Holidays

Below are some of the events that make the Clearwater area a special place to spend the holidays. For more holiday events and up-to-date information, be sure to visit the events calendar at www.visitclearwaterflorida.com.

NOVEMBER

Art Harvest
What began as a small arts gathering has evolved into a well-respected juried show involving hundreds of artists and the largest autumn art show in the Tampa Bay area. While adults browse the artists’ booths, a Children’s Tent provides an interactive art experience for youngsters with arts and crafts projects related to the current year’s theme. Art Harvest is a fundraiser for the Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin. Art Harvest is held during the first weekend in November at Highlander Park in Dunedin. For more information call 727-738-5523 or visit www.jlcd.org.

Christmas Under the Oaks
This popular arts and crafts show features over 100 artists, craftsmen and shops from all over the southeastern United States displaying a wide variety of handmade gifts and crafts. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Coachman Park and find holiday decorations for the home and garden or perfect gifts for friends and family. Proceeds benefit Clearwater Junior Woman's Club scholarships, grants, and other community projects. Christmas under the Oaks takes place in mid-November in Coachman Park, downtown Clearwater. For more information call 727-723-0888 or visit www.clearwaterjuniors.org

Festival of Trees
This annual five-day holiday festival features over 100 one-of-a-kind Christmas trees for sale - lavishly decorated by local artists and designers, civic groups, businesses and community leaders. Live entertainment, food from local chefs, handcrafted gifts, children's activities, a large train display and gingerbread village, raffles, animated window displays, “Santa's Breakfast” and more round out the weeklong event for the entire family. Proceeds benefit the Upper Pinellas Association for Retarded Citizens (UPARC), which provides services for developmentally disabled adults.

Festival of Trees takes place during Thanksgiving week and weekend at the Harborview Center in downtown Clearwater. For more information call 727-712-3993 or visit www.treefest.com.

St. Petersburg Times Turkey Trot
This event features a one-mile "Gobbler" run, a 5K "Wingding" and 10K "Turkey Trot." This annual Thanksgiving Day event is a lot of fun and a great way for participants of all ages to shed a few pounds … all for a good cause. Proceeds are donated to several local charities; canned goods and non-perishable food items are collected in the stadium on race day. All collected food is given to a local food pantry program.

The St. Petersburg Times Turkey Trot takes place on Thanksgiving Day at the Jack White Stadium in Clearwater. For more information call 727-562-4700 or visit www.tampabay.com.

DECEMBER

Seasonal Sensations at Pinewood Cultural Park
Celebrate the holiday season with tours of beautifully decorated pioneer and Victorian homes, decorated trees, dancing and music, entertainment and holiday craft making at Heritage Village. Guests can also enjoy nature walks, exhibits and a lighting ceremony at the Florida Botanical Gardens every evening at dusk. Special exhibitions and events take place at the Gulf Coast Museum of Art.

Seasonal Sensations takes place throughout the month of December at Pinewood Cultural Park, Largo. For more information call 727-582-2123 or visit www.pinewoodculturalpark.org.

Lighted Boat Parade
This annual tradition features colorful lighted boats parading throughout the various waterways in Clearwater. A good vantage point is downtown's Coachman Park. The Lighted Boat Parade occurs in early December. For more information, call 727-447-6000.

Holiday Parade and Downtown Festival
Each year, the parade brings out people of all ages to watch the numerous walking groups, krewes, illuminated floats, antique cars, clowns and, of course, Santa … many hoping to catch beads and candy. The Downtown Festival features games, inflatables and local musicians. These city-sponsored festivities take place in mid-December throughout downtown Clearwater. For more information call 727-562-4813 or check the city’s events calendar at www.myclearwater.com.

JANUARY

Epiphany Celebration
This event, one of the most significant in the Orthodox tradition, is marked by a day-long religious celebration that includes a morning service at the St. Nicholas Cathedral, followed by a procession to Spring Bayou for the dive for the cross and the release of a white dove as a symbol of peace. A festival follows in Craig Park with Greek foods, music and dancing. A gala Epiphany Ball is held in the evening. The Epiphany Celebration takes place in Tarpon Springs. For more information call 727-937- 3540 or visit www.epiphanycity.org or www.tarponsprings.com.