Schedule for These Don't-Miss Holiday Events

COOKSON HILLS TOY RUN

• The 19th Cookson Hills Toy Run benefiting children in need, special-needs residents, seniors and veterans kicks off 10 a.m. today, Dec. 2, at Veterans Memorial Park off U.S. Highway 301.

• There will be an auction from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. as well as ticket sales for raffles, prizes and 50/50 drawings. The ride will leave the park at 1 p.m. and head to Evans Park in Seffner, at 1104 Kingsway Road. Seffner. At the park, there will be a barbecue, Santa and Mrs. Claus, cotton candy, funnel cakes and sleigh rides with the Samoyed Dog Club. The drawing is scheduled for 4 p.m.

WINTERFEST

• The Greater Brandon Community Foundation's annual Winterfest runs from noon to 5 p.m. at the Winthrop Town Centre on Bloomingdale Avenue in the Greater Brandon area of Riverview. On site offerings include bounce houses, hay rides, a Santa's Workshop, face-painting, entertainment and craft vendors.

NIGHT OF SHIMMERING LIGHTS

• The Hillsborough County Fair presents the second annual Night of Shimmering Lights through Dec. 17, on Thursdays and Sundays. Then, nightly up until Christmas, at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in the Greater Brandon community of Dover, at 4810 State Road 60, off Sydney Washer Road.

• Nearly 1 million twinkling lights will decorate the fairgrounds. There will be an animated light show, a Christmas village, an outdoor holiday movie, arts and crafts vendors, pictures with Santa and fresh doughnuts. Admission is $20 per car.

Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories just like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Fast signup here.  

CHRISTMAS LANE

• The Lane family is back with its annual Christmas Lane light and decorations exhibit, running through Dec. 28, from 6 to 10 p.m., at 2091 Wooten Road in the Greater Brandon area of Dover.

• The 1.5-acre winter wonderland stroll features as well a train ride for kids; seasonal scenes, including a manager display; a nightly musical; hot chocolate, coffee and ice-cold drinks; and freshly popped popcorn and cotton candy. Santa Claus is in attendance from 6 to 8 p.m. 

CENTER PLACE HOLIDAY TEA

• Center Place, 619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon, will host its second annual Holiday Tea Sunday, Dec. 2 from 2 to 4 p.m.

• Ladies are invited to don their best hats and holiday attire and enjoy Sugar Plum Fairy scones and holiday teas provided by The Tea Cup Tea Room. There also will be chicken salad croissants by Chick-fil-A of Lake Brandon Village, tea sandwiches and assorted specialty desserts by Jute's Box. Holiday entertainment will be provided by the Flexible Four Barbershop Quartet. The event also will include a Silent Night Auction. Prizes will be give for the best hat and best table.

FISHHAWK FARMER'S MARKET

• The monthly FishHawk Farmer's Market is scheduled for Dec. 2, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Park Square. The market features homemade foods, fresh produce and fish, crafts and other items.