The holiday season in Tampa is about to get brighter with an array of festive activities courtesy of the City's Parks and Recreation Department. Residents looking to bask in the seasonal cheer have a variety of tree-lighting ceremonies and related events to choose from, starting early December.
According to a recent post on the City of Tampa's website, the New Tampa Recreation Center will kick off the celebrations on Wednesday at 6:00 P.M., with a parking lot parade and dance performances that will accompany the ceremonial lighting of the tree, an event hosted by Councilman Luis Viera. Following this, on Thursday and Friday, similar tree lightings will illuminate the Forest Hills Recreation Center and Cole's Pond, respectively, complete with hot chocolate, cookies, and photos with Santa for the joy of children and families alike.
The festive spree peaks next Saturday with Santa Fest, a day-long extravaganza culminating in the official Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:25 P.M. orchestrated by Mayor Jane Castor. Boasting a free outdoor screening of 'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,' the celebration promises an abundance of holiday spirits with activities like make-and-take crafts, face painting, and bounce houses. Accented by performances from Tampa's ShowStars, the event ends on a high note, bringing the community together under the glow of holiday lights.
Santa Fest also provides parents the opportunity to sign up their kids for Santa Calling, a heartwarming initiative where children can receive personal calls from Santa on December 10 or 11, reports the City of Tampa.
