It’s the most wonderful time of the year and if you’re looking for a little holiday cheer, here is a sampling of events where you can be dazzled by shimmering lights, enjoy a picture with Santa, don an ugly Christmas sweater, listen to holiday tunes and more.
Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village
Location: Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Road, Dover
Dates: Nov. 24 – Jan. 1, various dates and times
Cost: $20 – $25 per carload (up to 8 people) depending on the day
More than one million lights envelop a two mile drive-thru experience. An expanded Santa’s Village will feature craft stations, visits with Santa, a petting zoo, camel rides, holiday treats, an inflatable snow tube, holiday-themed rides and a self-guided walking tour of Hometown Hillsborough Historical Village decked out in festive lights. For more information visit www.hillsboroughcountyfair.com.
Shimmering Lights Winter Nights
Location: Sun -Kissed Acres, 2302 North Dover Road, Dover
Dates: Nov. 25 – Dec. 31, various dates and times
Cost: $7.50 to $8.50 per person
A self-guided walking trail through dancing lights to music, outdoor movies, scavenger hunt, maze, games and more. For more information visit www.nightsofshimmeringlights.com.
Christmas Lane
Location: Florida Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds, 2508 West Oak Ave.
Dates: various days from Nov. 25 – Dec. 24,6 p.m. – 10.m.
Cost: $8 plus tax for ages 13 and up, $5 plus tax for ages four – 12, free for ages 3 and under
In its 40th year, Christmas Lane eatures dazzling light displays, tasty concessions, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a light maze, live entertainment, rides and more. Purchase tickets online or at the gate. Parking is free and is located immediately in front of the Charlie Grimes Family Agriculture Building.
Glorious Night: A Drive-In
Christmas Light Show
Location: First Baptist Church of Plant City
Dates: Nov. 27 – Jan. 1, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Come see a synchronized light display featuring more than 75,000 programmed lights, music and a message of hope. For more information visit www.FBCOC.com/events.
Twenty-fourth Annual Lights of Love Holiday Event
Location: McCall Park, 100 North Collins Street
Dates: Thurs., Dec. 1, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Plant City’s General Services Division has been hard at work installing the holiday displays which will be turned on during the Lights of Love ceremony. Listen to a holiday concert featuring First Baptist Church of Plant City Children’s Choir at 6:30 p.m. followed by the tree lighting at 7 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos for a small donation to the South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation.
Plant City Christmas
Parade
Location: Downtown Plant City
Dates: Fri., Dec. 2, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Cost: FREE
The parade route this year is different than in years’ past, traveling north along Evers Street from Ball Street, will turn eastbound on West Reynolds Street and end at the Plant City Courthouse. Road closures begin at 5 p.m. so if you’re not attending the parade you may want to avoid the area.
Women’s Christmas Tea
Location: Faith Assembly, 4240 North Frontage Road
Dates: Sat., Dec. 3, 9 a.m.
Cost: FREE
Join in the fellowship and fun at this women’s tea. Come dressed as your favorite Christmas movie character. For more information visit www.faithplantcity.com.
Merry Market at Plant City High School
Location: Plant City High School, 1 Raider Place
Dates: Sat., Dec. 3, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: $5 per person
Shop local this holiday season at the fifth annual Merry Market, a small-town shopping experience bringing together boutique vendors, one-of-a-kind crafters and local artisans. Vendors will be showcasing home decor, apparel, jewelry and handmade crafts. The event will also feature a car show.
Pancakes With Santa
Location: Keysville Rec. Center, 9390 Edison Road, Lithia
Dates: Sat., Dec. 3, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Come enjoy a free pancake breakfast, Christmas crafts, cookie decorating, inflatables and more. Don’t miss getting a picture with Santa.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Tea Party!
Location: GracePoint Church Plant City, 1107 Charlie Griffin Road
Dates: Sat., Dec. 3, 11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Ladies, wear your best ugly sweater and bring an appetizer to share. To RSVP your spot visit www.gracepointpc.org.
A New Noel, A Holiday Choral
Location: First United Methodist Church, 303 North Evers Street, Plant City
Dates: Sat., Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $15, children 12 and under are free
The Plant City Community Chorale is pleased to announce its annual Christmas concert, A New Noel. Sponsored by Hopewell Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, the musical offerings will feature songs of peace, love and charity, from seasonal favorites such as Silent Night and The Holly and the Ivy to beautiful French, Spanish and Latin pieces. Tickets are available at www.pcchorale.org.
Christmas Trivia Night
Location: Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City
Dates: Tue., Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Cost: FREE
It’s the season for Christmas trivia. Grab your smartest elves and head to Keel Farms to test your knowledge of the most wonderful time of the year. Don your favorite holiday costume to get in the spirit. Top three teams win prizes.
NOSES OFF! A Rudolph Christmas Story
Location: Plant City Entertainment, 101 North Thomas Street, Plant City
Dates: Fri., Dec. 9 and Sat., Dec. 10, 8 p.m.
Cost: Adults $23/Seniors & students $18/Members and groups of 10+ $16
This musical is a joyful celebration of Christmas for the entire family featuring classic holiday tunes. When Rudolph’s red nose turns itself off on Christmas Eve, Santa and his reindeer must race against time to help him turn it back on and save Christmas. All proceeds benefit the continuing operation of Plant City Entertainment. For more information visit www.plantcityentertainment.com.
Christmas With The Crooners
Location: Plant City First Church of God, 601 North Gordon Street, Plant City
Dates: Sat., Dec. 10, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Cost: FREE
An old-fashioned holiday variety show featuring the music of Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin and more. For more information email pcfcog@gmail.com or call (813) 752-6438.
Jingle Jam
Location: Faith Lighthouse Church, 3409 Paul Buchman Highway, Plant City
Dates: Sat., Dec. 10, 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Looking for a little fun this Christmas season? Take a break from baking and shopping to enjoy an unforgettable experience complete with Florida snow, pictures with Santa, s’mores, games, music and more.
Christmas Light Run
Location: McCall Park
Dates: Tue., Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Hosted by Plant City Running Club, come run (or walk) through downtown Plant City to burn a few calories while enjoying the Christmas lights.
All Aboard! The Polar Express Pajama Party
Location: Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon Street, Plant City
Dates: Thu., Dec. 15, 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Bring the entire family out for a fun time reading and watching The Polar Express with hot cocoa, games and more.
Strawberry Classic Cruise-In
Location: McCall Park, 100 North Collins Street, Plant City
Dates: Sat., Dec. 17, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Come out and see classic cars and trucks while DJ John Paul Gasca spins some toe-tapping tunes.
Keel Farms Christmas Wine Run 5K
Location: Keel & Curley Winery
Dates: Sat., Dec. 17, 9 a.m.
Cost: $40, price increases after Dec. 6
Like walking or running and wine? This race is for you. Join in on a “Christmas-themed” timed race. Registration fee includes a t-shirt, wine glass, finisher medal, race bib and a pour of wine. For more information visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/PlantCity/KeelFarmsWineRun5k.
Santa Sled Festival
Location: Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center, 1601 East Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard
Dates: Sat., Dec. 17, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Cost: FREE
The Plant City Black Heritage and Des’Aimes Social Club hosts this annual event that provides toys, groceries, clothing and more to local families in need. To register for the event, families can obtain an application at Plant City Chamber of Commerce, located at 118 West Reynolds Street or at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center, located at 302 South Maryland Avenue.