9.99 children; general admission $39.99 and $14.99. Discount tickets also at various venues. http://www.christmastown.com
Orlando:
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is another after hours celebration with Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, holiday characters and fireworks. 7 p.m. special days. $67.95-$53.95, Walt Disney World, 1515 N. Buena Vista Dr. Lake Buena Vista. 407-934-7639. However, the New Fantasyland opened Dec. 9. Although the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train steel coaster won’t be until 2014, here’s what’s new in the expanded Magic Kingdom update. Enchanted Tales with Belle combines audience participation with a chatty candelabra. There’s a magic mirror ro walk through and a talking Wardrobe that assigns roles to guests for the play-acting. A sea witch named Ursula menaces kids who ride through caves and under waterfalls in a giant clamshell before they can talk the Little Mermaid in Ariel’s Grotto. Storybook Circus , where Mickey’s Toontown used to be, has two Dumbo rides among its offerings. Prices start at $89 per day adult, $83 ages 3-9; discounts available advance purchase online 407-939-1289. http://www.disneyworld.disney.go.com
It’s the famous Macy’s Holiday Parade straight from the Big Apple to Universal Studios in Florida, until Jan. 1, 2013. After viewing the huge balloons of your favorite characters, colorful floats and bands, you can take in Dr. Seuss’s holiday tale and Grinchmas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Hours, dates may vary. For info and ticket prices on Florida residents and non-Florida visitors contact 888-339-6277. http://www.universalorlando.com
It’s lighted trees choreographed to holiday music at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, with fountains and fireworks. Shows with such performers as otters, sea lions and a walrus; ice skaters, Shamu, Sesame Street and more round out the entertainment. $89 adult, $81 ages 3-9. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri. Sun., 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Sat 800-327-2424. http://www.seaworldorlando.com .

What Do YOU Want For Christmas?

by Adele Woodyard
That time already? We haven’t even voted yet. Or bought the food for our Thanksgiving dinner. True. But what else could I think of when a historic attraction from the little Florida town of Christmas just ordered some of my books? And since I spent Saturday at the Reading Festival in St. Pete, I can’t help but think the written word makes a welcome gift. So here’s what I can offer for you, your friends and family who prefer certain genres.
Mystery
Know one who goes for mysteries? Who enjoys trying to figure out who did the dirty deed? Who would relish the conflict between a feisty female reporter and a Tampa Police Dept. homicide detective? If so, FINAL PAYMENT is the book for them.
List: $12.50 (print); $9.50 Nook (Available in Nov.).
Short Stories
If they prefer to read books in small doses, why not a collection of short stories? THE SHELL and the STARFISH and other stories has fourteen tales, each one different from the next. It may be told by a man, or a woman, or both; young, old or middle-aged. It may be about love, marriage, crime, divorce, age, or really out of this world.
List: $7.99; $5.95 Nook
Travel
Have snowbird friends or family? If they’re planning to visit Florida—and like to save money (who doesn’t?) than FLORIDA “Freebies” and “Cheapies” 250 Daytrips for Little or No Money is a good gift for them. $10 is the top ticket price on these pages (tax not included) and they may well be surprised at how much they can see and enjoy, indoors or out, from the Panhandle to Key West, for so little or no money. (donations welcome, of course).
List: $9.95 (print only)
All are 6×9” paperback; print copies available at Amazon.com, and the following Tampa Bay bookstores or gift shops. Elsewhere in Florida, maybe one near you. Just ask. Or call me at 727-942-6992. E-books at B&N bookstore.
Tarpon Springs: Back in the Day Books, 727-937-5030; Miracles of the Sea, 727-938-3347
Dunedin: Enchanted Branch Gift Gallery, 727-736-5825
Largo: London Pride, 727-517-3550
St. Pete: Books at Park Place, 727-388-9093
Orlando: The Book Rack, 407-855-4077
Direct order: (no credit cards; checks only):
Adele Woodyard Palm Print Press P.O. Box 1743, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688

Pre-Christmas Doings Around Tampa Bay

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?