One of the best things about South Florida is that our subtropical climate means that we can have festival fun just about all year long. With that in mind, welcome to “SoFlo Festivals, Festivities & Family Fun,” a new feature that will give you a monthly look ahead to celebrations throughout Palm Beach and Broward counties. Here’s our list for December, but keep coming back to this post because we’ll continue to add events.
CELTIC WINTER FAIRE
“The Year of the Gnome” is the theme for this event, which celebrates Celtic folklore and food with live music, artisans and immersive entertainment (World Famous Gnome Race, Horseless Joust, free sword classes, archery range, belly dancers, falconry demonstrations, blacksmithing demonstrations/classes, Bells 2 Go’s mobile carillon). There will be more than 100 local vendors and performers. “The Year of the Gnome celebrates humor, craftsmanship, and community,” said organizer Ben Kerr, of Fae Festivals. “It’s a chance for everyone, from families to fantasy fans, to step into a world of music, laughter and magic. We want guests to feel like they’ve joined a living story … a place where holiday magic and Celtic tradition meet.”
WHEN: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Dec. 21
WHERE: John Prince Park, 2700 Sixth Ave. S., Lake Worth Beach
COST: $30 a person, or $25 a person for groups of four or more
INFORMATION: faefestivals.com
The Celtic Winter Faire returns Dec.13-14 and Dec. 20-21 at John Prince Park in Lake Worth Beach. (Celtic Winter Faire/Courtesy)
“A PAW PATROL CHRISTMAS — PAJAMA PARTY & HOLIDAY SPECIAL”
Everyone’s favorite heroic pups of Adventure Bay star in this “paw-liday” animated special at the AutoNation IMAX Theater at the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale. The museum encourages families to wear holiday pajamas or sweaters and enjoy winter science fun, a tropical “snowball” challenge, crafts and hot chocolate topped with liquid nitrogen-frozen marshmallows. The screening includes “pupcorn” and a small drink. Also, from 11 a.m.- to 2 p.m., there will be a special Touch-A-Truck and Pet-A-Pup meet-and-greet with community first responders and their K-9 partners.
WHEN: 9-11 a.m. (10 a.m. screening) Saturday, Dec. 13
WHERE: Museum of Discovery and Science, 401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale
COST: $38 a person
INFORMATION: mods.org
Families are encouraged to dress in festive pajamas and sweaters for “A PAW Patrol Christmas Holiday Special” at the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale. (Museum of Discovery & Science/Courtesy)
PROMENADE AT COCONUT CREEK’S ANNUAL CHANUKAH CELEBRATION
The open-air shopping center and Chabad Lubavitch of Coconut Creek will celebrate the Festival of Lights and light the Grand Menorah. You can also enjoy live music, fire juggling performances and traditional jelly doughnuts. There will be hands-on crafts and other activities for children.
WHEN: 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14
WHERE: Promenade at Coconut Creek, 4467 Lyons Road
COST: Free; first 100 RSVPs get a gift
INFORMATION: promenadeatcoconutcreek.com
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS TOURS
The Historic Stranahan House Museum is hosting yuletide tours to show how pioneers in Fort Lauderdale celebrated Christmas in the authentically decorated venue. There will also be holiday classics played on a vintage piano.
WHEN: 5-8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, Dec. 16-20
WHERE: Stranahan House, 335 SE Sixth Ave., Fort Lauderdale
COST: $30 a person
INFORMATION: stranahanhouse.org
WINTER WONDERLAND AT THE BEN HOTEL
The Ben Hotel, Autograph Collection in downtown West Palm Beach is bringing back its Winter Wonderland for a second season, the centerpiece of which is a now expanded 50-by-66-foot ice rink. There is also — with free admission — a Holiday Tree Forest grove, “chalets” with retail pop-ups, a full-service holiday bar (also offering hot chocolate, s’mores, seasonal treats) and weekly themed activations such as Live Music Saturdays, Santa Sundays, Ugly Sweater Day.
WHEN:
- Daily 10 a.m.-9 p.m., through Sunday, Jan. 4
- Closed all day on Saturday, Dec. 13, and from 4:30-7:45 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14
WHERE: The Ben Hotel, 251 N. Narcissus Ave., West Palm Beach
COST: Skating passes are $25 for guests age 12 and older and $10 for children ages 4-11 (ice skate rentals included in price)
INFORMATION: thebenwestpalm.com
The Winter Wonderland with an expanded ice rink at The Ben Hotel in downtown West Palm Beach. (Palm Beach Influence/Courtesy)
DELRAY BEACH HOLIDAY VILLAGE
The City of Delray Beach presents a Holiday Village in Old School Square with ice skating, a carousel, mini golf and Santa greeting visitors inside his house.
WHEN:
- Through Thursday, Jan. 1
- The Holiday Village starts at various hours depending on the day, but ends at 9 p.m.
- Santa’s House opens at various hours in the late afternoon and generally ends at 8:30 p.m.
- The last tickets for the carousel, ice skating and mini golf are sold at 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Old School Square, 51 N Swinton Ave., Delray Beach
COST:
- Free admission
- $6 per carousel ride
- $6 for ice skating
- $6 for mini golf
- $20 for ride all day wristband
- $10 for photo with Santa Claus
INFORMATION: delraybeachfl.gov
The City of Delray Beach has a Holiday Village centered around its 100-foot Christmas Tree at Old School Square. (Delray Beach DDA/Courtesy)
FORT LAUDERDALE WATER TAXI’S HOLIDAY LIGHTS CRUISES
These 90-minute cruises feature views of holiday decor along the Intracoastal Waterway’s illuminated docks and estates. There’s also live music and beverages for purchase. “Our holiday lights cruise has become a favorite tradition among locals and visitors alike,” said Bill Walker, president and CEO of Water Taxi of Fort Lauderdale. “It’s a great opportunity to cruise into the holiday spirit and is an excellent experiential gift that all ages will enjoy.”
WHEN:
- 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. nightly, through Saturday, Jan. 3 (arriving 15 minutes early is recommended)
- There are no cruises on Dec. 13, Dec. 24-25.
WHERE: Departure from Riverside Hotel/Stranahan House Museum stop, 335 SE Sixth Ave., Fort Lauderdale
COST: $45 for adults and $15 for children age 4 and older, with free admission for guests younger than 3
INFO: watertaxi.com/tickets
The Celtic Winter Faire will feature entertainment including a World Famous Gnome Race, Horseless Joust, free sword classes and falconry demonstrations. (Celtic Winter Faire/Courtesy)
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