You know how a cold snap for us is around 70 degrees? Yes, it’s truly paradise. But that sunny subtropicalness can make it a little tricky to get into the Christmas vibe.
After all, the best we can do for a winter wonderland is white sand beaches, with SoFlo Santa rocking a tank-top, shorts, flip-flops and shades.
If that’s got you feeling all Grinchy, here’s something to soothe those yuletide yearnings: a roundup of holiday-themed shows in Palm Beach and Broward counties.
Please note: Ticket prices may not include fees and taxes. Also, we will continue to refresh this list, so you may want to keep checking back. Enjoy the shows!
‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’
The Wick Theatre will produce an elaborate staging of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” with a large cast and a score by Broadway legends Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens
WHEN: Nov. 28-Dec. 24
WHERE: The Wick Theatre & Museum Club, 7901 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton
COST: $89-$119
INFORMATION: thewick.org
SYMPHONY OF THE AMERICAS PRESENTS ‘JUST LIKE THE ONES WE USED TO KNOW’ HOLIDAY CONCERT
Conducted by Luke Frazier, this holiday concert will feature Laurie Jennings, the Emmy-winning TV news reporter and former WPLG-TV anchor, as well as guest vocalists Nova Payton (sang with Stevie Wonder, Roberta Flack), Eric Ulloa (Gloria Estefan musical, “On Your Feet”) and Amanda McGovern (winner of American Pops Orchestra’s NextGen Vocal Competition).
WHEN: 7:45 p.m. Dec. 1-2
WHERE: Amaturo Theater at Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale
COST: $64.90-$118
INFORMATION: sota.org; browardcenter.org
ONE JOYOUS NIGHT GOSPEL CONCERT
Grammy Award-winning and gospel music superstar — and co-star of the Broadway musical “Hell’s Kitchen” — Yolanda Adams is the headliner for this holiday show. Soul/R&B-gospel ensemble Sensere will also perform. The event is presented by the City of Lauderhill as well as WHQT Hot 105 and WEDR 99Jamz radio stations.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2
WHERE: Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, 3800 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill
COST: $85-$125
INFORMATION: lpacfl.com
FLORIDA GRAND OPERA’S ‘SILENT NIGHT’
Based on Christian Carion’s Academy Award-nominated 2005 movie “Joyeux Noël,” this opera recounts the extraordinary moment during World War I when Scottish, French and German soldiers laid down their weapons to share a night of peace. The production is a team effort between Florida Grand Opera (FGO), The Atlanta Opera and Opera Carolina. “Launching our season with ‘Silent Night’ is deeply symbolic,” FGO general director Maria Todaro said. “It reminds us that even in times of division and despair, there is always a moment when humanity prevails. Music becomes the common thread that binds, heals and restores.”
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 and Dec. 6
WHERE: Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale
COST: $54-$215
INFORMATION: 954-462-0222; fgo.org
BALLET PALM BEACH PRESENTS ‘THE NUTCRACKER’
The professional ballet company of the Palm Beaches and the Treasure Coast presents this Christmas classic where Marie is spirited away for adventures in an enchanted winter wonderland.
WHEN:
- 7 p.m. Dec. 5
- 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 6
- 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 7
WHERE: Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach
COST: $28.75-$143.75
INFO: kravis.org
”TIS THE SEASON’ CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA FUNDRAISER CONCERT
With an ensemble of more than 150 musicians, this benefit concert from the Visual and Performing Arts Department at Broward College will spotlight holiday classics, movie favorites and singalongs.
WHEN: 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6
WHERE: Bailey Hall at Broward College, 3501 Davie Road, Davie
COST: $15
INFORMATION: eventbrite.com
SOUTH FLORIDA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S PERFORMANCE OF HANDEL’S MESSIAH AND HOLIDAY POPS
Led by Sebrina María Alfonso, the South Florida Symphony Orchestra will perform the Christmas portion of Handel’s “Messiah,” which culminates in the “Hallelujah” chorus, as well as a collection of modern Holiday Pops favorites. There will be a pre-concert presentation with Alan Mason 30 minutes before the concert featuring an in-depth conversation and insights about the works and composer.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6
WHERE: The Parker, 707 NE Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale
COST: $41.30-$147.50
INFORMATION: parkerplayhouse.com
SERAPHIC FIRE’S ”TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS’
The Miami-based professional a cappella choral ensemble will present its signature candle-lit Christmas program throughout South Florida. “Somehow the music of the Christmas season brings that sensation of eagerness and hopeful wonder back to all of us, whether we’re 5, 55 or 95,” conductor James Bass said. “That’s what we will be trying to capture in this program. Seraphic Fire’s holiday concert is the perfect way to start the season.” In addition to Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, performances will take place in Coral Gables, Miami, Cutler Bay and Naples.
WHEN/WHERE:
- 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at All Saints Episcopal Church, 333 Tarpon Drive, Fort Lauderdale
- 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton
COST:
- $68 general admission; $85-$95 reserved (Fort Lauderdale)
- $65 general admission; $85-$95 reserved (Boca Raton)
INFORMATION: 305-285-9060; seraphicfire.org
FLORIDA INTERGENERATIONAL ORCHESTRA’S HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA CONCERT
Now in its 20th season, the Florida Intergenerational Orchestra — as the name spells out — unites children, parents, grandparents and retirees into one music group, with members ranging in age from 8 to 96. “This concert is all about joy, connection and community,” said conductor Lorraine Marks-Field. “It’s wonderful to see generations performing side by side, sharing the gift of music together.”
WHEN: 3 p.m. Dec. 7
WHERE: O’Shea Hall at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 22094 Lyons Road, Boca Raton
COST: $23.18-$44.52
INFORMATION: 561-922-3134; flioa.org
QUIRKY CHRISTMAS CABARET
South Florida-based entertainer Jennifer McClain returns for a third consecutive year with her mix of classic Christmas tunes, comedy, singalongs and a few surprise guests.
WHEN: 8 p.m. Dec. 9-11
WHERE: The Foundry, 2306 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors
COST: $37.50-$53.50
INFORMATION: ronnielarsen.com
‘BLACK NATIVITY’
This gospel-infused retelling of The Nativity story was written by poet/playwright Langston Hughes and is being staged by Brévo Theatre, a nonprofit arts organization with a mission “to amplify underrepresented voices and inspire cultural dialogue.” This production is directed by Zaylin Yates and choreographed by Terrence “TM” Pride — both co-founders of Brévo Theatre. There will be a concert version at 7:30 p.m. Saturday Dec. 6 at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center (tickets are $25).
WHEN: Various times Thursday, Dec. 18-Sunday, Dec. 21
WHERE: The Abdo New River Room at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Ave., Fort Lauderdale
COST: $53.10
INFO: brevotheatre.org; browardcenter.org
CHRIS MACDONALD’S MEMORIES OF ELVIS ‘MERRY CHRISTMAS BABY’ DINNER SHOW
Elvis Presley tribute artist Chris MacDonald brings the special holiday edition of his show performing of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s most popular renditions of Christmas songs. Tickets include a three-course meal.
WHEN: 8 p.m. Dec. 12
WHERE: The Paddock Restaurant at Palm Beach Kennel Club racetrack,1111 Congress Ave., West Palm Beach
COST: $80.89-$94.49
INFORMATION: pbkennelclub.com
MASTERWORKS CHORUS OF THE PALM BEACHES PERFORM HANDEL’S ‘MESSIAH’
The Masterworks Chorus presents their 47th annual performance of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” in both North Palm Beach and Palm Beach. The solos will be sung by professional vocalists Dorothy Gal (soprano), Erika Vasallo (mezzo soprano), Tyrese Byrd (tenor) and Neil Nelson (bass-baritone). “Messiah is a beautiful, moving oratorio that reflects the spirit of the season,” said Bryan Ijames, artistic director of Masterworks Chorus. “The music is filled with anticipation, reflection and excitement, underscoring a powerful narrative. We look forward to performing this masterpiece and celebrating this time-honored tradition with the community.”
WHEN:
- 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at Benjamin Hall
- 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14 at Royal Poinciana Chapel
WHERE:
- Benjamin Hall at The Benjamin School, 4875 Grandiflora Road, Palm Beach Gardens
- Royal Poinciana Chapel, 60 Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach
COST: For both concerts general admission is $36.05, premium seating is $77.25, student admission is $10.30 (though student tickets for Royal Poinciana Chapel concert are sold out)
INFO: masterworkspb.org
SOULFUL CHRISTMAS
This weekend celebration of music, art and cultural heritage will transform Fort Lauderdale’s African American Research Library and Cultural Center into a unique take on a tropical winter wonderland.
- A free “Soulful Christmas Concert” with Hued Songs from 7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 12 will feature artists such as Ja’Nia Harden (jazz/R&B), Erron Cooper (gospel singer), Brittany Graham (operatic soprano) and Wilkie Ferguson III (Broadway/TV performer)
- A “Soulful Christmas Community Day of Celebration” from 1-5:30 p.m. Dec. 13 will include holiday storytelling and singalongs, LEGO Christmas Ornament Making, Ugly Christmas Sweater Decorating, Super Soul Steppers performance, gift giveaways (while supplies last), a Hued Songs concert, Delou Africa performance, face painting, holiday crafts for all ages and more.
WHERE: African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
COST: Free
INFORMATION: broward.org
PENTATONIX: CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY TOUR
The Grammy-winning vocal group is bringing their holiday concert tour to SoFlo featuring the five a cappella singers (including baritone Scott Hoying, who twinkled his toes on the latest season of “Dancing with the Stars”).
WHEN: 7 p.m. Dec. 15
WHERE: Amerant Bank Arena, 1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise
COST: $52-$522
INFORMATION: amerantbankarena.com
PATRICK LAMB’S A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS TOUR
Saxophonist Patrick Lamb performs live as the iconic Charlie Brown animated TV Christmas special plays on a screen in the background. In addition to his band, Lamb will be joined by a Delray Beach student choir for this family-friendly holiday concert.
WHEN: 5-8 p.m. Dec. 17
WHERE: The Amphitheatre at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach
COST: $27.37 (bring your own lawn chair)-$266.25
INFORMATION: downtowndelraybeach.com
‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY’
New City Players has a new take on a Christmas classic with Frank Capra’s iconic movie reimagined as a radio play, complete with live Foley sound effects and a cast of five actors voicing almost three dozen characters. “Most people are familiar with ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,'” said producing artistic director Tim Davis. “While the style and venue of this show will feel fresh, at its heart the story remains the same: A man who has felt like he has lost everything realizes that what is most important in his life all along has been his community.” Doors open an hour before showtime for cocoa, carols and a curated menu from The Palm Cafe at General Provision in Fort Lauderdale.
WHEN: Dec. 18-21
WHERE: General Provision Downtown, 300 SW 1st Ave., Suite 155, Fort Lauderdale
COST: $30-$35
INFORMATION: 954-376-6114; newcityplayers.org
ARTS BALLET THEATRE OF FLORIDA’S ‘THE NUTCRACKER’
This production set to Tchaikovsky’s score is choreographed by artistic director Vladimir Issaev. The performance will spotlight the company’s professional dancers in key roles, as well as a community cast of children from Issaev’s School of Classical Ballet and local character artists.
WHEN:
- 10:30 a.m. Dec. 18 (Smart Stage Matinee Series)
- 7 p.m. Dec. 19-20
- 3 p.m. Dec. 21
WHERE: The Parker, 707 NE Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale
COST:
- $31.27-57.53
- $10.01 per ticket for Smart Stage Matinee Series
INFORMATION: parkerplayhouse.com
CANDLELIGHT’S CHRISTMAS CONCERTS
This series of live, candlelit concerts by a local string quartet will feature a “multi-sensory musical experience” of – depending on the performance – Christmas carols such as “Silent Night,” “O Holy Night,” “Deck the Halls” and “Joy to the World” as well as classical masterpieces from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker,” including the “Waltz of the Flowers” and the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.”
WHEN:
- Candlelight: Christmas Special Featuring “The Nutcracker” & More at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19 at The Sanctuary Church FTL
- Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings at 6:30 p.m. and 8:45 on Friday, Dec. 19 and then 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21 at Savor Cinema
- Candlelight: Christmas Classics at 8:45 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 28 at Savor Cinema
WHERE:
- The Sanctuary Church FTL, 1400 N Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale
- Savor Cinema, 503 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale
COST:
- The Sanctuary Church FTL on Friday Dec. 19 ticket prices are $28.35-$57.60
- Savor Cinema on Friday, Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m. ticket prices are $28.35-$57.60
- Savor Cinema on Friday, Dec. 19 at 8:45 p.m. tickets are $45.45-$66.15
- Savor Cinema on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 6:30 p.m. tickets are $67.50 (the $52 and $71 tickets are sold out)
- Savor Cinema on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 9 p.m. tickets are $40.95-$63.90
- Savor Cinema on Sunday, Dec. 28 at 8:45 p.m. tickets are $32.80-$53.20
INFO: feverup.com
HOLLY JOLLY JINGLE JAM
Cabaret performer Dawn Derow and resident artist Madison “Mad.E” have teamed up for this unique yuletide celebration. In addition to a performance by Dawn Derow & The Delta Jazz as well as a sing-along with Pat Norris at the piano, there will be hands-on collaging with Mad.E. Also the dynamic duo promise Christmas cookies, bites and holiday-themed cocktails along with hand-crafted gift boxes by Ami from saltandearthcollections.com. “Think of this event as a festive neighborhood party. It’s all about bringing people together through art, music and a little holiday sparkle,” explains Mad.E. “And a huge thank you and shout out to the owner of the Warehouse, Joe DeStephan, for hosting this happy holiday hoop-de-doo.”
WHEN: 5-11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20
WHERE: Northwood Art & Music Warehouse, 933 28th Street in West Palm Beach
COST: $33.85
INFO: eventbrite.com
