HOLIDAY EVENTS
Enchant Christmas
The dazzling show returns to light up Tropicana Field this holiday season ST. PETERSBURG - Last appearing in 2019 to often sold-out crowds, the holiday extravaganza Enchant Christmas returns to Tropicana Field from Nov. 26 to Jan. 2.
the Trop, makes the logistics of shipping, installing and presenting the show a tad easier for Hutson. Working hand-inhand with Tropicana Field management and caterers is a win-win, she says, with everything from maintenance to parking and food service being handled by the stadium.
The indoor stadium will be transformed into a massive light maze, with glittering trees towering to 80 feet high and largerthan-life ornaments. New this year is a Magical Night Sky projected on the dome ceiling recreating a North Pole night with thousands of animated synchronized lights. “The dome will really create a magical atmosphere,” relays Nancy Hutson, the general manager of Enchant Christmas St. Petersburg. “It will appear to be nighttime all the time, so even if people come earlier in the day, they’ll feel like they are there at night under the twinkling stars.” This is Hutson’s first year organizing the gargantuan show which is trucked in on semi-trailers and employs hundreds of people to build, engineer lighting and sound, staff the production and act as characters and entertainers throughout the month-long event. A Tampa Bay resident, she has experience in theme park project management and coordinating the myriad details of an event big enough to fill the indoor stadium with holiday decorations and installations, an ice skating trail, food and beverage vendors and an artisan Christmas market. The fact that Enchant Christmas was held successfully in 2019 at IF YOU GO Purchase tickets early as St. Pete is the only Enchant venue in the Southeast, and is expected to sell out on weekends. Some weekdays are closed. Select a date and time when you buy online tickets.
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StPeteLifeMag.com
November/December 2021
“We start the build process on November 1,” she says. “This is the largest light maze in the world and building the ice skating trail all takes a month to transform the stadium.” Visitors will reserve a day and time when purchasing tickets online, she adds, which will help with crowd control, reduce lines and allow some social distancing. Masks will be optional for both visitors and staff. “We are following the safety protocols set forth by Tropicana Field. There will be sanitizing stations throughout and it will be a cashless event.” Money machines will allow people to exchange cash for a VISA debit card. Enchant presents a Christmas story where visitors are invited on a journey for “The Mischievous Elf” to help him find the important gifts he has misplaced in the maze. Of course, Santa awaits children at the end. Strolling entertainers and a stage on the ground level will provide live music, food and drinks. For adults who want to relax and enjoy the view, a mezzanine complete with food buffet, cash bar and private lounge areas is available for a higher ticket price.
Various admissions are available, not including tax and facility fee: General admission - $32/$35 for seniors and adults, $25 children ages 3-17 Star Experiences - Brunch (from $70), Dinner (from $90), a 21+ Lounge (from
$79), and Premium (from $165) In addition, private suites are available for groups and parties. Go to enchantchristmas.com and select St. Petersburg for more information and to purchase tickets.