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
Tango Buenos Aires Begins 7:30pm Straz Center for the Performing Arts This audience favorite arrives in with The Spirit of Argentina; a fresh, new show that takes the viewer through the story of Carlos “The King of Tango” Gardel, the most prominent figure in the history of tango. His life cut short in a tragic plane crash, Gardel’s legacy survived throughout Latin America in his long list of famous tango tunes. Tango Buenos Aires
Glee Clubs Winter Concert Begins 7:30pm University of Tampa – Sykes Chapel The Women’s and Men’s Glee Clubs will provide a rousing musical performance showcasing a collection of songs. Rodney Shores and Ryan Hebert will conduct the clubs. This event is free and open to the public, so grab a seat and enjoy the show! Glee Clubs Winter Concert
Red Grant Begins 8pm Straz Center for the Performing Arts A fine purveyor of down-and-dirty raw comedy, Red Grant launched his career from the stage at the Apollo Theater and on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam. Known for his films with Katt Williams, Grant has appeared in his own stand-up specials, Showtime’s Caught Red Handed and Comedy Central Presents Red Grant. Red Grant
13th World AIDS Day event 7am to 3pm Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park This event promoting AIDS awareness and action will include free HIV and STD testing for people ages 13 an older, free flu shots and vaccines, and music. Community partners will be offering educational information and there will be educational sessions. 13th World AIDS Day event
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 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
Unveiling of the 2017 Riverwalk Historical Monuments Begins 11am Tampa Convention Center Take your spot to witness the unveiling of this year’s monuments. This event is a great chance to spend some time outside and see these Riverwalk adornments take their place along the river. Unveiling of the 2017 Riverwalk Historical Monuments
Outside The Lines: Coloring For Adults Begins 2pm John F. Germany Public Library Coloring is not just for kids! Join the hottest trend for adults. Relieve stress and boost creativity with art, fun, and mellow music to help you release your inner artist. Outside The Lines: Coloring For Adults
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
Tampa’s Tree Lighting Ceremony Begins 6pm Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park Attend Tampa’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on the first Friday in December in beautiful Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. The evening will include a countdown to light the tree with Mayor Buckhorn and a free movie in the park. Admission is free. Tampa’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
A Christmas Carol Shows on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Patel Conservatory Performed by students in grades 2-12, Ebeneezer Scrooge and his ghostly encounters come to life in this lavish and thrilling stage adaptation. Ebenezer Scrooge is forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts lead him through his Past, Present and Future on Christmas Eve. A Christmas Carol
Lady Gaga: Joanne World Tour Begins 7:30pm Amalie Arena GRAMMY® and Golden Globe winner and Academy Award-nominated Lady Gaga is a one-of-a kind artist and performer. Gaga is also one of the biggest living forces in social media with millions upon millions of followers. This concert is sure to excite and awe! Lady Gaga: Joanne World Tour
The Polar Express in the Park 8pm to 9:45pm Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park The Polar Express 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. The Polar Express in the Park
The Florida Orchestra – Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2 8pm to 9:45pm Straz Center for the Performing Arts Relax wand fill your evening with the sounds of the Florida Orchestra! Alex Kerr will put on an enthralling performance with a violin and Stuart Malina will conduct the orchestra. Enjoy Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No. 2 and Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 2. The Florida Orchestra – Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2
Avenue Q – The Return Begins 8pm – Opening Night 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
My Doll and Me: Josephina Begins 10am Tampa Bay History Museum Drawing on the American Girl© book series, participants will travel through time with their favorite dolls. Peek into the past with crafts, games, and snacks, as well as hands-on gallery experiences. This month, experience the similarities between Josefina and Florida Seminole girls while crafting a colorful wrap skirt for your doll. My Doll and Me: Josephina
Kai Water Fitness 10am to Noon Urban Kai on the Riverwalk Are you ready to get an amazing core conditioning workout and have fun at the same time? This workout is taught entirely on paddleboards using mostly body weight exercises like planks, sit-ups, burpees, prone paddles and even plyo jumps! Please RSVP if you need a paddleboard. Kai Water Fitness
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
Santa Fest Begins 11am Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park Get in the Christmas spirit with the 36th Annual Downtown Tampa Christmas Parade, followed by even more holiday festivities. Enjoy Free photos with Santa Claus, make-n-take holiday crafts, hands-on games and activities, and continuous holiday entertainment. Santa Fest
UT Women’s Basketball vs. Lynn Begins 2pm The University of Tampa – Martinez Athletics Center The University of Tampa Spartans welcome the visiting Lynn Fighting Knights. Grab a seat and cheer on the home team! UT Women’s Basketball vs. Lynn
UT Men’s Basketball vs. Lynn Begins 4pm The University of Tampa – Martinez Athletics Center The University of Tampa Spartans welcome the visiting Lynn Fighting Knights. Grab a seat and cheer on the home team! UT Men’s Basketball vs. Lynn
Polar Express PJ Party With Santa Begins 5:30pm Glazer Children’s Museum Wear your pajamas for an after-hours whimsical night at the Museum with Santa! Enjoy cookies and hot cocoa, cuddle up for a screening of Polar Express, play in the exhibits at night, and take your holiday family photo with Santa! Polar Express PJ Party With Santa
Grown Up Night (21+) Begins 6:30pm Glazer Children’s Museum Celebrate the holidays like a kid again! Grownups take over the museum at this popular event. Get your picture taken with Santa, play in the exhibits, and enjoy FREE beer and snacks while supplies last. Grown Up Night (21+)
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. San Jose Sharks Begins 7pm Amalie Arena The Lightning welcome the visiting San Jose Sharks for the only regular season match-up in Downtown Tampa this season. Cheer on your team and Be the Thunder! Tampa Bay Lightning vs. San Jose Sharks
Senior Musical Theatre Showcase Begins 8pm University of Tampa – Plant Hall The graduating class of musical theatre and theatre majors take the stage to showcase their talents and abilities before a panel of casting representatives and talent agents from around the country. This annual showcase and senior capstone project gives students a chance to secure professional employment before graduation. Senior Musical Theatre Showcase
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
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
Concert Artist Series – Holiday Concert Shows at 2pm and 4pm University of Tampa – Sykes Chapel University of Tampa Choirs sing seasonal music with brass ensemble. Maestro Ryan Hebert and Rodney Shores will conduct. This event is a great Tampa institution and a joyful opening to the holiday season with traditional and new music sung by the student voices of the UT Chamber Singers and Camerata. Concert Artist Series – Holiday Concert
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
Opera Tampa Singers – A December to Remember: A Holiday Extravaganza Begins 3pm Patel Conservatory The Straz Center’s own charismatic, young opera ensemble shines in this family-friendly concert celebrating the sacred, secular, pop, and classical favorites of the holiday season. The Opera Tampa Singers deliver soul-stirring interpretations full of joy to the world and the happiness of ring-ting-tingling, too. Opera Tampa Singers
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
China Soul: The Martial Artists and Acrobats of Tianjin, People’s Republic of China Begins 7:30pm Straz Center for the Performing Arts Get ready for jaw-dropping Shaolin Kung Fu with some breathtaking feats of gravity-defying acrobatics. Expect a magic stunt or two. In this recreation of the soul of China, The Martial Artists and Acrobats of Tianjin transport audiences to another world – where everyone juggles, plates and carpets spin on sticks, and we catch a glimpse of the rarely seen great Icarian acrobatic performance. China Soul
Winter Village Express
December 3, 10 and 17 Centro Ybor and Whiting Stations New this year, the Winter Village Express offers a holiday experience aboard a holiday-themed Streetcar. Hop on at Centro Ybor and enjoy treats, music and fun as you travel to Whiting Station. A quick walk along the Riverwalk brings you to Winter Village. Winter Village Express
Amalie Arena Lady Gaga – December 1 Tampa Bay Lightning vs San Jose Sharks – December 2 Tampa Bay Lightning vs New York Islanders – December 5 Tampa Bay Lightning vs Colorado Avalanche – December 7 Harlem Globetrotters – December 8 Tampa Bay Lightning vs Winnipeg Jets – December 9 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
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts By the Yard, Cirkut Camera Photography – Through December 31 Voices of Cuba: Open Mic Night – November 3 Under the Cuban Sun – Through December 31
Glazer Children’s Museum Make it Monday – Weekly Toddler Tuesday – Weekly Worldly Wednesday – Weekly Tinker and Tech Thursday – Weekly Fun Fridays – Weekly
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 Tai Chi with Bonnie Birdsall – December 5 Movies @ the Library – Riders of the Purple Sage – December 8 Wood Carving with Tech: Ornaments – December 11 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 A Christmas Carol – December 1 to 3 Holiday Music Concert – December 8 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 brownsville song (b-side for tray) – February 8 to 25
Straz Center for the Performing Arts Fun Home – Through December 3 Red Grant – November 30 Tango Buenos Aires – November 30 The Florida Orchestra – Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2 – December 1 Opera Tampa Singers – A December to Remember: A Holiday Extravaganza – December 3 China Soul: Martial Artists and Acrobats of Tianjin, People’s Republic of China – December 3 The Book of Mormon – December 5 to 10 The Florida Orchestra – Cheers – December 7 Holiday Music Concert – December 8 A Drag Queen Christmas – The Naughty Tour – December 9 Love Never Dies – December 12 to 17 Ben Haggard – December 15 The Florida Orchestra – Holiday Pops – December 15 Private Lesson Recitals – December 16
Tampa Bay History Center My Doll and Me: Josephina – December 2 Florida Conversations: Towers in the Sand – December 6
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 Kiss and Tell by Wolfgang Flad – Through December 10
Tampa Theatre The Polar Express – December 1 (Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park) 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.
