Santa Parade Takes Over Downtown

The Santa Parade delighted thousands of visitors in downtown St. Petersburg Saturday with floats, bands, clowns and even an Indiana Jones impersonator. 

For two-plus hours, the parade went through downtown and ended in Straub Park. 

If you are still in the mood for more holiday events in St. Pete, there are still multiple options in the next few weeks. 

SANTA AND GLICE SKATING IN NORTH STRAUB PARK

Visit Santa in the Park and go “glice” skating on a simulated ice rink in North Straub Park. Both activities are from 6 - 9 p.m. on the following dates: Dec. 2, 6 through 9, and 13 through 16 and 20 through 23. Skating is $5 for 30 minute sessions. Santa visits are free. 

JINGLE BELL RUN

The 30th annual Jingle Bell Run on Dec. 7, starts at the Pier, Downtown St. Petersburg. Register at 6 p.m. and start moving at 7:30 p.m. This non-competitive jingling one-mile walk or 3-mile run spans from the Pier along the waterfront. 

ILLUMINATED BOAT PARADE

On Saturday Dec. 8, mark your calendar for a night of parading by boat. Bruce Watters Jeweler’s Illuminated Boat Parade event at Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Drive NE, has holiday activities at the south end of the park, including food and beverages, live entertainment before and after the parade from 3 - 10 p.m. The boat parade begins at 6 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Children’s Dream Fund and Rotary charities. Pick a spot in any waterfront park and watch the Illuminated Boat Parade go by.