The South Florida Traveler

However you celebrate the holidays, one thing is clear - they are quickly coming up and the festivities are on. Whether you are looking to take part in a tree lighting ceremony, a shopping extravaganza or want to watch a holiday parade, you have plenty of options. Here are some taking place this week:

• Come down to Worth Avenue on Tuesday, December 2nd for The Worth Avenue Promenade and Town of Palm Beach Tree Lighting ceremony. The stores will extend their hours and will be offering free refreshments. While you are there, enjoy the complimentary music from local bands and choral groups. There will even be live ballerinas dancing in the windows. After the tree lighting ceremony, Santa will be available for some holiday surprises. Starts at 6:00 pm.
• On December 3rd, there will be a tree lighting ceremony at Burns Road Community Center in Palm Beach Gardens. Music, jugglers, Santa and snow - They will all be there. Takes place at 6:00 pm, 4400 Burns Road in Palm Beach Gardens.
• On December 4th, make your way down to Delray Beach for the 100-foot tree lighting ceremony. Watch in amazement as the 3,000 hand-fluffed branches, 39,500 ornaments and the 15,500 lights come to life. Even more amazing, is that there will be a place for outdoor ice skating - even in Florida! This event starts at 5:00 pm and takes place at Old School Square, 51 North Swinton Avenue.
• On the weekend, head up to Stuart. Festivities begin on Friday, December 5th, with the Soroptomist Christmas parade ending in the historic downtown. Saturday during the day, head on over to Hobe Sound and Indiantown as their holiday parades are scheduled. During the evening, head on over to the shores of the Manatee Pocket in Port Salerno as there will be a military flyover by four F-18 jets. At 6:00 pm, there will be a boat parade featuring boats of all sizes to rev up that holiday cheer. The evening will conclude with an 8:00 pm fireworks display.
• If you are located further south, you might want to check out the Holiday Fantasy of Lights taking place in Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek now until January 4th. Daily from 6:00 - 10:oo pm, cars can make their way through this winter wonderland of more than 2 miles of illuminated lights.  Cost is $12 for vehicles with 20 passengers or less.

photo credit: mandj98 @ flickr