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Delray Beach Holiday Events – 2018!

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Welcome to the December Holidays – a month long celebration in Delray Beach! This is just one of countless reasons why we LOVE living, working and playing in Delray – our unique Village by the Sea.  

 

Delray Beach 100-foot Christmas Tree Lighting

Thursday, November 29th

 

Delray Beach is widely known for the 100 Ft Christmas tree, which is the crown jewel of the entire season!  The holidays start with a city-wide celebration of the lighting of the tree – which is impressive, for sure, standing 100 feet tall! And, it actually houses a gorgeous display of vignettes inside.

The tree is positioned on the grounds of Old School Square in the center of downtown, where kids of all ages can enjoy the tree, plus a visit with Santa, ice skating on the skating rink, putt putt golf, or a ride on the antique merry go round! It’s truly enchanting, so we recommend you earmark some serious family time to enjoy it all!

 

Delray Beach Menorah Lighting

Sunday, December 2nd


The fun continues after the Christmas tree lighting, with the lighting of the Menorah to kick off Hanukkah.

 

 

Holiday Market at The Arts Warehouse in Artists Alley, Delray Beach

Weekend of December 7th

 

Did I mention the shopping events??  Another new “not to miss” this season is the Holiday Market at The Arts Warehouse in Artists Alley, happening the weekend of December 7th! Local artisans will be showcasing one of a kind gifts – great for those hard to buy for on your list.

 

The Delray Beach Holiday Parade

Saturday, December 8th

After these lighting events, we then look forward to the Holiday Parade, this year taking place on Saturday, December 8th along Atlantic Avenue. You’ll see carolers, elves, ballerinas, nutcrackers, dancing teddy bears, Santa on the fire truck… You name the holiday icon, and they walk, dance or ride along in the parade.

 

The Boynton & Delray Holiday Boat Parade  

Friday, December 14th

 

Local restaurants and private homes along the intracoastal play host to those of us that really do enjoy celebrating the season with this event. Boat owners go all out and decorate/light up their boats of all shapes and sizes and parade along the water way. What a sight to admire!  

 

Heads up!
Various events, various dates in Delray


Mixed into the month of December are celebrations are all the opportunities to socialize with our neighbors while supporting some our key local non-profits.  

Carols by Candlelight Concert, Empty Bowls, Mix & Mingle at The Sandoway House, Christmas at Cason Cottage and new this year is the Jingle Mingle Drum with Food Trucks, Caroling… These are all events to look up, attend, and enjoy!  

 

Delray Beach New Year’ Eve Celebration of First Night

Monday, December 31st


The Grand Finale of the Holiday Festivities is The New Year’ Eve Celebration of First Night. This is a true tradition for many of us!  Music out on the Ave… shows, activities for the kiddos… all ending with the spectacular fireworks from the top of the parking deck.


The month of December flies by in Delray Beach, but the memories made during the season last a lifetime!

Live Music in East Delray
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Did you know that research has actually shown that enjoying live music events is good for you? Yes! There are significant stress-reduction benefits to attending concerts or enjoying live music.

Here in Delray Beach we have so many opportunities to partake, and because maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important to many residents, you’ll find most of us frequent live music venues.

Of course, we all have different favorites. Here are some of mine!

 

Johnnie Browns on Atlantic Ave is surely among the most popular among locals. Acts play every night of the week. Check out this fun lineup!

Monday: Live Elvis Night! A Popular local Elvis impersonator performs two shows at 7:30 & 9:30.

Tuesday: Hot Rod Show with a Rod Stewart look alike (!) starts at 8:00.

Wednesday: Classic Rock with The Flyers, an energetic trio that plays your favorites starting at 8:00.

Thursday: Thirsty Thursdays features a variety of bands that perform at 8:00 each evening.

Friday & Saturday: Rock n Roll n Ribs. (Yes, really! Enjoy ribs and live music every weekend from 9:00 -1:00AM.

Sunday: Rockin’ Sunday with Shaun Schumann runs from 4:00-7:00.

 

Other awesome local places to enjoy music, plus food and spirits, include:

Bostons on the Beach (known for Reggae night on Mondays!)
Deck 84
Blue Anchor
3rd & 3rd
Tim Finnegan’s Irish Pub

 

But why stick to restaurants and pubs only?

Old School Square offers three diverse venues for music. Check out the outdoor pavilion for Free Friday night concerts during season and special performances in and around the area. Indoors you’ll find the Crest Theater and The Field House. Look for special concerts here too.

The Arts Garage offers fantastic opportunities in many genres ranging from Jazz, latin, hip hop, rock & roll, instrumental, classic, opera, and more. There are always exciting performances at this special “bring your own picnic basket” venue.

Downtown Delray Beach offers something for all ages. Comment to let us know your favorite passtimes here. Bonus points if yours support the value of living healthfully!

Delray Goes to the Dogs! Spots that are Dog-friendly in Delray

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Delray Beach is known for being very “fur baby” friendly. So, if you love your pooch like we do – and want to take him or her on your daily adventures – this is the town to do it in! There is so much that is dog-friendly in Delray!

Something for Everyone at the Lake Ida Dog Park

We are fortunate to have several dog parks throughout the East Delray Beach area, the most well-known being The Lake Ida Dog Park. This is one of the best spots that is dog-friendly in Delray and it’s quite massive! While it’s called a dog park, it also offers something for every member of the family! You’ll enjoy jungle gyms for those energetic kids, walking trails for active folks, and picnic tables and pavilions that are perfect for family gatherings or a quick lunch break in between activities.

The highlight, of course, of Lake Ida Dog Park, is its beautiful lake. On any given Saturday, it’s fun to see people with their dogs in tow enjoying the lake. They will be fishing, boating, or even kayaking – with Fido along and enjoying it all.

The dog park itself is divided into separate areas by size. There’s a space just for the little ones, and a separate area for the larger breeds. Dog bathing facilities are on the premises as well, so your fur baby won’t leave covered in mud and end up banned from the house!

Going for a Stroll and a Bite on Atlantic Avenue

If you are more apt to walk your dog, as opposed to going to dog parks, there are plenty of options. We occasionally walk our own dog along the Ave downtown. You’ll know Fido is welcome, because throughout town, retail owners keep fresh water bowls out on the sidewalks.

If you get hungry and want to grab a bite, there are several restaurants that are very dog-friendly in Delray, as well. We are fans of local favorite Deck 84, where you’ll find plenty of outside seating, live music and friendly staff who will supply a water dish for your dog. And, if she’s extra good, they will even bring a treat!

A few other Downtown Delray places that will welcome your pooch:

Boston’s on the Beach (You can enjoy the beach area from here, and they offer live music and scrumptious seafood dishes!)

Mellow Mushroom Pizza (a chain, but a good one!)

Dada (a local favorite off The Ave.)

Bru’s Room (perfect place to catch a game and give your furry friend an outing!)

 

Shopping and Sniffing at The Delray Beach Green Market

If you enjoy festivals and markets, well then, you may know Delray has plenty of opportunities to partake! Did you know the Delray Beach Green Market is a hub for dog family activity? Come out to browse prepared foods, shop for fresh ingredients for tonights’ dinner, or just walk around and be social.

You’ll be able to interact with plenty of other dog families, and many green market vendors sell items for your pets! From handmade leashes and accessories to locally-made dog treats… you and your furry friend will find it here! We like to seek out Tweetle Pet Products for their natural and organic treats for pets.

 

Frolicking at Beach Areas that are Dog-Friendly in Delray

What’s better than time on the beach with your puppy? It sure is fun to eat sand and romp in the waves! Some areas of the incredible sandy beaches in Delray are dog-friendly. The exact areas that are good for Fido are sometimes changing, so ask other dog parents at the green market or the Lake Ida Dog Park to tell you where they gather. (Beach access is being negotiated North of Anchor Park off A1A. Local city officials are currently doing a trial run, and the overall idea is to restrict access to pets early in the morning and again from 3-5…. check back for details!).

When headed to the beach, we suggest you bring lots of extra fresh water to rinse out sandy and salty mouths (it’s hard to remember not to drink the briny water!). Also, don’t leave your leash behind in the car. Tote it with you, because – even if you will allow your pup to go off-leash – it’s expected among beach-goers that you will have the ability to re-leash if needed).

 

There are so many options for friendly activities in East Delray near Lake Ida and Lake Eden. The variety of ways to have fun encourages a healthy lifestyle for the entire family – including the four-legged kids. Be sure to check out just the few mentioned here, and let us know about your favorites, too.

Researching Schools in Palm Beach County? Attend the 10/17 Showcase of Schools!

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When it comes to picking the right school in Palm Beach County for your child, a good place is to start is The Showcase of Schools.

The South Florida Fairgrounds is host to this year’s event taking place on Tuesday, October 17th from 4:00-8:00 PM.  Admission is free!

The Showcase is a great opportunity to bring your child to meet educators and students representing public, private and charter schools.  You’ll learn about the various choice, lottery, and academy programs available.  You will also find details on deadlines along with qualifications needed to apply for the various options.

Visit https://www.palmbeachschools.org/choiceprograms/ to further research the choice programs online.

Selecting schools is a personal and important process, and varies based on the goals you and your child have for his or her education. We encourage you to involve your child on selecting the right school for them. Whether public, private or charter; include them in the process, and take them on the tours. With their input and your guidance you can arrive at the best solution (school) for your family!