Following is a summary of festivals and events set for this month. If you know of a festival not listed here, please e-mail the details to tampa.guide@about.com.
Hernando
- Ninth Annual Historic Tour of Homes in Downtown Brooksville
Where: Downtown Brooksville,
When: Sunday, Dec. 14, 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
What: Hosted by the Brooksville Women’s Club, the tour will feature three homes and the Brooksville Women’s Clubhouse where hot apple cider and homemade cookies will be served. Call 352-796-6026 or 352-848-7988.
Hillsborough
- Presents for Primates
Where: Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Slight Ave., Tampa
When: Friday, Dec. 19, 1 p.m.
What: Celebrate the season with the zoo’s primate family. Watch the primates open special presents from zoo staff and docents as part of their enrichment program.
- Victorian Christmas Stroll
Where: Henry B. Plant Museum, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., through Dec. 23
What: Enjoy a tour through a 19th century grand hotel adorned with authentic Victorian-style trees, lush greenery, antique toys and fanciful ornaments. Complimentary spiced cider and savory cookies will be served on the veranda, and soloists and ensembles will perform music each evening. Call 813-258-7302.
- Holidays at Busch Gardens,
Where: 3605 Bougainvillea Ave., Tampa
When: Through Dec. 31
What: Festivities include an ice show, a choir and gospel performance and live musical entertainment. Call 888-800-5447.
- MOSI Holiday Tea
Where: Museum of Science and Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa
When: Dec. 7 and 14, 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.
What: Guests are invited to take a break from frantic holiday shopping for to sip tea in the MOSI Butterfly Garden. The tea will include high tea service with kid-friendly treats and refreshments. Reservations required. Call 813-987-6358.
Pinellas
- Holiday Garden Lights
Where: Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo
When: Nightly, 6 to 10 p.m., through Sunday, Jan. 4
What: The gardens have been decked out in more than 425,000 colorful lights which showcase the beauty of the plants and landscapes. This free event is funded by the Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation.
- Trees and Traditions
Where: Heritage Village, 11909 125th St. N., Largo
When: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m., through Sunday, Jan. 4
What: The county’s living history museum celebrates the holidays with beautifully decorated historic homes and galleries. Admission is free.
- Dunedin Holiday Parade and Concert
Where: Knology Park, Dunedin Stadium, 373 Douglas Ave., Dunedin
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m.
What: Douglas Avenue at Knology Park along the parade route will come alive with the sights and sounds of the season.
- Treasure Island Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Where: Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club, 400 Treasure Island Causeway
When: Sunday, Dec. 14, 5 p.m.
What: The boat parade will begin at Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club, circle Paradise Island, pass through the Treasure Island Causeway and proceed between the Isle of Palms and Capri before concluding at John’s Pass. Call 727-547-4575, ext. 238.
Sarasota
- Breakfast With Santa
Where: The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 9 a.m.
What: Children and families are invited to get in the holiday spirit at Ringling’s third annual Breakfast with Santa. Guests will enjoy a catered buffet breakfast. Santa will then surprise children with a gift during breakfast. Guests will drop of one gift for each child in their party during the week of Dec. 8 through 12. Reservations are required. Call 941-359-5700, ext. 5705.
- Fifth Annual Holiday Lights and Jungle Nights
Where: Sarasota Jungle Gardens, 3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota
When: 6 to 9 p.m. on selected dates through Sunday, Dec. 28
What: Guests will enjoy a lighted holiday displays throughout ten acres of paved jungle trails. Also featured will be Santa Claus, a marshmallow roast and snowball toss.
- Breakfast With Santa
Where: Newtown Estates Park, 2800 Newtown Blvd.
When: Saturday, Dec. 20, 9 a.m. to noon
What: Open to children ages infant to 12, Sarasota County Parks and Recreation will host this opportunity for kids to see Santa. Admission is free. Call 941-861-5000.
- Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade
Where: Bayfront, Sarasota
When: Saturday, Dec. 13
What: The Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade of Lights on the Sarasota bayfront will start at the south end of Longboat Key, head across to City Island and north into the bay, and end up at the Marina Jack basin for judging. Attendees may watch from Island Park, City Island or Centennial Park.
- Community Hanukah Celebration
Where: Five Points Park, downtown at Main and Pineapple, Sarasota
When: Sunday, Dec. 21, 5 to 6:30 p.m.