Community Corner

GET OUT: Weekend Events Preview Dec. 9-11

From performances of "The Nutcracker" to re-enactments of the first Christmas, there's plenty to do in the Bloomingdale-Riverview area this weekend.

It’s Thursday, and you’ve got no idea what you’ll do for the weekend.

Patch is coming to the rescue. We’ve got the best bets for your done-work-outta-here time. Check our picks for the holiday activities to hit.

Find out what's happening in Bloomingdale-Riverviewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

WHERE/WHEN: The sights and sounds of Bethlehem at the time of the birth of Jesus will come alive during the third annual “Behold! The Lamb,” a living nativity at Lamb of God Lutheran Church, 10540 Browning Rd., Lithia, Friday, Dec. 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m.

WHY GO: Residents can drop by any time during those hours for a tour. A golf cart will be available for guests with disabilities. Church members have come together to create costumes and scenes reminiscent of the town of Bethlehem leading up to the birth of Jesus. During a guided walking tour, visitors will witness 10 scenes that help unfold the story of Jesus' birth and life, and what it means for people today including a busy market place and a inn that's filled to capacity. The evening includes free parking, free admission and festive refresments including cookies and drinks. For more information, contact Lamb of God Lutheran Church at 813-653-2354 or visit www.LambofGodLithia.org.

Find out what's happening in Bloomingdale-Riverviewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

WHERE/WHEN: The New World Celts Brandon Chapter will host its first Christimas Ceili Saturday, Dec. 10 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at O'Brien's Irish Pub, 702 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon.

WHY GO: Ceili is the Gaelic word for party and is a traditional gathering of music, dance and fellowship. There will be an all-you-can-eat buffet with two beers or sodas and a raffle entry for $15 for adults, $10 for children age 5 to 12 and free for children under 5. The New World Celtic Dancers, Tampa Bay Pipe and Drum Corps and the Celtic band, the Irish Buskers, will perform. A limited number of tickets are available. Call Dugg Smith at 813-293-2387 or email dduggins95@yahoo.com.

WHERE/WHEN: The Brandon Ballet will present its annual production of "The Nutcracker" Dec. 10 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 11 at 2 and 5:30 p.m. at the Spoto High School auditorium, 8538 Eagle Palm Dr. Riverview.

WHY GO: Experience the Brandon Ballet's full-length production featuring  guest professional artists, lavish costumes and scenery, a glorious score by Tchaikovsky and a timeless tale to be enjoyed by all ages. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors age 55 and older.

WHERE/WHEN: with the Tampa Bay Dance Theatre will present its annual production of "The Nutcracker" Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. in the Riverview High School auditorium, 11311 Boyette Rd., Riverview.

WHY GO: Enjoy this timeless classic and get into the spirit of the season. General admission is $15 and premium seating is $20. Tickets are available at www.tadance.com or by calling 813-571-0901.

WHERE/WHEN: Stop by the at 1048 E. Bloomingdale Ave., in Plaza Bella, Valrico, for Christmas Under the Stars Friday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.

WHY GO: Choirs from St. Stephen Catholic and Nativity Catholic churches will perform and everyone is invited to join in singing Christmas carols. The concert is free. Bring your own chairs.

WHERE/WHEN: The Village Players will present the musical, "Annie," Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 8:15 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. at the James McCabe Theatre, 506 5th St., Valrico.

WHY GO: This delightful musical features local actors and even a local dog who plays Annie's companion. Tickets are $12 general admission and $10 for students and seniors. Call 813-677-8045.

WHERE/WHEN: First Baptist Church of Brandon's music ministry will present "I'll Be Home for Christmas" Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. in the church sanctuary, 216 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon.

WHY GO: This musical medley is guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit. Admission is free. Call 813-689-1204.

WHERE/WHEN: will host its second annual Christmas Karaoke Party Saturday, Dec. 10 starting at 5:30 p.m. for residents age 16 and up.

WHY GO: The event, on the RVR Horse Rescue property at 12611 Hayes Clan Rd., Riverview, will include a disc jockey, barbecue and bonfire. Residents should bring their own bottle and chairs or a blanket to sit on. Food and nonalcoholic beverages will be provided for $7 a plate. There will be a drawing and raffle prizes. Proceeds will benefit RVR Horse Rescue, which rescues neglected and abused horses. Stockings will be hung by each horse stall and visitors are welcome to bring carrots, horse treats, brushes and other items to stuff the stockings. For more information, call 813-500-1071 or visit rvrhorserescue.com.

HANDEL'S MESSIAH

WHERE/WHEN: The Brandon Choral Society will present the quintessential holiday oratorio at Southside Baptist Church, 415 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.

WHY GO: The choir, made up of members from area churches, will treat the audience to Handel's "Messiah" for the fourth year. The all-volunteer Brandon Choral Society is directed by well-known conductor Robert Romanski. Joining him is the society's assistant music director and organist, Chris Westfall. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance at Music Showcase, 402 Oakfield Dr., Brandon, and at Southside Baptist Church.

WHERE/WHEN: Kings Avenue Baptist Church will again transform the church grounds in the town of Bethlehem for its annual Walk Through Bethlehem, a free program for the community. This year's walk is set for Dec. 8 from 6:30-9:30 p.m., Dec. 9 from 6:30-10 p.m., Dec. 10 from 4-10 p.m. and Dec. 11 from 4-9:30 p.m.

WHY GO: Members of the church will dress in period costumes and present the story of the birth of Jesus as residents tour the town. The event is free.

CRAFT BAZAAR

WHERE/WHEN: First United Methodist Church of Brandon will host a craft bazaar with handmade treats and crafts Sunday, Dec. 11, from 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church, 120 N. Knights Ave., Brandon.

WHY GO: Funds raised will help build latrines in Holeta, Ethiopia, where improved sanitation will help reduce the spread of diphtheria and other diseases. For more information, contact Vicki Harrison at 813- 689-4161 or vharrison@fumcbrandon.org

 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here