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Take a break from the chores
[Times photo: Thomas M. Goethe]
A 1 1/2-mile route on the Tampa campus of the University of South Florida is filled with thousands of lights and animated displays. |
By Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published December 21, 2000
Looking for something to do now that the holiday baking, decorating and shopping are done? (Ho ho ho!) Okay, searching for a break from all that?
There are several seasonal attractions under way to spread cheer. Actually, this close to Dec. 25, holiday events are about the only things on the calendar, and most -- with a few noted exceptions -- are open only through Saturday, so enjoy!
These are some of the biggest events that continue into the weekend. See the Getaways calendar for other festivities.
19th annual Victorian Christmas Stroll
The Henry B. Plant Museum, which was the Tampa Bay Hotel a century ago, is dressed up in Victorian style. This year's theme is "Toys, Trees and Tradition." The stroll is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily through Saturday. Hot cider and cookies are served on the verandah. There's live music each evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and, for an additional fee, carriage rides will be available noon to 3 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $7 for adults, $3 for children younger than 12. 401 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. (813) 254-1891, ext. 21.
Eckerd Celebration of Lights
As it does at several sites around the country, the Eckerd Corp. has created a drive-through winter wonderland, this one on the Tampa campus of the University of South Florida. The 11/2-mile route is filled with thousands of lights and animated displays. The display benefits the Children's Miracle Network and the Hillsborough Education Foundation. 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday (including Christmas) through Jan. 1. From Fowler Avenue, turn north on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, then right onto Pine Avenue to lighted entrance. $10 a carload; $1 a passenger for buses. Tickets available on site or through Ticketmaster. (813) 974-3002.
Wild Wonderland at the Zoo
Lowry Park Zoo brings in new animals for the holidays: live reindeer plus horses for carriage rides. The festival includes nightly snow, holiday lights all over the zoo, storytelling, games and Santa's Castle with elves and St. Nick. Some animal exhibits also are lighted for nighttime viewing. 6 to 9 p.m. daily through Saturday. 7530 N Boulevard, Tampa. $7 adult, $5 for kids ages 10 and younger, $1 discount for zoo members. Carriage rides $3; carousel rides $1. Daytime zoo visitors can tour Santa's Castle area for $2 in addition to zoo admission fee. (813) 935-8552.
Victorian and Pioneer Holiday Home Tours
The historic homes of Heritage Village are decked out in holiday finery through Dec. 31. Admission is free. The Pinellas County Historical Museum, 11909 125th St. N, Largo. Village hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 4 Sunday. Closed Mondays. (727) 582-2123.
Holiday Wire-Walk at the Aquarium
Jay Cochrane walks a high wire from the top of the Florida Aquarium to the top of a 140-foot tower, which lights up as a Christmas tree, 6 p.m. daily through Saturday, depending on the weather, of course. Then the wire-walker signs autographs. Donations benefit Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay. 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. Regular hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; regular admission $12.95 adults, $11.95 seniors, $7.95 ages 3 through 12. Extended holiday hours: open until 7 p.m. through Saturday with special $5 admission after 5 p.m. (813) 273-4000.
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