It’s beginning to look a lot like (Florida) Christmas! I made a nice bowl of chili this week in honor of the sweater weather, and I’ve been treating myself to hot cocoa in the evenings. When I asked my wife if I should put mini marshmallows or whipped cream on top, she wisely said, “Both. Marshmallows first, then whipped cream.” And oh, how right she was.

We have a packed newsletter and so many activities going on around town this time of year. I wish you all a weekend chock-full of great things—just like a steaming mug of hot cocoa.

It’s the most wonderful time for a drink, and a bunch of our local spots have seriously decked the halls for the holidays! Get into the spirit by checking out these festive pop-up bars and special events happening around St. Pete (and beyond):

Grab your holiday crew and your ugly sweater—it’s time to be merry!

Looking to max out your holiday cheer? Head just north to Largo for a dazzling double-header: catch millions of lights and carnival rides at Largo Central Park, then take a magical stroll through the nature-inspired displays at the Florida Botanical Gardens right nearby. It’s the perfect festive evening for under $20!

Thankfully, we had a quiet hurricane season this year, but I know there are a lot of folks still dealing with the aftermath of last year. Good news for St. Pete residents still recovering from Hurricanes Idalia and Helene—the City of St. Petersburg has opened applications for the Sunrise St. Pete disaster recovery funds starting Monday, December 15th, offering assistance for rebuilding homes, rental/mortgage aid, and more.

If you experienced hardship, check your eligibility and apply online at or visit one of the local service centers.

Want to spread the word about your business, a project you’re working on, an exciting event, a hiring opportunity, or just want to say hi to thousands of neighbors?

Blizzard Bazaar - The chillest winter holiday market featuring 50+ vendors, Florida snow, Santa, gift wrapping, food, drinks, and event exclusives. Congrats to the winners of the ticket giveaway—you’ve been notified by email already if you won!

Sunny St. Pete Apparel - Shop the Fall collection of St. Pete inspired apparel! 50% of proceeds on purchases from the Crosswalk Collection are donated to St. Pete Pride.

One Crazy Night - Head to Wild Child for a Chanukah pop-up celebrating the second night of the Festival of Lights! If you’ve never had them, latkes are an absolutely elite food (eaten with applesauce, not sour cream, obviously).

St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club Gift Cards - For the shuffler in your life—can be used for annual memberships or merchandise! Head over to the club to purchase, or email [email protected] if you’d like one shipped.

* = lowest/highest

‘BURG ABODES: Faith Mansion estate in Jungle Prada. $3,995,999 | 5bd 5.5+ba | 10,291 sqft. Whatchya think? I’ll put in $99, you put in the other $3,995,900, and we’ll snag it together.

CATCH OF THE DAY: Adopt Shadow the dog or Oreo the cat.

SKY: The Geminid meteor shower peaks this Saturday and Sunday nights between 10pm and 2am. If interested, find some dark skies away from city lights, lay on your back, taking in as much of the sky as possible, and look to the east. Meteors will be bright, yellow and long-tailed, sometimes with fireballs.

Denis Philips Night at the St. Pete Shuffleboard Club. I had to feature this one because it cracked me up. Celebrate the end of hurricane season by dressing as everyone’s favorite local meteorologist. Enjoy music, the Latin Lunch Box food truck (delicious), Grand Central Brewing on tap (yum), and a costume contest.

Free for members, $10 for non-members, and a great time for all.

Friday, Dec 12, 7-10pm at St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club.

Putt the Pier is back with a custom, 18-hole mini golf course winding along the St. Pete Pier. Enjoy Christmas obstacles, holiday music, and amazing scenery while you play.

Friday, Dec 12 - Sunday, Jan 4 @ St. Pete Pier. 🎟️

The Blizzard Bazaar is next week! 50+ vendors, Florida snow, photo ops, Santa, Christmas lights, Gift Wrapping, Food Trucks, Espresso Martini bar, and more! Brought to you by Ritual Grounds Matcha Cafe.

Friday, Dec 19, 5-9pm @ St. Pete Calisthenics

🎟️ GA tickets are $5 and VIP tickets are $35 (includes limited edition treats and express line)!

Natural History Speaker: Protecting Nature Through Collaboration | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve | Dec 11, 7-8:30pm | Free
Conservation storytelling inspires collaborative action.

Movie Night: Elf | Outcast Brewing | Dec 11, 7pm | Free
Christmas movie night at brewery.

PawCasso Holiday Ornament Painting | Pinellas Ale Works | Dec 11, 6pm | $12+
Pups paint holiday ornaments fundraiser.

Community Christmas Toy Giveaway | Enoch Davis Center | Dec 12, 6-8pm | Free 🎟️
Helping families celebrate holiday season.

S'mores With Santa | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve | Dec 12, 5-7pm | $5 🎟️
Holiday s'mores, crafts, Santa time.

Sip & Stroll | Corey Ave | Dec 12, 5-8pm | Free
Holiday shopping, music, and cheer.

Mega Night Market: Christmas Edition | Win! Derby | Dec 12-14, hours vary | Free
Christmas Asian Night Market fun.

Annual Festival of Lights Boat Parade in Madeira Beach | R.O.C. Park | Dec 13, 6:15pm - 9pm | Free
Boat parade travels to John's Pass.

Boca Ciega Yacht Club Holiday Boat Parade | Gulfport Municipal Marina | Dec 13, 6-8:30pm | Free
Downtown Gulfport Christmas boat parade.

Breakfast with Santa St. Pete Beach | St. Pete Beach Community Center | Dec 13, 9-11am | $10 🎟️
Delicious breakfast meeting with Santa.

Clearwater Yacht Club Annual Holiday Boat Parade | Clearwater Yacht Club / Coachman Park | Dec 13, 6:30pm | Free
Annual holiday boat parade tradition.

Movie in the Park: The Santa Clause | Pinellas Pioneer Settlement | Dec 13, 6:30pm | Free
Free holiday movie, Santa photos.

Preserving St. Pete’s Historic Bungalow Neighborhoods | Museum of American Arts & Crafts Movement | Dec 13, 11am | Free with admission
Bungalows shaped St. Petersburg's identity.

Santa in the Park | North Straub Park | Dec 13-23, 6-9pm | Free
Meet Santa, bring your camera.

The Raptor Run 5K | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve | Dec 13, 8am | $32-$48 🎟️
Timed 5K raises bird funds.

Holiday Golf Cart Parade & Block Party | Madeira Beach / St. Pete Beach | Dec 14, 6pm | Free
Parade and party in Beach area.

Indian Shores Holiday Lighted Boat Parade | Indian Shores / Redington Beach | Dec 14, 7pm | Free
Beaches team up for parade.

Yoga For Charity | Wild roots | Dec 14, 9-10:30am | $20 🎟️
Soulful yoga raises money charity.

St. Pete Gift Grab | Ferg's Sports Bar & Grill | Dec 15, 5-9pm | Free
Holiday pop-up shopping event for locals.

One Crazy Night Chanukah Pop-up | Wild Child | Dec 15, 5pm | Free
Chanukah popup party, food and fun.

Beer Garden Movie Night: Elf | Green Bench Brewing | Dec 17, 7p | Free
Free holiday movie night outdoors.

Museum Minis w/ Tombolo Books | Museum of Fine Arts | Dec 17, 10-11am | Free w/ admission 🎟️
Art storytime for young children.

Seniors Holiday Shopping Spree | Sunshine Senior Center | Dec 17-19, 9am-2pm | Free 🎟️
Holiday shopping, lunch, transportation included.

Holiday Night Market | Pistil House | Dec 17, 6-9pm | Free
Local vendors shop front yard.

Want to check see events beyond the next week? Use the guide below.

Looking for details on markets this week?

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Thanks so much for reading! As always, you can reply directly to this email with any feedback.

Stay Sunny,
Josh & the Sunny St. Pete team