Holiday Things to Do

A One-Stop Spot for Holiday Markets, Tree Lightings and Santa Visits

By Abby Baker

We’ve put together a refrigerator-friendly list of holiday happenings in St. Petersburg, Gulfport and surrounding areas. Stay tuned (online and in print) for more winter-in-Florida fun.

Find links for these events — and many other things to do — online at thegabber.com/events

Thursday, November 25 - Monday, January 3

All the Lights See a typically quiet St. Petersburg neighborhood transformed into a holiday light display that once racked up a $4,000 light bill – for just one home. There’s a working railroad, a three-story snowman, bubble machines, and any type of Christmas card prop you can think of. It’s a holiday must-see. Oakdale Christmas House Light Display 2719 Oakdale St. S., St. Petersburg. 6-10 p.m.

Thursday, November 25 - Thursday, January 17

Skate On St. Pete’s Pier is getting a frosty makeover this holiday season into a “Winter Beach.” The seaside space will be transformed into an ice skating rink with real ice, fake snow, vendors and special event nights well into January. St. Pete Pier, 800 2nd Ave. NE., St. Petersburg. Hours vary. $17. Save a skating spot: winterbeachstpete.com.

Tuesday, December 28 - Monday, January 3

More Ice by the Beach Enjoy the seasonal skating rink at the Postcard Inn on the Beach before it melts. The 2,000-square-foot rink will host skaters, hot cocoa and a snow machine. Postcard Inn on the Beach, 6300 Gulf Blvd. St. Pete Beach. Hours vary. $15.

Saturday, December 11

Santa Rampage

Beard-wearing Santa Claus impersonators are painting the town red this holiday season at the 2nd Annual Santa Rampage. Brought to you by the Witches of Gulfport, this dress-up event invites anyone and everyone to put on their best Kris Kringle digs and “rampage” Beach Boulevard. A photo op will magically appear in front of the Gulfport Casino Ballroom at 5:30 p.m., right before the Boca Ciega Yacht Annual Lighted Boat Parade at 6:30 p.m. Beach Boulevard, Gulfport. 2-9 p.m.

Winter Market

Come to the Warehouse Arts District and The Deuces Live for an expansive winter market with 12 participating locations (think The Factory and 22 Food Hall South). Find fun and fresh gifts, clothing and art along the shopping trail. Remember, the luminaries hit at sunset. The Factory, 2622 Fairfield Ave S., St. Petersburg. 3-9 p.m.

BCYC’s Boat Parade

Boca Ciega Yacht Club’s 36th Annual Lighted Christmas Boat Parade brings Santa’s fleet to Gulfport’s sliver of the Gulf of Mexico. Stand by the shore to watch the lighted fun or register your decorated vessel. Business owners, help support boat captains by donating gift certificates to be used as boat prizes. All salty boat captains receive a prize for their hard work – and bragging rights for their decorations. Want to see it all? The parade will go past Williams Pier & the Gulfport Casino, past Gulfport Beach and into the canals of Town Shores, Pelican Bay, Skimmer’s Point, Bayview Circle, past a portion of Kipps Colony and near PYCC, then along Dolphin Blvd to the Pasadena Golf Club Estates, swinging across the bay to Isla del Sol before returning to our slips. Happy sailing! Williams Pier, 5400 Shore Blvd S. 6-8 p.m.

Madeira’s Boat Madness

Another sparkling boat parade to get land lubbers and salty sailors into the holiday spirit. The Madeira Beach 55th Annual Festival of Lights Boat Parade invites onlookers to the Madeira Beach Municipal Marina to watch the fun. Madeira Beach Marina, 503 150th Ave., Madeira Beach. 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Friday, December 17

Holiday Cookie Contest

The Gulfport Historical Society’s annual cookie contest returns! Hopeful bakers put their best nibbles forward in hopes of winning cash. Taste traditional, vegan or gluten-free cookies, then work off the sugar high with winter caroling, led by local songsters Jon Arterton and James Mack. Gulfport History Museum, 5301 28th Ave. S. 7 p.m. Free tasting; $5 entry fee.

Saturday, December 18

A Merry Market

Gulfport’s third Saturday Indie Fair returns with a theme: Cocktails and Candy Canes. The Beach Boulevard favorite brings holiday-themed art and vendors to downtown. There will be a visit from Santa and the regular Gulfport lineup amongst holiday spirits. Candy cane martinis? Definitely a possibility. Beach Boulevard South. 1-9 p.m.