Looking for a way to celebrate the holidays? Check out one of these events in Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Westlake, The Acreage and Loxahatchee Groves.
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Wellington Holiday Cultural Celebration
Where: Town Center Promenade, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 1
Information: Recognizing holidays and traditions across cultures, the event features a holiday tree lighting under the gazebo at 6:15 p.m., along with book readings, face painting, food trucks, holiday card crafting, a hot cocoa station, live performances, vendors and more. A number of children’s holiday characters will be on hand for photo opportunities from 7 to 9 p.m., including Santa Claus. For more information, go to http://www.wellingtonfl.gov/HolidayCelebration.
Wellington Holiday Light Displays
Where: Town Center Promenade, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington
When: Dec. 1-31
Information: Festive light displays along Wellington’s Town Center Promenade, courtesy of the village of Wellington and its community partners: Bang Energy, Baptist Health, Florida Power & Light Co., Good Vibes and Wellington Regional Medical Center.
Royal Palm Beach Winter Fest
Where: Commons Park, 11600 Poinciana Blvd., Royal Palm Beach
When: 1 to 9 p.m. Dec. 3
Information: Celebrate the season with rides, games, hot cocoa and cookies, food trucks, local vendors, crafts and more. Enjoy live music and entertainment, including the Royal Palm Beach Elementary Bobcat Singers and Ringers at 2 p.m., Dance Theater at Wellington Green at 3 p.m., Movement Art Dance Studio at 3:30 p.m., Somerset Starlettes at 4 p.m., Victorian Voices at 4:30 p.m., Classic Christmas at 5:30 p.m. and Stevie Wonder Tribute at 7 p.m. The village will light its 28-foot Christmas tree and have a fireworks display at 6:15 p.m., and photos with Santa will begin at 6:30. For more information, go to http://www.royalpalmbeach.com.
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Sensory Santa
Where: Mall at Wellington Green, 10300 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington
When: 9 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 4
Information: The Mall at Wellington Green is working with Autism Speaks to provide a sensory-friendly Santa experience for all families with children with autism and other special needs. Space is limited. RSVP at https://whereissanta.com/mall/0318.
Winterfest with Vanilla Ice
Where: Village Park, 11700 Pierson Road, Wellington
When: 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 9
Information: Presented by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and village of Wellington and featuring headline performer, music icon, philanthropist, actor and TV star Vanilla Ice, the event includes live musical performances, silent disco, exhibitors, retail and holiday shopping, food vendors, lounges for adult attendees, kids and teen activities, and more. Complimentary on-site and shuttle parking will be available. For more information, go to http://www.wellingtonchamber.com.
32nd annual Children’s Holiday Fishing Classic
Where: Village Park, 11700 Pierson Road, Wellington
When: 8 to 11 a.m. Dec. 10
Information: Presented by Wellington with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Building Up Sports Academy, the tournament is open to all local children ages 15 and younger. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place (based on a point system of fish caught and released) in each age group: 6 and under; ages 7 to 9; ages 10 to 12; and ages 13 to 15. Registration is free and may be completed in advance at Village Park or the Wellington Community Center, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd., or email athletics@wellingtonfl.gov to request a registration form. For more information, go to http://www.wellingtonfl.gov/HolidayFishing.
Wellington Holiday Boat Parade
Where: Lake Wellington, with viewing from the Town Center Promenade, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington
When: Boats will pass along the Promenade about 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10
Information: Local residents and boating enthusiasts light up the lake, with about 30 festive, decorated boats expected to cruise in the parade. To participate, contact Jack Brownson at jbrownson@comcast.net for more information.
Westlake Holiday Pop Up Market
Where: Kingfisher Boulevard, Westlake
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 11
Information: Shop a variety of vendors to find holiday gifts. Whiskey Business will serve mimosas and Bloody Marys. There also will be several local food trucks.
38th annual Wellington Holiday Parade: “Favorite Holiday Destination”
Where: The parade route is along Forest Hill Boulevard from Wellington Trace (the original Wellington Mall) to Ken Adams Way
When: Begins at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 11
Information: Hosted by Wellington and The Central Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce, the parade is a free day of fun with a judged parade filled with imaginative floats, marching bands, characters, dance troupes and more. For more information, go to http://www.cpbcchamber.com.
Senior Holiday Party
Where: Wellington Community Center, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington
When: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 13
Information: Wellington seniors ages 50 and older can attend this free event. Lunch will be provided along with holiday-themed decorations, entertainment and activities. Registration is required. Call 561-753-2484 to RSVP.
Twilight Tour
What: Twilight Tour at Panther Ridge Conservation Center
Where: Panther Ridge, 2143 D Road, Loxahatchee Groves
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17
Admission: $25 for ages 2-12 and $50 for ages 13 and older
Information: Explore the center when its 10 species of exotic cats are at their most active. Docents and keepers provide educational information, and food and drinks — beer, wine, soda and water — are included. Tickets are available by calling 561-795-8914 or going to www.pantherridge.org.
Wellington Holiday Jingle Bell Run 5K
Where: Village Park, 11700 Pierson Road, Wellington
When: 7 a.m. Dec. 18
Information: The race begins at 7 a.m. Participants are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to families in Wellington as part of the Hometown Holiday Toy Drive. All participants will be provided with jingle bells to wear before the race begins. For more information or to register, go to http://www.active.com.
Westlake Community Hanukkah Party
Where: Westlake Adventure Park Pool Pavilion, 16610 Town Center Parkway N., Westlake
When: 6 p.m. Dec. 21
Information: Join Temple Beth Torah, Westlake and the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s PJ Library program for a Hanukkah celebration, including singing, menorah lighting, latkes, doughnuts and dreidel games.
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