Tampa Bay's Holiday Events are Sure To Delight Families
In addition to the city's warm sunsets and glistening bay views, families visiting the Tampa Bay area will have a lot to be excited about this holiday season. With high-kicking Rockettes, the cast of Sesame Street, and a view of Christmas past, this holiday season will delight Tampa Bay visitors of all ages.
Here's just a small selection of what's happening in Tampa Bay during the holidays:
Wild Wonderland: November 28 - December 23, 2003
For families not planning to walk in a Winter Wonderland this year, try walking in a Wild Wonderland at Lowry Park Zoo. Complete with live reindeer and real snow, the seasonal extravaganza is a treat for the whole family. Guests can visit Santa's Castle, a winter workshop secured by toy soldiers and elves. Visitors will also enjoy an array of games, lights, carriage rides and zoo animals. Call Lowry Park Zoo at 1-813-935-8552 or visit www.lowryparkzoo.com for additional information.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular: December 11, 2003 - January 4, 2004
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the world-famous Rockettes, makes its Florida debut, appearing in the Tampa Bay area for the first time December 11 - January 4. Most famous for their eye-high kicks and precision dancing, the Radio City Rockettes have strutted their way into the hearts of millions and continue to be a beloved family holiday tradition. This spectacular live production has dazzling lights, scenery and costumes as well as a cast and crew of nearly 100 members, including live animals and Santa Claus himself! In addition to "Christmas in New York," a trademark Rockette showstopper, and the tap-infused "Twelve Days of Christmas," this magical production features the legendary favorite "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and the awe-inspiring "Living Nativity." Call the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center at 1-800-955-1045 or visit www.tbpac.org for additional information
Victorian Christmas Stroll: December 1 - 23, 2003
The Henry B. Plant Museum's Victorian Christmas Stroll invites families to experience the extravagance and grandeur of a Victorian Christmas at the former 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel. Open to the public 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, the Victorian Christmas Stroll provides museum guests with an opportunity to see magnificent rooms adorned with authentic Victorian-style decorations, elaborately trimmed trees, lush greenery, antique toys and imaginative ornaments. A new exhibit this year, "Changing Faces of Santa," will cheer young and old alike. The images in this exhibit illustrate how artists through the ages have depicted Santa Claus. Call the Henry B. Plant Museum at 1-813- 254-1891 or visit www.plantmuseum.com for additional information
Roger's Christmas House: Open year-round
Located atop one of the many hills in historic Brooksville, Roger's Christmas House is an enchanting village featuring five turn of the century houses filled with Christmas displays and an array of gifts for all occasions. Families can stroll through the gardens and experience the charm of the five beautifully decorated houses. Roger's Christmas House is open year-round (except Christmas Day). Call the Roger's Christmas House at 1-877-312-5046 or visit www.rogerschristmashouse.com for additional information.
Sesame Street on Stage: November 28, 2003 - January 3, 2004
Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert, Ernie, Zoe, and Telly will visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay this winter to celebrate the holiday season and ring in the New Year. The Sesame Street friends will perform in their new show called Big Bird's Beach Party, and will make special appearances at interactive dining experiences. When Elmo and Cookie Monster are not signing and dancing or sharing a meal with their fans, they'll be giving hugs and smiling for pictures at various park locations. Call Busch Gardens Tampa Bay at 1-888-800-5447 or visit www.buschgardens.com for additional information.
Celebration of Lights: November 27, 2003 - January 2, 2004
Pink and blue trees, multi-colored sea life and a Christmas frog in a Santa suit adorn the lawn of the University of South Florida's campus for the annual Celebration of Lights. The Celebration of Lights is a mile-long, open air, drive-through event featuring holiday displays with over one million lights. The exhibit includes various animated characters depicting scenes such as the Elf Workshop, Grand Tunnel, Santa Around the World and Neptune's Holidays. Call the Sun Dome at 1-813-974-3111 or visit www.sundome.org for additional information.
Christmas at Pinewood: November 28, 2003 - January 11, 2004
Resplendent holiday décor and dramatic lighting are sure to brighten the spirits of all families touring Christmas at Pinewood at the Historic Bok Sanctuary. Parents and children can view magnificent woodwork, intricate tiles, antique furnishings and breathtaking views of a 1930s winter retreat. Each of the mansion's 20 rooms have been transformed to represent a different holiday theme. Call the Historic Bok Sanctuary at 1-863-676-1408 or visit www.boksanctuary.com for additional information.
