Christmas on Las Olas - November 27

Come and celebrate the holidays on Las Olas Boulevard! Christmas on Las Olas began as a small community event on the first Tuesday following Thanksgiving.  Then, as it does now, Christmas on Las Olas features music from local choirs, customer appreciation events, family fun and the arrival of Santa Claus. Christmas on Las Olas signals the start of the holiday season for residents and visitors alike.  

Since its inception in 1965, the night continues to grow in popularity. Close to 100,000 locals and visitors are on the boulevard during Christmas on Las Olas. The free-to-the-public holiday extravaganza also benefits local charities through funds raised at various portions of the festival.  More entertainment and attractions are added each year to keep the event exciting and fresh. Nearly 100 lighted trees adorn the Boulevard with animated holiday displays placed in the medians. To further showcase Fort Lauderdale’s most spectacular shopping, dining and entertainment district, the one night event will be enhanced this year with a festival of lights, encouraging our residents and guests to experience Las Olas throughout the entire holiday season. For more information, please visit www.lasolasboulevard.com .

Winter Wine & Food Festival … December 2

Winter Wine & Food Festival in Weston at the Waterway Shoppes II presented by Libation The Joy of Wine and WestonLawyers.com in association with Southern Wine & Spirits proceeds to benefit the YMCA, Boys & Girls Club and FISP. Drink wine from around the world while tasting gourmet food from 30 locally acclaimed restaurants from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Adults $45 in advance, $55 at the event and children FREE. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.winterinweston.com or call (954)384.WINE.

"Christmas by the Sea " - December 4

5:00pm until 9:00pm  Join Lauderdale-By-The Sea  A fun filled day to start your Holiday’s listening to choirs, hand bells, carolers and bands while you make a visit into the village to see Santa Claus. Everyone can enjoy hayrides, lighting of our giant Christmas tree and so much more. Santa will be arriving in our parade. We guarantee an old fashion memorable evening. Bring the whole family to see it SNOWING in Christmas by the Sea at Commercial Boulevard and the Beach. For more information call the Chamber of Commerce at (954) 776-1000 - or visit www.lbts.com

Toys in the Sun Run – December 9 -over 75,000 people and 35,000 motorcycles ride in this motorcycle parade to bring toys to underprivileged children. Beginning at Pompano Harness Track in Pompano Beach, Florida and ending with a party at Markham Park in Sunrise, Florida with live music, lots of vendors, an international food court and plenty of cold beer and soda.  The money raised from this event has exceeded $6 million with only asking the bikers for a $10 donation and a new unwrapped toy.  Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundation is one of the main beneficiaries and all the toys/donations raised benefit the South Florida community.

Visit www.toysinthesunrun.com for more information.

City of Coral Springs Holiday Parade - December 12
The City of Coral Springs Holiday Parade will be held at 7 p.m. The parade will feature floats, bands, and ther entries, and is viewed by more than 30,000 people each year. The parade route is along Sample Road from Coral Springs Drive to University Drive. This Winterfest Sanctioned Event is another South Florida holiday tradition! For more information, visit www.coralsprings.org/holidayparade or call Lou Goldstein at 954-345-2112.

Duck Fest - on the New River to benefit Kids in Distress - February 2, 2008

You won’t want to miss the first annual Duck Derby in Fort Lauderdale on Febuary 2nd at 10am.  This is a family fun event which starts at 10am at Esplanade Park on

the New River. 25,000 ducks will be released.  This event being supported by Riverwalk Trust and will be the  second annual Duckfest for Fort Lauderdale.  Many cities nationally have these races and it is now Fort Lauderdale's turn. The race will start from the Seventh Avenue bridge and end at Esplanade Park with music, food and the typical fun festival festivities.  It's a family fun day with many children's activities along with a VIP party for corporate sponsors.  This is a free event and a duck can be adopted for just $5.00. Phone number is 954 390 7620 and web site is KidsInDistress.org.     

CHECK OUT THESE SANCTIONED EVENTS IN 2008

Fort Lauderdale High Heel Hike … October

The Ft. Lauderdale High Heel Hike™, indoctrinated as the Official Glam Event of Winterfest , will turn up the Glam as the Official 1K walk for all ages to “strut their stuff” while benefiting Breast Cancer action, advocacy and awareness for young women. Proceeds will benefit the Young Survival Coalition®.  The event will be presented by Pop Art  Diva Jules Burt who encourages all Divas & Princesses to “Stay Sassy” by joining her at “An Event That’s Good for   the Sole”. The High Heel Hike™ will take place on Saturday, October 6 at 11:00 a.m. at the Galleria Mall in Ft. Lauderdale. Registration forms will be available at the Galleria Mall, and participating Publix locations throughout September or by calling (813) 671-9596 or visiting the web site at www.highheelhike.com.  Top fundraisers will be eligible to Go for the Crown! Top donations will be crowned the Queen, Teen Queen and Princess, in a post-Hike ceremony. 

Festival of Trees benefiting the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale - November
Located in the Galleria Mall, Festival of Trees will host a Teddy Bear Tea, approximately 75 decorated trees and wreaths for sale, Ginger Bread Village and more. Visit www.BeauxArtsFLL.com.

Broward County Fair - November

The Broward County Fair celebrates its 33rd year at Fort Lauderdale Stadium in November.  "It's Showtime" is this year's theme - celebrate with rides, food, games, student exhibits, a Live Shark Show in the Jawz Arena, Racing Pigs in the Charlottes Web Arena and much more fun for everyone.  Visit the Fair's web site at www.BrowardCountyFair.com or call 954.970.3247 for further details.

Remember to stop by the Winterfest Booth.

All dates, times, locations and events subject to change without prior notification.