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Shops at Merrick Park, Coral Gables’ destination for fine shopping and dining, will present its 18th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 18, at 6 p.m.
One of the largest tree lighting ceremonies and holiday celebrations in South Florida, the event will include lighting the 50-foot tree and a live performance by South Florida’s own Preston Howell, a contestant on NBC’s The Voice.
Attendees also will enjoy a variety of interactive activities, entertainment, retailer pop-up stations and a highly anticipated appearance by Santa Claus who will kick-off the festive season.
“Shops at Merrick Park is delighted to reunite families for this much-anticipated annual tradition that showcases the best and brightest retail and cultural resources in our community,” said Andrew Peach, senior general manager at Shops at Merrick Park. “After so much time apart taking care of our health and loved ones, we are committed to welcoming back our loyal shoppers, friends and neighbors to share the joy and hope of the holiday season.”
This year’s popular event will introduce a new majestic 50-foot tree with a six-foot-tall, illuminated star topper. The tree is adorned with LED custom colorful lighting, concert grade sound and a snow show. Shops at Merrick Park will transform into a winter wonderland with a live performance by Howell who will serenade attendees with holiday favorites.
Howell was one of just eight singers to turn four chairs during the blind auditions on The Voice Season 17. The teen accomplished the feat with a cover of Dream a Little Dream of Me by The Mamas and the Papas, landing a spot on Team John Legend.
The Miami Royal Ballet and Coral Gables Senior High School Gablettes will add festive spirit and movement to the celebration through dance. Guests can enjoy face painters, holiday costumed characters, a photo booth and more.
One of the event highlights is Santa’s grand arrival down San Lorenzo Avenue on the Coral Gables Fire Department’s fire truck. Special guest host Belkys Nerey, award-winning co-anchor of WSVN Channel 7 News, will help flip the magical switch to illuminate the tree, signaling the official start of the holiday shopping season. Shoppers can view and pose with the holiday tree through early January 2022.
For more information about Shops at Merrick Park, call 305-529-1215, visit online at www.shopsatmerrickpark.com or follow Shops at Merrick Park on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shopsatmerrickpark.
Shops at Merrick Park provides Miami area residents and visitors with a distinctive collection of more than 100 stores and eateries anchored by flagship locations of Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. The center features luxury brands such as CH Carolina Herrera, Gucci, Jimmy Choo and Tiffany & Co, alongside popular retailers such as Anthropologie, Banana Republic, J.Crew, Lilly Pulitzer, lululemon, Pottery Barn and Sephora. The unmatched shopping experience is enhanced by delicious dining options such as SAWA, Mariposa at Neiman Marcus, Bazille at Nordstrom, Sea Grill, Ecléctico Restaurant & Agave Bar, Perry’s Steak House & Grille, Villagio Restaurant and Yard House. Elemis Spa, Equinox Fitness Club and the Landmark Theatre complete the well-rounded retail mix.
Shops at Merrick Park is located at 358 San Lorenzo Ave. in Coral Gables. The center is open Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.
