St. Petersburg, FL (November 2018) – From November 24 to January 1, St. Petersburg celebrates Holidays in the Sunshine City in the downtown waterfront. The event that incorporates all of the City’s holiday festivities, including Santa Parade and Tree Lighting, Snowfest, Meet Santa in North Straub Park, Holidays Movies in the Parks, waterfront lights and displays and ice skating.
Santa Parade and Tree Lighting – Kick off Holidays in the Sunshine City with the all new Santa Parade and Tree Lighting on Saturday, Nov. 24. The new illuminated night parade begins at 5:30 p.m. in Albert Whitted Park, 480 Bayshore Drive SE, to Fifth Ave. NE. Then, Santa and Mayor Rick Kriseman light the tree at 8 p.m. in North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Drive NE. Stay after the tree lighting to enjoy a night in the park with entertainment, children’s activities, music and more. Concessions will be available. Bring your blanket or lawn chair; seating is not provided. Admission is free and open to the public.
Snowfest – The holiday celebrations continue with Snowfest on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in North Straub Park. There will be toboggan slides for adults and children, karaoke, inflatables, and an art tent. While younger children play at the different activity stations in Kiddyland, teens can stop by the teen area to play video games, listen to music and charge their electronics at the charging stations. Teen area is provided by the TASCO Division of the St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department. The $5 wristband includes all activities and can be purchased at any St. Petersburg recreation center beginning Nov. 19 through Nov. 30. Admission is free. For center locations, visit www.StPeteParksRec.org/centers.html.
Meet Santa in North Straub Park – Come out to North Straub Park to meet Santa on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Dec. 6, through 9 and Dec. 13, through 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. Visits with Santa are free. Cameras are welcomed and encouraged.
Holiday Movies in the Park – Bring your blanket or lawn chair and settle into a comfy spot in Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Drive NE, off Fifth Ave. NE. for Holiday Movies in the Park. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit with family and friends. Movies start at 7 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. Visit www.StPeteParksRec.org/holidayevents for the movie lineup.
Waterfront Lights and Displays – Stroll through the downtown waterfront enjoying thousands of holiday lights and decorations beginning Saturday, Nov. 24, through Tuesday, Jan. 1. Don’t miss the giant greeting card display along Bayshore Drive NE at Vinoy Park made by teens from the St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department’s recreation centers.
Ice Skating – Enjoy real ice skating in Albert Whitted Park. Dates and times to be announced soon. Visit www.StPeteParksRec.org/holidayevents to stay posted.
For more information, contact the St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department at 727-893-7441 or visit www.StPeteParksRec.org/holidayevents. Holidays in the Sunshine City is sponsored by the St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department and the City of St. Petersburg.
About the St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department
The St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department is nationally accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies, and with 17 recreation facilities, nine swimming pools, over 150 parks and more than 70 athletic fields, the department makes it a mission to preserve and enhance the city’s parklands and recreational facilities and engage the community in leisure activities. Visit www.StPeteParksRec.org to learn more.
About the City of St. Petersburg
One of Florida’s largest cities, St. Petersburg is a city of opportunity where the sun shines on all who come to live, work and play. It’s an innovative, creative and competitive community that honors its’ past while pursuing its’ future. Visit www.StPete.org to learn more.
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