Compiled by Kathy L. Collins, Arts and Entertainment Editor 

The holidays are best spent with family and friends. Are you looking for something fun to do after your Thanksgiving celebration? The Greater Brandon area and Tampa have tons of activities going on over the holidays. Let this be your guide to locate fun events in the area. Whatever you do, have fun and enjoy the holiday season.

Work off those holiday calories with a little ice skating. Check out real outdoor ice skating at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa now through January 2, 2011, you can enjoy ice skating on real ice. Admission, including skate rental, is $10 for 90 minutes. The rink is open daily (closed on Thanksgiving) Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday 12 to 8 p.m. For more information please visit, www.tampasdowntownonice.com.

If you hate the idea of fighting the crowd at the mall and want to get that special someone a unique gift, then sleep in on Friday and head over to the Creative Native for its Arty Ornament Sale. The gallery will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gallery owner, Pam Moody is offering a 10% discount on all purchases on Friday, November 26. This is a great way to support local artists and get a one of a kind art piece. The Creative Native is located at 5307 N. Falkenburg Rd. in Tampa. For information call 841-3038 or visit www.TheCreativeNativeGallery.com.

Would you like to create your own masterpiece? The Pottery Patch is hosting “Paint ‘til You Faint” on Friday, November 26. The Pottery Patch will be open until 11 p.m. This is a great way to let your creativity flow and get a work of art that you can keep or give to someone special. The Pottery Patch is located at 2551 S.R. 60 E. in Valrico. Call 643-0014 for information and reservations.

You can ring in the holiday season on Friday night at Old Hyde Park Village with their “Enchanted Tree Lighting Ceremony” from 6-8 p.m. Come out and enjoy live entertainment, free cookies and cocoa and see some splendid holiday lights on their 30 foot tree. Keep your eyes open for the arrival of Santa Claus.

You can dance off some of your Thanksgiving dinner at Way To Dance’s Saturday Night Swing Dance from 8-11 p.m. You do not have to be an experienced dancer to join the fun. Way To Dance is located at 610 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. Admission is $8.00 at the door. If you need more information, call 966-4788.

On Sunday, November 28, The South Shore Symphony Orchestra will hold its 1st Annual Holiday Concert at 4 p.m. at United Methodist Church of Sun City Center located at 1210 Del Webb Blvd. W. in Sun City Center. The concert will feature music from “The Nutcracker Suite” and other holiday favorites. A highlight of the evening will be the audience sing-a-long. What a fun way to begin the holidays. For more information please call 667-7776 or visit www.thessso.org.

Email kcollins@ospreyobserver.com with any upcoming arts and entertainment events you would like to include in this weekly column.

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