Holiday Happenings in the Tampa Bay Beaches

Here is a short list of cool Holiday goings on in the region this month!

Enjoy rides, games and food samples at the Christmas Carnival at John's Pass Village and Boardwalk, 150 John's Pass Boardwalk, Madeira Beach, which runs throough Sunday. Sidewalk sales featuring Christmas specials and free gift wrapping begin at 10 a.m. Proceeds go to local charities.

Holiday in the Park Winterfest at the England Brothers Bandshell, 5121 80th Ave. N, Pinellas Park. The free two-day festival will feature hayride tours of light displays, arts and crafts, children's train rides, photos with Santa, pony rides and more.

Winter Wonderland kicks off in Clearwater for three days of fun for the family. Enjoy pony rides, bouncy houses, a petting zoo, pictures with Santa and cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus. And there also are charity drives for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and needy families. Just bring a non-perishable food item or unwrapped new toy for donation. Cash donations also will be accepted.

Foodies' Holiday Gifts Galore class. Take away a festively decorated mix in a jar, cup, bag or pot with easy finish-at-home instructions. Classes are at 2 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 13. It's $4-8 per gift, you decide how many, at Foodies, 2312 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. Reservations required at (727) 209-1418.

Cracker Country's Discover the Past event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Enjoy live music of the period, holiday crafts and other educational activities. Admission is $6 adults, $5 ages 6-12; ages 5 and younger are free. Cracker Country is at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 N Tampa, (813) 627-4225.

"Snow" will be falling in downtown St. Petersburg on Saturday at the annual Santa Parade and Snowfest beginning at 10 a.m. The AL champion Tampa Bay Rays are the grand marshals at this year's parade, which begins at Fifth Street and Central Avenue.

The Soulful Arts Dance Academy’s fifth annual production of Black Nativity will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday at the Palladium Theater, 253 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg. Tickets are free but have been going fast so check with Soulful Arts to see if they are available.

The Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis on Sunday features a 5K competitive run and a 1-mile fitness walk. Participants wear jingle bells on their shoes. Free food and beverages after the run. It begins at 8 a.m. at the Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa. Pre-registration is $20; $25 race day. Students receive $5 discount. Call (813) 968-7000.

Top Vacation Rentals for SuperBowl 2009

Consider Beach Vacation Rentals For the Big Game

This Year the road to NFL finale leads directly to the beautiful beaches of Tampa Bay and Super Bowl XLIII. Everyone in the Tampa Bay Beaches community is excited to welcome you and know you'll enjoy our rich history, year-round sunshine, white, sandy beaches and thrilling attractions.

If you are planning to attend the SuperBowl in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium February 1, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. EST then hopefully you know that the Tampa Region also boasts the Top Rated Beaches in the Continental USA.

Why spend Hundreds of dollars a night on hotel rooms in Tampa when the Gulf Coast Beaches, just 20 miles away from the stadium offer Sun, Sand and Convenience for less!

One example at Indian Shores Vacation you can get a 10 day rental, direct beach front, 2 bedrooms/2 bath with almost 1400 sq ft for just under $400 per night. Compare that to what local hotels are charging and you will see the value.

There are literally thousands of beach rentals available in this area. Check them out before you make your final plans for the Big Game