5 Things to Know Today, Dec. 2: Christmas Tree Lighting and More

1. The holiday season is officially upon us. Join in the spirit of the season tonight at Winthrop Town Centre when Winterfest at Winthrop kicks off with entertainment and the lighting of the town Christmas tree at 7 p.m. followed by holiday movies. Be sure to bring a chair or blanket.

2. The All Children's Hospital Guild of Brandon will host "All That Glitters" Friday, Dec. 2 at the in FishHawk Ranch starting at 6:30 p.m.

The Brandon School of Dance Arts will provide entertainment and a disc jockey will play music throughout the evening. The master of ceremonies for the event is WFLA News Channel 8 anchor Rod Carter. The guest speaker will be little Summer Moll of Brandon who was treated at All Children's after being critically injured in an accident on the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway that took the life of her mother.

There will be a dance contest, hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction, a cash bar with beer and wine, desserts, a 50/50 drawing and a lottery board. Artwork and decorated ornaments made by children in the hospital will be for sale. Dress is business casual. Tickets are $30 at the door.

3. 's Chamber Choir will present a Dec. 2-3 at 6:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Brandon, 121 N. Knights Ave., Brandon.

The medieval feast will feature roast chicken, side items, bread, dessert and wassail for $22. Costumed choir students will perform skits, tell jokes and serenade diners. For information, call 813-334-6023.

4. The Cultural and Diversity Ministry at , 5049 Bell Shoals Rd., Valrico, will present a , a traditional Polish Christmas Eve concert, starring Emily Tworek-Helenbrook and Roxana Nowicki, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Accompanying the guest singers will be the church's youth string musicians, the Cross Bows, and Valrico pianist Amanda Cooley. George Miecyjak will be the narrator. Pre-sale tickets are $10 and tickets at the door are $12. They can be purchased at the church office or at Taste of Europe Polish Deli, 717 Lumsden Rd., Brandon.

5. The Palmer House Bed & Breakfast, in partnership with Florida Baptist Children's Home will host A Christmas to Remember from 3-8 p.m. Dec. 2-3 at 2221 Hinton Ranch Rd., Lithia.

There will be a tour of the Palmer House decorated for the season, holiday gift items to purchase, refreshments and live music and a drawing for a weekend stay. The donation is $10. Call 813-654-0961.