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Top things to do in Tampa Bay for Dec. 27

 
Home Alone DVD.
Home Alone DVD.
Published Dec. 23, 2015

Holiday Classic Movie Series: Home Alone: 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. The series concludes with a 25th anniversary screening of Home Alone, starring Macaulay Culkin. 3 p.m., Tampa Theatre, 711 Franklin St., Tampa. $10, $8 members/children. (813) 274-8982.

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. noon, Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N Ashley Drive, Tampa. $12. (813) 966-5505.

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. 2 and 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.

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play: The holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast, with an ensemble cast playing multiple roles. Presented with no intermission. 2 p.m., American Stage Theatre Company at Raymond James Theater, 163 Third St. N, St. Petersburg. $28; $20 students; seniors and retired military receive $2 off. (727) 823-7529.

Holiday Lights in the Gardens: Stroll through the gardens with more than 750,000 twinkly lights, lasers, animated figures and entertainers lining the pathways. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in a decorated gazebo on select nights. New this year, a lighted six-and-a-half-foot tall snowman and his family will add to the holiday theme. Show a valid PSTA pass and get a free pair of 3-D glasses to enhance the show. Check flbg.org for complete schedule. 5:30 p.m., Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. Donation of $4 suggested; under 12 free. (727) 582-5800.

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.

John Henton: Best known for the sitcoms Living Single and The Hughleys, the Cleveland-born actor has returned to his stand-up comedy roots. 7 p.m., Improv Comedy Theater, 1600 E Eighth Ave., Tampa. $16-$18. (813) 864-4000.

KIDS AND FAMILY

Snow Days at the Aquarium: Enjoy real snow with a kids' play area. Included with admission. Noon, 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.

MORE TO EXPLORE

Find events for family in town at tampabay.com/things-to-do.