Looking to get into the holiday spirit this year? The Village of Wellington is offering a whole host of fun, family activities for you and your loved ones throughout the month.
Dec. 1 to Dec. 31, Holiday Light Displays on the Town Center Promenade — Throughout the month of December, enjoy festive light displays along Wellington’s Town Center Promenade (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). The holiday lights will be on display throughout the month of December, courtesy of the Village of Wellington and its community partners Humana, Next Level Mobile Infusion, Tesla and Wellington Regional Medical Center.
Select Fridays in December, Holiday Shopping at the Lakeside Market — 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 Fridays, from 6 to 9 p.m. (except Dec. 22 and Dec. 29), on Wellington’s Town Center Promenade (12150 Forest Hill Blvd.). Learn more about the market and view the current vendor list at www.wellingtonlakesidemarket.com.
Thursday, Dec. 7, Grand Menorah Lighting — The annual lighting of the Grand Menorah will take place on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). The public is invited to join in the lighting of the first candle. Hanukkah will continue for eight nights, ending on Dec. 14.
Friday, Dec. 8, Wellington Winterfest 2023 — Winterfest, presented by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Wellington, will be hosted at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) on Friday, Dec. 8, from 6 to 10 p.m. Featuring headline performer, music icon, philanthropist, actor and TV star Vanilla Ice, the event will include live musical and dance performances, exhibitors, pet adoptions, retail and holiday shopping, food vendors, lounges for adult attendees, kids and teen activities, and more. Complimentary on-site and shuttle parking will be available. Visit www.wellingtonchamber.com for more information.
Saturday, Dec. 9, the 33rd Annual Children’s Holiday Fishing Classic — Get ready to reel in “the big one” at the 33rd annual Children’s Holiday Fishing Classic, presented by the Village of Wellington in conjunction with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and Building Up Sports Academy. The tournament will take place on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 8 to 11 a.m. at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road). It is open to all local children ages 15 and younger. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place based on a point system of fish caught and released (all species) in each age group: 6 and under; ages 7 to 9; ages 10 to 12; and ages 13 to 15. Registration is free and can be completed in advance at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) or the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.), or e-mail athletics@wellingtonfl.gov to request a registration form. Learn more at www.wellingtonfl.gov/holidayfishing.
Saturday, Dec. 9, Holiday Boat Parade — Come watch as local residents and boating enthusiasts “light up the lake” with the annual Holiday Boat Parade on Lake Wellington. Approximately 40 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 information.
Sunday, Dec. 10, the 39th Annual Wellington Holiday Parade “Holidays Around the World” — The annual Wellington Holiday Parade, hosted by the Village of Wellington and the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, returns on Sunday, Dec. 10. 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 1:30 p.m. and winds its way down Forest Hill Blvd., from Wellington Trace to Ken Adams Way. Grab your family and your sneakers and come on out for this fantastic holiday event. Visit www.cpbchamber.com for more information.
Tuesday, Dec. 12, Senior Holiday Party — Wellington seniors ages 50 and up are invited to attend a free Senior Holiday Party on Tuesday, Dec. 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Lunch will be provided along with holiday-themed decorations, entertainment and activities. Registration is required. Call (561) 753-2484 to RSVP. Existing CivicRec users may sign up at www.wellingtonfl.gov/civicrec.
Friday, Dec. 15, Free Showing of The Polar Express— Enjoy a free showing of the classic holiday film The Polar Express on Friday, Dec. 15 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 7:30 p.m. Bring your own blankets or chairs for seating.
Sunday, Dec. 17, Annual Wellington Holiday Jingle Bell Run 5K — The annual Wellington Holiday Jingle Bell Run 5K returns to Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) on Sunday, Dec. 17. The race begins at 7 a.m. and participants are encouraged to bring an 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 prior to the start of the race. For more details and registration information, visit www.active.com.
For more information on upcoming events in Wellington, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/events.