Savor the Season – Top 8 Holiday Happenings Near Vero Beach, FL

November 30, 2023 | Read Time: 4 minutes

Located along Florida’s Atlantic coastline, the holiday spirit is already shining bright in Vero Beach. From glittering light displays along palm-tree-lined streets to an exceptional lineup of holiday concerts, this quaint beach town celebrates the season in style. Timeless annual traditions and family-friendly holiday events fill the month’s calendar, offering something for every age and lifestyle. Here’s a glimpse into some of the most anticipated events that Vero Beach cherishes year after year.

1. Winterfest at Riverside Theatre

Formerly known as the Festival of Trees, Winterfest on December 1-3 transforms Riverside Theatre’s campus into a festive winter wonderland. Visitors can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit amidst beautifully decorated trees, Santa’s Village, an “ice” skating rink, live performances, and an array of local arts and crafts vendors. All proceeds from the event contribute to funding Riverside Theatre’s educational programs.

2. Vero Beach Christmas Parade

The 39^th annual Vero Beach Christmas Parade on December 2^nd is set to ignite the holiday spirit in a beloved tradition. Hosted by the Vero Beach Sunrise Rotary, this year’s event will feature over 100 floats parading down Ocean Drive, each vehicle adorned with creative and imaginative displays that capture the essence of the holiday season. For those who can’t join the festivities in person, the parade will be live-streamed on Facebook with hosts providing cheerful commentary.

3. Holidays at the Vero Beach Museum of Art

The Vero Beach Museum of Art is hosting its annual Holidays at the Museum event on December 3^rd. Visitors will enjoy free admission to the current exhibitions with docents in the galleries playing fun games themed around the artworks on display. There will be art hunts with prizes, art-making activities in the Museum Art School Studios, food trucks, live music, dance performances from local school groups, and more.

4. Home for the Holidays Concert

The Atlantic Classical Orchestra is bringing an enchanting evening of musical delights to the Waxlax Center at St. Edward’s School. On December 10th, their inaugural Home for the Holidays Concert will immerse guests into the spirit of the season. Holiday classics will include Carol of the Bells, Winter Wonderland, the Nutcracker, a Hanukkah medley, an audience sing-a-long, and much more.

5. Indian River County Christmas Boat Parade

On December 12^th, the Indian River County Christmas Boat Parade invites boats of all sizes to join a beautifully decorated holiday regatta along the Intracoastal Waterway. Mariners are encouraged to decorate their vessels for some festive family fun, with prizes awarded for the best designs in different categories. Attendees can enjoy the parade from various restaurants and parks along the route, including Royal Palm Point and Vero Beach City Marina.

6. Chanukah Music Festival

On December 20th, the Indian River Mall will come alive with a grand menorah lighting festival to celebrate the Hanukkah season. The Chanukah Music Festival, hosted by the Chabad of Vero Beach, will feature live music by Yehudah Glantz, a distinguished cultural ambassador for Latin Hebrew music. Traditional treats like latkes and donuts will be provided, while face painting and an array of kids’ activities create a joyous gathering for all ages.

7. Nutcracker on the Indian River

The Vero Beach Ballet reimagines a holiday classic with Nutcracker on the Indian River on December 30^th at the VBHS Performing Arts Center. This adaptation retains all the whimsical magic of the original while transporting the story to the year Vero was founded in 1919. In place of candy characters, Marie embarks on a journey from New York to Florida and is entertained by all manner of local flora and fauna. From land crabs to manatees and river otters to bougainvillea, the production has become an instant classic with families for how it uses magic to entertain and inspire.

8. Ring in 2024 Oceanside

Heaton’s Vero Beach is celebrating the end of 2023 with an outdoor New Year’s Eve party to remember. This oceanfront restaurant will be open exclusively for the event. Guests can dance to the beats of Traxx Entertainment, snack on light bites, and enjoy a midnight toast along the Atlantic Ocean’s shores. Tickets are required in advance and can be purchased at Heatons2023NYE.Eventbrite.com.

Original story published by Orchid Island