The Henry B. Plant Museum is pleased to announce a new exhibit, Imperial Designs: From The HaBsburg’s Herend to the Romanov’s Faberge.  This exhibit showcases an exquisite collection of porcelains and decorative arts that harken back to the grand dynasties of 19^th century Europe and Asia.  Included in the exhibit are a dozen rare Fabergè designs featuring a lacquered box, elegant cigarette cases, a chamberstick, and a gold mounted brooch.  Other treasures include Russian eggs presented by tsars; Imperial Porcelain Factory china from imperial yachts including the royal private yacht Livadia; an impressive collection of Herend china from Hungary with patterns ordered by the Russian Tsar, royal houses and eminent customers.  These amazing pieces are all from the private collection of Kathy Durdin.

Several Russian pieces take center stage in the exhibit.  The Durnovo Casket, presented to Ivan Nikolaevich Durnovo, a high ranking official in the Russian government, is lovely enameled silver gilt openwork over sheets of lapis lazuli made by the Ovchinnikov firm.  Visitors may recognize the frescoes of renaissance artist Raphael highlighted in the Raphael service.  These pieces feature allegorical figures from frescoes in the Vatican.  This service was commissioned in 1883 during the reign of Alexander III.

During the last quarter of the 19^th century, Henry Plant and other wealthy Americans traveled extensively in Europe, absorbing the culture and acquiring treasures that they brought back to the United States.  This exhibit brings together a collection of items similar to what these travelers would have seen while visiting the great courts of Europe. Plant himself ordered and used Herend china at the Tampa Bay Hotel in the 1890’s.

Imperial Designs: From the Habsburg’s Herend to the Romanov’s Faberge opens on March 23rd and runs through December 23, 2018. The exhibit will open with a lecture by Kathy Durdin and reception at the Museum on March 23^rd.  Entrance to the exhibit is included with admission to the Museum.

This exhibit has been graciously underwritten by BNY Mellon, Greenberg Traurig, KPMG in honor of Kathy Woodard, and The Bank of Tampa.

Patricia Cronin Responds to Classical Antiquity: Conversations with the Collection is the inaugural exhibition in a biennial series exploring synergy between collections that may initially strike visitors as wholly separate from one another – namely, classical antiquities and modern and contemporary art. Patricia Cronin (American, b. 1963) is an internationally recognized Brooklyn-based artist uniquely positioned for such a visual conversation. Winner of a Rome Prize in Visual Art in 2006-2007, and past Trustee of the American Academy in Rome, Cronin is deeply interested in the ancient world, which she frequently references in her work. For the first commission in our biennial series, Cronin has created a large outdoor sculpture of Aphrodite inspired by a fragmentary 1st-century AD marble torso of Aphrodite in the Museum’s collection.

The Tampa Museum of Art is pleased to present Yayoi Kusama’s LOVE IS CALLING, one of the artist’s iconic Infinity Rooms, on loan from the Collection of the Vinik Family Foundation. An immersive, experiential work of art, LOVE IS CALLING invites visitors to enter a mirrored room with tentacle-like soft sculptures hanging from the ceiling and positioned on the floor. These forms glow with bright, changing colors, and feature Kusama’s signature polka dots. Visitors hear audio of the artist reciting a love poem in Japanese as they walk throughout the installation. The poem, titled Residing in a Castle of Shed Tears, reflects Kusama’s musings on love, life, and death, recurring themes in the artist’s work.

Organized by the Syracuse University Art Collection, North and South features photographs taken by photographer Berenice Abbott as she traveled along US Route 1 in the Summer of 1954. Abbott took over twenty-four hundred negatives during her trip, capturing scenes of everyday life along the historic East Coast.  Abbott explained the reason for the trip in a prospectus written after the trip concluded-“We wanted to capture visually the character of an historic section of the United States, its beauties and incongruities and all.  If visible evidences of the past survived, we wanted to photograph them before bulldozers and derricks moved in.”

The Louise & Arnold Kotler Art Gallery presents the exhibit Visions of Nature by award-winning artist Adorable Monique. A southwest Florida based artist who was brought up abroad, she has received her arts education in Fine Arts and Teaching and has had the good fortune to be mentored by a renowned Central American artist who has enriched her artistic vision. With a bold and vibrant palette, Monique’s artwork explores aspects of our natural world and invites the viewer to look for meaning beyond color. She believes in the mission and vision to preserve natural resources, with the hope that her art may speak to the audience to create consciousness towards nature.

An art reception will be held on Saturday, November 3rd from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM to meet the artist and enjoy light refreshments.

Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Tampa at the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park, presented by Tampa Bay Lightning and brought to you by Tampa Downtown Partnership. Located along the Tampa Riverwalk, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is transformed with the sights, sounds and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages.

Ice Rink Information:

Downtown Tampa’s only outdoor ice rink welcomes families and friends to share in this holiday tradition with a view of the beautiful Tampa Riverwalk and Hillsborough River. Whether you are a first-timer, or an experienced skater, the Winter Village Ice Rink is a must-do activity this holiday season.

Holiday Market:

The Shops of Winter Village feature 10 boutiques from local makers and purveyors offering a gift idea for everyone on your list. This “pop-up” holiday shopping experience features decorative goods, apparel, handmade toys, jewelry, dog accessories, and more! Thanks to the generous support of PODS, each Winter Village Shop is held in a PODS container in a market-style layout. Visitors are encouraged to shop at the various boutiques during their visit, all while enjoying a beautiful view of the Hillsborough River.

A Tampa holiday tradition returns! Hop on the Pirate Water Taxi for Tampa’s most unique holiday celebration on the water. View festive decorations, lighted bridges and other surprises along the Hillsborough River. River of Lights features whimsical narration, Christmas Carolers, hot chocolate and a holiday cookie for all! There is no better way to experience the Holidays in Tampa!

Cost: • Adults: $28 + tax • Children: $18 + tax (ages 4-12)

Includes: • 45-minute cruise along the Hillsborough River • Hot Chocolate & Holiday Cookie • Sing along Christmas carols • Boarding Photo available for purchase • Beer and wine available for purchase on board

Visit http://piratewatertaxi.com/events/river-of-lights-2018/ to view a complete schedule and purchase tickets. River of Lights tours will depart from Pirate Water Taxi’s Stop #7 at the Tampa Convention Center.

Experience the extravagance and grandeur of a Victorian Christmas at the Henry B. Plant Museum’s 37th Annual Victorian Christmas Stroll. Allowing visitors a glimpse into the magic of Christmas past, the event begins December 1 and occurs every day through December 23, from 10 am – 8 pm.

With a different theme in every exhibit room, there is sure to be something for everyone. We are proud to offer an interactive sensory tree activity for visitors with sensory disabilities. Look closely in exhibit cases and you will find snow babies and tiny antique trees. Travel back to the 1890s with a Christmas display worthy of the 1890s Tampa Bay Hotel. Gaze in wonder at exotic handmade Temari balls, a timeless Japanese craft. Other decorations include a replica Plant System train, vintage fashions, antique toys, locally sourced items, and fanciful ornaments.

The Victorian Christmas Stroll 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. Guests can enjoy live music each evening from 6 pm – 8 pm.

The Museum will host a number of special performances during the Victorian Christmas Stroll. Included are:
• December 1: Member Appreciation Day, Stroll Grand Opening
o Featuring: Classical Guitar with John Barr (10 am – noon), Classical Harp with Damara Chaudhuri (1 – 3 pm).
o Free admission for Museum Members
o 10% off all purchases in the Museum Store
o Local vendors on the Veranda
• December 1-16: Drop off your Letters to Santa!
• December 2, 9, 16, 23: Upstairs/Downstairs Live Theater, 2 pm
• December 9: Special Lecture History and Myths of Christmas Trees, Mary Miley Theobald, 3 pm
• December 16: Children’s Day at the Stroll, 10 am – 5 pm
o Featuring: Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre, The Paper Seahorse, The Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, paper crafting, story-time, and horse and carriage rides in Plant Park.
• December 20: Music in the Museum, 11 am

The Museum Store is a treasure trove of unique gifts, including elegant jewelry, artwork and beautiful holiday accessories. Enjoy shopping in a unique Victorian atmosphere: the Museum Store is open from 10 am to 8 pm daily.

Proceeds from the Victorian Christmas Stroll fund museum restoration and preservation projects, as well as educational programming.

December 8^th – 23^rd, 2018

By: Roger Bean

The Wonderettes are back! This social celebration finds the girls entertaining at the annual Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party. When Santa turns up 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.

Reviews:

“A great way to start off your holiday season!”- Windham Journal, NY

Prices:

Preview Night: $15

Opening Night: $45

Matinees: $30

Evening: $35

Call the Box Office for Student, Senior, Military, Artist and Group rates.

813.374.2416 ext. 1

http://stageworkstheatre.org

info@stageworkstheatre.org

December 8^th – 23^rd, 2018

By: Roger Bean

The Wonderettes are back! This social celebration finds the girls entertaining at the annual Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party. When Santa turns up 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.

Reviews:

“A great way to start off your holiday season!”- Windham Journal, NY

Prices:

Preview Night: $15

Opening Night: $45

Matinees: $30

Evening: $35

Call the Box Office for Student, Senior, Military, Artist and Group rates.

813.374.2416 ext. 1

http://stageworkstheatre.org

info@stageworkstheatre.org

Chicago sensation Evan Tyrone Martin (Jesus Christ Superstar, Side Show, Oklahoma) warmly resonates the velvety vocal style of musical legend Nat King Cole. Chicago Tribune calls the award-nominated Martin, “Destined for Stardom: One of the Hot New Faces of Chicago Theatre,” and BCR News praises, “Martin’s vocal ease would have done Nat King Cole proud.” Martin intimately relates Cole’s personal journey, while presenting a festive cocktail of hits including “L-O-V-E,” “Mona Lisa,” “The Christmas Song,” and “All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth.” Presented by Artists Lounge Live.

Regularly priced tickets are $60. Tickets may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Sales Office or online at www.strazcenter.org. Handling fees will apply. For more information about the Straz Center for the Performing Arts and its upcoming events, visit www.strazcenter.org.

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. Solemn and sweet but uncompromising, the movie refuses to let George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) off easy. And the key is the title — it may not be the life he wanted, it may not be the life he deserved, it may not always be easy to admit, but it is, truly, a wonderful life.

Join the movement that’s taken over the racing world. The Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k is headed to Tampa on December 16, 2018! Run amongst Tampa’s biggest chocolate aficionados. This year, train, race, and celebrate with us all the way to the finish line. We’re with you through the season.

The Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k, coined as America’s Sweetest Race, is brought to you by RAM Racing. Established in 2008, each Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k race features both a 15k (9.3miles) and 5k (3.1miles) distance and all runners are encouraged to join the fun! Participants receive an award winning goodie bag, which they collect at the expo along with their race packet.

The chocolate really begins to flow at the Post Race Party where runners enjoy music, Hot Chocolate merchandise, and a finisher’s mugs filled with hot chocolate, chocolate fondue and tasty dippable treats!

Make-A-Wish® is the official race charity of the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k! Make-A-Wish® creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We are on a quest to bring every eligible child’s wish to life, because a wish is an integral part of a child’s treatment journey.

The Victorian Christmas Stroll celebrates the warmth and spirit of an old fashioned holiday, while encouraging a sense of community. Children and families will delight in activities ranging from paper crafts to a puppet show.

Schedule of events

11 am – 12 pm: Face painting on the veranda
11 am – 1 pm: The Paper Seahorse paper crafting on the veranda
1:15 – 1:45 pm: Victorians Undressed live theater in the Grand Salon
2 – 2:30 pm: Upstairs/Downstairs live theater in the Music Room – Pauline Smith, Tampa Bay Hotel telegraph operator
2:30 – 3 pm: Story time with Gloria Berkowitz “The Legend of the Teddy Bear” by Frank and other holiday favorites in the historic Writing & Reading Room
3 – 4 pm: Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre presents “The Elves and the Shoemaker” in the Music Room followed by puppet making
4 – 7 pm: Classic Reflections Carriage Rides through Plant Park (additional fee $7 per person)

All day –  Veranda photo opportunity with rickshaw cutout
Lincoln Logs
Dress like a Victorian youth on veranda

“Jingle Bell Bazaar @ Ybor” is a FREE fun-filled day with holiday cheer, live music, delicious food, retail vendors, and fashion preview by local Boutiques. Santa arrives at 1:00 p.m. for pictures.

“Jingle Bell Bazaar @ Ybor” will be held in Historic Ybor City, Tampa, FL in beautiful Centennial Park. Ybor City #1 Tourist location in Tampa. The festivities begin at 11:00 a.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m.!

Bring your family and friends for a day filled with holiday fun! There will be great music, delicious food, wonderful holiday shopping, fashions preview by local Boutiques, and SANTA!

Fun-Filled Day with lots of holiday cheer for the entire family!!

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 wholly or in part on actual hotel staff and guests. Based on original research conducted by the Henry Plant Museum, these characters recreate the attitudes and mores of a bygone time, along with the sorrows and joys of their existence. Catch a glimpse of life at the Hotel through the eyes of each individual character. From the reminiscences of Henry Plant himself on what led him to build such a palace, to the letters home written by a Spanish-American War soldier, you will learn more about the time period through each character’s particular vantage point. Performances are 30 minutes and are included with admission to the Museum. This season will begin on September 3rd. Arrive early as limited seating is available on a first-come first-served basis.

CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY presents Wonderland is a fun-filled concert experience for the whole family featuring the talented cast of Cirque Musica accompanied by holiday songs performed by a live symphony orchestra. Audiences will journey into a world of “Wonderland” with amazing acrobats, aerialists, hilarious hijinks and holiday cheer. The show blends the spellbinding grace and daredevil athleticism of today’s greatest circus performers with the sensory majesty of the greatest holiday music of all time. CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY presents Wonderland is the perfect opportunity for the entire family to experience great holiday music, LIVE, while enjoying an edge of your seat circus experience.

Get tickets: http://www.soundchronicle.com/tickets/Cirque_Musica_Holiday_Tampa_FL_2018-12-16_19-00

Join us for a talk and book signing with Amina Akhtar, author of #FashionVictim.

Amina Akhtar is a former fashion writer and editor. She’s worked at Vogue, Elle.com, Style.com, NYTimes.com, and NYMag.com where she was the founding editor of The Cut blog. She’s written for numerous publications, including Yahoo Style, Fashionista, xoJane, Refinery29, Billboard, and for brands like Bergdorf Goodman and H&M’s 10 Years of Style tome. After toiling in the fashion ranks for over fifteen years, she now writes full time in the desert mountains, where she’s detoxing from her once glam life. #FashionVictim is Amina’s first novel.

Cirque du Soleil returns to the Tampa area with Cirque du Soleil’s CRYSTAL. 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. Cirque du Soleil’s CRYSTAL 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.

CRYSTAL will perform at the Amalie Arena from Wednesday, December 19 through 23 for 7 shows.

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 such as yucca fries, naked nachos, red Chimichurri wings, beef empanadas, ropa vieja, seasonal ceviche and dessert.

Patrons can dance the night away to the thrilling Latin rhythms of Son Salvaje. For those who desire salsa dance assistance, guidance is offered by Simone Amaral of Simone Salsa Dance Studios.

The cover charge for Latin Nights is $15 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at the Straz Center Ticket Office. Latin Nights also will be held in 2019 on Jan. 10, March 21, April 18, May 16, June 20, July 18, Aug. 15 and Sept. 19.

Do the Local Motion is a healthy and social way to enjoy your lunch hour and learn interesting tidbits about Tampa’s Downtown! Walks are free but a $5 donation is appreciated to fight childhood hunger in our community. Proudly brought to you by Where Love Grows and Tampa Downtown Partnership

Season 11 of Do the Local Motion will kick off with a Stroll to the Straz!

Come kick off the holidays with our Holiday Hop Tour of Trees tour Friday December 21st, 2018

Featuring: Rampello School Choir
REGISTER HERE

Walks remain free but we do appreciate your $5.00 donation to help Where Love Grows fight childhood hunger in our community.

Join us at Poe Plaza Esplanade Intersection of N. Franklin and Jackson St.
Walk departs at approx. 12:05pm

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts’ Next Generation Ballet (NGB) presents Nutcracker in Morsani Hall on December 21-23.

Now a glittering, star-studded Tampa holiday tradition, Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker includes principal dancers from powerhouse companies such as New York City Ballet, Miami City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre alongside NGB’s award-winning young dancers. NYCB superstars Tiler Peck and Tyler Angle perform Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. 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. Get tickets now – last year’s performances sold out.

September 28th – October 14th, 2018

By: Abby Mann

Ernst Janning, one of the most influential German legal minds of the pre-war era, and other influential Nazis face a military tribunal in the second wave of post-war trials at Nuremberg. Issues at the forefront of this trial reverberate through history and challenge humanity to this day.

Community Partners: Florida Holocaust Museum and the Brian Glazer JCC & Jewish Federation, Stetson Law and UNA-USA

Reviews:

”A powerful work of art.” The Associated Press

“A magnificent re-enactment of the seminal trials of the modern era.”- Newsweek

By Lauren Gunderson

Directed by Karla Hartley

November 2nd through 18th, 2018

A brutal comedic quartet about four very real women who lived boldly in France during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror. Playwright Olympe De Gouge, assassin Charlotte Corday, and former queen Marie Antoinette, and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle hang out, murder Marat, loose their heads, and try to beat back the extremist insanity in revolutionary Paris.

Prices:

Preview Night: $15

Opening Night: $45

Matinees: $30

Evening: $35

Call the Box Office for Student, Senior, Military, Artist and Group rates.

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 wholly or in part on actual hotel staff and guests. Based on original research conducted by the Henry Plant Museum, these characters recreate the attitudes and mores of a bygone time, along with the sorrows and joys of their existence. Catch a glimpse of life at the Hotel through the eyes of each individual character. From the reminiscences of Henry Plant himself on what led him to build such a palace, to the letters home written by a Spanish-American War soldier, you will learn more about the time period through each character’s particular vantage point. Performances are 30 minutes and are included with admission to the Museum. This season will begin on September 3rd. Arrive early as limited seating is available on a first-come first-served basis.

Sarah Morey is an 18 year old singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Tampa, FL. During the summer of 2015, Sarah was selected to attend GRAMMY Camp Nashville 2015, put on by the GRAMMY Foundation. Since then, 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 appeared on Tampa’s local radio station, 88.5 WMNF, multiple times. She has also played multiple music festivals including The Florida Strawberry Festival and The Gasparilla Music Festival.

Sarah Morey will be performing pre-Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 22 on the River Walk.

We are happy to announce that the route for the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights is returning to the waters of the Ybor Channel directly alongside of the AmVic Ship! It’s THE prime location to watch the decorated boats pass by.

The night will be filled with music, food trucks, cocoa, egg nog, beer, wine, fun activities, dress-up photo ops, and of course, lighted boats! But it doesn’t stop there! Get a picture with Santa aboard the ship during this event!

Tickets are available at www.ticketweb.com, by calling 1-866-468-7630, or in person aboard the ship. Prices are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, active military, veterans and first responders, and $7 for youths 4-12. Celebrate with us!

Continue the fun all December long with All Decked Out! Select portions of the ship are decked out for the Holidays to create a little extra cheer. The joyous decor makes for wonderful photo opportunities!

The holiday season is all about family and fun, so we’ve added something a little special to Saturdays in December. Every Saturday, children will receive free popcorn and freeze pops! There will also be a special arts and crafts section where their inner artist can create their own ornaments free of charge! Glue, glitter, cotton balls, stickers and more await! It’s a great way to interact with your child and build memories to last a life time!

Charles Calandra is a composer, performer and guitarist. He formed Calandra, an Eloquent Blending of Strings® in 2007 and has featured accomplished violinists. His compositions defy any specific genre. 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. Michelle has performed on three continents including the prestigious Peoples Hall of Congress in Beijing, China. Michelle has composed and recorded music for films and full-length documentaries. She has worked with Robin Cowie and other celebrated producers.

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 wholly or in part on actual hotel staff and guests. Based on original research conducted by the Henry Plant Museum, these characters recreate the attitudes and mores of a bygone time, along with the sorrows and joys of their existence. Catch a glimpse of life at the Hotel through the eyes of each individual character. From the reminiscences of Henry Plant himself on what led him to build such a palace, to the letters home written by a Spanish-American War soldier, you will learn more about the time period through each character’s particular vantage point. Performances are 30 minutes and are included with admission to the Museum. This season will begin on September 3rd. Arrive early as limited seating is available on a first-come first-served basis.

White Christmas is most famous for Bing Crosby singing the song White Christmas, which was first performed in the movie … Holiday Inn. But in the twelve years since that movie came out, it had already become a seasonal standard, and setting a new movie around it seemed obvious. Plus when you have Irving Berlin ready to write another movie musical for you, you just say yes. Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen are captivating as matched pairs of entertainers playing out a timeless story of cute misunderstandings as they travel the road to love, and the music and dancing will put you in the holiday spirit without fail.

Experience the joy of a candlelight Christmas with Hyde Park United Methodist!

Gather at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23 to sing Christmas carols, hear timeless stories, drink coffee from The Portico Cafe, and meet other people in our city.

This Christmas we get to share a story with you that matters just as much today as it has for almost 2,000 years.

It matters to people who are told they’re not welcome, to those on the margins and those at the top, to people who have joy to share and those searching. It matters so much that we want you to be here.We believe that all people are part of this story as we live it out together, bringing transformation to Tampa.

You’re invited to Relevant Church’s huge “Christmas Is Near” holiday festival! Join us December 23rd at Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa. Starting at 6pm, the event includes ice skating, train rides, photo booths, stocking decorating, face painting, food trucks, and giveaways. Then at 7pm enjoy an unconventional candle-light service. Bring the whole family for this magical night in downtown Tampa. Admission is FREE!

CHECK OUT THE FOOD TRUCKS

• The Revolution Ice Cream
• Krepelicious.
• Fishin Chicken w/ fried desserts
• The Melt Machine
• Open Fire Grilled Brazilian
• I Wanna Wok
• Nico’s Arepas
• Mike’s Big Dawgs

For more info, check out ChristmasIsNear.com

Spend Christmas in the city when you dine at Bizou in festive Downtown Tampa. Bizou will be open from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, serving up delicious feasts to you and your loved ones in an iconic setting.

Enjoy one of our Christmas Specials, or stay true to one of your favorite Bizou dishes. Regardless of what you order, plan the perfect Christmas experience by reserving your table today at 813-227-9555. Reservations highly recommended.

CHRISTMAS SPECIALS:

Glazed Roasted Duck Breast – 29
Glazed with lingonberry jack sauce and served with roasted marble potatoes and snipped green beans

Honey Clove Roasted Ham (gf) – 21
Served with scalloped potatoes and grilled asparagus and finished with a pineapple cranberry sauce

12oz Prime Rib – 27
Served with choice of two sides

APPETIZERS:

Dip Duo – 13
Charcuterie (gf) – 23
Chicken Meatballs – 7
Bizou Ceviche (gf) – 11

SOUPS & SALADS:

Soup du Jour – 6
Classic Caesar Salad – 13
Bizou Chopped Salad (gf) – 13
Strawberry Fields (gf) – 14

MAIN DISH:
All entrees are served with choice of two sides

Cedar Roasted Salmon – 24
8oz Filet – 35
Boursin Stuffed Chicken Breast – 24
Braised Pork Shank – 27

BURGERS:
All burgers are served with fries

Bizou Burger – 16
Classic Burger – 15
House Made Veggie Burger – 14

A monthly celebration of Tampa’s rich arts and culture scene! An evening of special offerings and programs by cultural venues, restaurants & more!

Fourth Friday participants can pick up a wristband at any of the participating cultural venues during event hours and plan their route with the schedule and suggested itineraries online at FourthFridayTPA.com. Then, just park once and let Downtown’s many alternative transportation options do the rest. Take a complimentary ride on the TECO Line Streetcar, stroll along The Tampa Riverwalk, cruise the Hillsborough on the Pirate Water Taxi, hail the FREE Downtowner ride service with an app on your smartphone, or saunter along 7th Avenue in Ybor, Tampa’s only Historic District. Participants also get a FREE hour of Coast Bike rental with a promo code (visit FourthFridayTPA.com  or the Facebook page for details).

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 wholly or in part on actual hotel staff and guests. Based on original research conducted by the Henry Plant Museum, these characters recreate the attitudes and mores of a bygone time, along with the sorrows and joys of their existence. Catch a glimpse of life at the Hotel through the eyes of each individual character. From the reminiscences of Henry Plant himself on what led him to build such a palace, to the letters home written by a Spanish-American War soldier, you will learn more about the time period through each character’s particular vantage point. Performances are 30 minutes and are included with admission to the Museum. This season will begin on September 3rd. Arrive early as limited seating is available on a first-come first-served basis.

So, it’s December 29th and you don’t have a date for New Year’s Eve. Or maybe you want to start the 2019 celebrations early. Or maybe you just want to meet fun people on a guided Crawl that delivers maximum enjoyment. Whatever the reason, all you need is a mask and a smile to join our last Bar Crawl of 2018. Dress code is casual, but we never mind if you want to dress things up a little. It’s going to be legendary! We’ve got our infamous Crawler Party Bus on stand-by to shuttle you from bar to bar. Bars to be announced soon. Our curated events are more than just drinking. We vet each bar for optimal levels of fun and keep the party going on our entertainment infused buses. We also organize bar games from beer pong to flip cup to corn hole, for a chance to win additional drink vouchers and tickets to local events, shows and attractions. So bring your crew or make new friends, discover new places, win cool stuff and have a good old time!

WHAT YOU’LL GET!
– Free Welcome Shots – 1 free welcome shot at every bar!
– Discounted Food and Drink Specials!
– Free Transport – Party Bus!
– Free Bar Games – Win drink vouchers and more!
– Free Raffle ticket – Win tickets to local attractions!
– Free Fun – Stock up on happiness for the month ahead