The holiday season in South Tampa provides plenty of local events for everyone, including the canines in your life. The events range from the traditional performances of The Nutcracker to the not-so-traditional doggy ugly sweater contest. While the weather’s usually pleasant by day and cools off at night, you’ll find plenty of warmth in the celebrations throughout the season

Live Theater

Enjoy the new production of Cirque du Soleil’s CRYSTAL show at the Amalie Arena. See freestyle and synchronized skating, hand balancing and swinging trapeze artists. The performances run from December 19 to the 23rd for a total of seven shows. The daytime shows are perfect for the kids who are sure to be amazed by the ice skating feats.
Join others who celebrate the holiday season with a local performance of The Nutcracker Ballet performed at the David A. Stratz Center in the Carol Morsani Hall by the Tampa Ballet Theatre. There are matinee and evening performances from December 21 through the 23rd, perfect dates to see and enjoy this holiday season classic.
The Christmas portions of Handel’s Messiah are performed at the local Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church by the Tampa Oratorio Singers in early December, followed by performances of the Carols of the Season by the same choral group in the same location.

Lights

Every Monday night through December 31 you can bring your dog (on a leash) to Holiday Lights in the Garden at the local Florida Botanical Gardens. With over a million lights and occasional visits from Santa, you, your dog and family will have an evening filled with holiday scenes and entertainment.

Take the Pirate Water Taxi on the Hillsborough River to see the lights along Tampa’s Riverwalk. You’ll see the lighted bridges and skyline of the city and enjoy hot cocoa along the way. It’s part of the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park, where you’ll find scheduled concerts through the New Year’s and beyond.

Food and Fun

This year’s Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl happens on December 8. Dig them out and even if it’s not cold enough to wear, bring them along. The sponsors bus participants to several of the area’s most popular bars and brings them back to the point of beginning at the Zydeco Brew Works.

This year the folks at O’Brien’s Irish Pub Brandon are holding the Ugly Sweater Paw-ty for all those dogs whose owners dress them accordingly. Besides showing off your dog, it’s all for a good cause. The proceeds go to the 4 Lucky Dog Rescue.

Grab your friends and family to enjoy the cool evening air of winter in South Tampa. With so many events to choose from, Alair Homes South Tampa can guarantee you’ll have plenty of ways to celebrate this holiday season.