SouthFloridaFamilyLife.com - Broward & Miami-Dade

What/Who:
‘Tis the sea-sun! Las Olas Oceanside Park will transform into a holiday wonderland filled with exciting experiences, Nov. 23 – Dec. 31, 2021, and its rumored Santa may be stopping by! During “WONDERLAND,” locals and visitors of all ages will make lasting memories (and capture Instagramable moments!) through an array of themed sights, sounds, special activities and performances. Larger-than-life dreamlike holiday vignettes will unfold weekly themes, which include The Grinch Who Rocked Christmas (Dec. 2 – 5), Nutcrackers & Sweets (Dec. 9 – 12) and Let’s Jingle and Flamingle (Dec. 16 – 19). The six-week series of events include holiday markets, strolling characters, children’s activities, live music, dance performances, contests and games, selfie stations, holiday movies and more. Additionally, a Toy Drive will take place Dec 16 – 19, where new, unwrapped toys will be accepted for the children at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, in partnership with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival.

To kick off “WONDERLAND,” Fort Lauderdale’s picturesque beachfront will be illuminated with more than 50,000 holiday lights accompanied by “Olas,” the wildly popular 20-foot beach snowman for “Light Up the Beach” on Nov. 23. Then on Nov. 29, the City of Fort Lauderdale will host its Menorah Lighting in celebration of Chanukah. Guests can experience the wonder of “WONDERLAND” with Santa appearances at The LOOP every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Over Christmas weekend, the LOOP presents two special free holiday concerts, starting with A Night of Sinatra featuring Jeff Grainger and The Hoboken 11 Big Band, presented by the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Beach Business Improvement District (BID), December 24. On Christmas Day, in partnership with the Broward County Cultural Division, singer, songwriter and three-decades long lead guitarist for Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer band, Peter Mayer, and his world-class seven-piece band, present their widely acclaimed Christmas tour, “Stars and Promises.” Concluding the “WONDERLAND” series, The Goodnicks will play a special Friday Night Sound Waves performance for New Year’s Eve On The Beach, complete with midnight ball drop and laser light show, sponsored by Elbo Room.

Event: The Grinch Who Rocked Christmas
Description: Welcome to Whoville! This year, the Grinch’s heart grew a few more sizes, because he’ll be making a stop at The LOOP for Wonderland! Join the Who’s and the Grinch for a fun-filled weekend, including a Grinch-themed Dog Contest, yoga with Lisa and more. Saturday and Sunday, enjoy sounds from the Audacy Music Festival as you wander through Whoville. On Sunday, Santa and the Grinch will team up for Rock Star Karaoke and other exciting holiday activities.

• Dec. 2: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Rated PG)
In this live-action adaptation of the beloved children’s tale by Dr. Seuss, the reclusive green Grinch (Jim Carrey) decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. Reluctantly joined by his hapless dog, Max, the Grinch comes down from his mountaintop home and sneaks into town to swipe everything holiday-related from the Who’s. However, the bitter grump finds a hitch in his plans when he encounters the endearing Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen).

Dec. 2 – Dec. 5

Saturday, Dec 4:
• 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. – Holiday Farmers Market
• 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Visit with Santa
• 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Yoga with Lisa
• 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Photos with Santa and The Grinch
• 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Live Music

Sunday, Dec. 5:
• 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Holiday Market Bazaar
• 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Cash Cube for Prizes
• 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Warp Speed Interactive Arena
• 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Photos with Santa
• 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Dancing with Santa and The Grinch
• 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Rock Star Karaoke

Where:
Las Olas Oceanside Park: 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
The most convenient place to park to access the event is the Las Olas Beach Parking Garage, where you can use the PayByPhone payment option and extend your parking from anywhere using the mobile PayByPhone APP.

Cost:
This event is free and open to the public.

How:
For more information, please visit https://theloopflb.com/

About The LOOP
A cornerstone of activity, The LOOP (Las Olas Oceanside Park) is the central hub of the new $78 million, four park system at the heart of Fort Lauderdale Beach. The public greenspaces, including the Intracoastal Promenade, Las Olas Beach Garage Sunset Terrace and DC Alexander Park aim to provide infinite experiences for everyone under the sun, and year-round activity in Fort Lauderdale’s oceanfront backyard. For more information, visit theloopflb.com or contact info@theloopflb.com. Follow The LOOP on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/theloopflb and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/theloopflb/.

History Fort Lauderdale, proud steward of our community’s past by making our heritage accessible and engaging to residents and visitors, will celebrate the significant contributions of local Seminole artists during Native American Heritage Month in November with a new exhibit, “A Return to Self: The Art of Healing.” The exhibit highlights new contemporary works by Seminole artists that reflect upon paths to self-expression, an appreciation of daily tasks and a determination to provide the best possible care for self, family and community during the ongoing global pandemic. The exhibit opens to the public on Sunday, November 21, at 10 a.m. with a VIP tour followed by an artist meet and greet and art talk at 1 p.m. Residents and visitors are invited to participate in the exhibit’s premiere in- person or online at https://bit.ly/HFLAReturnTofSelf2021.

“A Return to Self: The Art of Healing” will remain on view at History Fort Lauderdale’s New River Inn through January 9, 2022. As a featured Cultural Institution, complimentary admission will be extended to Art Basel First Choice or Preview cardholders.

What/Who:
Celebrate the holiday season with Santa and the Grinch™ at CityPlace Doral! Santa is jolly to announce that Cherry Hill Programs (CHP), the industry leader in experiential photography that operates hundreds of holiday photo experiences across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, will launch the exclusive Holiday Magic Village experience at CityPlace Doral this season. Operated directly by CHP, Holiday Magic Village is the guests’ one-stop-shop for the ultimate holiday photo experience. Under the same roof at CityPlace Doral, families will have access to photos with Santa Claus in Santa’s Workshop and The Grinch’s Grotto™ with The Grinch™ ©Dr. Seuss.

When guests arrive at the Holiday Magic Village, they will be immersed in holiday magic. A newly designed Santa’s Workshop and elaborate Grinch’s Grotto™ are joined by My Photo Op Spot – a virtual photo experience that instantly places guests’ personal photos from their personal devices in festive holiday backgrounds to download, save and share on social media. Guests can snap a selfie or upload photos already taken from their device using CHP’s My Photo product. This proprietary software removes the background of the photo like magic. Guests can scan the QR code displayed in the queue at the photo experience. My Photo Op Spot offers an opportunity for families, friends, and children to appear in different holiday backgrounds – making it easy to celebrate the holiday magic with everyone no matter where they’re located. Guests can tag their friends when they share on social media with the #MyPhotoOpSpot.

Of course, Santa and the Grinch™ wouldn’t have come to CityPlace Doral if they didn’t think that it was safe to visit with everyone. All CDC Safety Guidelines for COVID-19 will be followed. To create a safe experience, guests must book the photo experience in advance at whereissanta.com. The Holiday Magic Village will not accommodate walk-up guests; however, guests can book same day reservations with no additional fee.

When:
The Holiday Magic Village Opens on November 18, 2021 and will close on December 24, 2021.

November Dates:
• Nov. 18 to 21: 11 a.m.– 7 p.m.
• Nov. 22 to 23: Closed
• Nov. 24 11 a.m.– 7 p.m.
• Nov. 25 Closed
• Nov. 26-28: 11 a.m.– 7 p.m.
• Nov. 29 to 30: Closed
December Dates:
• Dec. 1 to 5: 11 a.m.– 7 p.m.
• Dec. 6 to 7: Closed
• Dec. 8 to 12: 11 a.m.– 7 p.m.
• Dec. 13 to 14: Closed
• Dec. 15 to 21: 11 a.m.– 7 p.m.
• Dec. 22 to 23: 10 a.m.– 8 p.m.
• Dec. 24: 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.
Where:
CityPlace Doral | Fountain Plaza
8300 NW 36th St.
Doral, FL 33166

Cost:
Capture the magic of the holiday season with a choice of commemorative photo packages. Whether a guest comes for a photo with Santa, the Grinch™ or the ultimate photo experience (both), guests can take home photo prints including 6×8, 4×6, 3×5 and wallet sizes and a limited edition 2021 postcard. Complete access to all digital images can be downloaded at holidaymagicvillage.com. All photo packages include a $25 to shop Shutterfly where gifts can be created for loved ones using the Holiday Magic Village photos. The Holiday Magic Village photo experience is available starting at $49.99. Visit whereissanta.com to learn more. Guests have access to My Photo MAGIC PASS too! My Photo MAGIC PASS gives guests complete access to My Photo SANTA MAGIC available at createholidaymagic.com for only $9.99 with a photo package purchase (a $19.99 value).

How:
To create a safe experience, guests must book the photo experience in advance at whereissanta.com.

About CityPlace Doral:
CityPlace Doral is an attractive leisure destination offering a collection of memorable dining, shopping, wellness and entertainment experiences. Featuring 250,000 square feet of retail space, CityPlace Doral is a master-planned, mixed-use development nestled in the dynamic employment center of Doral in the heart of Miami-Dade County. CityPlace Doral combines the vision of world-renowned architects, designers and artists creating the next crown jewel of prosperous dining, entertainment and upscale shopping in one of South Florida’s growing cities. CityPlace Doral includes more than 40 dining, shopping and entertainment destinations for all palettes and walks of life, and the property’s entertainment retail component is anchored by a roster of first-class tenants from all over the country.

Year-round Magic of Giving Campaign:
The Holiday Magic Village locations will highlight the new, year-round CHP The Magic of Giving campaign. CHP believes in cultivating the magic of generosity and has partnered with dynamic non-profit organizations including Autism Speaks, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Humane Society to launch The Magic of Giving program this holiday season. “Actively participating in our communities is an integral part of our mission. We’re in a prime position to build a collaborative community who believe in giving back to causes that matter,” continued Craig. For more information about how to participate in the Magic of Giving, visit magicofgiving.createholidaymagic.com.

About Cherry Hill Programs
Cherry Hill Programs captures the Magic to celebrate moments for a lifetime! In partnership with famous landmarks, attractions, signature retail venues, and hotel destinations, CHP is the industry-leader in experiential photography, providing virtual, digital, and live holiday souvenir photography experiences in venues across North America. Through a combination of proprietary reservation software, innovative technology, accessible download portals and complete photography operation implementation – from recruiting and training to collaborative marketing – our mission is simple: to bring magic to every experience.

Through January 3, 2022

Ignite your curiosity, ignite your imagination and IGNITE YOUR LIGHT.
www.ignitecb.com
Ignite Your Light is a new era of entertainment, unprecedented in South Florida. The island at CB Smith Park will be transformed into a fantastical playground, inviting guests to interact with art, performers and installations, intertwining the park’s natural beauty with the world’s most cutting-edge technology and live entertainment.

In an outdoor and covid-safe environment, guests will explore enchanted pathways with surprises at every twist and turn, and over-the-top visuals perfect for social media and selfies. The wonderment does not end there! At the end of the path an interactive “playscape”, festooned with thousands of lights and whimsical oversized inflatables awaits, where guests take center stage as the star of countless interactive experiences and themed photo booths.

Featuring rotating entertainment on the main stage, from stunning circus acts to dynamic choreographed productions, all to the soundtrack of music from South Florida’s DJ Kris Prime, Ignite Your Life will exhilarate the senses and mesmerize guests of all ages.

Happening on select nights starting November 19th through January 2nd!

November 19,20,21, and 26,27,28, 2021December 3,4,5,10,11,12, 17-23, 26-30, 2021 and January 1,2 2022.

Zoo Lights presented by Florida Power & Light Company, FPL SolarNow is the newest Florida holiday tradition for families and friends. While the animals slumber, Palm Beach Zoo will be illuminated for the holidays with over one million eco-friendly lights. Each evening from 6 – 9 pm all 23 acres of the Zoo will be aglow with unique themed displays. The festive holiday fun features photos with Santa (until Dec. 23rd), special animal encounters, cookie decorating, s’mores, spirits and more.

ZOO LIGHTS ADMISSION INFORMATION
Due to the popularity of Zoo Lights, nightly attendance is being limited and timed tickets are available for 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm entry. All tickets must be purchased online, in advance to secure your spot.

Pricing (is changing and varies based on the date and time)
Special pricing for Zoo Members
Children 2 and under are free

Village of Pinecrest and Pinecrest Gardens invites visitors to Bruce Munro: Forest and Field of Light, an extraordinary large-scale, site-specific light installation by acclaimed British artist Bruce Munro. The nighttime exhibit features more than 6,000 fiber-optic illuminated stemmed glass spheres that cascade across nearly two acres of Pinecrest Gardens and are inspired by the venue’s unique landscape and vegetation.

Dates: December 4, 2021 – June 26, 2022

Times:
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. from December 4 – March 12

7 p.m. – 10 p.m. from March 13 – June 26

*Closed to public for private receptions on December 8 & 18

Location: 11000 Red Road, Pinecrest, FL 33156

Phone: 305-669-6990

Cost: $20/person $2.85 service fee

Tickets: Purchase tickets online at www.pinecrestgardens.org

What/Who:
All is merry and bright at CityPlace Doral! From Nov. 19–Dec. 31, 2021, the community is welcome to come and see the multi-colored LED lighting on the center’s Christmas tree and palm trees lining the outdoor shops, as well as a colorful waterfall display choreographed to everyday favorites and holiday classics. New to CityPlace Doral’s seasonal décor is a seven-foot, woven balsam topiary cheer deer. A 10-minute light show will begin at the top of every hour from 7-11 p.m.

The community is invited to the ‘Light Up The Night’ kick-off event on Friday, Nov. 19, from 6-9 p.m. Guests will enjoy a tree lighting ceremony with City of Doral’s very-own Mayor Juan Carlos “JC” at 7:30 p.m., a fountain light show, magical snowfall and special appearances by Rudolph, Frosty and Santa.

During the ‘Light Up The Night’ kick-off event The Yuletide Carolers will perform a cappella holiday entertainment. The professional singers, designers, and directors who comprise The Yuletide Carolers bring an authentically costumed Victorian quartet together to put a song in the hearts of all who gather.

Guests can sip beer samples from VezaSur Brewing, a Miami-born brewery with Latin and American roots, or enjoy a colada, cortadito or café con leche from La Cafetera.

“We are excited to transform CityPlace Doral into a winter wonderland and offer exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy this holiday season,” says CityPlace Doral’s General Manager Mauro Olivieri.

To celebrate the arrival of the Holiday Cheer Deer, visitors are encouraged to take a holiday photo or snap a selfie and tag @CityPlaceDoral and hashtag #CityPlaceCheerDeer for a chance to be featured.

When:
Light Up The Night Private Kick-Off Event: Friday, Nov. 19, 6-9 p.m.
Light Up The Night Festival: Friday, Nov. 19-Friday, Dec. 31, A 10-minute light show will begin at the top of every hour from 7-11 p.m.

Where:
CityPlace Doral
8300 NW 36th Street
Doral, FL 33166

Cost:
FREE

About CityPlace Doral:
CityPlace Doral is an attractive leisure destination offering a collection of memorable dining, shopping, wellness and entertainment experiences. Featuring 250,000 square feet of retail space, CityPlace Doral is a master-planned, mixed-use development nestled in the dynamic employment center of Doral in the heart of Miami-Dade County. CityPlace Doral combines the vision of world-renowned architects, designers and artists creating the next crown jewel of prosperous dining, entertainment and upscale shopping in one of South Florida’s growing cities. CityPlace Doral includes more than 40 dining, shopping and entertainment destinations for all palettes and walks of life, and the property’s entertainment retail component is anchored by a roster of first-class tenants from all over the country.

Hallelujah! South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) will premiere its Miami performance of Handel’s glorious holiday tradition, Messiah on December 4, at 7:30 p.m., at Barry University! This beloved seasonal masterpiece features vocalists Neil Nelson, bass baritone (previously featured as the lead in South Florida Symphony’s 2019 production of Porgy and Bess); Martin Nusspaumer, tenor; Brittany Graham, soprano; Rehanna Thelwell, mezzo-soprano and the 100-member South Florida Symphony Chorus. South Florida Symphony Orchestra will perform Part I of Handel’s Messiah. The concert will open with an extraordinary “Behind the Music” story incorporating a reenactment of the dramatic struggle faced by composer George Fredric Handel as he toiled to complete this holiday masterpiece. Audiences will be enchanted by regally costumed actors narrating meaningful work passages that truly elevate the concert-going experience. The performance culminates with the iconic “Hallelujah” chorus as sung by the South Florida Symphony Chorus, made-up of seasoned chorale singers and community talent. The orchestra and chorus will be conducted by Dr. Giselle Elgarresta Rios at this performance. Rios and SFSO’s Music Director and Maestra Sebrina Maria Alfonso collaborated to create the South Florida Symphony Chorus in 2019, which made its debut at the Beethoven 250th celebration in February of 2020.

Tickets for Handel’s Messiah start at $15 for the December 4 concert at Barry University and can be purchased online at https://southfloridasymphony.org/messiah.

Experience an immersive evening of music and art at this Art Week 2021 capstone event. Composed in 1874 and orchestrated by Maurice Ravel in 1922, Pictures at an Exhibition was inspired by a posthumous show of more than 400 paintings and drawings by Modest Mussorgsky’s close friend, architect, and artist Viktor Hartmann, who died in 1873. In this dynamic presentation, each of the work’s ten movements and five “promenades” will be paired with projected images created by leading contemporary artists (Doug Argue, Omar Ba, María Magdalena Campos-Pons, Claudia DeMonte, Juan Roberto Diago, Michele Oka Doner, Carlos Estévez, Karen LaMonte, Yassi Mazandi, Ed McGowin, Gladys Nilsson, Virgil Ortiz, Carlos Quintana, Alexis Rockman, Arthur Simms, and Agnieszka Traczewska) as well as key works from the Lowe’s permanent collection. The evening also includes music by Aaron Copland, Julia Perry, and others.

’Tis the season to celebrate with a “spirited” holiday classic! Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol is, of course, spun off from Charles Dickens’ beloved ghostly tale. But in this marvelous theatrical retelling, the redemption story shifts from mean, old Ebenezer Scrooge to his former business partner, the long-dead, hilariously bitter, chains-rattling ghost, Jacob Marley.
Jacob Marley’s miserable afterlife has been stretching on forever when, on Christmas Eve, he earns a chance to change his fate — if he can change the unrepentant Ebenezer Scrooge! Like the desperate apparition he is, Marley drags a terrified Scrooge from his bed into his worst nightmare as the two old frenemies journey into the past, present and future.
Tom Mula adapted his own novella based on the familiar story to create his now popular play. Audiences will delight in the surprising twists and turns of the storytelling, and the inspired tour de force of one actor magically transforming into 18 roles. In a production that is intimate and spectacular, Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol is spooky fun and a festive treat that makes for “a splendid and invigorating evening” (The Chicago Tribune).