2017 Pinellas County Holiday Events: What To Know Before You Go

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Around Pinellas County, communities are getting into the holiday spirit with a wide variety of events.

From winter festivals, tree lightings and parades on dry land and off the coast, Pinellas County has a full lineup of holiday traditions set throughout the month of December.

Here’s what area residents need to know before you go to any one of the 2016 Pinellas County Holiday events:

Holiday Boat Parades

Click here for a list of 2017 Pinellas County holiday boat parades.

Friday, Dec. 1

Oldsmar Christmas Wonderland

The City of Oldsmar will host Christmas Wonderland on Friday, Dec. 1 from 5 to 9 p.m. at R.E. Olds Park, 107 Shore Drive W. This free event will feature a giant snow slope, fireworks, inflatables, pictures with Santa Claus and concessions. The schedule is:

• 5 p.m. – Miss Suda Dancers Holiday Recital
• 6 p.m. – Christmas Carols on the Amphitheater stage
• 7 p.m. – Showing of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”

There’s Snow Place Like Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs will host “There’s Snow Place Like Tarpon Springs” on Friday, Dec. 1 from 5 to 10 p.m. in the downtown area. This free event will feature a snow play area, carriage rides, music, children’s activities, a Christmas-themed movie and a visit with Santa Claus. Local musicians and entertainers will perform during the festivities.

Annual Holiday in the Park

Pinellas Park Police Explorer Post 912 and the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association will present Holiday in the Park on Friday, Dec. 1 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at England Brothers Park, 5010 81st Ave. N. The free community event will feature photos with Santa, a children’s train ride, hayrides, children’s games, entertainment and more. The City of Pinellas Park will host its tree lighting at City Hall, 5141 78th Ave. N. at 5:30 p.m.

Safety Harbor Tree Lighting Ceremony

The City of Safety Harbor will host its Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the gazebo at John Wilson Park, 401 Main St. Local choirs will kick off the event and the Safety Harbor Fire Department has invited Santa Claus to the festivities.

Saturday, Dec. 2

Snowfest in Downtown St. Pete

The St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department will host Snowfest on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Drive NE.

The event will feature 65 tons of snow with big and kiddie toboggan slides, an art tent, karaoke, moonwalks, a giant slide and “glice” skating. Kiddyland, designed for preschoolers, will feature an inflatable train, cookie decorating and more.

Wristbands are $5 and are required for all activities.

John’s Pass Jingle Bell Kids’ Fishing Tournament

Angler Armory will host its annual John’s Pass Jingle Bells Kids’ Fishing Tournament on Saturday, Dec. 2 from noon to 8 p.m. at John’s Pass, 12901 Gulf Blvd., St. Petersburg.

Children must be 16 years old or younger to enter and must be accompanied by an adult 18 years old or older. The entry fee is a canned food donation for A Kind Mouse and an unwrapped gift for Santa’s Angels.

The Jingle Bell Kids’ Fishing Tournament is a seawall tournament and can be fished at Don’s Dock, Hubbard’s Marina and Hubbard’s Beach.

Registration and check-in will begin at noon. There will be three heats and all age groups can participate in one, two or all three heats.

• Heat 1: 1 to 1:45 p.m.
• Heat 2: 2 to 2:45 p.m.
• Heat 3: 3 to 3:45 p.m.
• 4:15: Raffle/awards
• 5:45: Santa Claus arrives

For more information or to pre-register, visit http://www.anglerarmory.com/johns-pass-jingle-bells-kids-fishing-tournament/.

Miracle on Cleveland Street

Clearwater’s Cleveland Street District will host Miracle on Cleveland Street on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 5 to 10 p.m. The event features a skating rink, carriage rides, pictures with Santa Claus, falling snow and more. Click here for more information on Miracle on Cleveland Street.

A Harbor Holiday

The City of Safety Harbor will host A Harbor Holiday on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Six trolleys will run between five downtown stops to help holiday shoppers visit Safety Harbor’s downtown businesses.

Annual Holiday in the Park

Pinellas Park Police Explorer Post 912 and the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association will present Holiday in the Park on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at England Brothers Park, 5010 81st Ave. N. The free community event will feature photos with Santa, a children’s train ride, hayrides, children’s games, entertainment and more.

Largo Holiday Stroll

The City of Largo will host its annual Holiday Stroll on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive. This day’s theme is Rockin Lights Family Fun Night. The Christmas tree lighting will take place at 7 p.m. Click here for more information on the Largo Holiday Stroll.

Thursday, Dec. 7

Holiday Hayride

Pinellas Park Recreation will host the 2017 Holiday Hayride on Thursday, Dec. 7 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Forbes Recreation Center, 6401 94th Ave. N. The event features holiday movies for guests waiting for rides and refreshments served after the ride. Advanced registration is available at the recreation center.

Saturday, Dec. 9

Breakfast with Santa

The City of Pinellas Park invites children of all ages, along with parents or grandparents, to Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Senior Center, 7625 59th St. N. The cost is $5 per person and includes a photo with Santa. The menu includes pancakes, sausage, juice, milk and coffee. Advanced registration is required at the Senior Center or the Forbes Recreation Center, 6401 94th Ave. N.

St. Pete Beach Christmas Market & Parade

St. Pete Beach will host its Christmas Parade and Santa’s Visit to Whoville on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon. The parade starts at St. Pete Beach City Hall and will head west on Corey Avenue, south on Blind Pass Road, east on 73rd to Bay Street and back to City Hall. Santa Claus will end the parade at the St. Pete Beach Library, 365 73rd Ave. for the Whoville celebration.

The library will host Grinch-themed crafts, face painting and light refreshments. “The Grinch that Stole Christmas,” an interactive holiday movie, will be shown at 11 a.m.

Tarpon Springs Christmas Parade and Candy Cane Hunt

The 2017 Tarpon Springs Christmas Parade will take place Saturday, Dec. 9 starting at 10 a.m. in downtown Tarpon Springs. The parade route starts at Manatee Plaza and goes north on East Lemon Street, then south on Ring Avenue and finishes on Tarpon Avenue all the way to Spring Bayou.

After the parade at approximately 11:30 a.m., Tarpon Springs will host its annual Candy Cane Hunt at Craig Park, 300 S. Spring Blvd. Children ages 12 and younger can hunt for the lucky candy cane. The free event also features crafts, music and a visit from Santa Claus.

Holiday Hoopla

The City of Gulfport will host its Holiday Hoopla on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Beach Boulevard The event features a celebration of arts, crafts, foods and live music with roving holiday characters set in a waterfront atmosphere and lights.

Holiday Tour of Homes on Indian Rocks Beach

The Indian Rocks Beach Homeowners Association will host the Holiday Tour of Homes on Indian Rocks Beach will take place Saturday, Dec. 9 from 2 to 6 p.m. The event begins at the Beach Art Center, 1515 Bay Palm Blvd., where participants can pick up the tour booklet and enjoy free snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Gifts, cards and artwork by local artist will be for sale.

The tour features seven distinct homes, each showcasing its interior design and decked out in holiday décor. The IRB Historical Museum and Church of the Isles will serve as hospitality centers along the way, where participants can rest, use the facilities and shop for handmade gifts. At the end of the tour, participants can vote for the most impressive display.

Advance tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Beach Art Center or Plumlee Realty, 417 First St. Tickets can also be purchased online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/irb-holiday-home-tour-2017-tickets-37473050904?aff=es2. Day-of tickets can be purchased at the Beach Art Center for $20.

Proceeds from the Holiday Tour of Homes will benefit the Beach Art Center for ongoing community programs.

Pinellas Park Christmas Parade

The 45th Annual Pinellas Park Christmas Parade will take place Saturday, Dec. 9 starting at 6 p.m. at the 58th Street railroad tracks and proceed eastbound on Park Boulevard to The Shoppes at Park Place.

Saturday, Dec. 16

Largo Old Fashioned Christmas Parade

The City of Largo will host its Old Fashioned Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 16 in downtown Largo. The parade will feature decorated floats, local dance troupes, fire trucks, marching bands and Santa Claus.

The parade starts at noon from the corner of First Avenue and Fourth Street Southwest and circles the brick streets of Largo.

Safety Harbor Holiday Parade

Safety Harbor will host its annual Holiday Parade on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. on Main Street. The parade will feature floats, old fashioned cars and a visit from Santa Claus.

Florida Orchestra Pops: Holiday Pops

The Florida Orchestra Pops will host Holiday Pops on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S. in St. Petersburg. The orchestra will play Christmas carols, yuletide tunes, musical chestnuts and more.

Largo Holiday Stroll

The City of Largo will host its annual Holiday Stroll on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive. This day’s theme is Let It Snow.Click here for more information on the Largo Holiday Stroll.

St. Petersburg Holiday of the Arts

The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance and the City of St. Petersburg will host the annual St. Petersburg Holiday of the Arts on Saturday, Dec. 16 and Sunday, Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at South Straub Park, 250 Bay Shore Drive NE. Admission and parking are free.

The Holiday of Arts showcases artwork of local, regional and national artisans. Works will include painting, photography, sculptures, metalwork, digital art, jewelry, glass, ceramics woodworking and more.

Image via City of St. Petersburg, Florida USA Facebook page