You won’t need mittens and muffler, and there won’t be icy and snowy roads to navigate, yet the Holiday Spirit, Good Cheer and Holiday Events of the Season are in abundance throughout Vero Beach and its surrounding communities, along with weather that’s sunny and bright throughout December. Here’s a sampling of ho ho holiday festivities to mark on your calendar…
34TH ANNUAL VERO BEACH CHRISTMAS PARADE AND CANDY CANE RACE – SATURDAY, DEC 1, 2018 6:00-7:30 PM
Kicking off the holiday season, this hometown style parade begins on Ocean Drive at Flamevine and proceeds north to Live Oak along Ocean Drive. Floats, bands and an appearance by Santa himself insure a great time for the kiddies. The fourth annual Candy Cane Race kicks off at 5:15 just prior to the start of the parade. Info: http://www.verobeachoba.
EMETT OTTER’S JUG BAND CHRISTMAS – FRIDAY, DEC 7-8, 2018 7:00- 8:00 PM
This Riverside Theatre performance epitomizes the spirit of Christmas as it tells the tale of Emmet and Ma Otter, who are very poor, but very happy and talented singers hoping to get the other a special Christmas present. To win the prize in a talent show, Emmet forms a jug band, and Ma practices alone, to vie with the Riverbottom Gang. E-Mail: oscars@
WINTER IN THE PARK FINE ART & CRAFT SHOW (5TH ANNUAL) – SATURDAY, DEC 8 & 9, 2018 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Don’t miss this opportunity to make purchases from a wide selection of unique pieces of fine art and quality crafts for someone special on your holiday shopping list. The 5th Annual Winter In The Park Fine Art and Craft Show returns to Vero Beach featuring the work of over 80 talented artisans and craftsmen offering a wide selection of one-of-a-kind works of art and handmade creations including paintings, sculptures, fine jewelry, mixed media artwork, photography, glass works and much more. Admission and parking are free. E-Mail shows@huffspromo.com Phone: 330-493-4130 Riverside Park
3200 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963
BALLET VERO BEACH PRESENTS – TEA UP FOR THE NUTCRACKER – SATURDAY, DEC 8, 2018 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
For a third year in a row, Oak Harbor Club will be decked out for the holiday season for a festive afternoon of fun to preview Nutcracker on the Indian River. A full afternoon of activities is planned to provide a wonderland experience for all ages. E-Mail: info@balletverobeach.
JINGLE BELL JOG 5K – SATURDAY, DEC 15, 2018 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Joggers and strollers, young and old, are encouraged to dress in festive holiday attire to enjoy an early morning brimming with Christmas tradition and contagious excitement The jog course meanders down picturesque island neighborhoods decked out for the season. While the finish line offerings include a great breakfast and unique prize drawings. E-Mail: amays@christianfm.com Phone: 772-569-0919 More Info: http://christianfm.com/
INDIAN RIVER CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT 1ST METHODIST – SATURDAY/SUNDAY, DEC 16-17, 2018 7:00 – 8:30 PM
The Indian River Charter High School Concert Choir will be featured in new and traditional Christmas music accompanied by hand bells, brass, strings, organ, piano and percussion. E-Mail: gmiller@irchs.org Phone: 772-567-6600 ext 225 More Info: irchschoir.org First United Methodist Church, 1750 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960
RUN RUN SANTA 1 MILE – SUNDAY, DEC 23, 2018 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Features a fast, festive 1-mile course in downtown Vero that’s perfect for everyone from elite runners to families looking to celebrate the holidays together. All participants receive a full Florida-style Santa suit to wear during the race with registration, available in men, women, youth & child sizes.Every Santa crossing the finish line receives a 2018 Santa Finisher’s Medal. Run real fast and you could win an overall or age group award.
There’ll be Christmas gift giveaways, plus lots of holiday food and drink at the post-race party. You must wear your Santa suit to participate. EMail: runrunsanta1mile@gmail.
BALLET VERO BEACH IN – NUTCRACKER ON THE INDIAN RIVER – SUNDAY, DEC 30, 2018 8:00 – 10:00 PM AND DEC 31 AT 2:00PM
This spectacular production returns for a second season just in time to partner with the City of Vero Beach Centennial Celebrations. While retaining all the whimsy and magic of the original ballet, this interpretation moves the action to the year Vero was founded (1919). By taking the ballet’s heroine, Marie, on a holiday journey from New York to Florida, Fifth Avenue Mansions, Grand Central Station, and rail cars become settings. Instead of a second act featuring candy characters, Marie dreams of the shores of the Indian River Lagoon, and is entertained by all manner of local flora and fauna. From land crabs to manatees and river otters to bougainvillea, Nutcracker on the Indian River takes all the magic of the stage and uses that magic to both entertain and inspire. E-Mail: info@balletverobeach.
Vero Beach, FL 32960
THE HOLIDAYS AT MCKEE DEC. 20 THROUGH DEC. 23 FROM 6-8 PM
McKee Botanical Garden is all dressed up for the holidays with thousands of twinkling lights, decorations, music of the season, Santa Claus, and an imcredible model train display. The Nights of Lights events are Dec. 28 through Dec. 30 from 6-7:30 p.m. Phone: 772-794-0601. McKee Botanical Garden,350 US Highway 1, Vero Beach FL. 32962.
