The Village of Palmetto Bay is making a list and checking it twice in preparation for the 2015 holiday season.
“Our little village celebrates in a big way during the holidays,” said Fanny Carmona, Parks and Recreation director. “From major municipal events, to neighborhood gatherings, food drives, and even a boat parade, Palmetto Bay offers a merry mix of seasonal happenings for residents of all ages.”
Topping the list this year is the village’s official Holiday Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 5, 5-9 p.m. The inaugural “Downtown Palmetto Bay Celebration” at the Village Municipal Center, 9705 East Hibiscus St., is open free to the public and takes place along the promenade outside Village Hall.
“We are planning to celebrate the season by transforming Downtown Palmetto Bay into a veritable winter wonderland, complete with snow flurries, Santa photos, ice skating, and an entire sleigh-full of traditional holiday activities,” Carmona said.
The main event is the official lighting of the first-ever Palmetto Bay Holiday Tree. Participate in a countdown with village officials at Village Hall as they light up Downtown Palmetto Bay at 5:45 p.m.
Guests also will enjoy festive music performed by carolers, a menorah lighting, delicious warm food and beverage including hot chocolate, funnel cakes, and other seasonal offerings. Kids will get into the spirit by creating arts and crafts, writing letters to Santa, and playing with Rudolf and Snowman. Parents can enjoy holiday gift shopping by visiting the vendor marketplace to pick up stocking stuffers and other goods.
“The free, family fun-filled event is a wonderful way to warm up to the 2015 holiday season,” Carmona continued. “And you certainly won’t want to miss Santa Claus’ grand arrival — or a chance to tell him you’ve been nice all year.” Vendors and corporate sponsors still have plenty of time to participate in the event, by contacting Village Events & Programs staff at 305-259-1234 or via email at events@palmettobay-fl.gov.
HOLIDAY BY THE BAY
The magic of the holiday spirit in Palmetto Bay then continues with the sixth annual “Holiday by the Bay” at Ludovici Park on Saturday, Dec. 12, 3-7 p.m. This holiday tradition promises to be a huge event again this year, with more than 2,000 village residents, neighbors, and friends in attendance.
Everyone will be treated to a cheery blend of student performances, carnival foods, arts and crafts, a mini midway, library storytelling, and a command performance by Santa for free photos. Family fun also includes a really cool faux snowstorm that is sure to set the crowd into a fun-filled frenzy.
“It takes a village to host our Holiday by the Bay event each year,” Carmona added. “We are grateful for the support of all the student performers from area schools, and participation by so many local vendors.”
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
Visit the village website at www.palmettobay-fl.gov for a more holiday events and resources including news about the upcoming Mangowood Christmas Festival, village’s local food and toy drives, Chabad Hanukkah menorah lighting at Coral Reef Park, and the annual Boat Parade and Canned Food Drive on the C-100 Canal.
