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Things to do in Tampa Bay for Dec. 25

 
Tampa Bay Times
Published Dec. 24, 2013

Holiday Lights in the Gardens: Stroll through the gardens with laser lights, flora and fauna displays, decorated trees, a 7-foot high gingerbread house and a 30-foot white swan. Check flbg.org for complete schedule. It starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. $2, 12 and younger free. (727) 582-2100.

Tampa's Downtown on Ice: Work in a little activity before your Christmas feast by skating on an outdoor rink in the park. Each 90-minute session includes skate rental. It opens at 4 p.m. at Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N Ashley Drive, Tampa. $10. (813) 966-5505.

MOSI: Tampa's Museum of Science and Industry will open its galleries from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and the first IMAX film will start at noon. The last IMAX show Hunger Games: Catching Fire is at 7 p.m. Admission is $21.95, $17.95 ages 2-12, $19.95 seniors. The museum is at 4801 E Fowler Ave., Tampa. (813) 987-6000.

TO WATCH

Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade, 10 a.m., ABC The 30th edition of this holiday tradition features a parade and festivities at Disney World, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris (who else?) and Nick Cannon. Though the talent is lacking in star power this year: The Wanted, Demi Lovato and someone named Dove Cameron will perform. Guess Miley wasn't available, huh?

Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas, 8 p.m., FOX The arctic herd is busily decorating for the holidays in this special, but when Sid destroy's Manny's favorite decorations, he desperately tries to get off of Santa's naughty list.

MORE TO EXPLORE

Watch this week's #PlayTampaBay at tampabay.com/things-to-do.

COMING UP

Deadmau5: Canadian house-music über-producer Joel Zimmerman, a.k.a. Deadmau5, hits Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Thursday, with Adventure Club, Nervo, GTA and Nom De Strip. $50-$120. (813) 350-6500.

ZZ Top: The bearded Hall of Famers bring classics Gimme All Your Lovin', Sharp Dressed Man and Legs to Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater on Friday. $55-$125. (727) 791-7400.

Gilbert Gottfried: You know this comedian's loud, distinctive voice as the Aflac duck (until jokes about the Japan earthquake ended that) and in movies like Aladdin and tons of TV shows. He'll be at the revamped Capitol Theatre in Clearwater on Sunday. $25-$49. (727) 791-7400.

End your Christmas festivities today with a trip to one of Tampa Bay's fabulous holiday light displays. Lucky for you, we've compiled the best ones at tampabay.com/lights (and many are under $5!). We've also got an interactive map that allows you to see light displays by location and add a photo from your favorite spot. Looking for more festive things to do? We have suggestions for family-friendly holiday activities (one of them is even open today!) in the latest #PlayTampaBay video, and it's not too late for Christmas cookie recipes, all at tampabay.com/things-to-do.