St. Pete Area Launches Holiday Light Displays and Santa Events Through January

Pinellas County will host several light shows and Santa events starting this week. They run through early January. Free options and ticketed programs span from Largo to Clearwater.

Largo Central Park will open its lights and carnival rides on Wednesday. The program continues through Jan. 4. Visitors can stop by between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. at no charge. Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo kicks off its lights on Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., stretching through Jan. 3.

St. Pete will hold its Santa Parade and tree ceremony on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at North Straub Park. Clearwater's tree ceremony happens Saturday at Coachman Park from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Lights of Lake Park Estates in Largo offers a drive-through show throughout December. Donations are encouraged.

Santa appearances begin with library visits across St. Pete in mid-December. West Community Library will host him on Dec. 15 at 10:30 a.m. North Community Library follows on Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m.

South Community Library and Johnson Community Library will both welcome Santa on Dec. 18 at 10:30 a.m. Barack Obama Main Library wraps up the library tour that evening at 6:30 p.m.

Santa in the Park runs nightly from Dec. 13 through Dec. 23 at North Straub Park. Hours are 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Families can take photos.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium will host Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon. Tickets are required.

Countryside Mall offers photos with Santa from Nov. 14 through Dec. 24. Hours vary.

All library visits with Santa are free. S'mores with Santa at Pioneer Settlement costs $5 per person and runs Dec. 13 through 14.