Looking to get into the holiday spirit this December? Wellington is offering a host of fun, family activities scheduled throughout the month.
Holiday Cultural Celebration, Friday, Dec. 3 — Start your December festivities off with a Holiday Cultural Celebration on Friday, Dec. 3, offered in conjunction with the Lakeside Market at Wellington Town Center. Recognizing holidays and traditions across cultures, the celebration will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. on the lawn near the Wellington Community Center, adjacent to the promenade. Attendees are invited to celebrate Wellington’s ethnic diversity and culture with a holiday tree lighting at 6 p.m., along with food, live performances, vendors, and readings of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “Latke, the Lucky Dog” and “We Celebrate Kwanzaa.” A number of children’s holiday characters will also be on hand for photo opportunities, plus enjoy a special visit with the big man in red himself — Santa Claus! Learn more at www.wellingtonfl.gov/holidaycelebration.
Holiday Shopping at the Lakeside Market, Fridays, Dec. 3 and Dec. 17 — Get in your last-minute gift shopping, support local small businesses, and enjoy one of Florida’s beautiful winter evenings outdoors at the Lakeside Market at Wellington Town Center. Browse unique gifts and handcrafted goods while shopping with a variety of artists, crafters, bakers, makers and more. A number of food and beverage vendors will also be on-site offering a selection of items for purchase. The market will be open on Friday, Dec. 3 and Friday, Dec. 17 from 5 to 9 p.m. on Wellington’s Town Center Promenade. Learn more about the market, and view the vendor list, at www.wellingtonlakesidemarket.com.
Winterfest 2021, Friday, Dec. 10 — Winterfest, hosted by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Wellington, is making its return to the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) on Friday, Dec. 10 from 6 to 10 p.m. Featuring headline performer, music icon, philanthropist, actor and TV star Vanilla Ice, the event will include live music and dance performances, exhibitors, retail and holiday shopping, food vendors, lounges for adult attendees, kids activities and more. Complimentary on-site and shuttle parking will be available. For more info., visit www.wellingtonchamber.com.
31st Annual Children’s Holiday Fishing Classic, Saturday, Dec. 11 — Grab your fishing tackle and get ready to reel in “the big one” at the 31st annual Children’s Holiday Fishing Classic on Saturday, Dec. 11. This year’s free fishing tournament will be held at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road), and is presented by the Village of Wellington in conjunction with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and Building Up Sports Academy. The tournament is open to all local children ages 15 and younger. Registration opens at 8 a.m., followed by the tournament from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and awards and fish tales from 11 a.m. to noon. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place (based on a point system) in each age group: 6 and under; ages 7 to 9; ages 10 to 12; and ages 13 to 15. Learn more at www.wellingtonfl.gov/holidayfishing.
Holiday Boat Parade, Saturday, Dec. 11 — Come watch as local residents and boating enthusiasts “light up the lake” with the annual Holiday Boat Parade on Lake Wellington. Approximately 30 festive, decorated boats are expected to cruise in the parade. Visible from the Town Center Promenade, the boats will pass behind the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) around 6:30 p.m. Those interested in participating should contact Jack Brownson at jbrownson@comcast.net for more info.
37th Annual Wellington Holiday Parade, Sunday, Dec. 12 — The Wellington Holiday Parade, hosted by the Village of Wellington and the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, returns on Sunday, Dec. 12 with the theme “Holiday Dreams.” Enjoy a free day of fun and festivities with a judged parade filled with imaginative floats, marching bands, characters, dance troupes and more. The parade begins at 1 p.m. and winds its way down Forest Hill Blvd., from Wellington Trace to Ken Adams Way. Vendors will be on-site at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) with goodies available for purchase. Grab your family and your sneakers and come on out for this fantastic holiday event. Visit www.cpbcchamber.com for more info.
Free Showing of The Polar Express, Friday, Dec. 17 — Enjoy a free showing of the classic holiday film The Polar Express on Friday, Dec. 17 at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. The movie begins at 7 p.m. Bring your own blankets or chairs for seating.
Wellington Holiday Jingle Bell Run 5K, Sunday, Dec. 19 — The annual Wellington Holiday Jingle Bell Run 5K returns to Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) on Sunday, Dec. 19. The race begins at 7 a.m. and participants are encouraged to bring out a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to families in the Wellington community as part of the annual Hometown Holiday Toy Drive. All participants will be provided with jingle bells to wear on their shoes prior to the start of the race. For more details, and registration information, visit www.active.com.
Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/events to learn more.
