HOLIDAY EVENTS – Palm Beach Florida Weekly
The Chasin A Dream tree at the Holiday Communi-Trees Event at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 Indiantown Road, Jupiter. Twenty nonprofits decorated trees. Vote for your favorite. Exhibit runs through Dec. 10. COURTESY PHOTO
ONGOING
Holiday Communi-Trees Event — Through Dec. 10 at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E. Indiantown Road, Jupiter. Twenty local not-for-profits decorated holiday trees which are on display in the theater lobby. Vote for your favorite before the exhibition closes. Maltz Jupiter Theatre is an official pick-up location for Lil Smiles 14th annual Toy Drive. New, unwrapped toys for ages newborn to 18 years old are welcomed. Items in high demand include sports equipment, crafts, gifts for teenagers, gifts for age 2 and younger, hot wheels, and Barbies. On stage at the Maltz: “A Christmas Carol” through Dec. 10. www.jupitertheatre.org or 561-575-2223.
Holiday in Paradise — 101 N. Clematis St., West Palm Beach. Sandi, the world’s only 35 foot 700-ton holiday sand tree is standing guard at the Waterfront through Dec. 31.
Synchronized nightly music and light shows — 6 to 10 p.m. on the quarter-hour except during special events.
Hoffman’s Chocolates Holiday Extravaganza, through Dec. 30, features photos with Santa, 5190 Lake Worth Road, Greenacres. COURTESY PHOTO
Screen on the Green — 6-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, on the Great Lawn.
Sandi and Santa’s annual Pancake Breakfast — Dec. 16.
Sunday on the Waterfront — 4-7 p.m. Dec. 17 in Meyer Amphitheatre, 104 Datura St., West Palm Beach. This annual performance by the Aloha Islanders is becoming a West Palm Beach tradition.
Hoffman’s Chocolates Holiday Extravaganza — Through Dec. 30 at Hoffman’s Chocolates Factory, Shoppe, Ice Cream Parlour and Gardens, 5190 Lake Worth Road, Greenacres. The garden is adorned with lights including 15,000 lights and over 800 ornaments on the 40- foot tree. Take photos with Santa from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 8, 9, 16, 16 22 and 23. See and vote on the entries in the local non-profit Holiday Wreath Display Contest. Get 15 percent off your purchase with your valid Florida Blue insurance card. Sign up for a chocolate making class. hoffmans.com/ or 561-967-2213.
Zoo Lights — Dec. 1-3, 8-10, 15-23, 26-30, and Jan. 1-7, Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach. The zoo is decked out for the holidays with over one million eco-friendly lights. Giant animal displays come to light at night as the dense foliage. $15-$26. www.palmbeachzoo.org.
The Gardens Mall — 3101 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens. 561-775-7750 or www.thegardensmall.com.
Santa Photos — Through Dec. 24 on the lower level of Grand Court during mall hours. Reservations: whereissanta.com/mall/0775
Santa Pet Photos — 7-9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. By reservation only at https:// whereissanta.com/mall/0775
Kids’ Corner Holiday Shop — During mall hours through Dec. 24, located on the Lower Level near Nordstrom. This exclusive, kids-only store benefits The Arc of Palm Beach County.
Salvation Army Angel Tree — Through Dec. 17 on the lower level near Sears Court, choose an angel from the Salvation Army Angel Tree and give an underprivileged child in Palm Beach County a better holiday.
Downtown Palm Beach Gardens Holiday Tree Celebration — Dec. 1-24, 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave., Palm Beach Gardens. Stoll the property and view beautiful holiday trees decorated by local non-profits. 561-727-2640 or www.downtownpbg.com.
Santa Snacks & Stories — 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 and 10. Bring your little ones to the interactive water feature to hear classic holiday stories with Santa and enjoy a fun holiday treat. Park in the Whole Foods parking lot and access the event through the Whole Foods Corridor.
The Mall at Wellington Green — 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. 561-227-6900 or www.shopwellingtongreen.com.
Santa Photos at The Ice Palace — Through Dec. 24 in the Ice Palace in Grand Court. By reservation at www.bit. ly/wellsanta1.
The Giving Tree — Through Dec. 11. Select a tag from The Giving Tree, purchase and wrap the items listed, and return the gifts to The Ice Palace. Gifts benefit the Back-to-Basics Angel Program which provides over 10,000 needy children in Palm Beach County with clothing and necessities. For more information on the Back-to-Basics Angel Program, visit www.backtobasicsinc.org/angel-program.
Musicthon — 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 2 in Macy’s Court. The Palm Beach County Music Teachers’ Association features their talented students in piano recitals as a fundraiser for Grace Notes Music Foundation, which provides lessons and scholarships to children who can’t afford them. www.gracenotesmusicfoundation.org.
Paws ‘n Claus — 5-7 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Ice Palace at the Grand Court. Furry family members pose with Santa and receive a gift for their participation. Reservations required at bit.ly/454pZLe.
Sensory Santa — 9-10:30 a.m. Dec. 3. The mall is partnering with Autism Speaks to provide sensory-friendly Santa experiences. Free by reservation bit.ly/4587G86.
Lights 4 Hope Holiday Light Show — Okeeheelee Park, 7715 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach. A drivethrough light show with two miles of animated and musical holiday light displays. Showtimes: 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 6-9 p.m. Sundays and select weeknights, Dec. 1-3, Dec. 8-10, Dec. 15-17, Dec 18- 21, Dec. 22-23, Dec. 25-29. Standard car or truck with up to six people, $20. Large van or small bus with 7-12 people, $30. Large bus with 13 or more people, $40. lights4hope.org.
The ALL-idays At The Square Nightly Snowfalls — 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. nightly through Dec. 31, The Square, 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach. Santa meet-and-greets at The Workshop are from 6-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 5-7 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 24, with extended hours from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 23-24. BYO camera. Stop by the Salvation Army Angel Tree and adopt a child at the Greet House and bless a child with toys and clothes.
New Wave Art Wknd Open Studio, Panel Discussion & Performance — 3-5:30 p.m. Dec. 1. An open studio showcasing works produced by New Wave’s artist-in-residence program, a panel discussion on the lawn and a performance parade down Rosemary Ave. by the Palm Beach Lakes Community High School marching band to Heart & Soul Park for the unveiling of “Genius Loci” by mixed media artist Nekisha Durett.
Pet Day with Santa — 6-8 p.m. Dec. 1, at The Workshop. Hosted by Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. Free.
Culture & Conversations: “A Christmas Carol” — 10 a.m. Dec. 2 on the lawn. Learn the rich legacy and profound message of Dickens’ classic with Les Standiford, the author of “The Man Who Invented Christmas,” and Andrew Kato, the Maltz Jupiter Theater producing artistic director. RSVP at www.Eventbrite.com.
Dreyfoos Student Artist Market — 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 2. The work of visual arts and digital media students at Dreyfoos School of the Arts includes including accessories, jewelry, and other unique handmade goods. Live student performances.
Ferrari Car Show — 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 3. Fast shiny cars displayed along Rosemary Ave.
In Mizner Park
Merry In Mizner — 6 p.m. through Jan. 1 in Mizner Park, Boca Raton. Stroll through Mizner Park and take in the beauty of the holiday light displays. Music on Fridays from 7-9 p.m. near the Christmas tree. Local performers include Morgan Minsk (Dec. 8), Holden Amory (Dec. 15), Teddy Sings (Dec. 22) and the Gratitude Steel Band (Dec. 29).
Stuff-A-Plush — 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, Mizner Park in the South Gazebo. Make your own plush winter critter complete with birth certificate and wishing star. www.myboca.us/2074/Merryin Mizner
Meet The Grinch — 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12 in Mizner Park’s North Gazebo. A free photo with the green legend.
THIS WEEK
“A Christmas Carol” — 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1-3, at Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach. Showtimes are. This is an authentic production of the Charles Dickens classic story. 561-586-6410; www.lakeworthplayhouse.org.
“A Christmas Carol” — Through Dec. 10, Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 Indiantown Road, Jupiter. This production of Dickens’ tale was conceived and developed by Andrew Kato. The simple story is elevated by an array of special effects, and the strolling musicians and carolers are a delight. Tickets start at $50 at www.jupitertheatre.org/ or 561-575-2223.
Holiday Cultural Celebration — 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, at Wellington Amphitheater, 12100 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. Food trucks, vendors, holiday activities like face painting, holiday card crafting, a hot cocoa station, and the tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. Live music from 7:30- 9 p.m. Bring new, unwrapped toy for Wellington’s Annual Hometown Holiday Toy Drive. www.wellingtonfl.gov/
There’s Snow Place Like Jupiter — 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, Abacoa Community Park, 1501 Frederick Small Road, Jupiter. This family event features a tree lighting at 6:30 p.m., 32 tons of real snow, a meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Clause, bounce houses, a live DJ and food and drink vendors. A holiday movie is screening at 6:45 p.m. 561-741-2400.
The Palm Beach Expos Holiday Bash — 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, Palm Beach Gardens Marriott, 4000 RCA BLVD, Palm Beach Gardens. Hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, an ugly sweater contest, and a children’s area with activities. Bring new, unwrapped toys for local children and get a raffle ticket. $15 individual, $30 family, at www.eventbrite.com.
Lake Park Holiday Lights Display — 6-10 p.m. Dec. 1-Jan. 1, along Park Avenue from 7th St. to 10th St., in Lake Park. On Fridays and Saturdays through the month of December, and on Sunday and Monday, Dec. 31-Jan. 1, the road is closed to traffic so pedestrians can stroll the street and enjoy close-up views of the lights. Golf cart rides will be available on pedestrian nights in order to accommodate those who wish to see the lights but may have challenges. Hosted by the Town of Lake Park CRA. 561-840-0160 or email [email protected].
Winter Wonderland Laser Lights and Bites — 6-9 p.m. Fridays, Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22, with laser shows at 8:30 p.m., at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium, 4801 Dreher Park Trail, West Palm Beach. An outdoor laser concert, outdoor exhibits, mini golf and entertainment, science themed activities, food trucks. Meet and greet with Santa, crafts and hands-on activities, face painting, DIY S’mores Station, Twilight Mini Golf. $22 adults, $20 seniors, $18 children, $15 adult members, free for children of members and children younger than 3. 561-832-1988 or https:// www.coxsciencecenter.org/Winter-Wonderland.
Ballet Palm Beach performs “The Nutcracker” — 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2-3 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Tickets start at $20. 561-832-7469; www.kravis.org. www.balletpalmbeach.org.
Tree Lighting and Concert — 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, Gardens North County District Park, 5101 117th Court N., Palm Beach Gardens. Santa arrives at 5:45 p.m. and the tree lighting immediately follows. Food trucks and a concert featuring Wonderama. www.pbgfl.com/747/Tree-Lighting-Concert.
Holiday Art Walk and Tree Lighting — 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, The Peach, 3950 Georgia Ave., West Palm Beach. Support local small businesses, vendors and artists at this art show and tree lighting. A toy drive is also planned. Entertainment is by DJ Darren. 561-532-0900 or thepeachwpb.com.
The Symphonic Band of the Palm Beaches performs “Swinging Holidays” — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, Duncan Theatre, Lake Worth Beach. Unique interpretations of traditional holiday music, including a special arrangement of Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf. $25. symphonicband.org/upcoming events.
Christmas at Whitehall Christmas Tree Lighting — Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Free with museum admission. The Holiday Evening Tours take place at 6, 6:15, 6:30, and 6:45 p.m. Dec. 19-23. Free for members. $50 adults, $30 for ages 17 and younger. Advance purchase required. www.flaglermuseum.org or 561-655-2833.
Holiday Lecture: “The Man Who Invented Christmas” — 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, Flagler Museum, 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach. Free for Patron level Members and above. A lecture by author Les Standiford about the writing of his book, “The Man Who Invented Christmas”, how Charles Dickens saved his career as an author and created an enduring Christmas tradition. $15 members, $40 nonmembers. www.flaglermuseum.org or 561-655-2833.
“The Big Band Holidays – Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra” — 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, Society of the Four Arts, Gubelmann Auditorium, 102 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach. With Wynton Marsalis and featuring vocalist Ashley Pezzotti. Full of lush, soulful arrangements of sacred and secular favorites. $40. Free for members. www.fourarts.org or 561-655-7226.
FAU’S Tuba Christmas — 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, Mizner Park Amphitheater, Boca Raton. A national tradition with tuba lovers all over the U.S. Hosted by The City of Boca Raton and Conducted by Florida Atlantic University’s Marc Decker. Free. BYO chairs, blankets. Email [email protected].
The Holly Jolly Symphony Fete — 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 5, Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Champagne and cocktails, silent auction, music by the Palm Beach Symphony Brass Quintet, In Truth Vocal Ensemble from the King’s Academy, and the Chamber Ensemble from Lake Worth Community High School, food, and the presentations of donated instruments to Palm Beach County school children. $300, which supports the symphony’s educational initiatives and instrument donation program. www.palmbeachsymphony.org/ support/holly-jolly or 561-568-0265.
The Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade and Toy Drive — 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. led by a Zambelli traveling fireworks display, the parade begins in North Palm Beach and heads north along the Intracoastal Waterway to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. The grand finale will take place at the Jupiter Lighthouse. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots and Little Smiles. www.marinepbc.org.
The Village of North Palm Beach Tree Lighting — 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, Veterans Memorial Park, outside the Village Library, North Palm Beach. A performance by North Palm Youth Symphony, treats by Friends of the Library, official tree lighting with the Mayor and fun “snow” for the children are planned.
The Palm Beach Gardens Concert Band presents “Winter Wonderland” — 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, at the PBSC Eissey Campus Theatre, 11051 Campus Drive, Palm Beach Gardens. A selection of holiday favorites. $25. 561-207-5900.
The “Brandenburg Concertos” — 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6 at the Society of the Four Arts, 100 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach. Performed by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. A collection of six instrumental works given to the Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt in 1721 by Johann Sebastian Bach (though probably composed earlier), which captures the celebratory spirit of the holidays.
The Visionary Duo, violinist Tessa Lark and pianist Peter Dugan, performs — Dec. 7, Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway West Palm Beach. The program “explores the intersection of tradition and innovation.” Tickets are $75 at 561-379-6773 or www.cmspb.org.
Dreyfoos School of the Arts Winter Holiday Dance Show — Dec. 8, Meyer Hall, 501 S. Sapodilla Ave., West Palm Beach. 561-802-6000; soafi.org/events.
Taking the Nations for Jesus Ministry Toy Giveaway — 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, John Prince Park, 2700 Sixth Ave. S., Lake Worth. Come out and join us for a fun day of activities, bounce houses, cotton candy, free food, goody bags, toys, family photo opportunities, and more. www.takingthenations.org or 561-237-5610.
The 47th Annual Jupiter Tequesta Christmas Parade — 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, in Abacoa. Its theme is “Zoo Animal Christmas,” and the original decorations hope to catch guests off-guard with their creativity. But Santa Claus is still the guest of honor for the Christmas Parade. The parade organizers from the Jupiter Tequesta Athletic Association worked hard to find an alternative location because of the bridge construction on U.S. 1, and they did. The new route is about a mile and a half long. The parade will last about two hours. To check for a cancellation on parade day, call 561-746-1722.
Jazz & Gospel in the Gardens — 1-3 p.m. Dec.10, Ann Norton Sculpture Garden, 253 Barcelona Road, West Palm Beach. A favorite venue for music, this year the series is “Celebrating the Greats.” www.ansg.org or 561-832-5328.
The 39th annual Wellington Holiday Parade — 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, along Forest Hill Blvd., starting at Wellington Trace and ending at Ken Adams Way, Wellington. Hosted by the Village of Wellington and the Central Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce, this year’s theme is “Holidays Around the World” and features imaginative floats, marching bands, characters and dance troupes. https:// www.wellingtonfl.gov/
The Masterworks Chorus of the Palm Beaches performs Handel’s “Messiah” — 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at Royal Poinciana Chapel, 60 Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach. Bask in the beauty of this beloved score and sing along to the ‘hallelujah’ chorus. 561-845-9696 or www.masterworkspb.org.
The Symphonic Band of the Palm Beaches performs “Swinging Holidays” — 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at the PBSC Eissey Campus Theatre, 11051 Campus Drive, Palm Beach Gardens. Tickets are $21 at 561-832-3115.
The New World Symphony performs — 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and begins with a “Beyond The Stage Pre-Concert Talk” at 6:30 p.m. in the Rinker Playhouse. The Kravis’ classical artistic advisor Phillip Bergmann reveals interesting facts and background about the music highlighting elements of interest and features interviews with special guests from the ensembles.
The “Holiday Extravaganza: Grinchmas Edition” — Noon- 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, 500 Captain Armours Way, Jupiter. Children’s activities include crafts and games and visits by The Grinch and the Winter Princess. Local vendors for holiday shopping, food trucks, and at 6 p.m., a special outdoor screening of the holiday classic “The Grinch” is planned. BYO blankets or lawn chairs. Lil Smiles hosts an activity and toy drive on the deck at the base of the lighthouse. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the 14th annual Toy Drive. $15 adults, $10 age 6-18. Free for age 6 and younger. 561-747-8380 or www.jupiterlighthouse.org.
HAPPY HANNUKAH
Wellington Jewish Center Hanukkah Celebration — 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Mall at Wellington Green, 13100 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. Free. 561-333-4663 or www.wellingtonjewishcenter.org/
Chabad Lubavitch of Wellington’s annual Hanukkah Party — 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Olympia Club House, West Palm Beach. A gelt drop, live music, latkes, doughnuts and dreidels. Free but reservations are required at www.wellingtonjewishcenter.org.
Hannukah with Palm Beach Synagogue — 5-7 p.m. Dec. 11, at The Square, 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach. Palm Beach Synagogue presents a vibrant display of traditions including a menorah lighting and special treats. Free. www.thesquarewpb.com.
