The Atomic Holiday Bazaar is like a real-world Etsy, except it includes the satisfaction of physically browsing and holding unique pieces in hand. In its eighth season, the quirky, edgy indie-craft event is staying put at its home base — the SRQ Municipal Auditorium, rich in history dating back to 1938. Sarasota residents along with craft lovers from all over the state will flood in, but try to be among the first 100 in line to be rewarded with “handmade delightful irregularities”— that means a tote bag overflowing with “indie swag” and coupons for the event, courtesy of some of the show’s vendors (presented to you by SRQ’s own North River Rolling Renegades). Family-friendly, but expect some adult content. Sat., Dec. 14, and Sun., Dec. 15, noon—5 p.m. 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $5; 12 and under, free, atomicholidaybazaar.com.—MA
[jump]It's great weather to head to South Pinellas' little artsy-bohemian hamlet Gulfport for its 5th Annual Holiday Hoopla. Not only is it a vendor-iffic arts and crafts and foodie fair with seasonally inspired fun, but special interactive art can be enjoyed, too. For a nominal fee, attendees can visit the Gypsy Cat Creations booth and make their own wire and fabric sculptures or the Industrial Art Center of Gulfport’s (IACG) booth for additional make-your-own craft options. The IACG will also host a grand re-opening in the Alley of the Arts, with make-your-own glass ornaments and other vessels with special holiday pricing. Holiday-themed music, carolers, dance performances, and roving street performers add to the fun. Local school bands and choral groups, local musicians, and area performing arts groups will take part, too. During the Holiday Hoopla event, donations will be collected for Operation Santa (new toys/gift cards, etc.) and the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation (nonperishable food, toiletries and pet supplies). Collection boxes will be located at the Gulfport Casino stage at the intersection of Beach and Shore boulevards. —JG
The annual Snow on 7th Holiday Parade is a newer tradition, but it’s becoming one of Tampa’s biggest holiday events — and it’s only in its second year. Centro Ybor will be transformed for one night as “snow” gently falls onto Floridians as they chill out with Mayor Bob Buckhorn. Yep, the first family of Tampa will be there, and they’ll lead the array of floats, marching bands and various performers on Seventh Avenue. Snow Zone is East Seventh Avenue between 15th and 18th streets, and the parade route is East Seventh, starting at 20th Street and ending at 14th Street. In addition, a medley of horse-drawn carriages and Christmas carolers will entertain — until Santa finally arrives to steal the spotlight. You can catch him at the Centro Ybor Christmas tree and capture the night in a photo. Arrive early for close-up seating. Sat., Dec. 14, 6-9 p.m. Free. SnowOn7th.com. —MA
Also on Saturday evening, more than 100 one-of-a-kind hand-pulled letterpress prints by artist Amos Kennedy go on display during a one-night sale. Kennedy, who ditched a corporate career as a computer programmer to become a printer at age 40, has been making waves in the art world with colorful, text-based posters that address race, equality and life with humor and irreverence. In 2013, he moved from Alabama to Detroit after raising $35,000 on Indiegogo to open a print shop in the Motor City (a project that remains in progress). Check out Proceed and Be Bold, a documentary about Kennedy’s life, on YouTube and arrive early to Workspace — the exhibition is “cash and carry,” so latecomers may face blank walls. Sat., Dec. 14, 6-9 p.m., 4501 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-274-7936.—MV
On Sunday, American Stage brings back Santaland Diaries, starring the acclaimed Brian Shea, who seems to have been born to play Crumpet the misanthropic elf in David Sedaris’ classic department store misadventure. His rendition of Billie Holiday's "Away in a Manger" is my favorite. Sun., Dec. 15, 8 p.m., $19, americanstage.org. —JG