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Top things to do on Dec. 17

 
Trans-Siberian Orchestra vocalist Jeff Scott Soto, left, and guitarist and musical director Al Pitrelli, right, perform at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex arena in Birmingham, Ala., on Dec. 13, 2017. Photo by Jay Cridlin
Trans-Siberian Orchestra vocalist Jeff Scott Soto, left, and guitarist and musical director Al Pitrelli, right, perform at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex arena in Birmingham, Ala., on Dec. 13, 2017. Photo by Jay Cridlin
Published Dec. 15, 2017

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The critically-acclaimed, multi-platinum band is bringing an updated presentation of "The ghosts of Christmas Eve." This winter tour will be celebrate the accomplishments of the group's late creator and composer Paul O'Neill who dubbed his creation "Rock Theater." 3 and 7:30 p.m., Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. $46-$76. (813) 301-2500.

Balloonapalooza: Hot air balloons will come to life with brightly glowing colors. Each evening features a carnival of food, arts and crafts, tethered balloon rides, musical entertainment, Santa visit, the USF Chamber Choir, Christian artists Javier, Albert Sanchez and a nightly balloon glow show. 4 p.m., Florida State Fairgrounds, 4802 U.S. 301 N, Tampa. $15, $10 seniors/ages 3-11; $35-$75 VIP. (469) 288-0460.

Corey Avenue Sunday Market on St. Pete Beach: Browse the weekly market with more than 60 local vendors offering farm fresh produce, specialty and ready-to-eat foods, plants, handcrafted items, live music, then stop in for breakfast or lunch at the nearby restaurants. 10 a.m., Along Corey Avenue, 155 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach. Free admission. (813) 481-8805.

Santa's Workshop: MOSI's Idea Zone is transformed into a video game and animation inspired winter wonderland where "elves" create mini movies, glowing cards and wood works. Daily through Dec. 31. Included with admission. 10 a.m., Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), 4801 E Fowler Ave., Tampa. $12.95, $10.95 seniors, $7.95 ages 3-12, 2 and younger free. Member discounts available. Ropes course is $7. Free parking. (813) 987-6000.

Crafty Fest: This monthly market with an artsy slant includes local arts, etsy crafters, vintage and retro goods, jewelry and plants. 11 a.m., ARTpool Gallery, 2030 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Free. (727) 324-3878.

Let It Snow: The planetarium's 32-minute holiday show features festive classics from Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee, with a multi-media finale by the Trans Siberian Orchestra. Included with museum admission. 1:15 p.m., Bishop Planetarium at the South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W, Bradenton. $19, $17 seniors, $14 ages 4-12, 3 and younger free. (941) 746-4131.

Love Never Dies: Andrew Lloyd Webber's sequel to The Phantom of the Opera. 2 and 7:30 p.m., Carol Morsani Hall at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. Start at $45. (813) 229-7827.

Florida Orchestra Pops Series: Holiday Pops: Under the direction of William Waldrop, with guest vocalist Camille Zamora, the orchestra presents a collection of yuletide favorites and a holiday sing-along. 2 and 7:30 p.m., Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 N McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. $15-$45. (727) 791-7400.

Celebrate with Cheer: Enjoy the Dunedin Concert Band perform holiday tunes. 3 p.m., Dunedin Community Center, 1920 Pinehurst Road, Dunedin. Free. (727) 812- 4530.

Christmas in the Wild: The animals come out at night for the zoo's holiday party. Runs through Dec. 30 on select nights. 4 p.m., Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa. $32.95, $24.95 ages 3-11, 2 and younger free. (813) 935-8552.

Winter Village Ybor: Ybor transforms into a holiday wonderland with free games and crafts for kids, red carpet family photos with the tree and drink specials from area restaurants and bars for adults. 4 p.m., Centro Ybor, 1600 E Eighth Ave., Ybor City. Free. (813) 482-2312.

Singing the Season : The Tampa Oratorio Singers will perform carols like Still, Still, Still and traditional favorites like I'll Be Home for Christmas and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas featuring professional baritone Todd Donovan. 4 p.m., Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church, 3501 San Jose St., Tampa. $20. (813) 666-5942.

Grand Hanukkah Celebration: Light up the night with Chabad at this annual celebration with a large menorah lighting, entertainment, face painting, hot latkes and doughnuts. 5 p.m., The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel. Free. (813) 731-2977.

Holiday Lights in the Gardens: Stroll through the gardens with more than 1-million twinkly lights, music synchronization, lasers and Florida-style displays, entertainers and visits with Santa along the pathways. 5:30 p.m., Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. Donation of $4 suggested; 12 and younger free. (727) 582-5800.

Hanukkah On Ice: The annual celebration with free ice skating to Jewish music, a menorah built entirely of fidget spinners, hot latkes, donuts, gelt and build your own Lego fidget dreidel. It is free, but RSVPs are required. 5:45 p.m., Tampa Bay Skating Academy at Westfield Countryside, 27001 U.S. 19 N, Clearwater. Free; RSVP required. (727) 789-0408.

Redington Beach/Indian Shores Lighted Boat Parade: This year's parade starts on the north side of the Tom Stuart Causeway, passes along the shorelines of Redington Beach, North Redington Beach, Redington Shores and Indian Shores, and ends at Caddy's Pub for an awards ceremony and party. 6 p.m., McDonald's Restaurant (Maderia Beach), 650 150th Ave., Madeira Beach. Free. (727) 394-8978.

Santa and Ice Skating in St. Petersburg: Santa and his sleigh will be appearing on select nights in St. Petersburg for visits with area children. After visiting Santa, stick around for "glice" skating on a simulated ice rink. 6 p.m., North Straub Park, Fifth Avenue NE and Bayshore Drive, St. Petersburg. Free; $5 skating. (727) 893-7441.

Hillsborough River Holiday Boat Parade: The Friends of the River hold this annual parade with decorated kayaks, canoes and traditional craft. Departs from the Lowry Park boat ramp, upriver to Sulphur Springs Park. Assembles at 5:30 p.m.; parade starts at 6. 6 p.m., Lowry Park, 7525 N Boulevard, Tampa. Free. (813) 841-3601.

Michael Carbonaro: The magician, actor and improv artist presents a show packed with audience interaction, video clips and live magic. 7 p.m., Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S, St. Petersburg. $29. (727) 893-7832.

The Mastersons: Husband-wife duo of Chris Masterson and string player Eleanor Whitmore are on tour for their first album Transient Lullaby as a support act for Steve Earle and his band The Dukes. 8 p.m., Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. $39.50-$59.50. (727) 791-7400.

KIDS AND FAMILY

Ice Skating at Tampa's Winter Village: Even in Florida, you can get in the holiday spirit by ice skating on an outdoor rink in the park. Each 90-minute session includes skate rental. Stop by the cafe for themed drinks and holiday snacks. Noon Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N Ashley Drive, Tampa. $13. (813) 221-3686.

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