Celebrating the holidays in Pasco and Hernando counties

Pasco County

Celebration of Lights: Nov. 30-Dec. 23 at the Concourse and Safety Town, 11919 Alric Pottberg Road, Shady Hills. Open 6 to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and from 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. This year, not only can guests drive through the display, but they can walk through Safety Town, where there will be vendors and Santa Claus. Admission is $10 per car. Train rides available for $4 per person on Fridays and Saturdays. Contact Amanda Hart at (727) 859-6540 or email to celebrationoflights@mail.com.

Symphony in Lights: 6 to 9 p.m. daily through Dec. 31, Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel. Featuring two different shows — one presenting the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at 6 and 8 p.m., the other featuring holiday favorites with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at 7 and 9 p.m. Visit theshopsatwiregrass.com.

Pasco Fine Arts Christmas Open House: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 1, at Pasco Fine Arts Center, 4145 Fairford Drive, New Port Richey. View and purchase works in the gallery and enjoy light refreshments. Featuring original art with handmade creations in paintings, photography, pottery and jewelry. The sale will continue through Dec. 22. Call (727) 845-7322 or visit pascoarts.org.

Traditions on the Green Holiday Concert: 3:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1, Land O' Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O' Lakes Blvd. Performances by the Land O' Lakes High School Band, Pine View Middle School Band, Pine View Dance Team, Lake Myrtle Elementary School Choir, Sanders Steam School and Denham Oak Elementary. There will be a tree-lighting, and a kid's corner with Santa, cookies and warm apple cider. There will be raffle baskets to benefit the schools. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Hosted by the Heritage Park Foundation and WC Noon Rotary's Land O' Lakes Satellite.

Lights Fest: 5 p.m. Dec. 1 at Little Everglades Ranch, 17951 Hamilton Road, Dade City.Families can enjoy live music and food as they personalize a lantern, ignite it with a torch and send it glowing into the sky. $35-$55. (352) 521-3661.

Cotee River Christmas Parade: 6 p.m. Dec. 1, starting at Miller's Bayou in the Port Richey Waterfront District and ending at Sims Park in New Port Richey. Decorated boats will glide along the river. The main gathering spot will be Sims Park, where there will be the Dr. Unger's Winterfest with activities, entertainment, food and drinks, and 30 tons of snow. Those wishing to enter a boat, kayak or any other water vessel in the parade must register by Nov. 28; applications are at facebook.com/BBAandNPRMainStreet or email to nprmainstreet@gmail.com. Hosted by New Port Richey Main Street and the Bayou Business Association. Call Kristin Tonkin at (727) 364-7516.

Christmas in the Park: 7 p.m. Dec. 2, San Antonio City Park, 32819 Pennsylvania Ave., San Antonio. Includes lighting of the Christmas cards, and entertainment provided by Community United Methodist Church Choir of San Antonio, Piney Grove Baptist Church choir, and Dennis Devine and Friends. There will be a drawing for a variety of gift baskets. Raffle tickets are available at the event, as well as at City Hall and from members of the Founders Garden Club of San Antonio. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. There will be complimentary refreshments and coffee. Free admission. Contact Donna Swart, (352) 588-3631.

Florida Hospital Zephyrhills annual Tree Lighting: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2, 7050 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills. Rustic Road Crossing will play Christmas songs with a country flair. Entertainment Revue, a girl's troupe will perform song and dance numbers. There will be food trucks, vendors, bounce houses for children and fireworks. Seating is limited; bring chairs or blankets. The event is free. Call (813) 783-6192.

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Morton Plant North Bay Holiday Lights Celebration: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6, at the medical arts building, 6633 Forest Ave., New Port Richey. There will be a child safety bicycle demonstration and free child-sized helmets handed out, while supplies last. Also featuring face painting, balloon artists and a chance to make Christmas cards for the hospital's patients. Other activities include arts and crafts, giveaways and treats, a barbecue, holiday snacks and refreshments, a keepsake photo, live entertainment from three local schools, and a visit from a special guest. To RSVP, call (727) 253-4206 or visit baycareevents.org.

West Pasco Art Guild's Holiday Potluck Party: 11:30 a.m. Dec. 7, 6206 Jefferson St., New Port Richey. Guests may also visit the Holiday Celebrations Boutique show and sale continuing through Dec. 20 at the guild. Call (727) 841-7732.

Dade City's "Magical Night Christmas Parade": 7 p.m. Dec. 7, through downtown Dade City. The Christmas season officially kicks off in downtown Dade City with a parade down Seventh Street featuring floats, dancers, marching bands and Santa Claus. Call (352) 567-3769. Visit dadecitychristmasparade.com.

Christmas Cookie Walk/Craft Sale: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 8, Community Congregational Church, 6533 Circle Blvd., New Port Richey. There will be the cookie walk, and the Women's Fellowship Craft Group will sell wreaths, crafts and other gifts. Call (727) 849-1943. Visit cccnpr.com.

Asturia Holiday Celebration: 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 8, 14575 Promenade Parkway, Odessa. With Santa and his elves, Candy Cane Express train, face painting, balloon artist, a "meet and greet surprise," holiday characters, model homes showcase, refreshments and children's games.

Country Christmas and Vintage Market: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 8, Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City. With more than 90 vendors selling a variety of gifts and holiday music. Outdoor entertainment provided by the East Pasco Senior Choir Guild from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the Seventeenth Street Band from 2 to 4:30 p.m. In the main building will be the Dade City Joy Ringers from 11 a.m. to noon, and St. Mary's Episcopal Church's Bell Group from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available from 1 to 3 p.m. with complimentary photos. The barrel train will offer rides and there will be face painting and a petting zoo. Cookies and punch will be served, and the concession stand will be open, along with some food vendors. Admission is regular museum prices: $10 adults (or $5 for those who bring an unwrapped toy for the Make a Difference charity); $5 for students, and free for children younger than 5. Call (352) 567-0262 or (352) 206-8889.

Festival of Lights: 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 8, through historic downtown Zephyrhills. Featuring a lighted, nighttime Christmas parade at dusk, live entertainment on the Eiland Bandstand, and vendors selling food, merchandise and crafts. Free photos with Santa in front of Goin Postal. There will be a giveaway of two children's bicycles at the Main Street Zephyrhills booth; the drawing will be at 8:30 p.m. (child and adult must be present to win). Contact Main Street Zephyrhills, (813) 780-1414.

Avalon Aglow: 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 8, Avalon Park West, 5227 Autumn Ridge Drive, Wesley Chapel. There will be pictures with Santa, music, dancing, food and fireworks. Free. Call (813) 783-1515 or visit avalonparkwest.com/events/avalon-aglow-5/

Country Christmas Stroll: 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 8, through downtown Dade City. The 33rd-annual event is hosted by the Dade City Merchants Association. Shops and restaurants will be open, along with vendors at a special Holiday Market. Follow the "cookie trail" to sample participating shops' cookie recipes. There will be holiday music by the local high school band, a performance by Miss Sally Blackwood's legendary dancers, and street dancing with music by country singer Karl Sapp and Just Sherry. There will be a hay rides, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Agnes Lamb Park, and chances to ride an old-fashioned pedal car. The Dade City Polar Express will be on display and there will be a variety of children's activities.

Hanukkah Celebration: 5 p.m. Dec. 8, Beth-El Shalom Messianic Congregation, 6209 Congress St., New Port Richey. There will be the lighting of the gigantic 10-foot menorah, potato latkes, singing Hanukkah songs, dancing, playing games and learning. Bring your own menorah and candles for the united lighting ceremony. All are welcome. Free admission. Call (727) 375-7502. Visit jewishheritage.net.

Roller Skating Holiday Show: 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 9, SpinNations Skating Center, 8345 Congress St., Port Richey. Presented by the Florida Skating Academy, featuring competitive skaters, as well as retirees, who will entertain with 18 show numbers. The lineup includes national champions and many national placement skaters from the U.S. Championships. There will be a special presentation by the Golden Rollers, a senior adult group, as well as the Learn to Skate classes. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a guest appearance with treats for the children. Pre-sale ticket-holders can enter at 1 p.m. for choice seating. Pre-sale tickets are $10 adults, $6 for ages 12 and younger. Tickets at the door (starting at 1:30 p.m. show day) are $12 adults, $8 for ages 12 and younger. Call (727) 863-1299 or email Angserini@aol.com for tickets or information.

Blue Suede Christmas: 2 p.m. Dec. 9 at Center for the Arts at River Ridge, 11646 Town Center Road, New Port Richey. Featuring the Scot Bruce Elvis Show. Tickets are $20. Call the box office at (727) 774-7381 or visit pascocfa.seatyourself.biz.

"Do You Hear What I Hear?" A Christmas Handbell Concert: 3 p.m. Dec. 9, Hope Lutheran Church 12321 Canton Ave., Hudson. Presented by the Suncoast Bronze Ringers Handbell Ensemble. A freewill offering will be collected. Additional concerts will be 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Chapel at First United Methodist Church in Tarpon Springs; and 3 p.m. Dec. 16 at Trinity Presbyterian Church of Seven Springs, 4651 Little Road, New Port Richey. Call (352) 232-1622.

How the Grinch Saved Christmas: 6 p.m. Dec. 14, Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey. The eighth-annual event is hosted by the West Pasco Business Association. Includes live music by Shadofax, food, sweets, treats and a cash bar. There will also be a lotto tree, live auctions, raffles, drawings and contests for the ugliest holiday sweater, best holiday sox and a Grinch/Whoville look alike. Tickets are $35 for the first 100 tickets sold; thereafter the cost is $45. Contact Maria Johnson, (727) 934-0940 or maria@wpba.biz.

Church Street Christmas: 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 21-23, along Church Avenue, Dade City. The road will be closed at 6 p.m. as visitors can stroll Along Church Avenue to look at the decorated homes and Christmas cards, and enjoy entertainment by area church groups and musicians. Parking is available at First United Methodist Church, First Baptist Church and First Presbyterian Church, all on Church Avenue. Free.

Hernando County

Holiday in the Gardens: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 1, Nature Coast Botanical Gardens, 1849 Parker Ave., Spring Hill. Volunteers and organizations will be creating a Snowman Village in the gardens, which will be on display throughout December. There will be tree decorating and placing of the Angels on High. There will be music, refreshments and a visit from Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves. Children can help decorate the "Tree of Youth." Those interested can bring a snowman (or woman) up to 3 feet tall that can stand alone and endure a month outdoors. Visitors will be able to vote for their favorite trees throughout the month. Call (352) 610-9175 or (352) 683-9933.

Photos with Santa Paws: 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 2, Rotary Centennial Park, 10375 Sandlor St., Spring Hill. The cost for a 4x6 print is a $10 donation to Operation Kindness for Hernando County Animal Services. There will be a 50/50 drawing and raffles and Italian ices available. All pets must be on a leash.Visit operationkindnesshcas.org.

Hanukkah Menorah Lighting and Klezmer Concert: 5 p.m. Dec. 5, at Town Square Mall, 3021 Commercial Way, Spring Hill. The Chabad Jewish Center of Hernando and Citrus counties invites the community to the Hanukkah street fair, menorah lighting and concert featuring the Freylekh Klezmer Band. There will be arts and crafts, hot latkes, donuts, a menorah raffle and other prizes. Free. Registration is required; call (352) 600-2779 or visit chabadspringhill.com.

It's a Wonderful Life — A Live Radio Play: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and 8 p.m., 2:30 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9, Carol & Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Live Oak Theatre presents the holiday classic as a live 1940s radio broadcast. Includes coffee, tea and dessert, available 30 minutes prior to each performance. Tickets are $20; $5 for children 13 and younger with purchase of adult ticket. Email to liveoakboxoffice@gmail.com. Visit liveoaktheatre.org or call (352) 593-0027.

A Christmas Carol: 7 p.m. Dec. 5-8 and 2 p.m. Dec. 9, Springstead Theatre, 3300 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. The musical version of the Charles Dickens' classic will be presented by Springstead High School's theater and music departments. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 students. Purchase online at shstickets.com; call Mark Pennington, (352) 476-9086.

Night of Lights Tour: 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 8 at the May-Stringer House Museum, 601 Museum Court, Brooksville. Take a tour of the 14-room Victorian mansion decorated by numerous organizations and business volunteers. There will be Christmas carols, children's games, hot chocolate and home-baked cookies. Bring a camera for a special appearance by Santa. The cost is $5 per person. Visit hernandohistoricalmuseumassoc.com.

Pennsylvania Club of Spring Hill Christmas Luncheon: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 11 at Silverthorn Country Club, 4550 Golf Club Lane, Spring Hill. Includes a buffet, gift prizes, raffle and entertainment. Tickets are $23; reservations required by Dec. 4. Call Marge, (352) 340-5507.

AARP Chapter 5445 Christmas Party: Noon Dec. 11 at Buffet City, 13235 Cortez Blvd. Call Bob Howell at (352) 683-9361.

Arc Nature Coast's Christmas Dance Party: 7 to 10 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Arc Nature Coast Education Center and Regional Evacuation Shelter, 6495 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. The event will include refreshments, food and a gift from Santa Claus. Entertainment provided by P.J. the D.J. $5 per person. Parents, Arc staff and children ages 10 and younger are free. Call (352) 544-2322, ext. 109.

Christmas Boat Parade: Doors open at 5 p.m., parade starts at 6 p.m. Dec. 15, at the Hernando Beach Yacht Club, 4163 Shoal Line Blvd., Hernando Beach. All area boat owners are invited to decorate their vessels and enter the parade. Spectators are welcome to view the parade from the club. Hot dogs, chips, chili and drinks will be available for purchase. Santa will visit. The parade entry fee is one unwrapped toy to be donated to Toys for Tots. Register your boat from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 14 at the club. Trophies will be awarded for most original theme and best lighted boat. Call Patti Nelson at (206) 919-8921.

Sons and Daughters of Italy Christmas Party: 6 p.m. Dec. 15, at Wellington Clubhouse, 400 Wexford Ave., Spring Hill. Doors open at 5 p.m. Entertainment provided by Rebound Band from 7 to 10 p.m. Dinner entree choice is chicken parmesan, prime rib, crab-stuffed haddock or a vegetarian dish. Guests are asked to bring an unwrapped gift to donate to the VA's Fisher House in Tampa (such as socks, underwear, toiletries or gift cards). Call Steve, (352) 556-4739.

New Jersey Club Christmas Luncheon: Noon Dec. 19, at Wellington at Seven Hills' clubhouse restaurant, 400 Wexford Blvd., Spring Hill. Call Todd, (352) 683-6128.

Hernando Symphony Orchestra presents Sounds of the Season: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 and 2 p.m. Dec. 23, at Central High School Theater, 14075 Ken Austin Parkway, west of Brooksville. General admission tickets are $18 adults, $5 for students ages 5-17; season tickets are $45, which includes three concerts. Call (352) 584-1210 or email to hernandosymphony@yahoo.com.

Worth the trip

Christmas on the Florida Frontier: 3 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1, Dade City Historic State Park, 7200 County Road 603, Bushnell. With old-time music, square dancing, singing carols, decorating the Christmas tree, making Christmas crafts and a soldiers' encampment. Sample holiday frontier treats, and vendors will sell refreshments. There will be demonstrations on making homemade toys, cornhusk dolls, soap carving, punch tin crafts and dip candles. Admission is $5 per vehicle up to eight people; extra passengers, walk-ins and bicyclists pay $2 per person. Call (352) 793-4781.

Celebration of Lights: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 19-27 (closed Dec. 25), at Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park, 4150 S Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa. Marvel at Sebastian's Winter Wonderland, a synchronized light and sound show. Refreshments available. Admission is $7; $3 children. Call (352) 628-5343. Visit floridastateparks.org/homosassasprings/default.cfm.

Contact Phyllis Day at pday@tampabay.com or (352) 848-1408. Follow @pdaytimes.