SouthFloridaFamilyLife.com - Broward & Miami-Dade

SANTA ARRIVES NOVEMBER 15
Tis the season and Santa will arrive at Westfield Broward on Friday, November 15 and remain at the center for meet & greets and photo opportunities until Tuesday, December 24.

Families can get a fast pass and skip the line by purchasing photo packages in advance online. Please visit www.westfield.com/holiday for more information on Santa photo hours, and photo package pricing.

PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA
Westfield Broward doesn’t want to leave out your four-legged family this holiday season. Santa will meet with fur-babies for photos, pets will receive a special holiday treat and Santa will listen to their paw-tastic wish lists this Christmas. *Please Note: Dogs and cats only, please. All pets must be leased and/or crated. Pets & owners should enter/exit through the center entrance closest to Dillard’s.

SANTA’S ART WORKSHOP ON DECEMBER 7 & 14
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and create some holiday magic in Santa’s Workshop! Create your very own holiday-themed art with Young at Art Museum. Make sure you’ve been nice this year as Santa will be taking pictures with all the good little girls and boys! Don’t miss out on this special holiday event! Space is limited and families looking to participate will need to make reservations at https://www.westfield.com/broward/events/

SENSORY SANTA ON DECEMBER 8
Westfield Broward will host Sensory Santa, an all-children, inclusive opportunity for Santa to meet children with autism or other special needs by providing a well-controlled and welcoming environment. Reservations are required to ensure every child can have a joyous visit with Santa. Space is limited and families looking to participate will need to make reservations at https://www.westfield.com/broward/events/

Dolphin Mall will celebrate the holidays by creating a winter wonderland complete with a nightly snowfall that is powered by children waving magic wands. This annual tradition returns Wednesday, November 27 and will continue through Sunday, January 5, 2020.
Each night, 30 minutes before snowfall, magicians under the age of 12 will receive, while supplies last, a magic wand to help unleash the snowstorm and create a glistening winter wonderland.
The festive flurries will take place inside Ramblas Plaza each night at 7 p.m., with additional snowfalls at 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There snowfall experience will not take place on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), Christmas Day (Dec. 25), New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1, 2020).

The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) to host North Pole Pajama Party.

• Weekends at MODS are about to get cooler as the Museum hosts its North Pole Pajama Parties on every weekend starting November 30 through December 22.
• The whole family is invited to dress up in their favorite holiday-themed pajamas or elf costume.
• Enjoy all of the museum exhibits, as well as a special holiday science show, plus visitors can concoct elf slime and decorate holiday ornaments/crafts.
• Pajama Party tickets also include a classic holiday film at the AutoNation IMAX Theater.

DETAILS: Tickets: $20 for Museum members and $30 for Non-members. For more information, please call 954.713.0930
To book, please visit https://bit.ly/2kQShJ6.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE (MODS):
Founded in 1976 as The Discovery Center, today MODS is at the forefront of science education, innovation and exploration. The Museum showcases more than 300 interactive exhibits, immersive films and experiential programs. With a designated STEM Center and new aviation-themed makerspace, The Leighton Family Hangar, MODS is committed to engaging, enriching and inspiring tomorrow’s workforce – today. The Museum celebrates diversity and welcomes more than 400,000 visitors annually from all walks of life. MODS is open every day of the year, except Thanksgiving, one day in the fall for the Annual Gala (October 26, 2019) and one day in the spring for its Annual Wine, Spirits and Culinary Celebration (March 13, 2020). Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. MODS is located downtown at 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, call 954.467.MODS (6637) or visit mods.org.

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On Dec. 7, 8, 11, 12 and 13, 2019 from 5:30–8:30 p.m., the Holiday Magic Evening Experience will open Bonnet House for self-guided tours with something exciting every night from Santa and his elves, to Christmas story telling, to strolling carolers and much more. In honor of its 100th Anniversary, during each evening tour, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens will be offering holiday cheer, including general admission to the house ($20 per person) and admission with cheers (including two drink tickets) for $30 per person. $5 for kids 6–12 and free for kids under 6.

The Holiday Magic Evening Experience performance schedule is:

Pride Jazz Ensemble ― Saturday, Dec. 7; performance times: 6:30–7:10 p.m. & 7:30–8:10 p.m.
Whimsical Wonderland ― An Evening for Families: Broward Center Spotlights ― Sunday, Dec. 8,
5:30–8:30 p.m. Includes Santa arriving on a fire truck, face painting, stocking making, punch and cookies.
Dillard Jazz Trio ― Wednesday, Dec. 11; performance time: 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Yuletide Carolers ― Thursday, Dec. 12; performance time: 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida ― Friday, Dec. 13; performance times: 6:30–7 p.m. & 7:45-8:15 p.m.

Olaf’s Frozen Science Overnight Adventure
· Get your pajamas and sleeping bag ready for a special “Frozen”- themed sleepover at MODS.
· Explore the science behind Elsa’s icy powers, experiment with dry ice, watch a subzero science show and sample liquid nitrogen ice cream.
· Enjoy a special screening of the new Disney Film Frozen 2 in the AutoNation® IMAX® Theater.
· All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday, November 23 and Saturday, December 7
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. the next morning
Museum members: $20 per child and $40 per adult
Non-members: $32 per child and $48 per adult
Price includes dinner, all activities and Museum exploration.
For more information, please call 954.713.0930.
For the November 23rd Sleepover, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sleep-at-the-museum-olafs-frozen-science-overnight-tickets-72710849107.

The Museum of Discovery and Science to Debut Two New Traveling Exhibits: Turtle Travels and Attack of the Bloodsuckers on Saturday, September 14.
• The Turtle Travels Exhibit is a hands-on experience that allows visitors of all ages to discover fascinating facts about what it’s like to be a turtle — how turtle bodies adapt themselves to many different habitats, why turtles need shells, the kinds of hazards they encounter in the wild and why turtles have been important to many different cultures.
• Guests will have the opportunity to try on turtle and tortoise shells, migrate on a gigantic game board, experience “turtle vision”, design a turtle-friendly housing development, and much more!
• The Attack of the Blood Suckers Exhibit is a kid-friendly exhibit that explores the science of the what, why, when and how of mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, leeches and other parasites.
• This hands-on exhibit is an opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of blood-feeding parasites, learn why bloodsuckers are important to the ecosystem and how to keep them out of your system.

Saturday, September 14, 2019 – Sunday, January 5, 2020
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

DETAILS: Admission to the exhibits are included with a purchase of a ticket to MODS. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office or through the Reservations Department at 954-713-0930.

Santa’s Flight Academy, a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience that culminates with a special visit with Santa, will return to Dolphin Mall from November 7 through December 24 from 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. The holiday attraction merges the physical and digital to provide a personalized adventure for every child.
Cadets are fitted with a virtual flight suit and will partner up with a helpful elf to inspect and power Santa’s sleigh and navigate the best course for the big day. The experience culminates with a snowfall dance party and, of course, time with Santa who will greet his crew members personally by name.

Though not required, customers are highly encouraged to create flight crew badges in advance of a visit online or through the center’s mobile app (for iPhone/Android). Badges can also be created onsite at special Santa’s Flight Academy kiosks.

For more information, please visit https://www.shopdolphinmall.com/events/directory.

Directed by Emily Freeman
Music Direction by Rebeca Diaz
Choreography by Nicole Perry

Three Special Weekends:
Saturday December 7 @ 8pm & Sunday December 8 @ 2pm
Saturday December 14 @ 8pm & Sunday December 15 @ 2pm
Saturday December 21 @ 8pm & Sunday December 22 @ 2pm

Heathers The Musical is the darkly delicious story of Veronica Sawyer, a brainy, beautiful teenage misfit who hustles her way into the most powerful and ruthless clique at Westerberg High.

Based on the greatest teen comedy of all time, yet dealing with topics such as high school love, bullying and depression, Heathers The Musical is both hilarious and heartfelt.

Adult Tickets (13 ) $25.50
Child Tickets (12 and Under) $15.50
Purchase tickets at: https://www.showtimeboca.com/apps/webstore/

Take a memorable journey through Jungle Island at night during the first-ever Luminosa Festival of Lights. This captivating Instagram-worthy experience will span 13 of the park’s lush 18 acres and will feature hundreds of giant lanterns — beautifully hand-crafted out of colorful silk by the world’s top Chinese Lantern Festival creators. The festival paints a magical story of the jungle, its wildlife, birds & blooms, and Biscayne Bay while showcasing the exciting transformation of South Florida’s popular eco-adventure attraction. A few of the visual delights will include a life-sized demure cassowary and striking silk parrots, a sea of glowing jellyfish, and panoramic reinterpretations of several iconic Miami destinations. You don’t want to miss this nighttime spectacle! The cost is $35 per adult and $30 per child (3-10 years old). Open to the public from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, starting October 5, 2019 – January 8, 2020. Jungle Island is located at 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132. www.jungleisland.com / 305-400-7000

Take a memorable journey through Jungle Island at night during Luminosa Festival of Lights. This captivating instagram-worthy experience spans 13 of the park’s lush 18 acres and features hundreds of giant lanterns – beautifully hand-crafted out of colorful silk by the world’s top Chinese Lantern Festival creators. The festival paints a magical story of the jungle, its wildlife, birds & blooms, and Biscayne Bay, while showcasing the exciting transformation of South Florida’s popular eco-adventure attraction. A few of the visual delights include a life-sized tame cassowary and striking silk parrots, a sea of glowing jellyfish, and panoramic reinterpretations of several iconic Miami destinations. Enjoy Chinese acrobat shows, a bird show, a Moet Champagne lounge, bars and food trucks daily. On weekends, Luminosa also boasts roving entertainment and live music. You don’t want to miss this nighttime spectacle! The cost is $35 per adult, $30 per child (3-10 years old) and $99 for a family (2 adults 2 children). Receive a 10% discount with your online ticket purchase. In time for the holiday season and Art Basel, Luminosa is open daily to the public from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. through January 8, 2020. Jungle Island is located at 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132. www.jungleisland.com / 305-400-7000

On Dec. 7, 8, 11, 12 and 13, 2019 from 5:30–8:30 p.m., the Holiday Magic Evening Experience will open Bonnet House for self-guided tours with something exciting every night from Santa and his elves, to Christmas story telling, to strolling carolers and much more. In honor of its 100th Anniversary, during each evening tour, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens will be offering holiday cheer, including general admission to the house ($20 per person) and admission with cheers (including two drink tickets) for $30 per person. $5 for kids 6–12 and free for kids under 6.

The Holiday Magic Evening Experience performance schedule is:

Pride Jazz Ensemble ― Saturday, Dec. 7; performance times: 6:30–7:10 p.m. & 7:30–8:10 p.m.
Whimsical Wonderland ― An Evening for Families: Broward Center Spotlights ― Sunday, Dec. 8,
5:30–8:30 p.m. Includes Santa arriving on a fire truck, face painting, stocking making, punch and cookies.
Dillard Jazz Trio ― Wednesday, Dec. 11; performance time: 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Yuletide Carolers ― Thursday, Dec. 12; performance time: 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida ― Friday, Dec. 13; performance times: 6:30–7 p.m. & 7:45-8:15 p.m.

Hoffman’s Chocolates 29th Annual Winter Wonderland Presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital (Winter Wonderland)

· Hoffman’s Chocolates 29th Annual Winter Wonderland Presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital will have more than 125,000 LED lights, captivating holiday light displays and archways, a 12-foot LaCroix Sparkling Christmas tree, a Nativity scene, life-sized Nutcrackers, food trucks and so much more.

· The gourmet chocolatier is also excited to introduce its updated festive Hanukkah display presented by Florida Blue which will include a 9-foot Dreidel and other holiday décor.

·Winter Wonderland will be free and open to the public nightly, November 16 through December 30, 2019, from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.*

· Santa’s Village presented by KeyStaff will allow families to meet and have their photos taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there various nights until December 23rd (check Hoffmans.com for the full schedule)

·Florida Panthers Hockey Holidays Ice Rink will be located in the front of Hoffman’s Chocolates Factory. It is a 2,400-square foot outdoor real ice-skating rink where children and adults of all ages can experience winter joy in sunny South Florida (additional fee for skate session and rentals). Please check hoffmans.com for the daily schedule.

· Patrons can also register ahead of time to participate in a Hoffman’s Chocolates Holiday Factory Tour and Chocolate Class presented by Greenspoon Marder which will include a special behind-the-scenes interactive tour through Hoffman’s Chocolate Factory, a special chocolate craft and a scoop of Hoffman’s Chocolates ice cream. Space is limited and the cost is $24.95 per person.