Top Tampa Bay area events for the week of Dec. 11-19
Treasure Island Holiday Boat Parade: The parade begins just south of the Treasure Island Causeway. The route travels south of Paradise Island, back through the Treasure Island Causeway Bridge at 7 p.m. and around the Isles of Palms and Capri, finishing at John’s Pass at about 8:15. Viewing areas include Treasure Island Golf and Tennis Club, along the Treasure Island Causeway Bridge, and John’s Pass. Free. 6:20 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 16). Next to 10771 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island.
Florida Orchestra: Holiday Pops: Experience the spirit of the holidays with very merry music. Conducted by Bruce Hangen, former guest conductor of the Boston Pops. $23-$75, $20 ages 5-18. 8 p.m. Friday (Dec. 15), David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. Macinnes Place, Tampa, 813-229-7827; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 16), Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-300-2000; and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 17), Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater, 727-791-7400.
Holiday Sparkle: Fifteen singers from St. Pete Opera join a live 32-piece orchestra to present holiday classics including “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Sleigh Ride,” selections from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” and “Blue Christmas” featuring special guest “Elvis.” $20-$75. 7:30 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 16), 2 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 17). Palladium Theater, 253 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 727-823-2040.
Kevin Gates — Only the Generals Tour: The multiplatinum-certified rapper appears with BigXthaPlug. DJ Chose serves as host. $39.50-$89.50. 8 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 14). Yuengling Center, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. 813-974-3111.
Lewis Black: Known as the King of Rant, Lewis Black uses his comedic yelling and finger pointing to expose the absurdities of life. $48.50-$83. 8 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 14). Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-300-2000.
John Mulaney: The two-time Emmy- and WGA award-winning writer, actor and comedian, whose latest stand-up special “Baby J” is on Netflix, performs. $178-$253. 8 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 14). Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 5223 Orient Road, Tampa. 813-627-7625.
A Very Broadway Christmas: Broadway on the Bay’s production features musical numbers from popular Christmas shows as well as some holiday classics. $44-$176. 4 and 8 p.m. Friday (Dec. 15). Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-300-2000.
Dalí Days at the Dome: Ugly Sweater Edition: A DJ spins tunes as guests indulge in a specialty drink while wearing their quirkiest holiday sweaters. An interactive art activity lets you create your own surreal, or just plain ugly, holiday sweater creation to take home. Also enjoy the surreal world of Salvador Dalí through Dalí Alive 360°, an immersive digital 360-degree display. $60, $50 members. 6:30-9 p.m. Friday (Dec. 15). The Dalí Museum, 1 Dalí Blvd., St. Petersburg. 727-823-3767.
Wheel of Fortune Live: Guests are randomly selected to go on stage and feel like they stepped into the game show, with a chance to spin a full-sized replica of the iconic wheel. $30.75-$75.75. 7 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 16). Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. 727-791-7400.
Trace Adkins: The country artist who has sold over 11 million albums and earned numerous awards and Grammy nominations performs. $75 and up. 8 p.m. Friday (Dec. 15). Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 5223 Orient Road, Tampa. 813-627-7625.
Clearwater’s Polar Express Experience: Snow falls on the plaza while kids enjoy photos with Santa, Tell-An-Elf video chats to the North Pole, a ride on the Polar Express Train, mini golf, a Christmas tree toss, bean bag toss and a viewing of the Oscar-nominated movie “The Polar Express.” Free. 5-7 p.m. Friday (Dec. 15). The Sound at Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., Clearwater. 727-791-7400.
Sounds of the Season: The Heralds of Harmony and Toast of Tampa present “12 Days of Christmas.” $25. 3-5 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 17). Sun City Center United Methodist Church, 1971 Haverford Ave., Sun City Center. 813-634-2539.
The Nutcracker: The Tampa City Ballet presents the holiday story of a little girl and a nutcracker that comes to life. $25. 4 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 17). New Tampa Performing Arts Center, 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa. 813-829-2760.
Mountain Goats: The indie folk band Mountain Goats, whose critically acclaimed new album is “Jenny from Thebes,” performs. $45. 7 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 14). Floridian Social Club, 687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-322-4600.
Christmas with the Chosen: Holy Night: A young mother labeled impure. A shepherd boy considered “unclean.” Experience Jesus’ birth through their eyes in this film. Plus, enjoy a never-before-seen performance from Andrea and Matteo Bocelli. 9:55 p.m. Tuesday (Dec. 12), 12:20, 3:35, 6:45 and 9:55 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday (Dec. 13-17). Park Place Stadium 16, 7200 U.S. 19 N, Pinellas Park. 727-525-7777. Also taking place at Sundial 12 in St. Petersburg, Studio Movie Grill in Seminole, Largo Mall 8 in Largo, WestShore 14 in Tampa, Cinebistro Hyde Park in Tampa, Veterans 24 in Tampa, Woodlands Square 20 in Oldsmar, Riverview 14 in Gibsonton, Palm Harbor 10 in Palm Harbor, Regency 20 in Brandon, Hollywood 16 in Port Richey, Grove 16 in Wesley Chapel and Highwoods 20 in Tampa. Show times and ticket prices vary by location.
Ludacris: The Rise Up St. Pete series at the Pier continues with a performance by Ludacris. $30. 6 p.m. Friday (Dec. 15). Spa Beach at the Pier approach, 615 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg.
Tony Hinchcliffe: The Austin, Texas-based comedian known for his insulting and dark comedy style performs. $33.50-$43.50. 7 p.m. Friday (Dec. 15). Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. 727-791-7400.
Sutton Foster: The Tony Award-winning actor, singer and dancer who most recently appeared in the Broadway revival of “The Music Man,” opposite Hugh Jackman, presents “Christmas Time Is Here.” $49-$69. 7 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 17). Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. 727-791-7400.
Il Divo: The multiplatinum classical crossover group presents “A New Day Holiday Tour.” The group will perform holiday classics in addition to songs from their vast catalog. They will be singing in English, Spanish and Italian. $68-$153. 8 p.m. Dec. 19. Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-300-2000.
