Sophia's Bat MitzvahSophia's Bat Mitzvah Weekend
Sunset over Clearwater Beach, Florida

Clearwater Beach · December 2026

Sophia's
Bat Mitzvah Weekend

December 18–20, 2026 · Clearwater Beach, Florida

A weekend to remember.

Explore the WeekendBook Your Stay

Counting down to December 19

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Hello & Welcome

Welcome to Sophia's Weekend

We can't wait to celebrate this incredible milestone with the people we love. We're bringing everyone together on Clearwater Beach for a weekend filled with family, friendship, tradition, sunshine and plenty of celebration.

Whether you're coming from across town or flying across the country, we created this site to make your weekend easy. Everything you need—from where to stay and where to be to what to do between celebrations—is right here.

Welcome to the Bat Mitzvah of Sophia — December 19, 2026, Clearwater, FL

Weekend at a Glance

Three days on the Gulf

Every gathering happens within a two-minute walk on S. Gulfview Blvd. Here's how the weekend unfolds.

Friday, December 18

Let's Taco 'Bout Shabbat!

Out-of-Town Family & Friends Shabbat Dinner

Time
6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location
Water's Edge Ballroom at The Edge Hotel
(Right next door to the Holiday Inn & Suites)
505 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach, FL 33767

Before the celebration kicks into high gear, join us for a very special evening — just for our out-of-town family and friends. We'll welcome the Shabbat together with candles, blessings, and challah… and then things get delicious.

Because if there's one thing Sophia loves almost as much as her family, it's tacos — we're setting up a build-your-own Taco Shabbat bar with fresh fish, seasoned proteins, veggies and all the fixings. Our menu is designed with gluten-free options and a few fun surprises. Come hungry, come ready to celebrate, and get ready to start the weekend off right (and a little spicy).

This dinner is intended for invited out-of-town family and friends.

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Saturday, December 19

Sophia Becomes a Bat Mitzvah!

Time
Guest arrival 3:45 PM · Begins promptly at 4:00 PM
Location
Water's Edge Ballroom at The Edge Hotel
(Next to the Holiday Inn & Suites)
505 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach, FL 33767

Join us as Sophia stands before the Torah and officially becomes a Bat Mitzvah — a daughter of the commandment, ready to take her place in our family's story. Get ready to sing, to laugh, maybe shed a happy tear or two, and celebrate this simcha together.

Please arrive by 3:45 PM

The service begins promptly at 4:00 PM — we don't want you to miss a moment of Sophia's big day!

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Saturday, December 19

Let's Get Ready to Hora!

Time
Immediately Following the Ceremony
Location
Duval Conference Center
(Right next door to the Holiday Inn & Suites)
521 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach, FL 33767

The service was just the beginning — now it's time to celebrate! Join us for an unforgettable night of food, drinks, and dancing as we lift Sophia up (literally!) and celebrate her big day in true simcha style.

Get your dancing shoes on, because once that hora starts, there's no sitting this one out! Saturday night is Italian style with fish, Chicken Marsala, fresh veggies and a pasta bar — plus a few Sophia-inspired surprises.

Dress Code: Celebratory & Dance-Ready

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Sunday, December 20

Bagels, Lox & Goodbyes (For Now!)

Out-of-Town Family & Friends Brunch

Time
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location
Duval Conference Center
(Where the celebration happened — right next door to the Holiday Inn & Suites)
521 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach, FL 33767

Before you hit the road (or the airport), stop by and send the weekend off right! Come as you are — pajamas welcome — for a relaxed morning spread of lox and bagels, fresh fruit, veggies and more.

It's the perfect chance for one more coffee, one more hug, and one more "can you believe Sophia is a Bat Mitzvah now?!" before we say see-you-soon.

This brunch is intended for invited out-of-town family and friends.

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Everything Is Steps Away

Park once. Unpack once. Enjoy the weekend.

The entire celebration is concentrated within three neighboring Clearwater Beach properties — approximately one to two minutes apart on foot.

Shared parking serves all three locations — leave the keys in the room.

Where to Stay

Stay Where the Celebration Is

Two neighboring hotels put you steps from every event of the weekend. Choose the one that fits your family best.
Holiday Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach

Stay here

Holiday Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach

521 S. Gulfview Blvd.
  • Waterfront location
  • Pool
  • Jimmy's Fish House & Iguana Bar
  • Steps from all weekend events
  • Family-friendly
Book Holiday Inn

Books online through the IHG room-block link.

Edge Hotel Clearwater Beach

Or stay here

Edge Hotel Clearwater Beach

505 S. Gulfview Blvd.
  • Directly beside the Holiday Inn
  • Home of Friday Shabbat & the Saturday ceremony
  • Rooftop and pool atmosphere
  • Gulf views
  • Steps from Duval Conference Center
Call 727-281-3100

Reservations are made by phone — mention Sophia Seigel's Bat Mitzvah and group code SSBMW26.

You can't make a bad choice—both hotels put you right in the middle of Sophia's weekend.

Getting to Clearwater Beach

Getting Here Is Easy

Clearwater Beach sits in the Tampa Bay area, so you have more than one airport to choose from. Drive times from either airport are approximate and depend on traffic.

TPA

Tampa International Airport

The primary major-airport option, with the widest selection of nonstop flights.

Airport info

PIE

St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport

A smaller, convenient alternative depending on the flights available to you.

Airport info

Rideshare or rental car?

Rideshare is simple if you're staying at one of the two event hotels. Rent a car if you'd like to explore the wider Tampa Bay area or plan day trips beyond the beach.

Once you arrive, almost everything for Sophia's weekend is walkable.

Make a Weekend of It

You Came for Sophia. Stay for Clearwater Beach.

Have a few hours before the festivities? Staying an extra day? You're already at one of Florida's most popular beach destinations—go enjoy it.
  • Beach Time at Shephard's

    Beach Time at Shephard's

    2–3 min walk · 619 S Gulfview Blvd

    Sand, drinks and more — right next door. Shephard's Beach Resort has the Tiki Beach Bar & Grill and direct beach access just a couple of minutes south of the hotels.

    Visit websiteDirections
  • Pirate Mini Golf

    Pirate Mini Golf

    1–2 min walk · 630 S Gulfview Blvd

    Captain Bligh's Landing is right across the street — a pirate-themed course that's an easy win with kids, teens and grandparents alike.

    Directions727-443-6348
  • Jet Skis & Watersports

    Jet Skis & Watersports

    2–5 min walk

    Makin' Waves runs jet ski rentals from directly behind Shephard's, and Clearwater Watersports is a few blocks south toward Clearwater Pass.

    Visit websiteDirections
  • Bikes & Scooters

    Bikes & Scooters

    At The Edge Hotel · or 2–3 min walk to Shephard's

    Bikes and scooters can be rented right at The Edge Hotel, and Beach Scooter & Bike Rentals is also based at Shephard's — grab a cruiser and ride the beach walk end to end.

    Visit websiteDirections
  • Sunsets at Pier 60

    Sunsets at Pier 60

    ~15 min walk north

    Nightly sunset festival with street performers, crafts and the classic Clearwater Beach send-off. A flat, scenic walk up the beach.

    Visit websiteDirections
  • Dolphin & Pirate Cruises

    Dolphin & Pirate Cruises

    ~15 min walk · Clearwater Beach Marina

    Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise, Little Toot Dolphin Adventure and the Sea Screamer all leave from the marina by the causeway.

    Visit websiteDirections
  • Go Fishing

    Go Fishing

    ~15 min walk · Clearwater Beach Marina

    Half-day and deep-sea charters run out of the same marina — Double Eagle is the easy family option.

    Visit websiteDirections
  • Clearwater Marine Aquarium

    Clearwater Marine Aquarium

    ~5 min drive · 249 Windward Passage

    A working rescue and rehab center across the causeway — best reached by a short rideshare rather than on foot.

    Visit websiteDirections
Waterfront dining table at dusk in Clearwater Beach

Eat & Drink

Hungry Between Celebrations?

A short list of where to go when you need a bite, a coffee or a table on the water — all within a walk of the hotels.

Easy & Casual

Quick bites between celebrations, all a short walk down the beach.

  • Jimmy's Fish House & Iguana Bar

    Coastal seafood · breakfast, lunch & dinner · Inside the Holiday Inn & Suites — downstairs

    The easiest meal of the weekend — you never have to leave the hotel.

    WebsiteMap

  • Jimmy's on the Edge

    Rooftop bar & grill · beach fare · Inside The Edge Hotel — 10th floor rooftop

    Best rooftop view of the Gulf, steps from where we're celebrating.

    WebsiteMap

  • Rum Runner's Tiki Bar

    Poolside drinks & snacks · Inside the Holiday Inn & Suites — poolside

    WebsiteMap

  • Tiki Beach Grill at Shephard's

    Beach fare & grouper tacos · 2–3 min walk · right next door

    Toes-in-the-sand tables with live music most afternoons.

    WebsiteMap

  • Frenchy's Restaurants

    Clearwater Beach institution · grouper sandwiches · Four locations, all within a mile

    The Super Grouper sandwich is the local rite of passage.

    WebsiteMap

  • Crabby's Beachwalk Bar & Grill

    Seafood & sandwiches · ~5 min walk up Beach Walk

    WebsiteMap

Great for Families

Roomy tables, kid-approved menus and no-fuss service.

  • Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar

    Casual American · beachfront · ~12 min walk north on the sand

    Historic 1926 beach pavilion — sunset from the deck is the whole point.

    WebsiteMap

  • Crabby's Beachwalk Bar & Grill

    Seafood & sandwiches · ~5 min walk

    WebsiteMap

  • Kilwins Clearwater Beach

    Ice cream & fudge · ~10 min walk on Beach Walk

    The after-dinner walk everyone will ask for twice.

    WebsiteMap

Dinner & Drinks

A grown-up night out on the beach.

  • Jimmy's on the Edge

    Rooftop bar & restaurant · live music and DJs · Inside The Edge Hotel — 10th floor

    WebsiteMap

  • Bob Heilman's Beachcomber

    Classic American · since 1948 · ~10 min walk

    Old-school Clearwater — famous for the four-course fried chicken.

    WebsiteMap

  • Salt Cracker Fish Camp

    Fresh Gulf seafood · ~15 min walk · Clearwater Beach Marina

    WebsiteMap

  • COVE Kitchen + Bar at Shephard's

    Coastal-chic · waterfront patio · 2–3 min walk · right next door

    WebsiteMap

Coffee / Breakfast

Morning coffee runs and early beach-walk fuel.

  • Parlor Donuts

    Coffee & donuts · 7am–5pm · Inside the Holiday Inn & Suites — lobby level

    Grab-and-go coffee without leaving the building.

    WebsiteMap

  • Clear Sky Beachside Cafe

    All-day breakfast & brunch · ~10 min walk on Beach Walk

    Best bet for a big table and a proper breakfast before the beach.

    WebsiteMap

  • Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill

    Beachfront breakfast & coffee · ~12 min walk

    WebsiteMap

Waterfront

Tables with a view of the Gulf and the Intracoastal.

  • Jimmy's on the Edge

    Rooftop dining above the Gulf · Inside The Edge Hotel — 10th floor

    Time it for sunset.

    WebsiteMap

  • Jimmy's Fish House & Iguana Bar

    Waterfront seafood at the Holiday Inn · Inside the Holiday Inn & Suites

    WebsiteMap

  • COVE Kitchen + Bar at Shephard's

    Gulf views, wall-to-wall windows · 2–3 min walk · right next door

    WebsiteMap

  • Salt Cracker Fish Camp

    Marina-side seafood · ~15 min walk · Clearwater Beach Marina

    WebsiteMap

  • Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar

    Right on the sand · ~12 min walk north

    WebsiteMap

The playlist

Request a song for Sophia's party

Once the hora ends, the dance floor is all yours. Tell the DJ what will get you out of your seat on Saturday night.

On the list so far

No requests yet — be the first to start the playlist.

A note for Sophia

Sign the digital guestbook

Leave a wish, a memory or a bit of advice — before the weekend or long after it. Sophia will read every single one.

The first page is blank — leave the very first note for Sophia.

Shared gallery

Share your weekend photos

Snapped something great? Upload it straight from your phone and it joins the shared weekend gallery for everyone to see.

Up to 10 photos at a time, 15MB each. Everyone visiting this page can see them.

The gallery fills up during the weekend — check back after Friday night.

How Well Do You Know Sophia?

Just for fun

How Well Do You Know Sophia?

Think you know Sophia? It’s time to prove it. From Broadway and boba to childhood memories and some very Sophia favorites, see how many you can get right.

No studying allowed.

Know Before You Go

Questions, answered

All Together. All Celebration. All Unforgettable.

The best part of Sophia's weekend isn't the beach, the hotels or even the party. It's having all of you here to celebrate this milestone with her.

We can't wait to celebrate with you in Clearwater Beach.

Sophia's Bat Mitzvah

December 18–20, 2026 · Clearwater Beach, Florida