Tampa Bay Christmas Events: What To Know Before You Go

The Christmas holiday kicks off this weekend with Tampa Bay's wintertime traditions: Lighting of official city Christmas trees, annual downtown parades and the sightings of the ubiquitous Santa.

Here is a roundup of area holiday events:

TAMPA EVENTS: Tampa's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on Friday, Dec. 1 at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive The festivities begin at 6 p.m. with a live performance from the Late Night Brass. Magic 94.9 once again will host their Secret Santa Giveaway at the Tree Lighting. The 36th Annual Downtown Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. 2017 Tampa Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade: What To Know

PINELLAS BOAT PARADES: Pinellas County takes to the water this weekend with lighted boat parades. The 28th Annual Tarpon Springs Boat Parade will take place Friday, Dec. 1, launching from Tarpon Landing Marina at 6:30 p.m. Here is the schedule of other boat parades. 2017 Pinellas Holiday Boat Parades: What To Know Before You Go

PINELLAS EVENTS: Pinellas County communities have scheduled a wide variety of events from winter festivals, tree lightings and parades on dry land and off the coast. Several events kick off Friday including events in Oldsmar, Tarpon Springs, Pinellas Park and Safety Harbor. In Clearwater, the Cleveland Street District will host Miracle on Cleveland Street on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 5 to 10 p.m. The event features a skating rink, carriage rides, pictures with Santa Claus, falling snow and more. 2017 Pinellas County Holiday Events: What To Know Before You Go

TEMPLE TERRACE: The Temple Terrace Leisure Services Department will host its Winter Wonderland on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 5 to 9 p.m. in Woodmont Park, 407 Woodmont Ave. and the first fairway of the Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club. Temple Terrace Transforms Into Winter Wonderland

SARASOTA EVENTS: The different sights, sounds and smells of the Hanukkah and Christmas seasons will take place around Sarasota County beginning Friday. Here's what area residents and visitors need to know before you go to any of the 2017 Sarasota County holiday events: 2017 Sarasota Holiday Events: What To Know Before You Go

Image via City of Tampa Government Facebook page