´Holidays in the Sunshine City' Begin This Saturday, Nov 25 with Annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting

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‘Holidays in the Sunshine City’ Begin This Saturday, Nov 25 with Annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting

St. Petersburg, FL (November 21, 2023) – Holidays in the Sunshine City returns to St. Petersburg! From Saturday, Nov. 25, to Monday, Jan. 1, the community can enjoy the following holiday events:

  • The 95th Annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting is kicking off the holiday season on Saturday Nov. 25. The illuminated night parade begins at 6:30 p.m. in Albert Whitted Park, 480 Bayshore Dr. SE., to Fifth Ave. NE. Then, immediately following the parade, Santa will light the tree in North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Dr. NE. Enjoy a night in the park with entertainment, music and more. Concessions will be available. Bring a blanket or lawn chair; seating is not provided. Admission is free and open to the public.

  • The holiday fun continues with Snowfest on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in North Straub Park. Enjoy toboggan slides for adults and children, inflatables, arts and crafts tents, food trucks and more. The $5 wristband includes all activities and can be purchased online or at any City recreation center through Friday, Dec. 1, at noon. Admission is free. To purchase wristbands, visit stpeteparksrec.org/holidayevents. Wristbands do not include food trucks.

  • Children can meet Santa at North Straub Park on Dec. 9 – 11 and Dec. 15 – 23, from 6-9 p.m. Visits with Santa are free. Cameras are welcomed and encouraged.

  • Enjoy a Holiday Movie in the Park with family and friends on Saturday, Dec. 9, at Crescent Lake Park, 1320 5th St. N. Holiday activities and photos with Santa and friends begin at 6 p.m.; movie begins at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.

  • Chat with Santa! Santa’s Calling gives children an opportunity to talk with Santa over the phone about their holiday wishes. This free event runs Dec. 12 – 14. Registration is required. Children must be 8 years old or younger. Register online beginning Monday, Nov. 13, at stpeteparksrec.org/holidayevents. Deadline to register is Friday, Dec. 8.

  • Join us for Cookies with Santa on Friday, Dec. 15, and Saturday, Dec. 16, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 3010 31st St. S. Decorate holiday cookies, meet Santa, purchase small gifts for family and friends and more. Admission is $5 per person. Registration required. Reserve your spot at stpeteparksrec.org/holidayevents.

  • Take a stroll along St. Pete’s downtown waterfront to see thousands of holiday lights and displays in North Straub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park, and the St. Pete Pier, and don’t miss the greeting card display along Bayshore Dr. at Vinoy Park made by local teens and participants from the City’s recreation centers.

For more information, contact the St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation Department at 727-893-7441 or visit stpeteparksrec.org/holidayevents. Holidays in the Sunshine City is sponsored by the St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation Department and the City of St. Petersburg.

About the St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department

The St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department is nationally accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies, and with 17 recreation facilities, nine swimming pools, over 150 parks and more than 70 athletic fields, the department makes it a mission to preserve and enhance the city’s parklands and recreational facilities and engage the community in leisure activities. Visit StPeteParksRec.org to learn more.