Christmas

Jarod Curley with the American Ballet Theatre returns to The Straz for the Next Generation Ballet's Nutcracker in December.
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Next Generation Ballet alumnus Jarod Curley returns for Nutcracker at The Straz

We’re catching up with Jarod Curley, an alumnus of Next Generation Ballet who now dances with the American Ballet Theatre. He is returning to The Straz as a guest star dancer in the 2024 production of Nutcracker.

Savor the Season: Dine-In Spots for Christmas Brunch
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Savor the Season: Dine-In Spots for Christmas Brunch

You’ve got a lot on your plate during the holidays, so we’ve compiled the best list of places for Christmas brunch!

Best Christmas Lights in Tampa Bay Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa
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Where to find the most DAZZLING Christmas lights in Tampa Bay

Christmas Lights are starting to Sparkle in Tampa Bay! Get into the Holiday Spirit with a stroll or drive by these beautiful Christmas lights!

Breakfast with Santa on Yacht Starship
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Where to Eat Breakfast With Santa In Tampa Bay

Breakfast with Santa is a great way to let your kids see the big guy up close and personal. Fill the season with holiday cheer with one of these great breakfast with Santa options. Related: Where to Take Pictures with Santa in Tampa Bay Featured Breakfast with Santa Events Breakfast with Santa at Clearwater Marine…

kids free admission at LEGOLAND Florida with toy donation on Sunday, December 15, 2024
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Kids get free admission at LEGOLAND® Florida on Sunday, Dec. 15 with toy donation

Kids can get in free at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort for one day only on Sunday, December 15, 2024, if they bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots through a partnership with Coca-Cola.

santa claus in Tampa Bay
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Where to Take Pictures with Santa in Tampa Bay in 2024

We’re sharing some of our favorite spots to take pictures with Santa in Tampa Bay.

The Lost Pearl pirate ship in Tampa, a Pirate's Christmas Cruise
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AHOY! Let’s board a Pirate’s Christmas Cruise on the Lost Pearl!

Come aboard with us as we share our adventure on The Lost Pearl’s ‘A Pirate’s Christmas Cruise’ in Downtown Tampa!

Christmas Town Holly Jolly train Best Christmas Events in Tampa Bay
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The Best Christmas Events for Families in Tampa Bay

Whether you want to meet Santa, take in the dazzling beauty of Christmas lights, or celebrate the season at local theme parks, we’re sharing our list of our favorite Christmas events in Tampa Bay for families.

Holiday toy safety Christmas gift safety
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Holiday Toy Safety Guide: Top 10 Dangerous Toys

Discover holiday toy safety tips and avoid dangerous toys that could harm your children by learning how to spot hidden hazards this holiday season.

Randolph the Reindeer and elves at ZooTampa Christmas in the Wild
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Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa is bigger and brighter in 2024!

One of our favorite holiday events in Tampa Bay, Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa, returns for 16 select nights beginning November 29!

Black Friday deals at Tampa Bay and Florida attractions
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Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals at Theme Parks for Florida Residents

The gift of experience is coming with some savings if you shop Black Friday Deals and Cyber Monday deals at Florida attractions.

Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent Family Volunteer
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How Your Family Can Give the Gift of HOPE at the Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent

There is an urgent need for food and toy donations at the Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent. We’re sharing ways your family can help.

See Santa at YuleTides
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Splash Into the Holidays with the ALL-NEW YuleTides at The Florida Aquarium!

The Florida Aquarium is bring a NEW holiday tradition to Tampa Bay! Check out what you can experience at YuleTides, from November 29-January 5.

Picture with Santa at Magic Kingdom at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2024
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Where to See Santa at Walt Disney World

Our complete guide on Where to See Santa at Walt Disney World will make it easy for your family to see Santa Claus at Disney.

Catch All the Festive Films This Season with Tampa Theatre’s Holiday Classics!
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Catch All the Festive Films This Season with Tampa Theatre’s Holiday Classics!

Tampa Theatre’s Holiday Classics lineup is back for 2024, and you can catch some of your favorite festive flicks at the city’s most iconic theatre this season!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
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A Parent’s Guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom 2024

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns in 2024 on select nights from November 8 through December 20. We’re sharing our favorite things about this magical event!

Ergle Tree Farm Cut your own Christmas Tree
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Yes, you CAN cut down your own Florida Christmas Tree at Ergle Tree Farm!

Discover this adorable tree farm in Dade City where you can cut down your own Florida Christmas tree this holiday season, or shop for a pre-cut tree from North Carolina!

Best Christmas Shows in Tampa Bay The Nutcracker at The Straz
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The Best Holiday Shows in Tampa Bay to See With the Kids

We’re sharing some of our favorite Christmas shows on stage in Tampa Bay to help you plan your December to remember.

Where to see the Nutcracker in Tampa Bay The Straz Center
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Where to see The Nutcracker in Tampa Bay

The beloved holiday performance is returning to the stage in 2024! We’re sharing our favorite places to see The Nutcracker in Tampa Bay.

Letters from Santa
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Don’t miss out on the USPS letters from Santa program!

The United States Postal Service is giving your child the opportunity to participate in the “Greetings from the North Pole” program for the cost of a postage stamp!

JUST ANNOUNCED! Disney’s Hollywood Studios Christmas Party “Jollywood Nights” Returns
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JUST ANNOUNCED! Disney’s Hollywood Studios Christmas Party “Jollywood Nights” Returns

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will offer an all-new festive after-hours Christmas party which will include exclusive access to attractions and unique entertainment for the holiday season.

Festival of the Holidays at EPCOT 2023
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The BEST Things to Do with Kids at EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays

From the best eats to the best storytellers, here are the best things to do with kids at EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays 2023.

The Gift of Experience in Tampa Bay: A Holiday Gift List Must
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The Gift of Experience in Tampa Bay: A Holiday Gift List Must

Rather than overloading our kids with more toys and clutter, why not give the gift of experience in Tampa Bay? An annual pass or membership to a local attraction is not only cost effective, it’s a gift that keeps on giving year–round to the entire family.  Added bonus- many of the attractions that offer summer camps…

Give Back Alex Kulzer
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Alex’s Touching ‘Give Back’ Project After Years of Hospital Care

Alex Kulzer stacks hundreds of toys in bins and pushes them proudly through the entrance of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. “I’m giving back to my community in a place that I grew up in,” says lifelong patient, 18-year-old Alex. “You never want to say, ‘I grew up in a hospital getting tests done,’ but…

Tampa Bay Parenting Toys for Tots at Toys R Us Where to donate toys
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12+ Places to Donate New Toys in Tampa Bay this Holiday Season

The high cost of living and inflation continue to make a significant impact on families and the non-profit organizations that support them. If you are financially able, donating a new toy and even food for a local family in need will make a big difference this holiday season.

Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular
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Top 5 Kid-Friendly Things to do at Universal Orlando Holidays

We’re sharing our 5 favorite things to do with the kids during the holidays at Universal Orlando from Grinchmas, Harry Potter and more!

How to Celebrate Kwanzaa AND Support Small Biz in Tampa Bay

How to Celebrate Kwanzaa AND Support Small Biz in Tampa Bay

Kiva Williams and Karimah Henry, creators of the Tampa Bay Black Excellence Challenge and regular Tampa Bay Parenting contributors, invite you to join in on their weeklong Kwanzaa celebration this year with a game of community Bingo. “I wanted to find a creative way to get people to support local small businesses,” Henry says. “Sharing this…

Denis Phillips Holiday Lights
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Local meteorologist Denis Phillips celebrates the holiday season with Christmas cheer and cocoa for a cause

It might not snow in Tampa, but local weatherman Denis Phillips certainly knows how to create a whimsical winter wonderland. The local ABC Action News meteorologist is known for his cheery persona, signature suspenders, and love of Diet Dr. Pepper. During hurricane season, his famous slogan “Rule #7” can be heard on repeat from residents…

Gratitude and giving
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Gratitude & Giving: Families and Metropolitan Ministries Inspire Hope in Tampa Bay

Metropolitan Ministries offers year-round opportunities for kids to grow in gratefulness and giving, and especially this holiday season.

holiday health and safety
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May Your Holidays be Merry and Safe!

The holidays can be chaotic. Check out these tips to stay safe and healthy this season, when ordinary rules can fall through the cracks.

Letters from Santa
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Don’t miss out on the USPS letters from Santa program!

Did you know your child can get a letter from Santa with a return address from the North Pole? You DO NOT want to miss out on this opportunity from the the United States Postal Service’s “Letters from Santa” program now called Greetings from the North Pole. It will require some work on your part since…

Toy Insider's Hottest Toys of 2022
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The Toy Insider Reveals the Hottest Toys For 2022!

The Toy Insider Reveals The Hottest Toys for 2022 Holiday Shopping Season!

kid-friendly Kwanzaa
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How to host a kid-friendly Kwanzaa celebration

Kwanzaa is a holiday founded in 1966 to help African-Americans reconnect with their culture. Here are 5 ways to have a kid-friendly Kwanzaa.

Endless Kid-Friendly Fun at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
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Endless Kid-Friendly Fun at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration

There is so much to do this holiday season, both in Tampa Bay and in Orlando. It can be hard to decide what to do. If you have younger kids, especially preschool age, SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration is a must-do. I’ve visited every single Orlando theme park this holiday season, as I tend to do…

Feeding Tampa Bay, Holiday Traditions
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3 New Traditions You Can Start This Holiday Season

Here are three easy ways you can stand with your community, all while introducing new, rewarding holiday traditions!

winter village at Curtis Hixon Park ice-skating
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Cool Places to Play in The Snow and Ice Without Leaving Tampa Bay

We’re sharing a few places around town to check out if you want to play in the snow or take a whirl around an ice-skating rink.

Easy and festive holiday cocktails with Ginain Grayes of @cookprayslay
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Easy and festive holiday cocktails with Ginain Grayes of @cookprayslay

Blogger Ginain Grayes is dishing on her favorite festive holiday cocktail recipes which can also be transformed into mocktails.

Margaret Zakarian Hosting

Holiday Hosting: Pro Tips from the Zakarian Family

The Holidays are Here! Margaret Zakarian gives her favorite tips to keep the holidays easy and stress free.

christmas tree pizza holiday lunch box ideas with @lunchboxmafia
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Make it MERRY with holiday inspired lunches by @lunchboxmafia

Jenny P of @lunchboxmafia is dishing on her favorite holiday inspired lunchbox ideas for the tastiest and most festive lunch ever!

Make it Merry: Holiday Lunches
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Make it Merry: Holiday Lunches

Til the Season for warm lunches! Jenny from @lunchboxmafia teaches you how to make warm lunches for your kids, and tips to keep them warm!

Winter Beach debuts at The St. Pete Pier!
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Winter Beach debuts at The St. Pete Pier!

Ice skating on the beach? Although that sounds like a crazy concept, you can do just that at Winter Beach in St. Pete! Located at the St. Pete Pier, the new attraction boasts a skating rink with a 360-degree water view. Whether you’ve been skating for years or are just learning how, the Winter Beach…

Tampa Riverwalk Lighted Boat Parade Holiday Spectacular

Holiday Parades and Boat Parades in Tampa Bay!

The celebrations are back in 2021! We’re sharing some of our favorite Christmas parades and boat parades in Tampa Bay!

Ways To Give Back at Any Age This Holiday Season
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Ways To Give Back at Any Age This Holiday Season

It’s never too early to teach children the importance of giving back to others. Many organizations and charities need help year-round, but during the holiday season, the need is even greater. The impact of Covid-19 took a hit on charities worldwide last year. Food banks, homeless shelters, and donation sites are in dire need of…

How to give back as a family in Tampa Bay volunteer
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Season of Giving: 10 Ways Your Family Can Give Back in Tampa Bay

We’re sharing different ways your family can give back in Tampa Bay whether it’s by volunteering your time or supporting a local non-profit.

Enchanted Tree Lighting at Hyde Park Village

Enchanted Tree Lighting at Hyde Park Village

Yes, it’s true! We are a little over six weeks away from Christmas and Hyde Park Village is gearing up for their Annual Enchanted Tree Lighting Ceremony. What better way to kick start the holiday season than bringing the little ones out for an evening of shopping, arts and crafts, live music, balloon animals, and…