Thanksgiving Day races: Get those calories burning early on Thursday, so you won't feel as guilty about that second piece of pie. The Times Turkey Trot kicks off at Clearwater High School and features a buffet of races, including the 1-mile Gobbler, the 5K Fun Run and the 10K Turkey Trot ($15-$50, tampabay.com/marketing/turkey-trot/). Or choose between an 8K, 5K or 1-mile race at the Goody Goody Turkey Gobble at Tampa's Amalie Arena. $15-$40 advance, $20-$50 day of. amaliearena.com.

Holiday lights: With Thanksgiving under our much wider belts, it's time for the holiday festivities to begin. Beginning Thursday, the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Brandon transforms into a Wonderland of Lights with animated and still light displays, a Christmas village, the North Pole Express, visits with Santa and holiday food. Through Dec. 30 ($20, thewonderlandoflights.com). On Friday, St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman flips the switch to illuminate the city's Christmas tree in North Straub Park (free), and Largo's already beautiful Florida Botanical Gardens become even more stunning with more than a million twinkly lights, lasers, displays and visits with Santa. Donation of $4 suggested; 12 and younger free. Through Dec. 31. flbg.org.

date night

Music: Friday, acoustic-rock maestros Rodrigo y Gabriela play a show featuring Marc Scibilia at Clearwater's Ruth Eckerd Hall ($38.25-$63.25), while violin virtuoso Lindsey Stirling performs her Christmas album at Tampa's Straz Center ($70.50). Saturday, influential guitarist John McLaughlin revisits the legacy of Mahavishnu Orchestra at Ruth Eckerd Hall ($43.25-$63.25). Sunday, contemporary Christian artists Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith bring their Christmas tour to Amalie Arena ($35.75-$121.25).

Faizon Love: Known for his roles as Big Worm in Friday and the department store manager in Elf, the comic plays the Tampa Improv on Friday-Sunday ($20). improvtampa.com.

Ferg's 25th Anniversary: The St. Petersburg sports bar celebrates Wednesday, with giveaways, drink specials and live music by the Greg Billings Band. fergssportsbar.com.

Kids and family

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood Live: The PBS Kids' series brings new songs and a new adventure to St. Petersburg's Mahaffey Theater on Friday ($25-$45). themahaffey.com.