TOP 10

LAKELAND TOP 10

LAKELAND CHRISTMAS PARADE

Dec. 2, 7pm. Hosted by The Junior League of Greater Lakeland and the City of Lakeland, the Lakeland Christmas Parade is recognized as one of Lakeland’s largest annual events. The parade starts at the RP Funding Center and heads on a 1.25-mile course winding through the city’s streets, around Lake Mirror and back down Lemon Street ending with Santa & Mrs. Claus. lakelandgov.net

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY

This beloved American holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. 863-603-7529. Various days Dec. 3 - 12, purchase tickets in advance. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com

HOLIDAY FLY-IN FESTIVAL & CAR SHOW

Dec. 3 & 4, this is a brand new experience at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus! Join them for family fun at the Lakeland Linder International Airport. Come on out and enjoy the beautiful Central Florida fall weather in a place where you can spread out a picnic blanket, and enjoy some great aircraft, displays, and holiday activities! flysnf.org/ holidayfestival/information

ORANGE BLOSSOM REVUE

Dec. 3 & 4 on the shores of Lake Wailes Park in Lake Wales. Friday lineup: The Wood Brothers, Hayes Carll, Devon Gilfillian, & Side Hustle. Saturday lineup: Blackberry Smoke, The Steeldrivers, Nicki Bluhm, Ryan Montbleau (solo), The Hummingbirds. Enjoy international touring musicians, food truck vendors, and craft beer at the Orange Blossom Revue. Purchase tickets in advance at orangeblossomrevue.com.

PLAID TIDINGS

Dec. 3-12 at Balmoral Event Center. Plaid Tidings by TheatreWorks FL is a brandnew show that offers the best of Forever Plaid, tied up in a big Christmas bow! Filled with Christmas standards that have all been “Plaid-erized,” the boys are back to do their Christmas Special. This truly “heaven-sent” holiday treat will lift audiences’ spirits and fill them with nostalgia for a bygone era of classic music! Purchase tickets in advance at centralfloridatix.com.

HOLIDAYS AT LEGOLAND

The holidays at LEGOLAND feature a giant LEGO Christmas tree, fun seasonal shows, holiday characters, special treats, tons of LEGO® activities, twinkling lights, and more! Be mesmerized by the twinkling lights from an all-new 360 degrees light show! Catch a spectacular New Year’s Eve Fireworks show that will be filling up the skies December 26th31st only. Holiday activities on December 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 24-31. Purchase tickets in advance at legoland.com/florida.

BANDIT MARKET

Dec. 4, 3-9pm at the Ritz Theatre in Winter Haven. This is an alternative holiday market where the cool kids shop local, handmade, and vintage artisans from all over Central Florida (some making their grand appearance in Winter Haven)! You’ll find fresh and unique products that you’ll actually want to gift your friends and family (and even you, too). There will be live music and entertainment, delicious holiday cocktails, and incredible food! More info on FB & IG @thebanditmarket

HOLLY JOLLY JINGLE BELL JOG 5K

Dec. 11, 7am at the Three Parks Trail. This is a fun, festive, chipped, 5k finishing on the Cleveland Heights Golf Course. Runners and walkers of all levels are welcome. Returning this year - the Reindeer Dash Kids’ Fun Run! Virtual option available. Holiday costumes are highly encouraged. The in-person option for this event will be conducted within guidelines established by CDC, state & local governments and subject to change. Register in advance. JBJog.com

HOLIDAY NIGHT MARKET

Dec. 11, 5-10pm in Downtown Lakeland. Join everyone for a holiday blowout featuring four market experiences curated by Downtown Lakeland, Buena Market, Lakeland Punk Flea, and Art Crawl! 100+ creatives, artists, and makers, Live music and DJ sets, pictures with Santa and more. This event will span five blocks of Kentucky Avenue. Downtownlkld.com

A VERY SWANDERFUL CHRISTMAS

Dec. 18, 7-10pm at Swan Brewing in Downtown Lakeland. Who doesn’t love dueling pianos? Join Swan for an exceptional Dueling Piano show by Felix & Fingers! You’re going to love this as a unique way to kick off the weekend before the BIG DAY! Along with your delicious, locally-brewed craft beer, The Arepazo Grill will bring all the best eats!

ORLANDO TOP 10

DAZZLING NIGHTS

Throughout December at Harry P. Leu Gardens. A three-quarter mile family-friendly holiday adventure. A forest lit with the flickering of hundreds of handmade Moroccan lanterns, 7,000 square foot light maze, a forest of neon trees, 65’ long tunnel of 12’ tall stars, and more. There will also be a sensory-friendly option with adjusted lighting and sound. Purchase tickets at dazzlingorlando.com.

IMMERSIVE VAN GOGH

Various days throughout December. Walk through 300,000 cubic feet of projections animating Vincent van Gogh’s work. Wander through moving images that highlight brush strokes, detail, and color. Be immersed in Van Gogh’s works – from his sunny landscapes and night scenes to his portraits and still life paintings. Experience Van Gogh’s imagination, and journey through his brilliance and madness. Purchase tickets in advance. Orlandovangogh.com

NORTH SHORE BIRDING FESTIVAL

Dec. 2-6 on the Lake Apopka North Shore. Participate in field trips on the 20,000-acre property and other Central Florida sites. Keynotes at Wekiwa Springs State Park with catered dinners leading into evening owl and woodcock walks and a star walk. Lake Apopka North Shore is the top eBird hotspot in Florida. Nearly 370 species of birds have been sighted, more than any inland site in the U.S. including the Everglades. Northshorebirdingfestival.com

TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION

Dec. 3, 5-9pm. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer invites Central Florida residents and visitors to ring in the holiday season and help countdown the lighting of the City of Orlando’s Christmas tree at Lake Eola Park’s Washington Plaza. The event will include holiday performances at the Walt Disney Amphitheater, food trucks and a holiday market, and an opportunity to meet Santa until 9 pm at the Eola House. Orlando.gov

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE STROLL

Dec. 9, 5-8pm in the Winter Garden Downtown Historic District. Join other shoppers for an evening of shopping, sips, and snacks while strolling through the festive wonderland! Enjoy complimentary light refreshments, raffles, outdoor/indoor specials, and promotions at participating boutiques. While strolling through Downtown, you will find colorful sights and sounds with decorations, light displays, and holiday music in the air. cwgdn.com

ART ADVENTURES

Dec. 10, 9:30-11am at the Orlando Museum of Art. Join the OMA for a workshop that features a hands-on art activity in the studio followed by a visit to the gallery. Explore materials and techniques that foster engagement and creativity for young children and their favorite grownup! Ideal for children ages 2-10. Pre-registration is required. omart.org

JJ GREY & MOFRO

Dec. 10, 7:30pm as part of the revamped Frontyard Festival at the Dr. Phillips Center. Now with twice as many boxes to enjoy live, outdoor entertainment, unique experiences, with great food & drinks available for purchase. Grey’s commitment to the land of his north Florida home, the farms and eddying swamps of his youth are a major part of Grey’s music. Purchase tickets in advance. Drphillipscenter.org

GREG WARMOTH REINDEER RUN

Dec. 11, 7:15am. Run or walk the festive 3-mile route through SeaWorld to the sound of holiday bells and finish in a Runner wonderland with holiday treats for all finishers! Proceeds benefit Toys for Tots and the Pediatric Cancer and Bone Marrow Transplant Programs at AdventHealth for Children. Holiday outfits encouraged, Virtual option available, FREE AdventHealth for Children Kids’ Run (onsite). Registration and more event information can be found at www.trackshack.com/event/236.

A TRIBUTE TO ELLA FITZGERALD

Performed by vocalist Suzy Park on Dec. 12, 3pm at the Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts in Winter Park. Enjoy an afternoon of jazz celebrating the iconic Ella Fitzgerald presented by the Central Florida Jazz Society. Joining Suzy are John DePaola on trumpet, Dave MacKenzie on saxophone and flute. Other musicians to be announced at a later date. Purchase tickets in advance at bluebambooartcenter.com.

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA

Multi-platinum rock group TransSiberian Orchestra is back with its Winter Tour. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the group’s landmark album “Christmas Eve and Other Stories,” this year’s multi-sensory extravaganza makes a return visit for two performances on Saturday, December 18 at 3pm and 8pm. Tickets are on sale now at amwaycenter.com.

TAMPA TOP 10

WINTER BEACH

Dec. 1-Jan. 17 at the St. Pete Pier. Celebrate the holiday season with the only beachfront, real-ice ice skating rink with a 360o water view. Go ice skating, catch Santa sightings, free holiday concerts and more. Check out the activity schedule online. Find the perfect gifts at the Winter Beach Holiday Market, featuring a diverse lineup of local vendors, artists, and the Winter Beach gift shop. Details at WinterBeachStPete.com.

WINE & WREATH MAKING

Dec. 1, 6-8pm at Armature Works. Grab a friend and come sip wine, make a Christmas-inspired wreath and enjoy a girl’s night out. Your ticket will include wine, and everything you need to make a beautiful holiday wreath. There is limited space, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance. $60 armatureworks.com

THE DALI DOZEN

Dec. 1, 6:30-9pm at the Dalí Museum in St. Pete. An exclusive one-night holiday event, featuring 12 up-and-coming local artists selected by the Zodiac Membership Committee. This event will feature local artists highlighting their talents in celebration of the vibrant Tampa Bay area art scene. Guests can mix and mingle with the artists and other members of The Dalí Museum. Enjoy Hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will complete your festive evening. thedali.org

GASPARILLA CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE

Dec. 3-5 at TPC Tampa Bay Golf Course. The rarest, historically important cars and motorcycles are on display and judged. Enjoy the “Tastes of Tampa Bay” delicious foods, signature “Gaspar’s Grog” cocktails, auction items, and experiences, vintage fashion show, vintage plane flyover, red carpet ceremony, and live entertainment throughout the 2 days. VIP experience available. Gasparillaconcours.com

SKYWATCH

Dec. 4, 7-10:30pm at the Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa. Join the space experts for an evening of space exploration through MOSI’s telescopes! All ages, weather permitting, no ticket or purchase required. Located in the parking lot outside of the Whitney Andrews Lang Center for Learning, on the east side of MOSI’s campus. See Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn continue to travel across the sky, joined by the Pleiades star cluster, also known as the “Seven Sisters.” mosi.org/skywatch

HEIGHTS NIGHT MARKET

Dec. 8, 5:30-9:30pm. Heights Night Market is a monthly, evening, outdoor market taking place on 7th Ave in front of Armature Works every 2nd Wednesday of the month. Shop for the holidays from artists and makers selling handmade goods, jewelry, art, woodwork, gifts and so much more. Heights Night Market is family-friendly and features live music at each event. Armatureworks.com

TEA WITH SANTA

Dec. 11 or 12 at the Oxford Exchange. Enjoy a special holiday tea and storytime with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy cakes, cookies, and tea sandwiches hosted by Santa himself and the lovely Mrs. Claus. Kids can participate in a special photo opportunity with Santa, too! Must purchase tickets in advance at oxfordexchange. com.

JINGLE BELL BAZAAR AT YBOR

Dec. 12, 12-6pm at Centennial Park Ybor. Enjoy a FREE festive holiday event! Live music, entertainment performances, fashion showcase, delicious eats, food trucks, arts and craft vendors, and of course, Santa! Sponsored by Ybor City Development Corporation. jinglebellbazaar.com

FOREVER MOTOWN

Dec. 18, 8pm at the Straz Center. Direct from New York, Forever Motown features Theo Peoples, former lead singer of The Four Tops, and Glen Leonard, former lead singer of The Temptations backed by a band of incredible musicians representing Motown royalty. A spectacular cavalcade of favorite Motown hits, Forever Motown is a show that is not to be missed. Purchase tickets in advance. Strazcenter.org

HOT CHOCOLATE 15K/5K

Dec. 19, Tampa Convention Center at 7am. A chocolate lover’s paradise awaits you at the post-race party! Celebrate your accomplishment with a finisher mug that includes fondue, dippables, and your very own hot chocolate, while checking out our exciting vendors and listening to great music! Familyfriendly, register in advance. hotchocolate15k.com/city/tampa/