As the holidays approach, Vero Beach is brimming with seasonal celebrations that promise to entertain and inspire and bring families closer together. So, in the midst of your holiday shopping and cooking and cleaning, don’t forget to make some sweet experiences with those you love.
The popular Jungle Lights at McKee Botanical Gardens continues through Sunday, Dec. 22. Visitors to the garden can explore illuminated flora and fauna like glowing bromeliad trees, Vero Beach’s largest animated Christmas Tree. Santa makes nightly appearances from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A 1924 Wurlitzer Band Organ will play through Friday, Dec. 20. And, in the midst of this radiant wonderland, a Holiday Train Show will dazzle. The dazzling light display comprises more than 200,000 LED lights. Guests can also go into the Garden Café and purchase “magical” snowflake glasses. Jungle Lights runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 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.
Tribute shows are usually for one artist or a small group, but this time, it’s the Prophecy Show, a tribute to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, the iconic group that has sold more than 10 million albums and advanced the notion of the spectacle of rock opera. The tribute show comprises classically trained, hand-picked musicians awash in dramatic costumes, choreography, lasers and fog delivering a power-packed evening of holiday rock. Tickets range from $49 to $79. The Emerson Center is at 1590 27th Ave., Vero Beach. Call 772-794-0601 or visit TheEmersonCenter.org.
The “Run Run Santa” 1-mile race begins at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, at Pocahontas Park in Vero Beach. This is the run where competitors don Santa outfits which are provided with the entry. You must wear that Santa suit in order to participate. Everyone who participates gets a “Holiday Reindeer” medal, free post-race holiday treats and drinks, and a chance to win Christmas gifts. Both runners and walkers welcomed. Registration starts at $35, but only $31 if you use your prior year’s suit. Registration goes up to $40 if you register on race day. Pocahontas Park is at 2140 14th Ave. For more information, visit RunSignUp.com. If you can’t get into the webpage, try going to the organization’s Facebook page.
The Chancel Choir at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach will present “What Sweeter Music, a Festival of Carols” during the 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. services Sunday, Dec. 22. Under the direction of Dr. Jacob Craig, the choir will perform 15 traditional carols and original compositions by contemporary composer Mark Hayes. This moving cantata includes live accompaniment by a chamber ensemble and features soprano Jill Compton as a soloist. The audience is invited to sing along during select carols, making it a communal celebration of the Christmas spirit. First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach is at 520 Royal Palm Blvd. For more details, visit FirstPresVero.org or call 772-562-9088.
