Lights, Music & Joy
Make the most of the holidays on the Treasure Coast
Everyone has more than enough on their plates but take some time to make memories by treating yourself and the family to the sparkling holiday events happening around the Treasure Coast. You’ll love the twinkling lights, joyful parades, heartwarming holiday shows and unique lighted displays all along the Treasure Coast.
Boat parades are awesome reminders that we live in Florida. Moving against the dark night with silvery splashes of water, decorated boats travel our waterways in the annual parades organized by the Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast. With one for each county on different days, it’s easy to see all of them. They start between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Check miatc.org for times and viewing spots.
At the north end of the Treasure Coast, the Indian River County boat parade is Sunday, Dec. 14. Prime viewing locations include Royal Palm Pointe. Last year, Indian River didn’t have a boat parade, so this return to the festivities will be welcomed by many.
In St. Lucie County, where good viewing is available along the Fort Pierce Inlet, Saturday, Dec. 13, is the big day. Brightly decorated boats festooned with red, silver and green garlands and lights will be on view.
In Martin County, the boat parade is Saturday, Dec. 6. It’s always fun with Santa, toys, reindeer and more displayed on the decks. Check the route on miatc.org.
Many cities hold holiday parades with floats, lights, bands and costumes to entertain. Two of the biggest are in Stuart and Vero Beach, both at night and video-worthy if you bring a tripod. Fort Pierce Sights and Sounds came up with a fun theme: “Fort Pierce Through the Decades,” with each decade uniquely known for something special.
There are plenty of Nutcracker performances to choose from. The renowned saga of Clara and her dream about a nutcracker shows up in a customized version by Ballet Vero Beach at Riverside Theatre, with regular performances plus some second shows adjusted for those sensitive to motion and noise. You’ll find several versions at Sunrise Theatre in Fort Pierce, including one by the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine. The Lyric Theatre in Stuart offers one for children.
Holiday plays and concert performances are on tap in many local theaters. The Pineapple Theatre in south Fort Pierce is doing A Christmas Carol, the classic tale of Scrooge learning a lesson, while Vero Beach Theatre Guild is performing a musical version.
At Indian River State College, students and the Port St. Lucie Community Band offer a concert with many of the old Christmas favorites. Christmas Carols on Strings will be played at the MidFlorida Event Center in a candlelight concert. A sing-along version of Handel’s Messiah will be sung at Trinity United Methodist Church in Jensen at 6 p.m. Dec. 22, thanks to the Treasure Coast Community Singers. Hobe Sound has its annual Singing Christmas Tree — so popular that it has been extended to extra days.
Dazzle your eyes with glittering spectacles of thousands of red, green, white and blue lights in the botanical gardens on the Treasure Coast, a drive-through at the St. Lucie County Fairgrounds, and there are lights aplenty in Marina Square Park in Fort Pierce, where dozens of palm trees are wrapped with lights. Drive neighborhood streets to see decorated homes — some simple, some elaborate.
Take some time to enjoy these holidays.
