You know how a cold snap for us is around 70 degrees? Yes, it’s truly paradise. But that sunny subtropicalness can make it a little tricky to get into the Christmas vibe.
After all, the best we can do for a winter wonderland is white sand beaches, with SoFlo Santa rocking a tank-top, shorts, flip-flops and shades.
If that’s got you feeling all Grinchy, here’s something to soothe those yuletide yearnings: a roundup of holiday-themed shows in Palm Beach and Broward counties.
Please note: Ticket prices may not include fees and taxes. Also, we will continue to refresh this list, so you may want to keep checking back.
Enjoy the shows!
”TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE …’ BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
Based on Clement Clarke Moore’s iconic poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” Cirque du Soleil’s first holiday show is making its SoFlo debut with this West Palm Beach run.
WHEN: Nov. 20-30
WHERE: Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach
COST: $57.50-$155.25
INFORMATION: 561-832-7469; kravis.org
Kyle Flubacker, MSG Entertainment
The Kinjaz Dance Crew will perform in “Twas the Night Before …” by Cirque du Soleil, which is coming to the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach. (Kyle Flubacker, MSG Entertainment/Courtesy)
PARIS BALLET & DANCE’S ‘THE NUTCRACKER’
This staging of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” will feature Paris Ballet dancers from ages 3 to 18 as well as guest artist Caelan Gagnon, a Paris Ballet alum training with the American Ballet Theatre Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School in New York. “The Nutcracker is the perfect way for the entire family to ring in the holidays,” said Jean-Hugues Feray, the Paris Ballet founder/director and choreographer for this rendition. “I am proud of all my students for their dedication, and I look forward to welcoming Caelan back to our stage as the Sugar Plum Cavalier.”
WHEN: 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22
WHERE: Eissey Campus Theatre at Palm Beach State College, 11051 Campus Drive, Palm Beach Gardens
COST: $49-$60
INFORMATION: 561-207-5900; parisballetdance.com
‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’
The Wick Theatre will produce an elaborate staging of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” with a large cast and a score by Broadway legends Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens
WHEN: Nov. 28-Dec. 24
WHERE: The Wick Theatre & Museum Club, 7901 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton
COST: $89-$119
INFORMATION: thewick.org
ONE JOYOUS NIGHT GOSPEL CONCERT
Grammy Award-winning and gospel music superstar — and co-star of the Broadway musical “Hell’s Kitchen” — Yolanda Adams is the headliner for this holiday show. Soul/R&B-gospel ensemble Sensere will also perform. The event is presented by the City of Lauderhill as well as WHQT Hot 105 and WEDR 99Jamz radio stations.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2
WHERE: Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, 3800 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill
COST: $85-$125
INFORMATION: lpacfl.com
FLORIDA GRAND OPERA’S ‘SILENT NIGHT’
Based on Christian Carion’s Academy Award-nominated 2005 movie “Joyeux Noël,” this opera recounts the extraordinary moment during World War I when Scottish, French and German soldiers laid down their weapons to share a night of peace. The production is a team effort between Florida Grand Opera (FGO), The Atlanta Opera and Opera Carolina. “Launching our season with ‘Silent Night’ is deeply symbolic,” FGO general director Maria Todaro said. “It reminds us that even in times of division and despair, there is always a moment when humanity prevails. Music becomes the common thread that binds, heals and restores.”
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 and Dec. 6
WHERE: Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale
COST: $54-$215
INFORMATION: 954-462-0222; fgo.org
”TIS THE SEASON’ CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA FUNDRAISER CONCERT
With an ensemble of more than 150 musicians, this benefit concert from the Visual and Performing Arts Department at Broward College will spotlight holiday classics, movie favorites and singalongs.
WHEN: 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6
WHERE: Bailey Hall at Broward College, 3501 Davie Road, Davie
COST: $15
INFORMATION: eventbrite.com
SERAPHIC FIRE’S ”TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS’
The Miami-based professional a cappella choral ensemble will present its signature candle-lit Christmas program throughout South Florida. “Somehow the music of the Christmas season brings that sensation of eagerness and hopeful wonder back to all of us, whether we’re 5, 55 or 95,” conductor James Bass said. “That’s what we will be trying to capture in this program. Seraphic Fire’s holiday concert is the perfect way to start the season.” In addition to Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, performances will take place in Coral Gables, Miami, Cutler Bay and Naples.
WHEN/WHERE:
- 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at All Saints Episcopal Church, 333 Tarpon Drive, Fort Lauderdale
- 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton
COST:
- $68 general admission; $85-$95 reserved (Fort Lauderdale)
- $65 general admission; $85-$95 reserved (Boca Raton)
INFORMATION: 305-285-9060; seraphicfire.org
FLORIDA INTERGENERATIONAL ORCHESTRA’S HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA CONCERT
Now in its 20th season, the Florida Intergenerational Orchestra — as the name spells out — unites children, parents, grandparents and retirees into one music group, with members ranging in age from 8 to 96. “This concert is all about joy, connection and community,” said conductor Lorraine Marks-Field. “It’s wonderful to see generations performing side by side, sharing the gift of music together.”
WHEN: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7
WHERE: O’Shea Hall at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 22094 Lyons Road, Boca Raton
COST: $23.18-$44.52
INFORMATION: 561-922-3134; flioa.org
QUIRKY CHRISTMAS CABARET
South Florida-based entertainer Jennifer McClain returns for a third consecutive year with her mix of classic Christmas tunes, comedy, singalongs and a few surprise guests.
WHEN: 8 p.m. Dec. 9-11
WHERE: The Foundry, 2306 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors
COST: $37.50-$53.50
INFORMATION: ronnielarsen.com
Ryan Arnst
New City Players presents “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” reimagined as a radio broadcast with Foley sound effects and an ensemble bringing dozens of characters to the stage. (Ryan Arnst/Courtesy)
‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY’
New City Players has a new take on a Christmas classic with Frank Capra’s iconic movie reimagined as a radio play, complete with live Foley sound effects and a cast of five actors voicing almost three dozen characters. “Most people are familiar with ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’” said producing artistic director Tim Davis. “While the style and venue of this show will feel fresh, at its heart the story remains the same: A man who has felt like he has lost everything realizes that what is most important in his life all along has been his community.” Doors open an hour before showtime for cocoa, carols and a curated menu from The Palm Cafe at General Provision in Fort Lauderdale.
WHEN: Dec. 18-21
WHERE: General Provision Downtown, 300 SW 1st Ave., Suite 155, Fort Lauderdale
COST: $30-$35
INFORMATION: 954-376-6114; newcityplayers.org