This holiday season, Ballet Vero Beach brings a delightful twist to a cherished classic with “Nutcracker on the Indian River.” This reimagined production transplants the story to 1919, the year Vero was founded. In this magical tale, Marie embarks on a holiday journey from New York to Florida, passing through iconic settings like Fifth Avenue mansions, Grand Central Station and vintage rail cars. The second act diverges from the traditional candy-themed scenes, instead transporting Marie to the shores of the Indian River Lagoon. Here, she encounters local flora and fauna, including land crabs, manatees, river otters and vibrant bougainvillea. This unique adaptation has quickly become a beloved tradition. Performances begin at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, with tickets ranging from $11 to $86. Enhance your experience with the VIP Add-On, which includes an exclusive on-stage meet-and-greet with select cast members, a photo opportunity and a VIP swag bag. Tickets to the VIP Add-On are $20 (available only to ticketed attendees). For younger children and individuals with different abilities, shortened, hour-long performances called “Nutcracker for All” begin at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, and at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 31, with tickets priced at $12. All performances will be held at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center, located at 1707 16th St. For more details, call 772-269-1065 or visit BalletVeroBeach.org.
The Vero Beach Museum of Art invites families to unleash their creativity with its Winter Creative Workshops. Start with a docent-guided mini tour, then head to the studios with hands-on artmaking. They will be held 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, and Friday, Dec. 27, and again Thursday, Jan. 2, and Friday, Jan. 3. Each week features a unique theme: The Dec. 26 and Dec. 27 workshops will teach printmaking techniques with geometric snowflakes. The Jan. 2 and Jan. 3 workshops will teach how to create holiday suncatchers using colorful tissue paper. The workshops are free with museum admission. Registration not required. Additionally, don’t miss the museum’s acclaimed exhibition, “Roadside Reverie: Glass Works by John Miller,” showcasing over 40 stunning glass sculptures. This exhibition, which runs until Jan. 5, highlights Miller’s unique blend of Pop Art influences and automotive and diner-themed artistry. A centerpiece of the exhibit is “V-ATE” (2024), a mixed-media installation featuring a 1954 Ford Mainline. This is the museum’s first solo glass exhibition in almost a decade; and it is the artist’s largest solo museum exhibition. The exhibition features select loans from the prestigious Tacoma Museum of Glass and items from the artist’s personal collection. See Artist John Miller chatting with Vero Beach Museum of Art Chief Curator Caitlin Swindell on October 22, 2024, during the installation on YouTube by clicking here: https://youtu.be/yf60HwV3spQ?si=lbAs0-lxnPrKVBRr. The museum is at 3001 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays, except holidays. Last admission 15 minutes before closing. Admission is free to members, children under 17 years, first responders, healthcare workers and active military with ID. Non-member admission is $12 adults, $11 seniors 65 years and older, and $5 for students with ID. Call 231-0707 or visit VBMuseum.org.
The popular Jungle Lights at McKee Botanical Gardens finishes up this year’s annual run. This year’s final days are 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 26-29. It includes a dazzling light display of more than 200,000 LED lights, illuminated flora and fauna, the area’s largest animated Christmas tree, glowing bromeliad trees, and a captivating Holiday Train Show. Nightly entertainment rounds out the experience. Tickets are $5 children and $20 adults. The McKee Botanical Gardens is at 350 U.S. 1, Vero Beach. Call 772-794-0601 or visit McKeeGarden.org.
