Victorian Christmas Stroll 10am to 8pm Henry B. Plant Museum Experience the extravagance and grandeur of a Victorian Christmas at the former 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel. Decorations include vintage fashions, antique toys, locally sourced cigar boxes, and fanciful ornaments. Complimentary cider and cookies will be served on the veranda while holiday music floats through the air. Victorian Christmas Stroll
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park 4pm to 10pm Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Tampa at the Winter Village presented by USAmeriBank and brought to you by Tampa Downtown Partnership. The park will be transformed with the sights, sounds and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages. Skate around at the outdoor ice rink or get some gift shopping done at the Holiday Market. 2017-2018 Winter Village
Love Never Dies Begins 7:30pm Straz Center for the Performing Arts Andrew Lloyd Webber’s spellbinding sequel to The Phantom of the Opera. 10 years after his disappearance from the Paris Opera House, the Phantom has escaped to New York. In this new world, he has finally found a place for his music to soar, but he has never stopped yearning for his one true love. Don’t miss this magnificent continuation of one of the world’s greatest love stories as it makes its premiere in Tampa. Love Never Dies
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park 10am to 10pm Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Tampa at the Winter Village presented by USAmeriBank and brought to you by Tampa Downtown Partnership. The park will be transformed with the sights, sounds and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages. Skate around at the outdoor ice rink or get some gift shopping done at the Holiday Market. 2017-2018 Winter Village
River of Lights Holiday Boat Tour 5:45pm to 6:30pm Pirate Water Taxi Cruise through Downtown Tampa on the water and enjoy the beautiful sights of the holiday season. Pass beneath the lighted bridges to enter Hillsborough River for a one-of-a-kind tour. Enjoy a whimsical narration on the first half of the cruise and then join in with Christmas Carolers while sipping on hot chocolate and nibbling on a delicious holiday cookie. There is no better way to experience the holidays in Tampa! River of Lights Holiday Boat Tour
Elf in the Park 7:30pm to 9:15pm Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park Elf will be presented as a free community screening as part of the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Winter Village event. Lawn seating is first-come, first-served, so please don’t forget your blankets or folding lawn chairs. Refreshments will be available for sale from Tampa Theatre and a variety of other Winter Village vendors. Elf in the Park
Ben Haggard Begins 7:30pm Straz Center for the Performing Arts Like father, like son. In this case, that means hard-driving, real-deal, legendary country music forged by the late, great Merle Haggard. Merle lives through his youngest son in this extraordinary tribute to his music and songs. Now a songwriter in his own right, Ben follows in his daddy’s footsteps while striking his own path. Ben Haggard
Katy Perry: Witness Tour Begins 7:30pm Amalie Arena In her newest album, Katy reflects on the changes in her own life and in the world around her, delivering songs that both challenge and inspire. See the pop star deliver her incredible spectacle of a performance and sing along to all your favorites live! Katy Perry: Witness Tour
Love Never Dies Begins 8pm Straz Center for the Performing Arts Andrew Lloyd Webber’s spellbinding sequel to The Phantom of the Opera. 10 years after his disappearance from the Paris Opera House, the Phantom has escaped to New York. In this new world, he has finally found a place for his music to soar, but he has never stopped yearning for his one true love. Don’t miss this magnificent continuation of one of the world’s greatest love stories as it makes its premiere in Tampa. Love Never Dies
The Florida Orchestra – Holiday Pops Begins 8pm Straz Center for the Performing Arts Have a jolly good time with the whole family at this popular Florida Orchestra tradition, filled with the joy of your favorite yuletide carols. Brian Byrne will conduct this fun holiday show. The Florida Orchestra – Holiday Pops
Avenue Q – The Return Begins 8pm Stageworks Theatre A laugh-out-loud musical that tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. There, he meets Kate and a handful of other colorful types who help him finally discover his purpose in life. Avenue Q – The Return
Private Lesson Recitals Begins 10am Straz Center for the Performing Arts Youth and adult students who are taking private music lessons with the teaching-artists of the Patel Conservatory will perform. The recitals feature musicians training on all instruments and voice, performing classical and contemporary pieces. These 45-minute recitals are scheduled throughout the day on the hour. Private Lesson Recitals
Saturday With Santa 10:30am to 1:30pm The Florida Aquarium Bring your family and friends to celebrate the holidays. Santa will be at the Aquarium for photos and general merriment. His elves will join him and dive in the Aquarium’s Coral Reef habitat during its regularly scheduled dive presentations. Saturday With Santa
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
Love Never Dies Shows at 2pm and 8pm Straz Center for the Performing Arts Andrew Lloyd Webber’s spellbinding sequel to The Phantom of the Opera. 10 years after his disappearance from the Paris Opera House, the Phantom has escaped to New York. In this new world, he has finally found a place for his music to soar, but he has never stopped yearning for his one true love. Don’t miss this magnificent continuation of one of the world’s greatest love stories as it makes its premiere in Tampa. Love Never Dies
Dean Johanesen – Live & Local 5:45pm to 7:45pm Straz Center for the Performing Arts After being in bands for many years with rotating members and differentiating musical influences, Johanesen decided to pursue a solo career. A recent passion for gypsy jazz music in the vein of Django Reinhardt has put Johanesen on a musical path with a focus on new stories of old times. Enjoy a skillful performance from this local talent. Dean Johanesen – Live & Local
Sorting Ceremony Dinner: A Magical Holiday Feast Begins 6:30pm Glazer Children’s Museum Enjoy a magical holiday feast and come dressed to impress as your favorite witch, wizard, or fantastic beast! Enter through Platform 9 3/4, get sorted into your Hogwarts House, feast on a banquet fit for a wizard, and toast to the evening with a tasty butter beer! Sorting Ceremony Dinner
Jingle Ball Begins 7pm Amalie Arena The season’s biggest annual music event, capturing the holiday spirit of the iHeartRadio app. This year’s lineup of all-star performers will include: Zedd, Nick Jonas, Charlie Puth, Camila Cabello, Liam Payne, All Time Low, Why Don’t We, and more. This holiday pop show always provides a bevy of hits that will keep you moving and singing along! Jingle Ball
It’s A Wonderful Life in the Park Begins 7:30pm Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park It’s a Wonderful Life will be presented as a free community screening as part of the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Winter Village event. Lawn seating is first-come, first-served, so please don’t forget your blankets or folding lawn chairs. Refreshments will be available for sale from Tampa Theatre and a variety of other Winter Village vendors. It’s A Wonderful Life in the Park
Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Begins 7am Tampa Convention Center Join the movement that’s taken over the racing world! Pick up your packet, which includes a race day bib and goodie bag, and have some delicious chocolate. Then get ready to run in the 5K or 15K running events! Hot Chocolate 15K/5K
Tea With Santa & Mrs. Claus Begins 11am Oxford Exchange Join the Clauses for a midday gathering and a cup of tea. Have fun decorating Christmas cookies and enjoying light fare along with your tea. Santa will be available for pictures, so bring a camera to take your own holiday snapshot. This event is a great way to celebrate the season and spend some time with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Tea With Santa & Mrs. Claus
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park Noon to 9pm Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Tampa at the Winter Village presented by USAmeriBank and brought to you by Tampa Downtown Partnership. The park will be transformed with the sights, sounds and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages. Skate around at the outdoor ice rink or get some gift shopping done at the Holiday Market. 2017-2018 Winter Village
Love Never Dies Shows at 2pm and 7:30pm Straz Center for the Performing Arts Andrew Lloyd Webber’s spellbinding sequel to The Phantom of the Opera. 10 years after his disappearance from the Paris Opera House, the Phantom has escaped to New York. In this new world, he has finally found a place for his music to soar, but he has never stopped yearning for his one true love. Don’t miss this magnificent continuation of one of the world’s greatest love stories as it makes its premiere in Tampa. Love Never Dies
Winter Village Express 3pm to 8pm Whiting Station and Centro Ybor Operated by the TECO Line Streetcar System, the Winter Village Express offers a holiday experience aboard a holiday-themed Streetcar. Hop on at Centro Ybor or Whiting Station and enjoy treats, music and fun as you travel. A quick walk along the Tampa Riverwalk brings you to Winter Village. Winter Village Express
Avenue Q – The Return Begins 3pm Stageworks Theatre A laugh-out-loud musical that tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. There, he meets Kate and a handful of other colorful types who help him finally discover his purpose in life. Avenue Q – The Return
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve Begins 3pm Amalie Arena This show will be a celebration of the art and accomplishments of the lauded group’s late member, Paul O’Neill, and his inimitable creation, which he dubbed “Rock Theater.” Prior to his untimely passing, O’Neill worked tirelessly with his close-knit team preparing an exciting new take on this show. Fans will experience this exciting stage spectacle, including new awe-inspiring effects and staging, certain to make the story come to life! Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Yoga in the Park Begins 5pm Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park In operation since 2010 and brought to you by Tampa Downtown Partnership, Yoga in the Park is a free riverside yoga session led by an instructor from Yoga Downtown Tampa. Yoga in the Park
Amalie Arena Katy Perry – December 15 Tampa Bay Lightning vs Ottawa Senators – December 21 Tampa Bay Lightning vs Minnesota Wild – December 23 Tampa Bay Lightning vs Montreal Canadiens – December 28 Tampa Bay Lightning vs Philadelphia Flyers – December 29 Jim Gaffigan – December 31 Tampa Bay Lightning vs Carolina Hurricanes – January 9 Tampa Bay Lightning vs Calgary Flames – January 11 Tampa Bay Lightning vs Las Vegas Golden Knights – January 18 US 103.5’s Throwdown by the Bay – January 20 Tampa Bay Lightning vs San Jose Sharks – February 8 Billy Joel – February 9 Tampa Bay Lightning vs LA Kings – February 10 Andrea Bocelli – February 14 Tampa Bay vs Detroit Red Wings – February 15 Tampa Bay Lightning vs New Jersey Devils – February 17 Tampa Bay Lightning vs Toronto Maple Leafs – February 26 Tampa Bay Lightning vs Buffalo Sabres – February 28
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts By the Yard, Cirkut Camera Photography – Through December 31 Under the Cuban Sun – Through December 31 Photograph 101: January 3 to 24 Composition Principles: From Basics to Advanced – January 4 to 18 iPhoneography – January 14
Glazer Children’s Museum Make it Monday – Weekly Toddler Tuesday – Weekly Worldly Wednesday – Weekly Tinker and Tech Thursday – Weekly Fun Fridays – Weekly Gingerbread Village Cardboard Challenge – Through December 23 Sorting Ceremony Dinner: A Magical Holiday Feast – December 16 Closed for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day – December 24 and 25 Winter Maker Workshops – December 27 to 29 Downtown Countdown – December 31 Check the Museum’s website for a full list of weekday programming.
Henry B. Plant Museum First Fridays – First Friday of the Month Menus: The Epicurean Experience – Through December 23
Jobsite Theater The Tempest – January 19 to February 18 Man in Snow – March 19 to April 1 1984 – April 27 to May 20 Dancing at Lughnasa – June 15 to July 8
The John F. Germany Public Library Walk-In Tech Help – Wednesdays Toddler Time – Wednesdays Crafternoon – Thursdays Baby Sign – Thursdays Come Write In: Flash Fiction – December 16 Collage Art for Adults – December 17 Holiday Early Closings – December 18 to 28 Movies @ the Library: Ghost in the Shell – December 22 Closed for Holidays – December 23 to 26
Patel Conservatory Private Lesson Recitals – December 16 Disney’s The Aristocats Kids – February 15 to 18 Peter Pan, Jr. – April 26 to 29
Stageworks Theatre The Speak! Tank: Spoken Word Sundays – First Sunday of every month Christ Fellowship – Wednesdays Avenue Q – The Return – Through December 23 Corey Van Valin – Redefining Magic – January 7 Keely and Du – January 12 to 21 The Got Jokes? Improv Experience – February 3 brownsville song (b-side for tray) – February 8 to 25
Straz Center for the Performing Arts Love Never Dies – Through December 17 Ben Haggard – December 15 The Florida Orchestra – Holiday Pops – December 15 Private Lesson Recitals – December 16 The Grahams – December 18 Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker – December 21 to 23 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets – In Concert – December 28 to 30 School of Rock – January 2 to 7 Classical WSMR presents The Florida Orchestra featuring Jahja Ling conducting Beethoven and Sibellus – January 5 Forever Plaid – January 12 to March 11 The Florida Orchestra – Rodgers & Hammerstein – January 12 Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow Youth America Grand Prix Gala – January 13 The Sibling Rivalry Tour featuring Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin Stones and The High Divers – January 15
Tampa Bay History Center Walk Tampa: Tampa Bay Back History Tour – December 30
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 Art on the House – Fridays Art Spot – Saturdays Mernet Larsen: Getting Measured, 1957-2017 – Through February 11 Made in Tampa: From the 1970s to Now – Through April 1 Claudia Ryan and Rob Tarbell: Skyway Curators’ Choice – Through April 1 Elisabeth Condon and Bruce Marsh: Skyway Audience Choice – Through April 1 Thirty on Thursday – December 14 Tiny Masters – December 20
Tampa Theatre Elf – December 15 (Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park) It’s A Wonderful Life – December 16 (Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park) NYE Wrap Party 2017 – December 31 (Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park) Darlene Love – January 18 In the Mood – February 3 Iliza Shlesinger Live – February 17 Wayne’s World – March 1 Winefest 2017: Wine’s World – March 2 Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live – April 5
Downtown After Hours – Downtown After Hours is a weekly arts and entertainment guide to help you plan your upcoming weekend. Published every Thursday, it provides information on outdoor events, museum exhibits, live performances, movies and more! Subscribe to receive this weekly newsletter.
