St. Pete Named ‘Enchanting, Magical Christmas Town’

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — When it comes to pulling out the stops to celebrate the holidays, St. Petersburg ranks among the best in the state.

That’s the take of the folks at the website Only In Your State. The site recently ranked the “10 Most Enchanting, Magical Christmas Towns” throughout Florida. When all was said and done, St. Pete came in fourth overall, according to the website that’s dedicated to making state-based lists.

Celebration earned first-place recognition with its caroling, ice skating and man-made snow. Historic St. Augustine came in second thanks to its massive light display. Pensacola’s Winterfest with trolley tours and Elf Parade pushed that town up to a number three position, according to the website.

What other towns in the area do you think are magical during the holidays? Tell us by commenting below!

St. Petersburg’s upcoming calendar of holiday-related events put it soundly into the Top 5. “North Straub Park is beautiful this time of year,” the ranking pointed out. So beautiful, in fact, St. Pete edged out such other contenders as Miami, West Palm Beach and Jacksonville. Tallahassee came in 10th place, according to the rankings.

So, what makes St. Pete so special during the holidays? Here are just a few reasons:

• Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony – North Straub Park, 400 Bay Shore Drive Northeast, is the place to be on Friday, Nov. 25. The city’s annual Christmas tree lighting will be presided over by Mayor Rick Kriseman that night. The fun starts at 5 p.m. and runs through 7:30. In addition to the switch getting flipped on the city’s tree, entertainment, activities, food concessions and more will be available at the free event.
• Santa Parade – The 90th annual Santa Parade steps off at 10 a.m. Dec. 3 on Central Avenue at 5th Street. The parade will travel east to Bayshore Drive before turning north at 5th Avenue North. Bands, floats and more are planned.
• Snowfest – This event will take folks back to North Straub Park where 64 tons of snow will create a winter wonderland from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 3. Activities include a toboggan slide, ice skating, art tent, moonwalk, karaoke and more. Wristbands are required for all activities. They cost $5 and will be available Nov. 21 through Dec. 2 at any St. Petersburg recreation center.
• Santa & Ice Skating – North Straub Park will remain the hub of holiday activities with “glice” skating continuing from 6 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 3-4, Dec. 8-11 and Dec. 14-23. The cost to skate is $5 for 30 minutes. Santa will also be on hand. There’s no cost to chat with him about holiday wishes or take photos.
• Waterfront Lights – Light displays will illuminate the night at both North and South Straub parks from Nov. 25 through Jan. 1, 2017. In addition, giant greeting cards will be on display along Bayshore Drive at Vinoy Park.

To check out the full Top 10 list, visit OnlyInYourState.com.

Photo courtesy of the St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation Department’s Facebook page