Downtown After Hours

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Thursday, December 21

Victorian Christmas Stroll
10am to 8pm
Henry B. Plant Museum
Experience the extravagance and grandeur of a Victorian Christmas at the former 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel. Decorations include vintage fashions, antique toys, locally sourced cigar boxes, and fanciful ornaments. Complimentary cider and cookies will be served on the veranda while holiday music floats through the air. Victorian Christmas Stroll

Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
4pm to 10pm
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Tampa at the Winter Village presented by USAmeriBank and brought to you by Tampa Downtown Partnership. The park will be transformed with the sights, sounds and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages. Skate around at the outdoor ice rink or get some gift shopping done at the Holiday Market. 2017-2018 Winter Village

3rd Thursdays
6pm to 10pm
Grand Central at Kennedy
Enjoy some gourmet food truck fun paired with Independent short flicks and live music! Pour House and City Dog Cantina provide micro brews and tasty cocktails. 10-15 gourmet food trucks will offer everything from burgers to vegetarian bites. 3rd Thursdays

Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker
Begins 7pm
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
This production features internationally-renowned principal dancers from Miami City Ballet and New York City Ballet onstage with NGB’s award-winning young dancers. This family favorite transports audiences to a fantastical place where magic fills the theater and toys come to life. Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Ottawa Senators
Begins 7:30pm
Amalie Arena
The Tampa Bay Lightning host the visiting Ottawa Senators. This is the first battle between these two teams in Downtown Tampa during the regular season. Cheer on your team and Be the Thunder! Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Ottawa Senators

Friday, December 22

Victorian Christmas Stroll
10am to 8pm
Henry B. Plant Museum
Experience the extravagance and grandeur of a Victorian Christmas at the former 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel. Decorations include vintage fashions, antique toys, locally sourced cigar boxes, and fanciful ornaments. Complimentary cider and cookies will be served on the veranda while holiday music floats through the air. Victorian Christmas Stroll

Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
10am to 10pm
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Tampa at the Winter Village presented by USAmeriBank and brought to you by Tampa Downtown Partnership. The park will be transformed with the sights, sounds and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages. Skate around at the outdoor ice rink or get some gift shopping done at the Holiday Market. 2017-2018 Winter Village

Movies @ The Library
Begins 2pm
John F. Germany Public Library
Head to the library for a free screening of Ghost in the Shell. In the near future, Major is the first of her kind: A human saved from a terrible crash, who is cyber-enhanced to be a perfect soldier devoted to stopping the world’s most dangerous criminals. Movies @ The Library

Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt – Adult Version
Begins 4pm
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
This grown up scavenger hunt starts in the park and ventures out into Downtown Tampa to complete 15 riddles at participating bars and venues for a chance to win a Tampa Staycation and other local prizes. You’ll discover drink specials along the way and there may even be a few free shots if you’re nice! Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt – Adult Version

Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt – Family Edition
Begins 4pm
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Bring the kids to play this family friendly scavenger hunt in and around the Winter Village. It’s a fun activity to keep the whole family entertained while looking for hidden elves in the park. Participation is free and there will be small prizes for the kids and a raffle for everyone! Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt – Family Edition

Fourth Friday
4pm to 10pm
Downtown Tampa and Ybor City
When the sun goes down, the streets of Tampa and Ybor light up with music, laughter, art, friends and FREE fun. This evening of special offerings and programs by cultural venues, restaurants, and more takes place on the fourth Friday of every month! Fourth Friday

River of Lights Holiday Boat Tour
5:45pm to 6:30pm
Pirate Water Taxi
Cruise through Downtown Tampa on the water and enjoy the beautiful sights of the holiday season. Pass beneath the lighted bridges to enter Hillsborough River for a one-of-a-kind tour. Enjoy a whimsical narration on the first half of the cruise and then join in with Christmas Carolers while sipping on hot chocolate and nibbling on a delicious holiday cookie. There is no better way to experience the holidays in Tampa! River of Lights Holiday Boat Tour

The Shape of Water
Shows at 6:30pm and 9:30pm
Tampa Theatre
An isolated mute woman working as a cleaning lady in a hidden, high-security government laboratory finds her life altered when she discovers a top secret in the lab. A mysterious, scaly creature from South America is being held in a water tank. As Elisa develops a unique bond with the captor, she soon learns that its life lies in the hands of a hostile government agent and a marine biologist. The Shape of Water

Carols in the City
7pm to 8pm
The Portico
Come-as-you-are Christmas caroling on the sidewalks of downtown Tampa. Come together, converse and share the joy of Christmas. All are welcome to join other carolers on the sidewalks of downtown. Carols in the City

Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker
Begins 7pm
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
This production features internationally-renowned principal dancers from Miami City Ballet and New York City Ballet onstage with NGB’s award-winning young dancers. This family favorite transports audiences to a fantastical place where magic fills the theater and toys come to life. Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker

Cirque Musica Holiday: Believe Live
Begins 7:30pm
Amalie Arena
An all-new concert and visual experience where audiences journey into a world of high-flying adventure 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: Believe Live

Avenue Q – The Return
Begins 8pm
Stageworks Theatre
A laugh-out-loud musical that tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. There, he meets Kate and a handful of other colorful types who help him finally discover his purpose in life. Avenue Q – The Return

Saturday, December 23

Victorian Christmas Stroll
10am to 8pm
Henry B. Plant Museum
Experience the extravagance and grandeur of a Victorian Christmas at the former 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel. Decorations include vintage fashions, antique toys, locally sourced cigar boxes, and fanciful ornaments. Complimentary cider and cookies will be served on the veranda while holiday music floats through the air. Victorian Christmas Stroll

Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
10am to 10pm
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Tampa at the Winter Village presented by USAmeriBank and brought to you by Tampa Downtown Partnership. The park will be transformed with the sights, sounds and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages. Skate around at the outdoor ice rink or get some gift shopping done at the Holiday Market. 2017-2018 Winter Village

Saturday With Santa
10:30am to 1:30pm
The Florida Aquarium
Bring your family and friends to celebrate the holidays. Santa will be at the Aquarium for photos and general merriment. His elves will join him and dive in the Aquarium’s Coral Reef habitat during its regularly scheduled dive presentations. Saturday With Santa

Art Spot
11am to 2pm
Tampa Museum of Art
Let your imagination run free as the Museum’s art facilitators introduce exhibition-specific methods of art making filled with fun and creativity for you and yours. Art Spot

Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker
Shows at 2pm and 7pm
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
This production features internationally-renowned principal dancers from Miami City Ballet and New York City Ballet onstage with NGB’s award-winning young dancers. This family favorite transports audiences to a fantastical place where magic fills the theater and toys come to life. Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker

The Shape of Water
Shows at 2pm, 5pm, and 8pm
Tampa Theatre
An isolated mute woman working as a cleaning lady in a hidden, high-security government laboratory finds her life altered when she discovers a top secret in the lab. A mysterious, scaly creature from South America is being held in a water tank. As Elisa develops a unique bond with the captor, she soon learns that its life lies in the hands of a hostile government agent and a marine biologist. The Shape of Water

Avenue Q – The Return
Shows at 3pm and 8pm
Stageworks Theatre
A laugh-out-loud musical that tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. There, he meets Kate and a handful of other colorful types who help him finally discover his purpose in life. Avenue Q – The Return

River of Lights Holiday Boat Tour
5:45pm to 6:30pm
Pirate Water Taxi
Cruise through Downtown Tampa on the water and enjoy the beautiful sights of the holiday season. Pass beneath the lighted bridges to enter Hillsborough River for a one-of-a-kind tour. Enjoy a whimsical narration on the first half of the cruise and then join in with Christmas Carolers while sipping on hot chocolate and nibbling on a delicious holiday cookie. There is no better way to experience the holidays in Tampa! River of Lights Holiday Boat Tour

Lighted Boat Parade
Begins 6:30pm
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Line up along the river to see a beautiful parade of boats lit up with festive colors. This holiday tradition is a fan favorite in Downtown Tampa. Celebrate the holidays and enjoy the beautiful scene along the river. The top boats in the parade will win prizes, so get ready for some heavy competition! Lighted Boat Parade

Paddleboard Along the Holiday Boat Parade
Begins 6:30pm
Tampa Marriot Waterside & Marina
Paddle your way down the river and enjoy your front row seats to the Holiday Boat Parade! There is no better way to experience the parade than to see it on the water! Light up your board and dress up in Christmas lights for the paddle downtown to see the beautifully decorated boats. Paddleboards will be available to rent. Paddleboard Along the Holiday Boat Parade

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Minnesota Wild
Begins 7pm
Amalie Arena
The Tampa Bay Lightning host the visiting Minnesota Wild. This is the only game between these two teams in Downtown Tampa during the regular season. Cheer on your team and Be the Thunder! Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Minnesota Wild

Sunday, December 24

Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
Noon to 9pm
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Tampa at the Winter Village presented by USAmeriBank and brought to you by Tampa Downtown Partnership. The park will be transformed with the sights, sounds and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages. Skate around at the outdoor ice rink or get some gift shopping done at the Holiday Market. 2017-2018 Winter Village

The Shape of Water
Shows at 3:30pm and 6:30pm
Tampa Theatre
An isolated mute woman working as a cleaning lady in a hidden, high-security government laboratory finds her life altered when she discovers a top secret in the lab. A mysterious, scaly creature from South America is being held in a water tank. As Elisa develops a unique bond with the captor, she soon learns that its life lies in the hands of a hostile government agent and a marine biologist. The Shape of Water

Nightlife & Music

Beyond This Weekend - Upcoming Events

Fireworks at Cotanchobee Park

Sunday, December 31
Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park
Ring in the New Year with this free firework display. With the support of Channelside and the City of Tampa, the Friends of the Riverwalk organization has arranged this family-friendly, alcohol-free firework viewing. The fireworks show will begin at midnight and is expected to be the largest fireworks display in Tampa Bay! Fireworks at Cotanchobee Park

Activities on the Water

Yacht Starship Captain Larry’s Water Taxi eBoats Tampa
Olde World Sailing Line Urban Kai Paddleboarding American Victory Ship
FL Aquarium’s Wild Dolphin Cruise Tampa Bay Fun Boat
Riverwalk Boating Company Pirate Water Taxi Kraken Cycle Boats

Arts & Culture Spotlight

Amalie Arena
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Ottawa Senators – December 21
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Minnesota Wild – December 23
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Montreal Canadiens – December 28
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Philadelphia Flyers – December 29
Jim Gaffigan – December 31
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Carolina Hurricanes – January 9
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Calgary Flames – January 11
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Las Vegas Golden Knights – January 18
US 103.5’s Throwdown by the Bay – January 20
Tampa Bay Lightning vs San Jose Sharks – February 8
Billy Joel – February 9
Tampa Bay Lightning vs LA Kings – February 10
Andrea Bocelli – February 14
Tampa Bay vs Detroit Red Wings – February 15
Tampa Bay Lightning vs New Jersey Devils – February 17
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Toronto Maple Leafs  – February 26
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Buffalo Sabres – February 28

Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
By the Yard, Cirkut Camera Photography – Through December 31
Under the Cuban Sun – Through December 31
Photograph 101: January 3 to 24
Composition Principles: From Basics to Advanced – January 4 to 18
iPhoneography – January 14

Glazer Children’s Museum
Make it Monday – Weekly 
Toddler Tuesday – Weekly 
Worldly Wednesday – Weekly
Tinker and Tech Thursday – Weekly
Fun Fridays – Weekly
Gingerbread Village Cardboard Challenge – Through December 23
Sorting Ceremony Dinner: A Magical Holiday Feast – December 16
Closed for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day – December 24 and 25
Winter Maker Workshops – December 27 to 29
Downtown Countdown – December 31
Check the Museum’s website for a full list of weekday programming.

Henry B. Plant Museum
First Fridays – First Friday of the Month
Menus: The Epicurean Experience – Through December 23

Jobsite Theater
The Tempest – January 19 to February 18
HIR – March 19 to April 1
1984 – April 27 to May 20
Dancing at Lughnasa – June 15 to July 8

The John F. Germany Public Library
Walk-In Tech Help – Wednesdays
Toddler Time – Wednesdays
Crafternoon – Thursdays
Baby Sign – Thursdays
Holiday Early Closings – Through December 28
Movies @ the Library: Ghost in the Shell – December 22
Closed for Holidays – December 23 to 26

Patel Conservatory
Disney’s The Aristocats Kids – February 15 to 18
Peter Pan, Jr. – April 26 to 29

Stageworks Theatre
The Speak! Tank: Spoken Word Sundays – First Sunday of every month
Christ Fellowship – Wednesdays
Avenue Q – The Return – Through December 23
Corey Van Valin – Redefining Magic – January 7
Keely and Du – January 12 to 21
The Got Jokes? Improv Experience – February 3
brownsville song (b-side for tray) – February 8 to 25

Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker – December 21 to 23
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets – In Concert – December 28 to 30
School of Rock – January 2 to 7
Classical WSMR presents The Florida Orchestra featuring Jahja Ling conducting Beethoven and Sibellus  – January 5
Forever Plaid – January 12 to March 11
The Florida Orchestra – Rodgers & Hammerstein – January 12
Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow Youth America Grand Prix Gala – January 13
The Sibling Rivalry Tour featuring Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin Stones and The High Divers – January 15

Tampa Bay History Center
Walk Tampa: Tampa Bay Black History Tour – December 30
Old Glory – February to July 2018

Tampa Museum of Art
The Classical World: Selections from the Permanent Collection – Ongoing
The Classical World in Focus: Animals in Ancient Art – Ongoing
Monday Meditation at the Museum – Mondays
Art on the House – Fridays
Art Spot – Saturdays
Mernet Larsen: Getting Measured, 1957-2017 – Through February 11
Made in Tampa: From the 1970s to Now – Through April 1
Claudia Ryan and Rob Tarbell: Skyway Curators’ Choice – Through April 1
Elisabeth Condon and Bruce Marsh: Skyway Audience Choice – Through April 1
Thirty on Thursday – December 14
Tiny Masters – December 20

Tampa Theatre
The Shape of Water – December 22 to January 4
NYE Wrap Party 2017 – December 31
Darlene Love – January 18
In the Mood – February 3
Iliza Shlesinger Live – February 17
Wayne’s World – March 1
Winefest 2017: Wine’s World – March 2
Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live – April 5

Outside is In - Public Space

First Wednesday, 11am to 2pm at Lykes Gaslight Square Park.
Rock the Park
First Thursday, 6:30pm to 9pm at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
– Free Weekly Community Fitness Classes at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park –
Powered by Athleta
U-JAM Fitness – Monday, 6pm to 7pm
Zumba in the Park  – Tuesday, 6pm to 7pm
Bamboozle Fit Club Boot Camp – Wednesday, 6pm to 7pm
Yoga in the Park – Sunday, 5pm to 6pm
– Free Seasonal Programs –
Do the Local Motion – First and third Friday, noon to 1pm (October to May). Walking tours take off from Poe Plaza, Jackson and Franklin streets.

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 Downtown After Hours –  Downtown After Hours is a weekly arts and entertainment guide to help you plan your upcoming weekend. Published every Thursday, it provides information on outdoor events, museum exhibits, live performances, movies and more! Subscribe to receive this weekly newsletter.

 

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