MacDill Happenings

The Arts & Craft Center at MacDill AFB has a Wood shop with a wide range of tools and machines available for the experienced and the not so experienced carpenters. There is a skilled friendly staff available to answer questions and help you with your projects.

The cost is only $2.50 per half hour. For a Christmas present, you can purchase a gift card for $20 that can be used in half-hour increments for the do-it-yourselfers! You can bring in your own wood or purchase it in the Wood Shop.

It is conveniently located next to the Auto Shop and across the street from the Base Fitness Center and MacDill Lanes. On this map, it Number 29 and called the Skills Development Center.

On Tuesday 11 Dec, there will be free fresh cut Christmas trees available at the Bldg 72 parking lot across from the Golf Course behind Bldg 65 on MacDill AFB.

From 10am to Noon, active duty Military and their families can chose their tree. From Noon to 2pm, everyone is invited to chose their tree.

There will only be 550 trees available on a first come, first serve basis.

Check out the Lowry Park Zoo when it is transformed into a Wild Winterland at night with lights, poinsettias and seasonal pleasures!  The Zoo is transformed into a magical holiday experience with millions of lights, animatronics displays and activities for all ages.  Meet some of Santa’s reindeers.  There will be great holiday shopping, live entertainment and chance a to have your picture taken with Santa.

The Wild Winterland runs from 6pm to 9pm on the following weekends: 7-8 Dec, 14-16 Dec, 19-23 Dec and 26-30 Dec.  It is about 25 minutes away from MacDill AFB.

Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for children ages 3-11 yrs and can be purchased online.

If you need some used furniture, television sets or appliances, check out the NAF sale at the MacDill guest house, the MacDill Inn, this Friday from 9am to 4pm.  Although everything is sold “as is”, you can take a look at the items before you purchase them.  It is great opportunity to get some items that could help round fill out the apartment your child has at college or for the child that has just moved out on his or her own.  There are items for sale that you don’t normally see like a beer keg dispenser or video arcade games!  There are VCR/DVD players, lamps, mini-fridges and chairs.  But come on out to see all the goods!

The MacDill Inn isn’t too hard to find.  It is not too far off of Bayshore Dr.  But come early to get the best selection!

From now through December 21 at the Disney World Resort, on selected nights, you can celebrate with Mickey and friends at a special party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas!   The party takes place at  the  Magic  Kingdom and requires a separate ticket.

The party includes the Once Upon a Christmas Parade, Castle Dream Lights, Fireworks and a big favorite Character Greetings through out the park!!! Also enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and cookies!!

The party takes place from 7pm until midnight.  Buy your tickets now!  Disney World admission tickets can be bought at the MacDill AFB ITT.

Its snowing at Channelside Bay Plaza every Friday and Saturday from 6p- 10p!!!  Get into the holiday spirit while shopping or dining and enjoy a snow shower every hour on the hour!  Channelside offers a wide variety of restaurants and entertainment including bowling and a movie theater.  Spend $100.00 or more and receive a free snow globe.

Also check out the Smooth Jazz on December 21st hosted by 94.1 WSJT from 6pm-9pm!

This unique plaza is located between St. Pete Times Forum and the Florida Aquarium at 615 Channelside Drive.  If you park across the street at the parking structure, remember to take your parking ticket with you and get it validated when you buy something at Channelside to get a reduced parking rate.

Military dependents 12yrs and younger can get free tickets to Medieval Times performances through 25 Dec with the purchase of an adult ticket. Medieval Times is located in Kissimmee, east of MacDill AFB, a little over an hour drive depending on traffic. Admission includes dinner, beverages and an exciting live show. Kids will love the jousting and adults will enjoy the atmosphere! To make sure that you see the performance when want to, reservations are suggested and can be made by calling 1-888-WE-JOUST.

Adult tickets can be purchased at the MacDill ITT located in the Exchange Mall.

Check out the Holiday Open House at the MacDill AFB Arts & Craft Center from 3-7 Dec at the Main Shop. Open from 10am to 6pm. Take a look at the holiday offerings and register for a free door prize! There will also be snacks available! Browse through the Awards and Gift shop and then see what you can make at the Frame and Wood shop.

The MacDill Arts & Craft Center is Number 19 on this map. It is right across the street from the MacDill Fitness Center, and MacDill Lanes, the base bowling alley.