December is a hot month for comic, anime, and horror conventions in Florida with two new additions — Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay and Spookala Holiday Spectacular — to the always popular Holiday Matsuri. All three events have strong holiday themes, filling geeks and nerds throughout The Sunshine State with seasonal joy. And Florida Comic Cons researched the event websites to give you an easy peek at each of the conventions, which begin the weekend of December 10-11 and continue through the weekend of December 17-18.
Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay on Dec. 10-11 at Tampa Convention Center
Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay is a new winter holiday-themed comic, anime, sci-fi, and cosplay convention at the Tampa Convention Center on December 10-11. The family friendly event is going big with more than 20 nationally known guests that include voice actors, comic creators, pro-cosplayers, and a special guest to terminate any large insects.
Voice actors from anime, video games, animated series, and cartoons include Jason Spisak (Arcane, Young Justice, Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Sean Chiplock (Tokyo Revengers, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, Marvel’s Avengers), Colleen O’Shaughnessey (Sonic the Hedgehog, Naruto, Danny Phantom), Laila Berzins (Genshin Impact, Hunter x Hunter, Hades), R Bruce Elliott (Fairy Tale, Attack on Titan, One Piece), and Patricia Summersett (Zelda from the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will be there!).
In addition, pro cosplayer guests are a dream team of 8 of the biggest names in cosplay who are nationally-recognized specialists in prop construction, armor crafting, painting, makeup, sewing, and wig-work, as well as unique costume elements like large wings and light effects. All are hosting panels that are better described as master-class instruction. And the pro cosplayers will be judging both cosplay contests: Saturday is Craftsmanship and Sunday is Runway. (lineup is Evil Ted, Tock Custom, Casey Renee Cosplay, Ginoza Costuming, PlexiCosplay, Avera Cosplay, Tiara Bree Cosplay, and Gremmcos).
Also, there are five nationally known comic creators who have illustrated for Marvel titles like Spider-Man, Venom, Black Panther, The Avengers, and X-Men as well as for DC titles such as Batman, Superman, Flash, and Justice League of America. Artists include Alex Saviuk, Sam de la Rosa, Tom Nguyen, Omar Francia, and Austin Janowski.
Moreover, the con has brought in Johnny Rico to handle any pest problems no matter how large the insect — aka Casper Van Dien of Starship Troopers (and Sleepy Hollow, Tarzan and the Lost City, Mortal Combat: Legacy).
Plus there will be more than 50 hours of programming, ranging from cosplay contests (both days) and a TikTok Film Festival to back-to-back panels and a Spider Verse Prom (not a typo, there is a Spider Verse Prom all day, both days). Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay tickets are: Single day tickets are $30 and a weekend pass is $45.
Holiday Matsuri on Dec. 16-18 at Marriott World Center Orlando
Holiday Matsuri is an annual holiday festive-themed anime, gaming, and cosplay convention in Orlando, Florida on December 16-18 at the Marriott World Center Orlando. The event, also known as HolMat, brings together thousands of attendees during the holidays to celebrate their favorite fandoms.
And the event has become one the best parties of the year for adult cosplayers and fans. “Party into the evening and with our late night events, Charity Benefit Ball, Raves, Dances and DJ’s,” reports their website.
In addition, guests have yet to be announced on the Holiday Matsuri website (as of Nov. 27). Activities, according to the website, include “IdolFest, KPOP Contests, Fan Panels, Cosplay Academy, Community Events, and Celebrity Q&A’s.” Also, schedule not yet posted for panels and other activities (stay tuned for announcements on their website).
Ticket prices include: Friday ticket is $55, Saturday ticket $65, and Sunday ticket $50, and weekend pass $75. Below is a fan video from 2021 to get a glimpse of the event.
Spookala Holiday Spooktacular on Dec. 17-18 at World Equestrian Center
Spookala Holiday Spooktacular 2022 is a new holiday horror-themed convention in Ocala at the World Equestrian Center on December 17-18. Their website says it best: “If you have ever enjoyed a scary movie, haunted house, or true crime podcast – this is the convention for you.” In addition, they note for potential attendees: “All ages welcome to check us out with adult supervision but be aware, horror themes and suggestive material abound.”
The event features nearly 30 guests ranging from actors and pro wrestlers to musicians and a stand-up comedian. Actors include Alex Winter from Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (better known to horror fans for his role as Marko in the 1987 vampire film The Lost Boys), James Remar from Dexter, and Zach Galligan from the Gremlins franchise. Pro wrestlers include Britt Baker and Christian Cage.
And the schedule is available, and features a variety of panels and activities such as actor Q&As, cosplay contests (on Sunday), and a panel on Friday the 13th Part 5. Also, the event features musical performances by Corey Feldman (another Lost Boys alumnus) and Tim Cappello as well as stand up comedy by Jamie Kennedy. Enjoy the video below from the con’s website!
Tickets are: Saturday is $35, Sunday is $25, and a weekend pass $50.
Need Help Finding Comic Cons in Florida?
Florida Comic Cons provides the Con Calendar — a curated calendar of upcoming comic, anime, horror, science fiction, fantasy and pop culture conventions in The Sunshine State. Furthermore, event listings include con info as well as helpful links for things like buying tickets and registering as a vendor.
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If you are a cosplayer in Florida, submit to the Florida Cosplay Digital Magazine! Cosplayers of all levels and experience are welcome. All we require is that you cosplay and that you live in Florida.
