December 10, 2020

Sun Sentinel – Here’s a list of Christmas entertainment, events and things to do

By Here’s a list of Christmas entertainment, events and things to do

People take in the view of the 47 foot iTree, animated Christmas tree at Mizner Park in Boca Raton on Monday, November 23, 2020. The tree is equipped with 32,000 PVC branches, red and gold bows, ornaments and 25,000 clear and multi-colored LED lights.
People take in the view of the 47 foot iTree, animated Christmas tree at Mizner Park in Boca Raton on Monday, November 23, 2020. The tree is equipped with 32,000 PVC branches, red and gold bows, ornaments and 25,000 clear and multi-colored LED lights. (Carline Jean / South Florida Sun Sentinel)

It’s always a little tricky getting into the Christmas spirit here in the sunny subtropics. And this year, thanks to a global pandemic, hitting that holiday high seems almost impossible.

Think about it, if anyone is likely to wedge himself into that coronavirus category of risk factors, wouldn’t it be Santa?

Yeah, that went dark fast. It’s the times; they are truly dire.

But think of us as Santa’s helpers. We’ve rounded up yuletide-themed events and activities that just might put a little fest in your festive season.

For 26 years, Delray Beach has impressed locals and visitors alike with their 100 Ft Christmas Tree. In 2016 it was named by Travel & Leisure magazine "The Best Tree in the state of Florida." Building the Tree is a month-long community event and is part of the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority's "Very Merry Mondays" holiday event.
For 26 years, Delray Beach has impressed locals and visitors alike with their 100 Ft Christmas Tree. In 2016 it was named by Travel & Leisure magazine "The Best Tree in the state of Florida." Building the Tree is a month-long community event and is part of the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority's "Very Merry Mondays" holiday event. (Delray Beach Downtown Developmen / Courtesy)

Now through Dec. 21: Dowtown Delray Beach is having “Very Merry Mondays” from 4-7 p.m. with Yuletide Carolers, live music, prize drawings and special offers. Throughout the week you can also enjoy the 100 foot tall Christmas tree, holiday lights/decorations, wreath displays, a festive window contest for businesses and a call for donations to the the Delray Beach Police Department’s Annual Toy Drive. The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority also has a Downtown Delray Beach Holiday Gift Guides with gift ideas from retailers at DowntownDelrayBeach.com/holidays. For more information, call 561-243-1077 or go to DowntownDelrayBeach.com/holidays or Facebook.com/DelrayDDA.

Through Dec. 23: Santa’s Drive-Thru Village will be a winter wonderland experience you enjoy from inside your car as you take in live presentations. There will be six villages you can drive through, including Singing Carolers Town, Winter Wonderland Paradise, Mrs. Claus’ Village and the North Pole Village, Merry and Bright Lights, the Elves’ Toy Factory and Santa’s Magical Cabin. Santa’s Drive-Thru Village will be at Miramar Regional Park, 16801 Miramar Parkway, Miramar. Hours are 6-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 5:30-10 p.m. Fridays-Sundays. Admission is $48.99, $58.99 and $68.99 per car with no more than seven people per vehicle. To order tickets, go to SantasDriveThruVillage.com.

Through Dec. 23: “Santa’s Spectacular, A Drive-Thru Musical” in Miami allows you to sing along with Christmas carols from your car. In the evenings there will also be a holiday light showcase. For those willing to leave their cars, there will also be an open-air holiday market with artisan crafts for sale, a cocktail lodge, a do-it-yourself wreath bar. At Tamiami Park, 11201 SW 24th St., Miami (use the entrance on Coral Way and 114th Ave). Hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Tickets are $45 and $55. To order, go to Santa-Spectacular.com or Eventbrite.com.

Through Dec. 30: The Water Taxi is once again launching its Holiday Light Cruises, 90-minute trips on Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway with views of holiday lights on waterfront mansions. There will also be $8 holiday-themed cocktails, including the Peppermint Patty, Boozy Cider and Knotty Coffee as well as non-alcoholic beverages. The pickup site for the double-decker boat is at the dock behind the Riverside Hotel and the Historic Stranahan House. Cruises begin at 6:30 p.m. (select dates have an added 8:30 p.m. departure). Tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for children ages 2-11. To order, call 954-467-6677 or go to WaterTaxi.com/tickets.

Through Dec. 31: Sandi — a 35 foot tall, 700 ton holiday tree made of sand — will return to Sandi Land on the West Palm Beach waterfront. There will be nightly music and light shows from 6-10 p.m. right up until midnight on New Year’s Eve. Also check out the choreographed water dance at the Centennial Square Fountain, which is in the final stages of a $1.8 million renovation. There will be free activities such as a visit with Santa, who will be inside a snow globe, open-air art lessons and sing-along/storytime sessions. For a schedule, go to WPB.org/events. Sandi and Sandi Land will be located on the Great Lawn at 100 N. Clematis St., West Palm Beach (at the east end of Clematis Street, just west of Flagler Drive).

Through Dec. 31: Gulfstream Park Village will once again host its annual “Symphony in Lights” holiday spectacle with a more than a quarter million lights choreographed to the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and other holiday tunes. The 15-minute light show, which is free, starts at the top of every hour from 6-11 p.m. at the open-air entertainment center. 901 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach. Info: GulfstreamPark.com.

Through Dec. 31: Michael Walters and Joseph Zimmer are South Florida actors and professional Santas — with over 70 years of combined experience working as Kris Kringles, mostly at theme parks — who are doing virtual video visits as St. Nick. You can personalize your family’s conversation with add-ons including a cameo visit from Mrs. Claus ($35), a virtual Christmas card video clip ($25), a letter from the North Pole, a reading of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” ($15) and a video copy of your experience ($15). Prices are $50 and $75 (for premium dates on Dec. 24, 25 and 31). Info: email info.LiveSantaCalls@gmail.com or go to LiveSantaCalls.com.

Through Dec. 31: Aventura Mall will have several holiday happenings. The Grinch’s Grotto will allow you to pose with the Grinch (in his cave, no less). General admission is $50 and VIP admission is $200. To order tickets, go to GrinchGrotto.com. There will be a 6,300 square-foot Selfie Station space with 20 backdrops. Tickets are $25 and $30 for adults and $20 for children ages 3-12. To order, go to SelfieStationAventura.com. There will also be a Deck The Halls Shoppe by the Christmas Palace pop-up in a glass atrium and an 18-by-30-foot model train display at Aventura Station.

Through Jan. 1: Mizner Park in Boca Raton will have a 47 foot iTree, an animated Christmas tree with 32,000 PVC branches, red and gold bows, ornaments and 25,000 clear and multi-colored LED lights. The iTree will be on the South end of Mizner Park near Yard House and not at the Mizner Park Amphitheater as in years past). There will be free nightly light and music shows every hour between 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Through Jan. 1: The Shops at Midtown Miami will have “Candy Cane Lane,” with a fantasy tunnel of Christmas lights and candy canes as well as holiday-themed scenes with gingerbread, elves and presents. Via video, Santa and Mrs. Clause will read some Christmas stories (with Spanish subtitles). Three families can win the opportunity for a five-minute Zoom call with Santa. To enter the drawing, go to ZoomToTheNorthPole.ShopMidtownMiami.com between Dec. 1-14. The Shops is at 3401 North Miami Ave., Miami. For more information, go to ShopMidtownMiami.com.

The Boca Center will have #MerryatBocaCenter events that include: virtual Santa meet and greets, a winter wonderland photo booth, snow globe workshops, holiday happy hours, live music and toy drives.
The Boca Center will have #MerryatBocaCenter events that include: virtual Santa meet and greets, a winter wonderland photo booth, snow globe workshops, holiday happy hours, live music and toy drives. (Boca Center / Courtesy)

Through Jan. 4: The Boca Center is having a series of winter-themed activities for the family. #MerryatBocaCenter includes, a winter wonderland photo booth, snow globe workshop (Saturday, Dec. 12 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; tickets are $10 at Eventbrite.com), holiday happy hours, live music (every Friday from 5-7 p.m.) and toy drives. Boca Center is located at 5150 Town Center Circle (north of Palmetto Park Road on Military Trail). For more information, go toBocaCenter.com.

Dec. 9-13: “The Judy and Barbra Show, Holiday Special” features Judy Garlandand Barbra Streisand impersonators Summer Orlando and Barbra Joan Streetsand at Empire Stage. The live vocal show isn’t just a tribute performance, but replicates the costumes and comedy bits made famous by the two superstars. The narrative follows Streisand, who is having a holiday party and discovers ruby slippers in a wrapped present, which allow the performer to bring Garland back to life for a one-night-only reunion concert. Empire Stage is at 1140 N. Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays; 4 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $35. To order, call 954-678-1396 or go to EmpireStage.com.

Dec. 10-18: “Island City Stage’s Holiday Spectacular” will be a virtual variety show — a sort of throwback to Christmas musical-comedy variety shows of the ’50s to ’70s by Bob Hope, Cher, Perry Como and Andy Williams. Hosted by playwright Michael McKeever, the show will feature songs of the season sung by South Florida performers from some of the Wilton Manors-based theater company’s most popular productions. Tickets are $38. Info: IslandCityStage.org.

Dec. 10-20: Lake Worth Playhouse will stage “Annie The Musical,” a musical-comedy set during Christmas-time in the middle of the Great Depression and centered around a plucky orphan based on the famous comic strip by Harold Gray. The Playhouse is at 713 Lake Ave., Lake Worth. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. matinees Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $35. To order, call 561-586-6410 or go to LakeWorthPlayhouse.org.

Dec. 11: There will be a Winter Wonderland Way holiday light show you can drive through being stage by the Broward Health Medical Center and the Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital. You are encouraged to wear festive attire and decorate your cars. The event is free, but you should register at BrowardHealth.org/holiday. The holiday tunes, light shows and Yuletide displays will take place from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Broward Health Medical Center at 1600 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale.

Dec. 11: Old School Square will have a live holiday concert with swing and jazz band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy performing their “Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party” at 8 p.m. Ticket prices are $100-$400 and the show will be held at the Pavilion At Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Seating is in pods, which can contain four seats. To order tickets, go to OldSchoolSquare.org or Eventbrite.com.

Dec. 11-13: “A Christmas Carol — The Musical” will be performed live at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts with COVID-19 safety mandates including social distancing (you can buy tickets in pods of two or four) and actors wearing transparent masks. The Broward Center is located at 201 SW 5th Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Showtimes are 5 and 8 p.m. Friday as well as 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $25. To order, call 954-462-0222 or go to BrowardCenter.org.

Dec. 11-23: The Historic Stranahan House Museum is once again offering their Victorian Holiday Tours through the holiday-decorated museum in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The nighttime tour includes costumed docents, music and a sweet treat from the Georgia Pig. Stranahan House is located at 335 SE 6th Ave (just off of Las Olas Boulevard). Tickets are $25 per person. To order, go to StranahanHouse.org or to tinyurl.com/stranahanholiday. For more information, call 954-524-4736 or email director@stranahanhouse.org.

Dec. 12: The Master Chorale of South Florida will perform “Home For the Holidays,” a virtual concert with the 120-voice chorale. There will also be an online silent auction that begins on Dec. 1. Showtime is 7 p.m. Tickets are $25. There is a VIP ticket for $100 for two people where you get a delivery in advance of a food basket with hors d’oeuvres, savory and sweet snacks, dessert and wine. To order, go to MasterChoraleOfSouthFlorida.org.

Dec. 12-13: Boca Ballet Theatre will have a video streaming production of “The Nutcracker” with stars from the American Ballet Theater, Remy Young and Joseph Markey. You must reserve your virtual “seats” for your choice of performance dates and then you have the option to donate to BBT to support this production. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13. To reserve a spot, go to BocaBallet.org. Info: email Nicole Winter at nwinter@bocaballet.org or call 561-995-0709.

Dec. 12, 19, 20: “Madeline’s Christmas” will be performed by the Actors’ Playhouse Musical Theatre for Young Audiences. This musical is based on the children’s books penned and illustrated by Ludwig Bemelmans and set in a Catholic boarding school in Paris. In this show everyone, except the title character Madeline, gets the flu and may not be able to go home for the holidays. The Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre is at 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. Showtimes are 2 p.m. Saturdays on Dec. 12, 19 and at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20. Tickets are $25. To order, call 305-444-9293 or go to ActorsPlayhouse.org/childrens-theatre.

Dec. 13: “The Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus Present Holidays Under the Stars,” is an al fresco Christmas concert of live holiday tunes at All Saints Episcopal Church. The special guest will be Israeli singer Ricky Pen. All Saints is located at 333 Tarpon Dr., Fort Lauderdale. Showtime is 7 p.m. Lawn seating spaces and car park spaces range from $50-$150. To order, call 954-832-0069 or go to FTLGMC.org.

Pop and stage musical star Deborah Cox and Richard Jay-Alexander at the Arsht Live @ Seaspice event. Jay-Alexander directed Cox's Christmas show taking the stage at the Arsht Center in Miami on Dec. 19.
Pop and stage musical star Deborah Cox and Richard Jay-Alexander at the Arsht Live @ Seaspice event. Jay-Alexander directed Cox's Christmas show taking the stage at the Arsht Center in Miami on Dec. 19. (WorldRedEye.com / Courtesy)

Dec. 19: “Deborah Cox: I’ll Be Home for Christmas - A Special Holiday Concert” will feature South Florida’s own pop diva doing a mix of her multi-platinum hits and Christmas classics at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. The Parkland resident will also perform show tunes from her turns on the stage in musicals such as “Aida,” “Waitress,” “Jekyll & Hyde,”“The Wiz” and “The Bodyguard.” The show has been directed by Richard Jay-Alexander, known as the Diva Whisperer for working with Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Julie Andrews, Kristin Chenoweth and Bernadette Peters. The staging will be cabaret-style with tables placed six feet apart. The Arsht Center is at 1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $60 per person. To order, call 305-949-6722 or go to ArshtCenter.org.

Dec. 19: Jazz, pop and soul singer Nicole Henry will perform her eighth annual winter concert titled “I Sing Because I’m Happy” in a virtual performance this year. The Miami resident plans on an HD production with six cameras and an eight-piece band at the show staged live from Pinecrest Gardens. The emcee will be former WPLG news anchor Laurie Jennings. As in the past, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Miami Music Project. Showtime is 8 p.m. General admission tickets are $35 and VIP tickets are $75 through Nov. 30 and $85 afterward (includes a pre-concert virtual backstage experience, a VIP-only encore songs performance, post-concert virtual meet and greet and — solely for the U.S. — an official “8th Annual Winter Concert” beach bag). To order, go to NicoleHenry.com.

Dec. 21: Johnnie Brown’s in Delray Beach will have an Ugly Sweater Contest from 7-11 p.m. But if you want to win the $250 grand prize, you’ll also have to sing at least one song on-stage during “Faded Karaoke” where you’ll be backed by the the restaurant/live entertainment venue’s live house band. There will also be $100 gift certificates awarded. Johnnie Brown’s is located at 301 E Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. For more information, call 561-243-9911 or go to JohnnieBrowns.com.

Dec. 22: Popular Las Vegas impersonators and twins Anthony and Eddie Edwardsbring to South Florida their act re-creating Sonny and Cher, Stevie Wonder, Neil Diamond, Johnny Mathis, Rod Stewart, Bette Midler, Elton John, Celine Dion, Lionel Richie, Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga, Ray Charles, Andrea Bocelli, Tom Jones and Dolly Parton. Showtime for “The Edwards Twins Live: Holiday With The Stars” is at 8 p.m. at Lake Park Black Box, 700 Park Ave., Lake Park. Tickets are $46.35 and $61.80. To order, call 561-328-7481 and LakeParkBlackBox.com.

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