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Tree lighting in North Straub Park follows Saturday parade
Mayor Ken Welch may be wishing for a holiday miracle as he lights the St. Petersburg Christmas tree Saturday in North Straub Park.
Last year, when Welch flipped on the ceremonial switch, the Tampa Bay Rays’ new stadium deal was practically a lock, we’d had no severe hurricane damage, no construction cranes had fallen on neighboring buildings, and the national political climate was relatively stable.
Everything’s different now.
As always, the Saturday festivities begin with the Santa Parade, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Albert Whitted Park and continuing down Bayshore Blvd. to North Straub, where the mayor is scheduled to do his thing with the tree.
It’s the 96th year for this traditional season-opening event; the artificial tree, standing 50 feet tall, is decorated with 10,050 RGB-powered, LED lights combined with components to run RGB smart lighting.
The City’s other official holiday-season events include the annual Snowfest – Sunday, Dec, 7 in North Straub Park. There’ll be tons of artificial snow for sledding and playing, fun stuff like “bounce houses,” an arts and crafts-making area and more.
Wristbands for the 9 a.m.-2 p.m. event are available for purchase here.
Click here to see the entire schedule of Santa-centric City of St. Petersburg activities.
The City’s lighted boat parade is Sunday, Dec. 7.
Lighted boat parade
Although Gulfside holiday lighted boat parades left and right have been scrubbed due to lingering hurricane damage, the City of St. Pete’s nautical Navidad will happen Dec. 7, starting at 6:30 p.m., along the bayfront.
Lights in Gulfport
A city that’s had more than its share of hurricane bad luck snaps back Friday at 6 p.m. That’s when Gulfport Mayor Sam Henderson will officially flip the switch on the very first Festival of Lights. It’s the illuminative climax of Small Business Saturday, and it’s Gulfport’s way of letting the world know everybody’s back open for business. All the businesses have put up holiday lights, and Henderson’s the guy to get ‘em shining. There will also be a gecko-themed parade and live music.
Will Michaels
November 29, 2024at2:10 pm
This is a great holiday tradition–the 96th annual–for all to enjoy. Also marching in the parade will be the world renown Kids and Kubs Senior Softball Club whose members are 74 years or older (oldest 95). The club almost dates to the parade’s beginning–now in its 95th season. Players will be wearing the club’s signature black bow ties!