Downtown After Hours

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Thursday, December 20

Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park presented by Tampa Bay Lightning
4pm – 9pm – CLOSED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Tampa at this holiday favorite, presented by Tampa Bay Lightning and brought to you by Tampa Downtown Partnership. The park is transformed with the sights, sounds, and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages. Enjoy Downtown Tampa’s only outdoor ice rink and The Shops of Winter Village, featuring 10 boutiques from local makers and purveyors offering a gift idea for everyone on your list. Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park

Barre in the Park
Begins 6pm – CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
In conjunction with the Bryan Glazer Jewish Community Center, the Tampa Downtown Partnership is proud to bring this free community fitness class to Tampa’s Downtown! Barre in the Park

3rd Thursdays
6pm to 10pm – CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER
Grand Central at Kennedy
Enjoy some gourmet food truck fun paired with independent short flicks and live music! Pour House and City Dog Cantina provide micro brews and tasty cocktails. Over ten gourmet food trucks will be on site, offering everything from burgers to vegetarian bites and much more. This is a spectacular way to spend a Thursday evening in Downtown Tampa!3rd Thursdays. 3rd Thursdays

Cirque du Soleil presents “CRYSTAL”
Begins 7:30pm
Amalie Arena
This unique arena production showcases synchronized and freestyle ice skating alongside circus disciplines such as swinging trapeze, hand balancing on chairs, and hand to hand. Watch world-class ice skaters and acrobats explore their new frozen playground with fluidity with never-before-seen acrobatics. The show fuses circus arts and the world of ice skating in a stunning new production that will take the audience on a journey into a surreal world where figure skating blends with acrobatics and aerial feats. CRYSTAL is suitable for all ages. Cirque du Soleil presents “CRYSTAL”

Latin Nights
Begins 9pm
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Maestro’s Restaurant transforms into a Latin supper club, featuring a live salsa band, dancing, tapas and drink specials. A new menu features delicious tapas, and patrons can dance the night away to the thrilling Latin rhythms of Son Salvaje. For those who desire salsa dance assistance, guidance will be offered by Simone Amaral. Latin Nights

Friday, December 21

Do the Local Motion Holiday Hop Tour of Trees
Noon to 1pm – CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER
Poe Plaza Esplanade
Come kick off the holidays with this fantastic tour featuring the Rampello School Choir. Walks remain free but $5.00 donations to help Where Love Grows fight childhood hunger in the community are appreciated. Do the Local Motion Holiday Hop Tour of Trees

Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park presented by Tampa Bay Lightning
4pm – 10pm – WEATHER PENDING
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Tampa at this holiday favorite, presented by Tampa Bay Lightning and brought to you by Tampa Downtown Partnership. The park is transformed with the sights, sounds, and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages. Enjoy Downtown Tampa’s only outdoor ice rink and The Shops of Winter Village, featuring 10 boutiques from local makers and purveyors offering a gift idea for everyone on your list. Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park

Mary Queen of Scots (2018)
Shows at 4:30pm and 7:30pm
Tampa Theatre
The lush but ultimately tragic tale of Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I, both of whom had plausible if problematic claims on the English throne, has been put on screens big and small a number of times, most famously in 1936 with Katharine Hepburn. This production stars Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie. Mary Queen of Scots (2018)

River of Lights Holiday Boat Tours
6pm to 10pm
Pirate Water Taxi
Tampa’s most unique holiday celebration on the water returns. View festive decorations, lighted bridges, and other surprises along the Hillsborough River. Riders will enjoy whimsical narration, Christmas carolers, hot chocolate, and a holiday cookie for all. There is no better way to experience the holidays in Tampa! River of Lights Holiday Boat Tours

Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker
Begins 7pm
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Now a glittering, star-studded Tampa holiday tradition, this show includes principal dancers from powerhouse companies alongside Next Generation Ballet’s award-winning young dancers. This family-friendly favorite takes audiences into Clara and Drosselmeyer’s fantastical world of dancing sweets, sword-fighting rodents, and some of ballet’s most famous music. Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
7:30pm to 9:45pm
Tampa Theatre
Watch It’s a Wonderful Life every year, and you’ll see a different message in it every time. On its face, it’s a heartwarmer about treating your fellow man with fairness and love, knowing that they will stand behind you when you need them. But it’s also a political movie about the destructive influence of consolidated wealth (Lionel Barrymore’s Mr. Potter is one of cinema’s great villains); it’s nearly a tragic portrait of a talented dreamer who sacrifices himself completely for others and is almost destroyed by his own frustration; and in the tradition of Dicken’s three Christmas ghosts, it’s a look at the chilling consequences of all the paths not taken in a life. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Cirque du Soleil presents “CRYSTAL”
Begins 7:30pm
Amalie Arena
This unique arena production showcases synchronized and freestyle ice skating alongside circus disciplines such as swinging trapeze, hand balancing on chairs, and hand to hand. Watch world-class ice skaters and acrobats explore their new frozen playground with fluidity with never-before-seen acrobatics. The show fuses circus arts and the world of ice skating in a stunning new production that will take the audience on a journey into a surreal world where figure skating blends with acrobatics and aerial feats. CRYSTAL is suitable for all ages. Cirque du Soleil presents “CRYSTAL”

Winter Wonderettes
Shows Friday through Sunday
Stageworks Theatre
The Wonderettes are back! This social celebration finds the girls entertaining at the annual Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party. When Santa goes missing, the girls use their talent and creative ingenuity to save the holiday party! Featuring great ’60s versions of holiday classics such as Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, Jingle Bell Rock, Run Rudolph Run, and Winter Wonderland. The result is, of course, marvelous! This energetic and glittering holiday package is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages. Winter Wonderettes

Saturday, December 22

Senior Fitness Walk
Begins 10am
Armature Works
Lace up those walking shoes and get ready for a fun program with fellow Tampa seniors. This senior fitness walking program gives participants a chance to get out and get fit! Walkers will meet at the tables in front of the market facing the Riverwalk entrance. Senior Fitness Walk

37th Annual Victorian Christmas Stroll
10am to 8pm
Henry B. Plant Museum
This Christmas event celebrates the warmth and spirit of an old fashioned holiday, while encouraging a sense of community. Complimentary cider and cookies will be served on the veranda each day while holiday music floats through the air. With a different theme in every exhibit room, there is sure to be something for everyone! 37th Annual Victorian Christmas Stroll

Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park presented by Tampa Bay Lightning
10am – 10pm
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Tampa at this holiday favorite, presented by Tampa Bay Lightning and brought to you by Tampa Downtown Partnership. The park is transformed with the sights, sounds, and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages. Enjoy Downtown Tampa’s only outdoor ice rink and The Shops of Winter Village, featuring 10 boutiques from local makers and purveyors offering a gift idea for everyone on your list. Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park

Art Spot
11am to 2pm
Tampa Museum of Art
Let your imagination run free as the Museum’s art facilitators introduce exhibition-specific methods of art making filled with fun and creativity for you and yours. Art Spot

Mary Queen of Scots (2018)
Shows at 1:30pm, 4:30pm, and 7:30pm
Tampa Theatre
The lush but ultimately tragic tale of Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I, both of whom had plausible if problematic claims on the English throne, has been put on screens big and small a number of times, most famously in 1936 with Katharine Hepburn. This production stars Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie. Mary Queen of Scots (2018)

Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker
Shows at 2pm and 7pm
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Now a glittering, star-studded Tampa holiday tradition, this show includes principal dancers from powerhouse companies alongside Next Generation Ballet’s award-winning young dancers. This family-friendly favorite takes audiences into Clara and Drosselmeyer’s fantastical world of dancing sweets, sword-fighting rodents, and some of ballet’s most famous music. Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker

Cirque du Soleil presents “CRYSTAL”
Shows at 4pm and 7:30pm
Amalie Arena
This unique arena production showcases synchronized and freestyle ice skating alongside circus disciplines such as swinging trapeze, hand balancing on chairs, and hand to hand. Watch world-class ice skaters and acrobats explore their new frozen playground with fluidity with never-before-seen acrobatics. The show fuses circus arts and the world of ice skating in a stunning new production that will take the audience on a journey into a surreal world where figure skating blends with acrobatics and aerial feats. CRYSTAL is suitable for all ages. Cirque du Soleil presents “CRYSTAL”

Live & Local – Sarah Morey
Begins 5pm
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Sarah Morey is an 18 year old singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Tampa. Sarah has been chosen to be a Hard Rock Cafe Ambassador, has opened for The Bellamy Brothers, and was featured on Fox 13 News with Charley Belcher at Creative Souls Cafe. Sarah plays often around the greater Tampa Bay Area and has also played multiple music festivals. Sarah will be performing on the Riverwalk before the Nutcracker performance. Live & Local – Sarah Morey

Downtown Tampa Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Begins 6pm
Tampa Riverwalk
See the river beautifully lit up with loads of holiday-themed boats. Nearly 100 lighted boats participated in last year’s parade, and this year will be another fan favorite. The route traditionally goes along the Tampa Riverwalk and down the Hillsborough River through Downtown Tampa. Downtown Tampa Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

River of Lights Holiday Boat Tours
6pm to 10pm
Pirate Water Taxi
Tampa’s most unique holiday celebration on the water returns. View festive decorations, lighted bridges, and other surprises along the Hillsborough River. Riders will enjoy whimsical narration, Christmas carolers, hot chocolate, and a holiday cookie for all. There is no better way to experience the holidays in Tampa! River of Lights Holiday Boat Tours

Calandra® an Eloquent Blending of Strings®
Begins 7:30pm
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Charles Calandra is a composer, performer and guitarist. He formed Calandra, an Eloquent Blending of Strings® in 2007 and has featured accomplished violinists. The music is very melodic and emotional in content and has been well received. This event will feature Michelle Jones, a Grammy recording artist, producer, composer/arranger and international violin and viola instrumentalist crossing all music genres. Calandra® an Eloquent Blending of Strings®

Sunday, December 22

37th Annual Victorian Christmas Stroll
10am to 8pm
Henry B. Plant Museum
This Christmas event celebrates the warmth and spirit of an old fashioned holiday, while encouraging a sense of community. Complimentary cider and cookies will be served on the veranda each day while holiday music floats through the air. With a different theme in every exhibit room, there is sure to be something for everyone! 37th Annual Victorian Christmas Stroll

Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park presented by Tampa Bay Lightning
Noon – 9pm
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Tampa at this holiday favorite, presented by Tampa Bay Lightning and brought to you by Tampa Downtown Partnership. The park is transformed with the sights, sounds, and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages. Enjoy Downtown Tampa’s only outdoor ice rink and The Shops of Winter Village, featuring 10 boutiques from local makers and purveyors offering a gift idea for everyone on your list. Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park

Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker
Shows at 1pm and 6pm
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Now a glittering, star-studded Tampa holiday tradition, this show includes principal dancers from powerhouse companies alongside Next Generation Ballet’s award-winning young dancers. This family-friendly favorite takes audiences into Clara and Drosselmeyer’s fantastical world of dancing sweets, sword-fighting rodents, and some of ballet’s most famous music. Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker

Cirque du Soleil presents “CRYSTAL”
Shows at 1:30pm and 5pm
Amalie Arena
This unique arena production showcases synchronized and freestyle ice skating alongside circus disciplines such as swinging trapeze, hand balancing on chairs, and hand to hand. Watch world-class ice skaters and acrobats explore their new frozen playground with fluidity with never-before-seen acrobatics. The show fuses circus arts and the world of ice skating in a stunning new production that will take the audience on a journey into a surreal world where figure skating blends with acrobatics and aerial feats. CRYSTAL is suitable for all ages. Cirque du Soleil presents “CRYSTAL”

Live & Local – Jariah Higgins
Begins 3pm
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Jariah Higgins is a soulful singer songwriter based out of Tampa. He captivates his audience with his soul driven voice, entrancing beatbox and melodic harmonies through a looping technique that has become his signature sound. Live & Local – Jariah Higgins

White Christmas (1954)
3pm to 5pm
Tampa Theatre
Settle in for a holiday classic in Downtown Tampa! Two singers join a sister act to perform a Christmas show in rural Vermont. There, the singers find their commander from World War II, whose country inn is failing. So the group plans a musical extravaganza to bring the inn back to life. This film stars Bing Crosby. White Christmas (1954)

Winter Village Express
Departs Whiting Street Station beginning at 3:25
Whiting St. Station and Centro Ybor Station
The TECO Line Streetcar has partnered with the Tampa Downtown Partnership to bring you a themed ride aboard the Winter Village Express. Riders can board the Express at Whiting Station or Centro Ybor on select Sundays to enjoy treats, music, and activities during the non-stop ride. Winter Village Express

Upstairs/ Downstairs Live Theater
Shows at 3:30pm and 6:30pm
Henry B. Plant Museum
Step back in time and enjoy the single-character performances that bring turn-of-the-century Tampa Bay Hotel staff members and guests to life. Each character is based on actual hotel staff and guests. From the reminiscences of Henry Plant himself to the letters of a Spanish-American War soldier, you will learn more about the time period through each character’s particular vantage point. Upstairs/ Downstairs Live Theater

Yoga in the Park
Begins 5pm
LOCATION CHANGE: Kiley Gardens
In operation since 2010, the Tampa Downtown Partnership is proud to continue it’s Sunday Yoga in the Park tradition with our newest addition, seasoned yoga instructors from Lucky Cat Yoga. Yoga in the Park

Candlelight Christmas in the Park
Begins 5:30pm
Water Works Park
Experience the joy of a candlelight Christmas with Hyde Park United Methodist. Gather to sing Christmas carols, hear timeless stories, drink coffee from The Portico Cafe, and meet other people. This event is a fantastic way to get ready for the holiday and ramp up your Christmas spirit! Candlelight Christmas in the Park

2018 Christmas is Near
Begins 6pm
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
This event includes ice skating, train rides, photo booths, stocking decorating, face painting, food trucks, and giveaways. Then enjoy an unconventional candle-light service. Bring the whole family for this magical night in Downtown Tampa. 2018 Christmas is Near

River of Lights Holiday Boat Tours
6pm to 10pm
Pirate Water Taxi
Tampa’s most unique holiday celebration on the water returns. View festive decorations, lighted bridges, and other surprises along the Hillsborough River. Riders will enjoy whimsical narration, Christmas carolers, hot chocolate, and a holiday cookie for all. There is no better way to experience the holidays in Tampa! River of Lights Holiday Boat Tours

Mary Queen of Scots (2018)
Shows at 6:45pm and 9:45pm
Tampa Theatre
The lush but ultimately tragic tale of Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I, both of whom had plausible if problematic claims on the English throne, has been put on screens big and small a number of times, most famously in 1936 with Katharine Hepburn. This production stars Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie. Mary Queen of Scots (2018)

Nightlife & Music

Many of Downtown’s pubs, restaurants, and bars feature live music.
Check out this week’s line up! Be sure to check with each location to confirm.

Beyond This Weekend - Upcoming Events

New Year’s Eve 2019
Monday, December 31
Armature Works
Dance all night to the beats of a high energy live band and DJ while enjoying a top-shelf open bar and a wide selection of late night hors d’oeuvres, as well as a champagne bar and midnight toast. At midnight, head outside to the Armature Works front lawn to catch one of the most elaborate firework displays in the city, with Downtown Tampa as the backdrop. New Year’s Eve 2019

Activities on the Water

Yacht StarshipCaptain Larry’s Water TaxieBoats Tampa
Olde World Sailing LineUrban Kai PaddleboardingAmerican Victory Ship
FL Aquarium’s Wild Dolphin CruiseTampa Bay Fun Boat
Riverwalk Boating CompanyPirate Water TaxiKraken Cycle Boats

Arts and Culture Spotlight

Amalie Arena
Cirque du Soleil presents “Crystal” – Through December 23
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Philadelphia Flyers – December 27
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Montreal Canadiens – December 29
WWE Live Holiday Tour – December 30
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Columbus Blue Jackets – January 8
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Carolina Hurricanes – January 10
Winter Jam 2019 – January 12
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Toronto Maple Leafs – January 17
Tampa Bay Lightning vs San Jose Sharks – January 19
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Vegas Golden Knights – February 5
Tampa Bay Lightning vs St. Louis Blues – February 7
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Pittsburgh Penguins – February 9
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Calgary Flames – February 12
Michael Buble – February 13
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Dallas Stars – February 14
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Montreal Canadiens – February 16
Fleetwood Mac – February 18
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Buffalo Sabres – February 21
TobyMac Hits Deep 2019 – February 24
Tampa Bay Lightning vs LA Kings – February 25
P!nk – March 3
Bob Seger – March 15
Shawn Mendes – July 27

Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
North and South: Berenice Abbott’s U.S. Route 1 – Through January 11, 2019
Day by Day: 1968 – Through December
Modus Operandi: Contemporary Photography from the collection of BNY Mellon – January 15 to April 15

Glazer Children’s Museu
Make it Monday – Weekly 
Toddler Tuesday – Weekly 
Worldly Wednesday – Weekly
Tinker and Tech Thursday – Weekly
Fun Fridays – Weekly
Gingerbread Village – Through December 30
Museum Closed – December 24 and 25
Downtown Countdown – December 31
Camp Imagination: Merry Making – January 2 to 4
Children’s Board Free Tuesday – January 8
Scouts Workshop – Juniors – January 12

Check the Museum’s website for a full list of weekday programming.

Henry B. Plant Museum
First Fridays – First Friday of the Month
Imperial Designs – Through December 31
Victorian Christmas Stroll – Through December 23
Children’s Day at the Victorian Christmas Stroll – December 16

Jobsite Theater
Othello – January 11 to February 3
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised] – March 15 to April 17

The John F. Germany Public Library
Exploration Club – Tuesdays
Walk-In Tech Help – Wednesdays
Toddler Time – Wednesdays
Crafternoon – Thursdays
Baby Sign – Thursdays
Wrap Your Presents @ the Library – Through December 22
All Day Holiday Closing – December 24 and 25
Living with Legal Lingo – January 5
Movies @ the Library: UFO – January 11
3D Printing Open House – January 14

Stageworks Theatre
The Speak! Tank: Spoken Word Sundays – First Sunday of every month
Christ Fellowship – Wednesdays
The Winter Wonderettes – Through December 23
Ready Steady Yeti Go – February 7 to 24
The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie – March 21 to April 7
Four Guys Named Jose and Una Mujer Named Maria – May 30 to June 16

Straz Center for the Performing Arts

Latin Nights – December 20
Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker – December 21 to 23
Live & Local – Sarah Morey – December 22
A Drag Queen Christmas – The Naughty Tour – December 28
Sebastian Maniscalco: Stay Hungry – December 28
Hundred Days – January 15 to March 24
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical – July 9 to 14

Tampa Bay History Center
Walk Tampa: The Ybor City Story – November 10, and December 8
Walk Tampa: Central Avenue Black History Tour – December 29
Nell Ward Lecture in Cartography: Florida on the Map: Selections from “A History of America in 100 Maps” – January 29

Tampa Museum of Art

The Classical World: Selections from the Permanent Collection – Ongoing
The Classical World in Focus: Animals in Ancient Art – Ongoing
Monday Meditation at the Museum – Mondays
Teen Open Studio – Tuesdays
Art on the House – Fridays
Art Spot – Saturdays
Yayoi Kusama: Love is Calling – Through February 14, 2019
Patricia Cronin, Aphrodite, and the Lure of Antiquity: Through January 6, 2019
Season of Love – Through March 17, 2019
Robert Indiana: A Sculpture Retrospective – October 25 to March 17, 2019
Oswaldo Vigas: Transformations – January 31 to May 27, 2019
Ancient and Modern Glass from the Collection – March 23 to August 19, 2019
Abstract Expressionism: A Social Revolution – April 11 to August 11, 2019
Echoing Forms: American Abstraction – April 13 to August 18, 2019
Tableau and Transformation: Photography from the Permanent Collection – June 20 to October 6, 2019

Tampa Theatre
White Christmas – December 23
NYE Wrap Party 2018: Austin Powers – December 31
Raffi – Januaury 19
Bert Kreischer: Body Shots Tour – February 14
Winefest 2019 – February 22 and 23
Hollywood Awards Night – February 24
Welcome to Night Vale – February 28
Tom Segura: Take It Down Tour – March 8

Outside is In - Public Space

First Wednesday, 11am to 2pm at Lykes Gaslight Square Park.
Rock the Park
First Thursday, 6:30pm to 9pm at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.

– Free Weekly Community Fitness Classes at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park –

VKNG Drip – Monday, 6pm to 7pm
Zumba in the Park  – Tuesday, 6pm to 7pm
Bamboozle Fit Club Boot Camp – Wednesday, 6pm to 7pm
Yoga in the Park – Sunday, 5pm to 6pm
– Free Seasonal Programs –
Do the Local Motion – First and third Friday, noon to 1pm (October to May). Walking tours take off from Poe Plaza, Jackson and Franklin streets.

About Downtown After Hours

DOWNTOWN AFTER HOURS is your guide to planning your downtown after hours activities, brought to you by the Tampa Downtown Partnership. A supplement to your Monday Morning Memo, After Hours is a weekly publication issued every Thursday afternoon.
Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter View our profile on LinkedIn View on Instagram