DECEMBER EVENTS SOUTH FLORIDA
MIAMI ART WEEK – Sure, Art Basel is the centerpiece for what has to be the most amazing, eclectic week for great art anywhere. Leading galleries from all over the world will show historical work from masters of modern and contemporary art. Painting, sculptures, drawings, photographs and films also will be on display. But, don’t miss the ever-growing and eclectic satellite art fairs that take place before, during and after Art Basel.
Where: Various locations in Miami Beach and Miami
Web: artbasel.com and miamiandbeaches.com/event/art-basel-miami-beachl
LET THERE BE LIGHTS! – Millions and millions of them will light up the South Florida holiday skies. You can see some of the best and the brightest at Santa’s Enchanted Forest .
Where: Tropical Park in Miami
Web: santasenchantedforest.com
HOLIDAY CHEER, FORT LAUDERDALE STYLE – Two of the city’s biggest attractions are its waterways and Las Olas Boulevard. Both are used to full advantage during the holidays. Christmas on Las Olas is a great, all-ages kick-off to the holiday season, featuring more than 60 food and beverage booths, sledding down the two-story ice-covered Snow Mountain, ice skating, street performers, strolling carolers and multiple stages with choirs and other performances. And, of course, there’s the annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade. It’s the gold standard of holiday boat parades with the well-deserved nickname of “The Greatest Show on H20.”
Web: lasolasboulevard.com/christmasonlasolas, and winterfestparade.com
AND SPEAKING OF BOAT PARADES —You can’t swing a string of holiday lights in SoFlo without hitting a boat parade in December. Some of the other cities to have one are, just to name a few: Fort Myers, Key West, Naples, West Palm Beach, Pompano Beach, Punta Gorda and Boca Raton. Search the Internet for dates and times.
KEY WEST NEW YEAR’S EVE – Ball drop, schmall drop. Anybody can drop a glitter ball and call it a year. Not Key West – no way, no how. Nobody does New Year’s Eve like Key West. Common highlights: Pirate Wench Drop, Giant Shoe Drop and the Conch Shell Drop. It’s all topped with a giant fireworks display.
Where: Key West
Web: fla-keys.com
HOLLYWOOD BEACH CANDY CANE PARADE – Join the fun on the famous Hollywood Broadwalk. The annual event that is some 60 years old features marching bands, floats and much more.
Where: Hollywood Beach, Hollywood
Web: visithollywoodfl.org
ISLAMORADA HOLIDAY FEST – The centerpiece is a 35-foot Christmas tree with “magical snow” blowing from its branches. Also: a 20-ton snow mountain, parade, Santa’s Sweet Shoppe, Little Miss Sugar Plum, and many other exciting events.
Where: Founders Park in Islamorada, Mile Marker 87
Web: islamoradachamber.com
PALM BEACH FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL – This gastronomic gala offers an unprecedented collection of talent for this four-day foodie fest, including specialty Chef Talk panels, volleyball games where losers wash the dishes, gourmet five-course dinners with premium wine pairings, and evening karaoke cocktail gatherings.
Where: Four Seasons Resort and other locations on the island city of Palm Beach
Web: pbfoodwinefest.com
DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH ART FESTIVAL – This excellent craft show in SoFlo in December features exceptional works in ceramics, decorative fiber, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper wearable art, wood, painting, photography and sculpture.
Where: Delray Beach
Web: artfestival.com
MICCOSUKEE INDIAN ARTS FESTIVAL – Experience the color and pageantry of costumed Native Americans from all over the country. Featured: nonstop entertainment, arts, crafts, music, native goods and more.
Where: Miccosukee Indian Village, Miami
Web: miccosukee.com
SEA OF HOLIDAY JOY – Visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium and embrace the holiday spirit with festive lights, kid-friendly activities and Sea of Light boat cruises during extended evening hours.
Where: 249 Windward Passage Clearwater
Web: cmaquarium.org/sea-of-holiday-joy
ATOMIC HOLIDAY BAZAAR – Continuing its decade-long tradition of bringing weird, wild and uniquely local goods and gifts together in one place, this bazaar market returns with an array of jangly handmade jewelry, unconventionally shaped cookie cutters, cheeky postcards and paper goods, pop art handbags and T-shirts, one-of-a-kind stuffed animals, skull-themed scarves and more.
Where: Municipal Auditorium, Sarasota
Web: atomicholidaybazaar.com