A December calendar brims with holiday events
A jam-packed weekend of parades and events rings in Martin County’s holiday season The Singing Christmas Tree, a Christmas Tree Lighting and four parades in Martin County are planned this coming weekend to get residents in the holiday mood. Best of all, it’s FREE to attend each one.
— Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Dec. 5, 6, 7 and 8
23rd Annual Singing Christmas Tree
You know that the Christmas season has arrived with a performance by the Singing Christmas Tree at Hobe Sound Bible College on Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 5-8, at 7 p.m. each night. Offered by Hobe Sound Ministries, the event was attended last year by more than 8,000 people. Featured will be 75 singers in a Christmas tree of thousands of lights, accompanied a 25-piece orchestra, a children’s choir and a drama cast of 50 that includes flying angels, king, shepherds, and the holy family, giving the message and lights of the season. No admission charge, but freewill-offering opportunities will be at the door and during the intermission. Call 772-546-5696 or go to www.hobesoundsingingtree.com for more information. The church auditorium is at 11295 S.E. Gomez Avenue.in Hobe Sound, and there’s plenty of free parking.
— Friday, Dec. 6
The VNA Stuart Christmas Parade
The theme of this year’s Stuart Christmas Parade, which begins at 6 p.m., is “It’s a Green Christmas.” The route starts at the YMCA of the Treasure Coast, 1700 S.E. Monterey Road, Stuart, taking a left on Ocean Boulevard and ends at Georgia Avenue – a reverse from previous years. FREE. For details about participating in the parade, email [email protected]. For more information about the parade itself, email [email protected].
— Friday, Dec. 6
Christmas Tree Lighting in Hobe SoundAs it gets dark now by 5-5:30 p.m., early evening is the perfect time to attend a holiday tree lighting. One upcoming event is at the historic Apollo School, 9141 S.E. Apollo St., Hobe Sound on Friday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. Planned are music, refreshments and children’s activities at the sixth annual event. FREE. Go to www.apolloschool.org.
— Saturday, Dec. 7
34th Annual Hobe Sound Christmas Parade
Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce’s gift to the community is its Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 1 p.m., along Dixie Highway and then west on Bridge Road. One of Martin County’s most endearing dignitaries, Mabel Witham as Grand Marshall, will represent her late husband, environmentalist Ross Witham, a Pearl Harbor survivor and disabled veteran. The parade falls on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. It will be led by the Martin County Sheriff’s Department followed by dignitaries, vintage cars, floats, marchers, trucks, school bands and more. Emcee Jef Otten will keep you aware of what organization is passing as the parade makes its way along the route. DancenSound will entertain the crowd with holiday music before the parade begins. Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus will arrive in Hobe Sound with the Christmas Parade. After the parade, trophies will be awarded to entries for the Most Humorous, Best Marching, Most Original, Best Religious, Best Hobe Sound History and Best Overall. This year a new trophy will be awarded to the Most Patriotic since the parade falls on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. And don’t forget, the parade also is part of the 34th Annual Hobe Sound Craft Stroll along Dixie Highway from 10 a.m., to 3 p.m. For more information, go to www.hobesound.org.
— Saturday, Dec. 7
Indiantown Chamber Christmas Parade
Also on Saturday, is the annual Indiantown Chamber Christmas Parade starting at 6 p.m., along Osceola Street. Lineup is at 4 p.m., at the Frances & James Rines family property, 15225 S.W. Warfield Boulevard. The short parade will end with a gathering with Santa Claus at Post Family Park. Awards will be presented for the Best Float and Best Indianwood Golf Cart. Participants will be judged on music, lighting and holiday spirit. Christmas with Santa Claus starts at 6:30 p.m. after the parade, at the Indiantown Civic Center, 15675 S.W. Osceola Street. Food, drinks and photos with Santa Claus. Call 772-597-2184 for more information.
— Saturday, Dec. 7
39th Annual Martin County Boat Parade
If you love Christmas lights and boats, you’ll love the annual Martin County Boat Parade, which kicks off at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. The route starts on the east side of the Jensen Beach Causeway, proceeds to Sandsprit Park and into the Manatee Pocket, where it will end at Twisted Tuna at about 7:45 p.m. Best viewing for the parade will be at the Stuart Causeway. Bring your own chairs and binoculars. The judges’ boat will be located near the Crossroads. A captains meeting for participants will be Friday, Dec. 6, at 5:30 p.m., at Manatee Pocket Yacht Sales, 4905 S.E. Dixie Highway, Stuart. For registration information, call 772-692-7599.
Besides the plethora of parades, there’s plenty of holiday and non-holiday events planned in the area through December and into January. Just take a look at what’s in store for Martin County families:
Tuesday, Dec. 3
The Four Italian Tenors
In their first U.S. tour, four Italian tenors in the spirit of Caruso, Lanza, Pavarotti and Bocellli will perform at the Lyric Theatre in downtown Stuart. Alessandro D’Acrissa, Frederico Serra, Frederico Parisi and Roberto Cresca will perform some of the world’s greatest tenor arias and songs from 4 to 6 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. For tickets and more information, go to www.lyrictheatre.com.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
Art in the Palm Room
Six artists in the Martin Artisans Guild will show off their work in an opening reception for Art In the Palm Room, Harbour Bay Plaza, 3778 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 5:30-8 p.m. Works of Laura Kay Whiticar Darvill, Lynn Morgan, Chris Kling, Danuta Rothschild, Carolyn Walsh and the late James J. Martis (represented by his daughter, Barbara Bucci) will be featured in the exhibit, featuring paintings, jewelry and ceramics. Admission: FREE. Exhibit runs from Dec. 4-Jan. 11 (closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1).
Beginning Thursday, Dec. 5
A Tuna Christmas by A,C.T.
Make room for some comedy this holiday season as A.C.T. presents “A Tuna Christmas” by Ed Howard, Jaston Williams, and Joe Sears Comedy Show with weekend performances that begins Dec. 5 through Dec. 15; Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m. Sundays are at 3 p.m. at the ACT Studio Theatre, Cedar Pointe Plaza, 2399 SE Ocean Blvd., in Stuart. Set in the tiny, fictional town of Tuna, Texas, the hilarious production satirizes small-town American life, sparing little among our traditions. Tickets are $25. Call 772.932.8880 or go to www.actstudiotheatre.com.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Santa Paws Holiday Pooch Plunge
Here’s a chance for your pup to have fun in the water and to help a local pet organization as well. On the first Saturday of December each year, the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast partners with House of Hope and Sailfish Splash Waterpark to kick-start the holidays with the annual Santa Paws Holiday Pooch Plunge. This year’s event is Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m., to 1 p.m., at Sailfish Splash Waterpark, 931 S.E. Ruhke St., Stuart. Dogs of all sizes get to participate in an open swim session at the waterpark before the facility closes for winter. Guests are also asked to bring an unwrapped gift, which is collected by House of Hope and later distributed to local children in need. Attendees can partake in pictures with Santa, a Microchip Clinic and a 50/50 raffle. Also featured will be holiday music, snacks available for sale at the food truck stations and more. Dogs, over three months old, on non-retractable leashes with proof of rabies vaccinations (county license will do) only. Fee: $10 per dog. To register, go to www.hstc1.org.
Sunday, Dec. 8
Winter Vendor & Craft Fair
Looking for a FREE event to take the children on a Sunday? Then check out the 2nd Annual Winter Vendor & Craft Fair, set for Sunday, Dec. 8 from 8 a.m., to 3 p.m., at Stuart Memorial Park, 300 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart. Martin County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee is sponsoring this featuring vendors, pony rides, bounce house, inflatable obstacle course, petting zoo, food trucks and more. While the event is free, patrons, vendors and consultants are asked to bring non-perishable food items or new/gently used children’s toys which be given to families and children in need within Martin County. For more information, call 772-286-1038.
Sunday, Dec. 8
Home Holiday Tour
Here’s a chance to see six beautifully decorated homes and possibly get ideas for your own holiday decorations on Sunday, Dec. 8, from noon to 5 p.m., during the Woman’s Club of Stuart’s 11th annual Holiday Home Tour presented by Audi Stuart and Infiniti Stuart. Following the tour, guests are invited to the Woman’s Club at 729 E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart, 4 to 6 p.m. for a wine and cheese reception and a silent auction of holiday décor. Tickets: $45; VIP Bus Tour tickets: $75.Tickets are available at www.womansclubofstuart.com and at several Seacoast Bank branches. For self-driving tickets, call 630-247-9431. For bus tour tickets, call 917-796-9649.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
A Taste of Jensen
Take a break from holiday shopping or decorating and savor A Taste of Jensen on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., in downtown Jensen Beach. A total of 28 local eateries will have numerous food stations set up along the downtown corridor. Town of Ocean Breeze Golf Cart Parade begins at 6:15 p.m. on Jensen Beach Boulevard. A Community Christmas Tree Lighting featuring Jensen Beach High School Jubilate is at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person. Go to www.jensenbeachchamber.info to register or call 772-334-3444.
Weekend, Dec. 11-14
Light Tackle Sailfish Tournament
There’s plenty of time to reel in a good one and be eligible for a prize in the 66th Annual Light Tackle Sailfish Tournament, hosted by Stuart Sailfish Club. Spread out over Dec. 11, 12, 13 and 14, it kicks off on Dec. 11 with the final registration, captains’ meeting and kickoff party at Pirates Cove Resort & Marina, 4307 Bayview Drive, Stuart. This year’s tournament is dedicated to Operation 300, formed in honor of Billy and Karen Vaughn’s son, Special Operations Chief Aaron Carson, who was killed in the line of duty in 2011 in Afghanistan. Operation 300 provides camps and other events for these children with a parent killed in service to the U.S. All registered participants are treated to a free daily breakfast beginning at 5:30 a.m. Lunch to Go, followed by the awards banquet dinner on Saturday, Dec. 14, at Willoughby Golf Club 3001 S.E. Doubleton Drive, Stuart. There will be cash prizes for first, second, third, and dailies, depending upon the number of boats participating. Entry fee: $2,500 (includes four tickets per event). To register, go to www.stuartsailfishclub.com/tournaments.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
“It’s a Wonderful Life”
It’s likely you’ve seen this holiday classic numerous times on TV, but here’s a chance to view it in a theater setting. “It’s A Wonderful Life,” (1946) starring James Stewart and Donna Reed and directed by Frank Capra, will be shown on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 1 p.m., at the Kane Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. FREE. The story is about a good man who’s spent a lifetime giving up on his dreams to keep life in his small town humming. When a guardian angel, Clarence, finds a despondent George (played by Stewart) poised to jump off a bridge, he shows George what life would have been like had George never been born. Complimentary popcorn and drink will be available. Call 772-223-7800.
Thursday, Dec. 12
Sunset Hike
Here’s an opportunity to view the full moon on the rise in a park setting (weather permitting) when you go to Savannas Preserve State Park, 700 block of Northeast Jensen Beach Boulevard, east of Green River Parkway intersection, Jensen Beach on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 5 p.m. FREE with paid park admission of $3 per vehicle. A ranger will lead the tour, with participants asked to meet in the parking lot. Suggestion: Bring camera and tripod or cell phone for pictures. Also, bring water and bug spray and wear closed-toe shoes. Reservations: 772-398-2779.
Friday, Dec. 13
Friday The 13th Golf Tournament
Maybe you’ll actually have GOOD luck on this day and not land your ball in a sand trap! The all-day Friday The 13th Golf Tournament kicks off at 8:30 a.m., Friday, Dec. 13, at The Shores of North River Golf Course, 1827 N.W. Pine Lane, Stuart. Cost: $65 per person. Play 18 holes to see if you can avoid the “superstitious” obstacles. Also planned is a four-person scramble, continental breakfast and hot dog/hamburger lunch. Go to www.jensenbeach.biz to register or call 772-334-3444.
Friday, Dec. 13
Night Explorers
Gaze up at the stars through telescopes at the Night Explorers program offered at the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, 13460 S. U.S. 1, Hobe Sound on Friday, Dec. 13, at 5:30 p.m. FREE. Following a brief classroom orientation, naturalist Kim Mohlenhoff will lead the group outside along the nature trail Learn about wildlife at night and how artificial lighting impacts some plant and animal at night. If weather conditions are not conducive to viewing planets, stars, and constellations, the program will be limited to classroom activities. Reservations are required. Call 772-546-2067.
Friday, Dec. 13
Peter White Christmas at The Lyric
Guitarist, singer, songwriter Peter White and friends makes his annual trek to The Lyric Theatre, 59 SW Flagler Ave. in Stuart, on Friday, Dec. 13, with a performance that begins at 6 p.m. For tickets go to www.lyrictheatre.com.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Winter Fest 2019
It’s highly unlikely that any snow will be fall from the sky that day, but you can still enjoy winter a week early at Winter Fest 2019 on Saturday, Dec. 14, 3 to 8 p.m., at The Mansion at Tuckahoe, 1707 N.E. Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach. FREE. Entertainment will be provided by a DJ, local school choirs, bands, dance teams, and a holiday performance. Free activities include children’s arts and crafts, Kids Fun Zone, face painting, roving entertainers, Home Depots Kids Work Shop and more. Local food vendors and a lineup of food trucks will be on site. Santa Claus also is scheduled to drop by. Bring lawn chairs and a blanket. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys For Tots toy drive. Go to www.facebook.com/events/1151138848609955.
Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 14 & 15
“Hello Again, Hello”
The sounds of Neil Diamond will fill the air at the Barn Theatre, 2400 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart, on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14 and 15, with Neil Zirconia stepping in for the famed singer/songwriter. Zirconia, billed as the “Ultimate Faux Diamond,” returns after a three-year absence from his last Barn Theatre sold-out performance. And since it is the holiday season, Zirconia will perform some of Neil Diamond’s holiday favorites. Shows are Saturday, Dec. 14, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m. Tickets: $30 per person. Call 772-287-4884 or go to www.barn-theatre.com.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Stuart Community Concert Band
“Homemade” music and “homemade” cookies make up the theme of “Homemade for the Holidays,” planned by the Stuart Community Concert Band, set for Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m., at the Kane Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. Palm City Cookie Ladies will provide the edible treats, while band director James LeBon and musicians will perform holiday tunes. Tickets: $10 per person. Walk-ins are also welcome based on seating availability. Call 772-223-7800.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
Rhythm of the Yuletide Dance
The two-hour international dance and music extravaganza will be Tuesday, Dec. 17, with performances at 4 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. at the Lyric Theatre, 59 SW Flagler Ave., Stuart. For tickets, visit www.lyrictheatre.com.
Friday, Dec. 20
Food Truck & Movie Night
Find out “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” on a 20-foot-tall screen when Martin County Parks and Recreation hosts Food Truck & Movie Night on Friday, Dec. 20. at Indian Riverside Park
(Frances Langford Dockside Pavilion), 1707 N.E. Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach. Food trucks open at 5:30 p.m., and the movie is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Rated PG, the one-hour, 44-minute movie stars Jim Carrey. FREE admission. Bring blankets and/or lounge chairs. For more details, go to www.martin.fl.us/PRDevents.
Friday, Dec. 27
“My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, and I’m Home for the Holidays”
After his award-winning stint on Broadway, comedian and former physics teacher Steve Solomon brings his show to The Lyric Theatre, 59 SW Flagler Ave., Stuart, on Friday, Dec. 17, with a performance that begins at 7 p.m. For tickets: www.lyrictheatre.com.
Weekend, Dec. 27, 28 and 29
“On Broadway: Then And Now”
Travel from the past to the present in music when Nicky Wood performs “On Broadway: Then and Now,” at the Barn Theatre, 2400 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart, Shows are Friday, Dec. 27, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 27, at 2 and at 8 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 28, at 2 p.m. Featured will be music by Irving Berlin and Cole Porter along with selections from “Jersey Boys” and “Mama Mia.” Tickets: $30 per person. Call 772-287-4884 or go to www.barn-theatre.com.
Sunday, Dec. 29
Audubon Christmas Bird Count
Got a new pair of binoculars as a holiday gift? Or want a reason to break out the set languishing in a drawer? Then, sign up now as a volunteer bird counter with the Hobe Sound Nature Center in the annual Jonathan Dickinson State Park Christmas Bird Count on Sunday, Dec. 29. Experienced and amateur birders are all welcomed, with assignments available from Juno Beach to Hobe Sound. Any commitment of time is appreciated.This count is a part of the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count, which began over a century ago and is held throughout the western hemisphere. Contact HSNC to volunteer (772)546-2067 or email [email protected].
Sunday, Jan. 5
“Mr. Holmes” film
Ever wonder if legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes ever fully retired? Well, the film, “Mr. Holmes,” with Ian McKellen and Laura Linney, answers that question. The one-hour, 44-minute film (rated PG) will be shown Sunday, Jan. 5, 11 a.m., to 1 p.m., at the Blake Library, 2351 S.E. Monterey Road, Stuart. The Chautauqua South event is sponsored by the Friends of the Martin County Library System. Inc. FREE. Call 772-288-5702.
Wednesday, Jan. 8
Beach Dynamics
Feel the need to walk off those holiday pounds and learn a little about the local environment at the same time? Then join naturalist Kim Mohlenhoff in a stroll at the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge beach on the north end of Jupiter Island for Beach Dynamics Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 3:30 p.m. This could be a beachcombing adventure to find treasures brought to local shores by ocean currents and waves. Watch for wildlife, pick up some trash and litter along the way. Reservations are required. All ages. FREE. Call 772-546-2067 or go to www.hobesoundnaturecenter.com.
Weekend, Jan. 10, 11, 12
Stuart Boat Show
You never know, you might just find the boat of your dreams at the Stuart Boat Show, set for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 10, 11 and 12, 54-290 S.W. Dixie Highway, Stuart. Featured will be more than 185 local, national and international exhibitors displaying more than 800 hundred boats in water and on land. A wide variety of boat brands are represented at the show including the latest models of motor yachts, cruisers, center consoles, speed boats, sport fishing boats and pontoons ranging in size from 12 feet to 90+ feet in length. Additional exhibitors include the latest in personal watercraft, safety equipment, marine electronics, inboard and outboard engines, financing and insurance companies, nautical clothing and jewelry, fishing gear, accessories as well as financing and insurance companies. The schedule includes seminars presented by female angler Darcizzle, Captains Chris & Alyse Caldwell, Captain Paul Sperco, Captain Planet and Mark Palazzo. An expanded food court area will feature a bar and large screen TVs. Free shuttle service will be available from Witham Field and Wright Boulevard/Dixie Highway parking lots. Hours are 10 a.m to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m., to 5 p.m., Sunday. General admission: $14; veterans: $12; children, 12 and younger: $7. Tickets: www.stuartboatshow.com/tickets.
Your event was not listed? Be sure to add it to the Martin County Currents calendar, by sending a press release in the body of an email or attached as a Word document to [email protected].
