Shops at Merrick Park, Coral Gables’ pristine destination for fine shopping and dining, will present its 16th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa’s Arrival, sponsored by Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, on Thursday, November 21, at 6 p.m. One of the largest tree lighting ceremonies and holiday celebrations in South Florida, the event will include the 50’ tree-lighting, live entertainment, interactive activities, retailer pop-up stations and the highly anticipated appearance by Santa Claus.
“Shops at Merrick Park is thrilled to host this annual tradition which draws thousands of children and families,” said Andrew Peach, senior general manager at Shops at Merrick Park. “This signature event is a symbol of our commitment to the community and we look forward to seeing our loyal shoppers and others there to share the joy of the holiday season.”
The popular event is centered around a majestic 50-foot tree adorned with 55,000 colorful twinkling bulbs. Shops at Merrick Park will transform into a winter wonderland with live performances by the Miami Royal Ballet, Coral Gables High School Choir & Band and Miami Senior High School Marching Band plus greetings from holiday characters, giveaways and more. Shops at Merrick Park retailers will pop-up throughout the garden with special promotions and gifts.
One of the event highlights is Santa’s grand arrival down San Lorenzo Avenue on the Coral Gables Fire Department’s fire truck. Master of Ceremonies Belkys Nerey, award-winning co-anchor of WSVN Channel 7 News, Coral Gables Mayor Raúl Valdés-Fauli and Nicklaus Children’s Health System Interim President and CEO Matthew Love, will flip the magical switch to illuminate the tree, signaling the official start of the holiday shopping season. Shoppers can view and pose with the holiday tree through early January 2020.
In addition, there will be an interactive coloring station compliments of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Adrienne Arsht Center December 3 – 8. For more show information, please visit www.charlieonbroadway.com.
Attendees are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys for children in care of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Toy contributors and others can enter to win a variety of exciting prizes from Shops at Merrick Park plus tickets to a performance of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
For more information about Shops at Merrick Park, please call (305) 529-1215, visit us online at www.shopsatmerrickpark.com or follow Shops at Merrick Park on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shopsatmerrickpark.