Top 10 Things To Do In Tampa

PLAID TIDINGS

Through Dec. 24 at the Jaeb Theater at The Straz. A heavenly phone call from Rosemary Clooney prompts The Plaid’s return to earth for a posthumous Christmas performance to bring a little harmony to a discordant world. From holiday favorites that are “Plaid-erized” to a riotous three-minute, 11-second version of The Ed Sullivan Show, this show is full of holiday spirit. strazcenter.org

TAMPA’S SANTA FEST & TREE LIGHTING

Dec. 3, 1 - 7pm at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Tampa kicks off the holiday season with a full day of activities. Event Schedule: 1-2:30 pm Christmas Parade; 1-4 pm Santa Fest; 4:45-6:30 pm Tree Lighting Ceremony; 6:30-8:30 pm Movie: “Fred Claus.” Free & family-friendly. friendsoftamparec.org

NEXT BIG THING

Dec. 3 & 4 at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater. 97X presents this two-day music festival. The two-day spectacle will feature sets from Machine Gun Kelly, Jack White, Gayle, Giovannie and The Hired Guns, Yungblud, and more! Purchase one-day or two-day tickets, full schedule online. fairgroundsamphitheatre.com

WINTER WONDER RIDE

Dec. 10, 1 - 9:30pm at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. The Winter Wonder Ride is an annual holiday-themed bike ride through downtown Tampa, Bayshore Boulevard, ending at the park for a concert, where you, your friends, and your family, dance the night away. This year’s theme is “Ho Ho Hoedown.” Come dressed in your favorite western holiday outfits! More info on FB @onbikes.

JINGLE BELL BAZAAR

Dec. 11, 12 - 6pm at Centennial Park in Ybor. Come enjoy a fun and festive holiday event in Historic Ybor City. Enjoy live music, entertainment performances, holiday shopping, food trucks, and of course, Santa. This is a free family event with seating in the park provided. Fun for the entire family! Santa arrives at 1pm. jinglebellbazaar.com

A VERY COUNTESS CHRISTMAS!

Dec. 11, 8pm at the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa. In 2017, Real Housewives of New York’s Luann de Lesseps made her cabaret debut with “Countess and Friends” selling out shows across the country. Now all of the RHONY fans can watch her perform live with songs like her holiday single, “What Do I Want For Christmas?”  released in December 2021. Purchase merch and tickets in advance, online. seminolehardrocktampa.com

HOT CHOCOLATE RUN

Dec. 18, 7am at the Tampa Convention Center. This is a timed 5k, 10k, and 15k with a virtual option. Every finisher gets their own finisher mug, complete with chocolate fondue, dippables, and, of course, their famous hot chocolate. The post-run party will include music and vendors. Register in advance. hotchocolate15k.com/city/tampa

PLEIN AIR MEET-UP

Dec. 18, 1 - 3pm at the McKay Bay Nature Park Trail. Inspired by locales, scenes, and artists from the “Poetry in Paint: The Artists of Old Tampa Bay” exhibition on view at Tampa Museum of Art. This monthly workshop will meet and you can create your own contemporary images of Tampa Bay. Ages 16+. Must register in advance. tampamuseum.org

SNOW DAYS

Dec. 26 - 30, 10am - 8pm at The Florida Aquarium. Grab your winter gloves for a week of winter festivities and hands-on snow experiences. Snow Days are free for members and included with general admission. Activities include a snow maze, snowball toss, and a Winter Wonderland Dance Party. flaquarium.org

HAMILTON

Dec. 28 - Jan. 22, 2023 at the Straz Center. This is the story of America then, told by America now.  Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, this show has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in the theater. This musical has profoundly impacted culture, politics, and education. strazcenter.org