Food, The Frugalista Life

All the Holiday Events in Tampa and Orlando to Know About

So many holiday events in Tampa and Orlando, so little time. There are dinners, pre-made meals, and markets to choose the best gifts:

Allelo It’s “Spritzmas Eve” brunch offering is a family-style menu with holiday faves. The restaurant partnered with Chandon to add a festive touch with spritz cocktails with a variety of garnish options. $15-$38. Dec. 24 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Reservations recommended. 300 Beach Dr. NE., St. Petersburg, (727) 851-9582. allelostpete.com.

Armature Works Grab your folks and roast marshmallows around the fire pit. S’more kits include enough to make two s’mores each. $10 for kits. December 6-20 5 p.m.-9 p.m. 1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa, 813-250-3725. armatureworks.com.

Blind Goat Food and Drink Co. Grab your ugliest sweater and enjoy live music and drink specials. Show up in an ugly sweater and receive your 1st draft beer or well drink complimentary. 4106 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, (813) 515-7962. @blindgoattampa on Facebook

Bob Evans Restaurants Spread holiday cheer with stress-free holiday meals for parties small or large. All locations will be open for all-day breakfast, lunch, and dinner Christmas Eve 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Order Holiday Hot Family Meals To Go until 12/18 and Farmhouse Feast meals through 12/23 here. Various locations. bobevans.com.

Bulla Gastrobar This whole month, get complimentary churros on all catering orders $100 or more and try their new seasonal Holiday Spiced Horchata cocktail. Various locations. bullagastrobar.com.

Centro Asturiano Several holiday themed events at the event venue include a potluck, a movie viewing, and a crafting event with cocktails. 1913 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa, (813) 229-2214. eventbrite.com.

Columbia Restaurant Open regular hours with dine-in specials like Lechon Asado, Baked Glazed Ham plus a Noche Buena curbside takeout bundle (call 813-248-4961 to place order; deadline to order is 12/20 at 2 p.m. for pickup on 12/24 between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Ybor location). $8-$195. Various locations. columbiarestaurant.com.

Downtown Crawlers Enjoy free welcome shots, drink specials, and compete in our costume contest for a chance to win prizes at this year’s bar crawl. Save 25% on group ticket purchases of 4 or more. Wear your most tacky yet festive Christmas outfit! Snap a photo, post it on Instagram and tag @downtowncrawlers for a chance to win prizes. Check in is between 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at Welcome to the Farm. $21-26. December 9 4 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Various locations. eventbrite.com.

Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar Holiday special features added to the brunch and dinner menus include Lobster Benedict with Avocado and Bacon Bearnaise Sauce and Dover Sole Meuniere with Preserved Lemon, Capers, Celery Root Gratin and Watercress. The regular menu is available too. Dec. 22-25 7 a.m.-3 p.m. for brunch 12/23-25, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. for dinner. Reservations recommended1207 S Howard Ave., Tampa, (813) 999-8726. epicureanhotel.com.

Epicurean Hotel Indulge in a modern interpretation of the classic Feast of the Seven Fishes during a seven-course paired wine dinner with Executive Chef Jon Atanacio. Dishes include Braised Conch Carpaccio, Warm Octopus Salad, and Dorade. $250 per person. December 14 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. 1207 S Howard Ave., Tampa, (813) 999-8702. epicureanhotel.com.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill Order your holiday feast for up to 6 until Dec. 19 to pickup Dec. 23-24. Dinner comes with prime rib and all the fixings. $199.95. Various locations. firebirdsrestaurants.com.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar A 3-course winter menu featuring Salmon Poke Wonton, Citrus Frisée Salad, Filet Mignon & One Pound Rock Lobster Tail, a selection of wine and cocktails is available for a limited-time. Reservations recommended. Various locations. flemingssteakhouse.com.

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Until NYE, the taco spot’s FOMO feature showcase the Holiday Claws ‘Rita, which features Fuzzy’s signature frozen lime margarita with a strawberry swirl and a dunked black cherry White Claw served with either a green sugar or salt rim. Various locations. fuzzystacoshop.com.

HEW Parlor & Chophouse Stop by for a family-style feast with Oyster Rockefeller Dip with Pecorino, Roasted Duck a l’orange with Pomegranate, and Cherry and Chocolate Buche de Noel. Guests can also enjoy the regular menu Christmas Eve. $85 for adults, $25 children 6-12, complimentary for children 5 and under. Reservations recommended. Dec. 22-25 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 453 Edgewater Dr., Dunedin, (727) 683-5990. fenwayhotel.com.

JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa The resort transforms into a winter wonderland with a special 12 Days of Christmas cocktail menu and a full calendar of culinary events at both dining options. Reservations recommended for culinary events. 691 S Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach, (727) 677-6000. Marriott.com.

Keel Farms A festive brunch with a 3-course meal and hand crafted selection of other food option. Bottomless mimosas are optional. Purchase tickets until 12/20. $45 per person. Brunch starts Dec. 24 at 10 a.m. 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City, (813) 752-9100. keelfarms.com.

Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval Visit between Dec. 21-January 2 for a festive three-course prix fixe menu paired with specially crafted cocktails. 505 Water St., Tampa, (813) 204-6390. lonatampa.com.

Kona Grill Their Holiday Cheers menu runs until the end of January and includes Prime Rib Surf & Turf, Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo, and Pumpkin Pie for dessert. For each Santa’s Egg Nog cocktail, $1 is donated to the World Central Kitchen nonprofit. Christmas dine-in and takeout are available; preorders can be made online. Various locations. konagrill.com.

KRATE at the Grove Their Chanukah Street Fair includes latkes tasting, live music, aerialist show, and more. December 10 5 p.m.-7 p.m. 5817 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Wesley Chapel, (813) 406-5819. @KRATEatheGrove on Facebook.

Krystal’s Anticipate various daily deals and digital specials through their website and app every day of the week like Sunrise Sunday, Turnover Tuesday, and Fry-Day. Various locations. krystal.com.

Metro Diner Staying home for Christmas? Order their Holiday at-Home Feast with all the classic trimmings. Put in your order by Dec. 22. $3.99-$119.49. Various locations. metrodiner.com.

Midtown Tampa Celebrate all things merry and bright and find the perfect gift, dance to remixes of your favorite holiday songs, treat yourself to something sweet from their donut truck, and check gift wrapping off your to-do list. December 16 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 3659 Midtown Dr., Tampa, (813) 738-4120. midtowntampa.com.

MiniLuxe Until the end of the month, elevate your mani/pedi experience with the St. Germain Salon Hours and the Royale Gift Set. 1053 E Cumberland Ave. Ste. 110, Tampa, (857) 702-8132. miniluxe.com.

Miracle Pop Up The holiday themed cocktail pop-up bar returns to Florida this year for the holiday season with festive original cocktails and decorations. A portion of proceeds from sales supports the Seva Foundation. The pop-up runs in Dunedin until 12/24, Tavares until 1/6/2024, St. Pete until 12/30, Tampa until NYE and Winter Park until 12/30. Reserve a spot for Tavares and Winter Park. Various locations. miraclepopup.com.

Rome + Fig Just in time for the holidays is a 5-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings. 317 N Rome Ave., Tampa, (813) 253-3352. romeandfigbistro.com.

STK Expect incredible spreads for Christmas Day available for dine-in and takeout and/or start Christmas Eve morning off with classic brunch offerings. Fill up stockings through Dec. 31 with gift cards up to $100. 1580 E Buena Vista Dr., Orlando, (407) 917-7440. stksteakhouse.com.

The Birchwood Enjoy a festive brunch buffet with a Santa meet-and-greet plus more fun things. Reservations recommended. $55 for adults, $35 for children 3-12, free for children 2 and under. December 10 9 a.m.-1 p.m.  340 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, (727) 317-2844. thebirchwood.com.

The Don CeSar Attendees are invited to sip on sparkling wine and enjoy a decadent breakfast display at the iconic King Charles Christmas brunch. $150 per guest, $50 for children 6-12, children under 5 eat free. Reservations recommended. 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, (844) 338-1501. doncesar.com.

TradeWinds Island Resorts Holiday dining options like Lobster Bisque with Brandy Crème Fraiche, Crab Stuffed Swordfish, and Chilean Sea Bass with Butter and Citrus poached Caribbean Lobster Tail, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Lobster Nage, Passion Fruit and Black Truffle Caviar are offered at all 3 restaurants. $14-$75 at RumFish Grill, $48-$58 at Palm Court Italian Grill; $93 for adults, $80 for seniors 60+, $48.50 for children 5-12, free for children 4 and under. Reservations recommended. Dec. 25 11 a.m.-10 p.m. tradewindsresort.com.

Uno Pizzeria & Grill Let the holiday spirit move you with a festive cookie decorating event. Children eat free with purchase of an adult entree. Reservations recommended. December 12 4 p.m.-7 p.m. 8250 International Dr., Orlando, (407) 351-8667. @unoidrive on Facebook.

Visit Orlando From all-new theme park events to shimmering light spectaculars and reimagined live performances, visitors can enjoy the holiday season with a full lineup of events to celebrate the season. Various locations. visitorlando.com.

Water Street A variety of holiday events include a night market, charcuterie/wine tasting class, and rapping carolers. All month. waterstreettampa.com.

Any other holiday events in Tampa and Orlando I should add?