Parks and Recreation
To preserve, protect, maintain and enhance the city's parklands and recreational facilities and engage people in leisure activities that contribute to their quality of life.
To preserve, protect, maintain and enhance the city's parklands and recreational facilities and engage people in leisure activities that contribute to their quality of life.
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
The city of St. Petersburg kicks the holiday season off with a Holiday Tree Lighting community event with Mayor Bill Foster flipping the switch on Friday, November 23 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in North Straub Park, Bayshore Drive on the waterfront. Entertainment begins at 5 p.m. with Radio Disney and the Vesper Bells Choir from Lutheran Church of the Cross, 6 p.m. St. Petersburg Community Band, 7 p.m. Mayor Bill Foster flips the switch paving the way to the holiday season in St. Petersburg with the waterfront holiday lights display along the waterfront. Presented by St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation. 727-893-7441.
St. Petersburg Santa Parade
St. Petersburg's 85th annual Santa Parade starts Saturday, December 1, at 10 a.m. The route from Central Avenue and 5th Street travels east to Bayshore Dr. then turns north ending at 5th Avenue North. Free family fun, bands, floats and much more will delight the spectators. Sponsored by St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation, Florida Central Credit Union, Tampa Bay Times and the Suncoasters. Call 727-893-7441.
Snowfest - A Real Snow Event
Sixty-five tons of snow are expected to fall on North Straub Park at the annual holiday Snowfest December 1, from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Activities include a big and kiddie toboggan slide, climbing wall, art tent, moonwalk, reindeer races, giant slide, "glice" ice skating, and a Kiddyland area designed especially for pre-schoolers with inflatable games, cookie decorating, and more. Wristbands cost $5 and include all activities. Sponsored by St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation. Call 727-893-7441.
Santa & Ice Skating in North Straub Park
Visit Santa in the Park and go "glice" skating on a simulated ice rink in North Straub Park. Both activities are from 6 to 9 p.m. on the following dates: December 1 & 2, 6 through 9, and 13 through 16 and 20 through 23. Skating is $5 for 30 minute sessions. Santa visits are free. Camera's allowed. St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation 727-893-7441.
Waterfront Lights and Display
While you stroll along the pedestrian walkway of St. Petersburg's waterfront, see thousands of holiday lights and decorations in North and South Straub Parks including the unique snowflake lights. Don't miss the Giant Greeting Card display along Bayshore Dr. at Vinoy Park made by local teens at St. Petersburg's Recreation Centers. Lights and decorations by City of St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation. Call 727-893-7441.
Bruce Waters Jeweler's Illuminated Boat Parade
On Saturday December 8, mark your calendar for a night of parading by boat. Bruce Watters Jeweler's Illuminated Boat Parade event at Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Drive NE, has holiday activities at the south end of the park, including food and beverages, live entertainment before and after the parade from 3 to 10 p.m. The boat parade begins at 6 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Children's Dream Fund and Rotary charities. Pick a spot in any waterfront park and watch the Illuminated Boat Parade go by. To enter your decorated boat or for more information, call 727-822-3277.
