A SEASON OF CELEBRATION
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
SARAH CAIL PHOTOS
The Mouse King and the Nutcracker Prince prepare to battle in Ballet Vero
Beach’s Nutcracker on the Indian River.
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are Dec. 7. Look for the Indian River County boat parade
on Dec. 14. Visit the Marine Industries Association of the
Treasure Coast’s website for particulars or just look at our
own holiday datebook.
Holiday trees that spark memories of Christmases past are
everywhere. A whole forest of exquisitely decorated trees is
at Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach when the Festival of Trees
kicks off on Nov. 22.
“The theme is ‘Winter Wonderful,’” says marketing director
Oscar Sales. “This allows designers the opportunity to
imagine what their vision would be — winter up north with
snow or down south with sand and surf.” Hand-decorated
wreaths and unusual gifts are also on tap. The trees are
auctioned and the proceeds go to the theater’s education
department so children can take classes regardless of ability
to pay.
The entire campus is transformed into a winter wonderland
so wander around to find Santa’s village, Santa himself
and thousands of sparkly lights. While at Riverside, look for
some holiday performances, too.
There is something very special about the first time a tree
bursts into light to announce the start of the holiday season.
Just about every city and many communities have tree-lighting
ceremonies or festivals. See the joyous tree lighting during
the Festival of Lights at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center,
at Royal Palm Pointe in Vero Beach during the boat parade,
at Main Street Fort Pierce’s Sights and Sounds on Second
(Street) parade and festival in downtown Fort Pierce and at
Stuart’s Christmas on Main Street tree-lighting festival.
The Singing Christmas Tree is a very special tree on the
Hobe Sound Bible Church campus Dec. 5-8 this year. The >>
Ballerinas dance the
beautiful Waltz of
the Snowflakes in
Ballet Vero Beach’s
Nutcracker on the
Indian River.