News

Ashley Knox and Miami City Ballet dancers in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, which comes to the Kravis Center Dec. 27-30. Photo by Alexandre Dufaur

Let your inner child go wild with scores of holiday-related events to watch and enjoy

Note: Events are current as of Nov 28. Please check with organizers for any changes.

December 6
Saturday -  12/6 - 44th Annual Boynton Beach Holiday Parade begins at the corner of 12th Ave. and Federal Hwy and proceeds north to Ocean Ave. in downtown Boynton Beach. Floats, marching units, bands, and dance troupes. All ages. 3 pm. Free. 742-6640.
12/6 - A Christmas Opera: Amahl and the Night Visitors at Palm Beach Atlantic University Desantis Family Chapel, 901 S Flagler Dr., West Palm Beach. Produced and directed by Marilyn Mims. Fully staged with orchestra. 3 & 8 pm. Held again 12/7 at 8 pm. $20 general admission; $10 student with ID. 888-468-6722 or www.pba.edu.
12/6 - Wonder of the Season presented by Delray Beach Chorale at First Presbyterian Church, 33 Gleason St., Delray Beach. 60-voice chorale accompanied by an ensemble of professional instrumentalists perform a selection of Judaic and Christian holiday music. A reception follows. Held again 12/13 at The Duncan Theater at Palm Beach State College, 4200 South Congress Ave., Lake Worth. All ages. 3-4:30 pm. $25 in advance; $35 at the door; students with ID $5. 800-984-7282.
12/6 - 38th Annual Boca Raton Holiday Boat Parade - Intracoastal Waterway beginning at the C-15 Canal (Boca Raton/Delray Beach border). Bleacher viewing at Silver Palm Park & Red Reef Park. Boats enter for free, prizes and monetary awards. 6:30 pm. Free. 367-7073.
12/6 - Colors of Christmas with Peabo Bryson, Taylor Dayne, Jennifer Holiday and Ruben Studdard at the Kravis Center Dreyfoos Concert Hall, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Singing hits from their individual repertoires, as well as songs of the season, this stellar lineup of award-winning artists are joined by a gospel choir. 8 pm. Tickets start at $25. 832-7469.
12/6-7 - A Christmas Carol at Sol Children Theatre, 3333 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton. Runs through 12/21. F&Sat.: 7 pm; Sat. & Sun.: 2 pm. $15/adults, $10/juniors. 447-8829 or www.solchildren.org.
12/6-13 - Festival of Trees “Honoring Our 50 States” Community Days at Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, 253 Barcelona Road, West Palm Beach. See what has been called the “#1 Holiday Tradition in Palm Beach County” as you explore the lights and sounds of the Gardens, while enjoying the creativity and beauty of the Americana-themed trees. 6-8:30 pm. $15 adults; $7 children. 832-5328.
12/6-27 - “Christmas at Cason Cottage” Open House and Docent Guided Tour at Cason Cottage, 3 NE 1st St., Delray Beach. Take a journey of Christmas past inside Delray’s beloved Cason Cottage House Museum, decorated to reflect the holidays during the 1920s. All ages. Thu, F, & Sat. 11 am-3 pm & 5-8 pm. $6. 274-9578.

The FAU Tuba Christmas will return to Boca Raton’s Mizner Park on Dec. 14. Tim Stepien/2010 File Photo

December 7-13
Sunday - 12/7 - Holiday Concert - Presented as part of the ARTful Adventure Sunday series at The Boca Raton Museum of Art, 501 Plaza Real. Family program features art workshops and live performance by the West Boca High School’s Vanguard. Includes an interactive opportunity for all ages to learn, create and enjoy the arts. 2-3 pm. Free with paid museum admission: $12/adults, $10/seniors, free/students with ID and children 12 and under. 392-2500.
12/7 - 12th Annual Gingerbread Holiday Concert by Lynn University Philharmonia Orchestra at the Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center, Lynn University, 3601 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton. Celebrate the beloved music traditions of the holidays. Also featured at this year’s concert is Seanna Pereira, 9-year-old singer and actress. Seanna will perform two songs and lead the sing-along portion of the concert. 3 pm. $35. 237-9000.
12/7 - Concert: Holiday Music with Merritt & Moreau - Presented as part of the Friends Music Series at the Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. For adults. 3-4 pm. Free. Reservations: 393-7852.
12/7 - Christmas Cantata Glad Tidings of Great Joy presented by the Chancel Choir of Church of the Palms, 1960 N Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. The retelling of the Christmas story as seen through the eyes of the elderly patriarch Simeon. Music by Robert Hebble and narration by Jason Doyle Fairbanks. Reception follows. 4 pm. Free-will offering taken to support the Music Ministries at Church of the Palms. 276-6347.
12/7 - Nova Singers Holiday Tidings Concert at Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Christmas & Hanukah choral selections featuring Randall Bass’ Gloria, Dan Forest’s Arise, Shine and many audience favorites of the season. 4 pm. Adults: $15/advance, $20/at the door; $10/seniors, $5/students. 278-1737.
12/7 - Christmas Concert at First United Methodist Church of Boca Raton, 625 NE  Mizner Blvd. 7 pm. Free. 395-1244.
12/7 - Handel’s Messiah at FAU’s Boca Raton campus, University Theatre, 777 Glades, Road. Features FAU students, faculty, and alumni. 7 pm. $15. 800-564-9539.
12/7 - Winter Tapestry: A Holiday Concert at Kravis Center Dreyfoos Concert Hall, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Young Singers of the Palm Beaches presents a night of beautiful music, laughter and warmth. Enjoy Palm Beach County’s award-winning community choir, made up of 300 talented singers spanning ages 8 to 18. Concert highlights classical choral music, pop and Broadway tunes. All ages. 7-9:30 pm. $11-41. 832-7469 or www.kravis.org.
Tuesday - 12/9 - City Christmas at The Harriet Himmel Theater, City Place, 600 S Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach. The King’s Academy award-winning vocal arts and dance departments will have you feeling as if you are walking through a winter wonderland. All ages. 7 pm. $10. 686-4244, Ext. 362, or www.tka.net.
Wednesday - 12/10 - G-Star Holiday Car & Bike Light Parade & Show Salutes Our Veterans! at G-Star School of the Arts, 2030 S Congress Ave., Palm Springs. Classic and antique car, motorcycle, and float parade lit up with holiday lights through the city of Palm Springs then back to the school for a party with recording artists Cecilia Lauren and the Ocoee River Band, plus raffles, holiday music, food vendors, and more. All ages. Proceeds go to Honor Flight and Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, and G-Star School Foundation. 5:30 pm. Free but donations are  accepted. 386-6275 or www.asphaltangelscarclub.net.
12/10 - “An Appalachian Christmas” with Mark O’Connor and Friends at Society of the Four Arts Walter S. Gubelmann Auditorium, 2 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach. 8 pm. $40 balcony; $45 orchestra. 655-7226 or www.fourarts.org.
Thursday - 12/11 - Chanukah Party at the Children’s Museum, 498 Crawford Blvd., Boca Raton. Chanukah sing-along, craft, and storytime for children and their families. All ages welcome. 5-6 pm. $5/family. RSVP: 368-6875 or www.cmboca.org.
12/11 - Carols & Cocktails In The Garden at Sandoway House Nature Center, 142 S. Ocean Blvd. Delray Beach. Mix & mingle with friends while spreading the holiday cheer. Featuring cocktails and light bites at the Sandoway House covered in lights with live musical entertainment. All proceeds donated to support the Sandoway Nature Center. 6-9 pm. $25. 274-7263 or www.sandowayhouse.org.
12/11 - “Twas the Night Before Christmas” Story Hour and Pajama Party at Cason Cottage, 3 NE 1st St., Delray Beach. Join us around the Christmas tree as special guests read aloud this classic poem written by Clement C. Moore.  Plus, old-fashioned sing-a-long, cookies, and hot apple cider. All ages. Space is limited. 6-7 pm. $20/person (benefits Children’s Programming at the Delray Beach Historical Society). Reservations: 274-9578.
Friday - 12/12 - Story Time and Cookies with Mrs. Claus at the Seagate Hotel & Spa, 1000 E Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. The Seagate is inviting children from the Palm Beach County Achievement Center and the Boys & Girls Club of Delray Beach for a special visit with Santa and story time with Mrs. Claus. Also open to Seagate’s guests and the public. Mrs. Claus will read the holiday favorite Twas the Night Before Christmas and hand out freshly baked cookies; Children are then invited to get their picture taken with Santa while they tell him what they want for Christmas. 4 pm. Free. 877-57-SEAGATE or www.theseagatehotel.com.
12/12 - Annual Boynton/Delray Holiday Boat Parade - The flotilla of brightly decorated boats lines up at the Boynton Beach inlet and travel south along the Intracoastal Waterway to the C-15 canal in Delray Beach. Viewing areas are located at the Boynton Harbor Marina (735 Casa Loma Blvd.) and along the parade route. Please bring new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. Food and drink vendors available. No pets allowed. Pre-party starts at 5:30 pm, featuring live music, pictures with Santa and more, at the Boynton Harbor Marina by Two Georges Waterfront Grille. To enter your boat, call 737-3256, Ext. 204. Parade: 6:30 pm. Information: 737-3256.
12/12 - Town of Ocean Ridge Annual Holiday Celebration at Ocean Ridge Town Hall, 6450 N Ocean Blvd. Holiday celebration for Ocean Ridge residents includes a visit from Santa and light snacks and beverages. Free parking at Oceanfront Park. All ages. 5:30-7:30 pm. Free. 738-6735.
12/12 - Divas Holiday Party at the Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave., Lake Worth. Join your favorite divas as they celebrate the holidays as only the divas can. Songs, skits and a comically good time. 8 pm. $15. 586-6169.
12/12 - The Perfect Gift: Christmas with the Tenors at Kravis Center Dreyfoos Hall, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Clifton Murray, Victor Micallef, Remingo Pereira and Fraser Walters perform holiday classics. 8 pm. Tickets start at $15. 832-7469.
12/12 - Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and Concert in the Plaza at Cultural Plaza, 414 Lake Ave., Lake Worth. Featuring live music, food vendors, crafts and artists selling their artwork. Held the first & third Friday of each month. 6-10 pm. Free. 588-8344.
Saturday - 12/13 - 21st Annual Breakfast With Santa at the Children’s Museum, 498 Crawford Blvd., Boca Raton. Featuring real snow, pancake breakfast, pictures with Santa, train rides, multicultural crafts, sand art, entertainment by Flora Belle The Clown and caricature artist Dick Kulpa. 8:30 am-noon. Advance tickets: $10/person, free/infants under age 1; at the gate $15/person. Reservations: 368-6875 or www.cmboca.org.
12/13 - Breakfast with Santa at Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach. Enjoy a scrumptious hot buffet breakfast that includes waffles, eggs, bacon, sausage, omelets, pastries, coffee and juice; mimosas available for purchase. Private up-close animal encounters, a meet and greet plus photo opportunities with Santa and all-day admission to the Zoo. 8:30 am. Held again 12/14 at 8:30 am; 12/20-21 at 8:30 or 10 am. Zoo members: adults (13+) $22.95; children (3-12) $14.95; toddlers (0-2) $4.95. Non-members: adults $32.95; children $24.95, toddlers $4.95. 547-9453 or www.palmbeachzoo.org.
12/13 - Breakfast with Santa at Intracoastal Park, 2240 N Federal Hwy. Boynton Beach. Kids have an opportunity to visit with Santa and make a holiday craft. Register early as space is limited! Family fare. 9-11 am. $7/person. 742-6423 or www.boynton-beach.org.
12/13 - Cookie Cruise with Santa aboard the Lady Atlantic departs from Veterans Park, 801 E Atlantic Ave. Celebrate the holidays with Santa aboard the Lady Atlantic. This event is first come first serve and is sure to sell out! Call Delray Yacht Cruises for reservations. Visit with Santa, cookies and milk or hot chocolate, coffee and tea, craft activities included. 10:30 am-12 pm. Held again 12/20. $18 per person; children under 2 free. Special photo with Santa also available for $10. Reservations: 243-0686.
12/13 - Delray Beach Holiday Parade  - Presented by Delray Beach Parks and Recreation and Festival Management Group Inc. Parade starts on Atlantic Ave. at the Intracoastal Bridge and continues west to NW 5th Ave. More than 70 entries. With a special connection to the North Pole, the Delray Beach Fire Department will have Santa riding along on their fire truck. 6 pm. Free. 243-7277.
12/13 - “Ignite the Night” Lake Worth Holiday Parade - Bring your lawn chair and line the streets of Lake and Lucerne Avenues in downtown Lake Worth. Wind up in the Cultural Plaza with the Kiwanis Club who’ll be presenting this year’s Santa’s Workshop, a fun-filled day for children of all ages. Parade begins at 5 pm. Free. 398-8340 or www.lakeworth.org.
12/13 - A Holiday Spectacular presented by Florida Dance Conservatory at Kravis Center Persson Hall Cabaret, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. A holiday dance performance inspired by Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular. 7 pm. $25. 832-7469 or www.kravis.org.
12/13 - Boynton Beach Holiday Movies in the Park featuring “Elf” at Ocean Avenue Amphitheatre, 129 E Ocean Ave. Bring your beach chair or blanket. Food and beverage available for purchase. Family fare. 7 pm. 742-6246 or www.CatchBoynton.com.
12/13-14 - The Nutcracker  - Presented by the Harid Conservatory at Spanish River High School, 5100 Jog Road, Boca Raton. The dance school features Act II and a variety of other character dances. 3 p.m. $25-$30. 997-2677.

December 14-20
Sunday - 12/14 - Children’s Special Christmas Program: The Christmas Story According to Luke at Unity of Delray Beach, 101 NW 22nd St. The Sunday School children’s gift to the congregants followed by Santa’s visit. Visiting children and grandchildren are invited and encouraged to participate. Magical Show with costumes provided. All ages. 9:25 am. Free. 276-5796.
12/14 - FAU Tuba Christmas 2014 at Mizner Park Amphitheatre, 201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Help support the tradition of holiday music performed by tubas and euphoniums.  Conductor Sean Murray brings this tradition to the Boca Raton community for the fourth year. Outdoor event, bring chairs or blankets. 5-6:30 pm. Free. 297-3853 or www.fau.edu/arts.
12/14 - The Palm Beach Pops:  A Holiday Concert with The Manhattan Transfer at Kravis Center Dreyfoos Hall, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. 7:30 pm. $33. 932-7469.
Tuesday - 12/16 - Menorah Candle Lighting Ceremony at Delray Beach Center for the Arts front lawn, 51 N. Swinton Ave. Sundown/5:30 pm. Free. 243-7000.
12/16 - A Christmas Carol at The Crest Theatre, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. 8 pm. $40. 243-7922, Ext. 1.
Wednesday - 12/17 - Dr. Robert Sharon’s Holiday Show at South Palm Beach Town Hall, 3577 S. Ocean Blvd. 7:30 pm. $10. 588-8889.
12/17 - Sarge: The Chanukah Chutzpah Tour at the Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave. Featuring a very special holiday show by one of America’s favorite entertainer/comedians. 8 pm. $29-$35. 586-6169.
12/17-19 - It’s A Wonderful Life: Radio Theatre  - Presented by Arts Garage, 180 NE 1st St., Delray Beach. The second season of the acclaimed Radio Theatre series. In this classic holiday tale, an angel helps a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman by showing what life would have been like if he never existed. 8 pm. $15-25. 450-6357.
Thursday - 12/18 - Music in the Museum at Boca Raton Museum of Art, 501 Plaza Real. Celebrate the sounds of the season with holiday favorites performed by concert pianists Heather Coltman and Krisztina Kover - features beloved carols and selections from the Nutcracker. 6-7 pm. Free with paid museum admission. 392-2500.
12/18 - Holiday Open House at the Boynton Beach City Library, 208 S. Seacrest Blvd. Celebrate the wonder of winter and the beginning of the holidays. Enjoy entertainment, crafts and light refreshments. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. For all ages. 6-7:30 pm. Free. 742-6380 or www.boyntonlibrary.org.
Friday - 12/19 - Chanukah Under the Stars - Presented by Temple Beth El at Mizner Park Amphitheatre, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Family activities and food for purchase 5-7 pm; children’s Chanukah service and songfest 6 pm; Chanukah musical celebration and community menorah lighting 7:30 pm. 5-9 pm. Free. 391-8900.
Saturday - 12/20 - Nutcracker - The Royal Ballet presents Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Film Screening at the Society of The Four Arts Walter S. Gubelmann Auditorium, 2 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach. 1 pm. Free. Tickets required. 655-7226 or www.fourarts.org.
12/20 - Downtown Dance Presents: A Holiday Extravaganza at the Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave. Including a tribute to the Rockettes’ Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Featuring The Ballet: Les Patineurs “The Ice Skaters” & Handel’s Messiah by Demetrius Klein. Two shows: 2 & 7 pm. $15/advance, $20/at the door. 586-6169.
12/20 - Robin Spielberg: Spirit of the Holidays at Kravis Center Persson Hall, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Robin Spielberg’s enchanting piano performance celebrates the songs, spirit and moods of the season through music and stories. 7:30 pm. $35. 832-7469 or www.kravis.org.

December 21-27
Sunday - 12/21 - Lessons and Carols: A Renaissance Christmas - Presented as part of Music At St. Paul’s series at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. St. Paul’s Choir presents their annual celebration of the season. 3 pm. Free. 278-6003.
12/21 - Chanukah Festival - Presented by Chabad Boca Beaches at Sanborn Square, 72 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. Featuring rides, food, concert starring Eduardo, Menorah Lighting with Dignitaries. Rides and food begin at 4 pm; Menorah Lighting at 5 pm followed by concert. Nominal fee for food and rides. 417-7797 or www.chabadbocabeaches.com.
12/21 - The Symphonia Boca Raton: Christmas Concerto at  Roberts Theater, St. Andrew’s School, 3900 Jog Road, Boca Raton. Philadelphia Orchestra concertmaster David Kim conducts Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Corelli’s Christmas Concerto. 3 pm. $45-$75. 866-687-4201.
12/27-30 - The Nutcracker at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. The Miami City Ballet performs the George Balanchine version, danced to the accompaniment of the Opus One Orchestra. 12/27: 7:30 pm, 12/28: 1pm & 6:30 pm, 12/29-30: 2 pm  & 7:30 pm. $25-79. 832-7469.

Dec. 28-Jan. 3
12/31 - First Night 2015  - Family friendly New Year’s Eve special event throughout Downtown Delray Beach including a fireworks finale at the Tennis Center at 9 pm and midnight. Admission by puchased button. Purchase your button at the 100-foot Christmas Tree and City Hall as well as at the Delray Beach Library, the Crest Theatre, Delray News Stand and the Chamber of Commerce. All ages. 4 pm -12 midnight. $10 until 12/30; $15 on 12/31. www.100ftchristmastree.com.