Weekend events: Boat parade, Taste of the North, markets galore

🚤 Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, Tampa: Boats decked out in twinkling lights will set sail on the Hillsborough River during this extremely Florida holiday event.

• The parade kicks off at 6:15pm Saturday near Davis Islands. Vessels will then head past Sparkman Wharf, Harbour Island and the Tampa Convention Center.
• From there, smaller boats will continue past Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Ulele and wrap up at Water Works Park.
• Watch for free along the Riverwalk, or head to Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park for Holiday Riverfest, where you can also see the parade plus live music, wiener dog races and more. Tickets here.

🦞 A Taste of the North Festival, St. Pete: Enjoy dishes from our northern neighbors like lobster rolls, Philly cheesesteaks and clam chowder sans the frigid temperatures.

• This free fest will also feature live music, a toy drive and a sand-sculpting competition.
• Friday and Saturday at the St. Pete Pier and Spa Beach Park. Find daily schedules here.

🎻 Holiday Pops with The Florida Orchestra, multiple locations: Catch the orchestra along with the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay and the Tampa Oratorio Singers performing classic carols, hits from the Nutcracker and more festive songs at this annual concert series.

• Shows are scheduled for Friday at the Straz Center, Saturday at the Mahaffey Theater and Sunday at Ruth Eckerd Hall.

• Find showtimes and ticket information here.

🛍️ Festive markets galore, multiple locations: Who among us doesn't have some last-minute holiday shopping to do? Luckily there are about a zillion craft and makers' markets to choose from, including:

• Santa's Market at 3 Daughters. Sunday, St. Pete.
• Pee-Pa's Garage Christmas Party & Market. Sunday, Pinellas Park
• Mistletoe Market in The Village of the Arts. Saturday, Bradenton.
• Holiday Mezzo Market. Saturday, St. Pete.
• St. Pete Holiday Festival. Sunday, St. Pete.