We're not saying there aren't any comedy shows to see. We're just saying you don't have the normal variety that you've come to expect each week.
There are a couple of shows on Wednesday, but there's no comedy on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Instead, you should eat a lot of good food and open presents. That's a fair trade-off, right?
And on the weekend, a couple of clubs are taking the weekend off. But others have their normal Saturday and Sunday offerings. After all that time with your family, you'll need a few laughs.
And don't worry about next week. There will be big New Year's Eve shows, and we'll cover them here. But for now, enjoy a little holiday comedy:
Comedy Clubs
What's in the Box? Showcase at Tampa Improv. This showcase features talented locals acting naughty when they should still be trying to get on the nice list. Performers include John Jacobs, Chris Matson, Law Smith and Tony Gaud. You can also get in free if you bring a canned food item for people or pets. Or you could show some Christmas spirit and bring some for both.
Showtime is Wednesday at 8 p.m. $5 or free with a canned good. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
John Henton at Tampa Improv. You might know Henton from the 90s show Living Single, but you can expect a different type of comedy on stage. His character on that show was likeable, but not necessarily the sharpest cast member. But Henton is a clever writer in real life, and his stage material is usually engaging, witty storytelling.
Showtimes are Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. $16-$18. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Happy Cole at Side Splitters. Cole has great stage energy, but he's not bouncing off walls or screaming every 10 seconds. Instead, his material does the heavy lifting, with his demeanor and timing adding emphasis and maximizing laughter.
Showtimes are Saturday at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. $10-$16.50. 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Lou Angelwolf at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Angelwolf brings his mellow demeanor and witty observations to Snappers for some post-holiday laughter. With decades of experience and a sharp writing style, his positive outlook is often tempered with life's humorous realities.
Showtime is Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $12. 36657 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor. Info: snappersgrill.com or 727-938-2027.
One-nighters and Special Events
Roast of Santa Claus at Fubar Downtown (free show). St. Nick gets the roast treatment from local comedians. Kyle Ruse, Andrew Silas and John J. Murray tell Santa off in a way the elves and reindeer wish they could. And hey, it's a free show, too. That beats a lump of coal.
Showtime is Wednesday at 8 p.m. Free. 658 Central Ave, St Petersburg. Info: 727-424-1809.
G. David Howard at Sporty's On The Beach. Howard's weekly residence at Sporty's features the longtime comedian drawing from his decades of stage experience. He mixes his regular material with plenty of crowd work to provide the kind of set only a true stand-up veteran can provide.
By the way, there's a $5 coupon for this show on Howard's website under "special offers."
Showtime is Saturday at 9:35 p.m. $20. 17093 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach. Info: 727-596-6725 or gdavidhoward.com.