For me up north, the snow is keeping me inside, but for those people in Florida you are a bit luckier as you can get around. But, as you are preparing to finish up your holiday shopping what is open? Here’s a quick run-down on where to sneak in and pick up those last minute touches to make your holidays a little merrier.

• Publix: All stores close at 7:00 pm on Christmas Eve and are closed all day on Christmas Day
• Albertson’s: open until 3:00 pm on Christmas Day, 9:00 pm on Christmas Eve
• Winn-Dixie: open until 4:00 pm on Christmas Day, 7:00 pm on Christmas Eve
• Target: open from 7:00 am – 6:00 pm on Christmas Eve, closed on Christmas Day
• Wal-Mart: Closed Christmas Day
• K-Mart: open from 6:00 am – 10:00 pm Christmas eve, closed on Christmas Day
• Malls: All malls are closed on Christmas Day, Most malls closes at 6:00 pm on Christmas Eve

Image Credit: Saquan Stimpson @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

I’m a huge fan of Open Table. This online reservation system is ideal for finding new restaurants, making reservations, and even better at this time of the year, it’s perfect to find out what restaurants are open for those days when you feel the city has shut down  — including Christmas Day. If you are one of those people who would rather go out than spend the day in the kitchen or if you are on the road for work or another reason, Open Table is the place to go to. They have nearly 60 restaurants for you to choose from in South Florida.

Here are my favorites:

Miami area

• Baleen at the Grove Isle
• La Marea at the Tides
• Meat Market
• Vix

Broward County

• da Campo Osteria
• Himmarshee Bar & Grille
• Trina Restaurant

Palm Beach County

• Bice
• Cafe Boulud
• Opus 5

Photo Credit: p u n t o @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

• 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

Post from: The South Florida Traveler