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Top things to do in Tampa Bay for Dec. 22

 
file (2014)  Brandon the otter plays in the snow at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa last year. This year's otter snow day will be Tuesday.
file (2014) Brandon the otter plays in the snow at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa last year. This year's otter snow day will be Tuesday.
Published Dec. 21, 2015

River Otters and Ring-tailed Lemurs: The holidays are coming early for River Otters and Ring-tailed Lemurs who will enjoy a cool treat when their exhibit is filled with snow for them to play with. Included with admission. 3 p.m., Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. $23.95, $20.95 seniors, $18.95 ages 3-12, 2 and younger free. Prices are generally about $2 cheaper if you buy them online at the aquarium's site. (813) 273-4000.

Christmas Town at Busch Gardens: More than a million twinkling lights transform the park into a holiday wonderland with Christmas-themed entertainment, a "Christmas Time Tree Show," music by the Holiday Hills Band, photos with Santa, festive treats and holiday shopping. Included with admission. 10 a.m., Busch Gardens, 3605 Bougainvillea Ave., Tampa. $97, $92 for ages 3-9. (888) 800-5447.

Tampa's Downtown on Ice: Even in Florida, you can get in the holiday spirit by skating on an outdoor rink in the park. Each 90-minute session includes skate rental. The rink is open through Jan. 3. 10 a.m., Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N Ashley Drive, Tampa. $12. (813) 966-5505.

A Show Palace Christmas Spectacular: This musical revue features classic holiday songs along with themed choreography and costumes. 11:30 a.m., Show Palace Dinner Theatre, 16128 U.S. 19, Hudson. $49.50, $24.95 child; $38.45, $19.95 child (show only). (727) 863-7949.

Skate with Santa: Bring your Christmas wish list and join Santa for an afternoon skate. 12 p.m., Astro Skate Tarpon Springs, 875 Cypress St., Tarpon Springs. $8 (skate rental extra). (727) 938-5778.

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. It's all enhanced with thematic animation, special effects and all-dome scenery. Included with museum admission. 12:05 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.

River of Lights Christmas Cruise: Board the Yacht StarShip for a magical cruise up the Hillsborough River to see festive lighted bridges, shimmering downtown skylines and decorated Tampa harbor homes. Includes a holiday buffet, hot cocoa, cookies, carols and Santa. 6 p.m., Yacht StarShip, 603 Channelside Drive, Tampa. $59.95, $29.95 children. (813) 223-7999.

The Sound of Music: The beloved musical story of Maria and the Von Trapp Family features a Tony, Grammy and Academy Award-winning score, including My Favorite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Climb Ev'ry Mountain and Edelweiss. 7:30 p.m., Carol Morsani Hall at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. $40-$95. (813) 229-7827.

Holiday Classic Movie Series: It's a Wonderful Life: During the months of November and December, enjoy select holiday classics with a sing-along to holiday carols by the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ before each show. See the classic comedy/drama starring James Stewart. 7:30 p.m., Tampa Theatre, 711 Franklin St., Tampa. $10, $8 members/children. (813) 274-8982.

TO WATCH

The Year: 2015, 9 p.m., ABC. Just in case you forgot, this special recalls the top headlines, biggest names and hottest trends of the past 12 months. And, whew, it will do so in just two hours.

MORE TO EXPLORE

Find more holiday events for the family at tampabay.com/things-to-do.