The holidays are in full swing here in Brevard County. To quote a time-honored song, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” for most of us. Perhaps the holidays bring out your inner child as magical memories of seasons past dance in your head. If you are religious, you’ll be observing the holidays with reverence and contemplation of your faith. Many of us enjoy the holidays as a secular but festive and meaningful time to be with the ones we love and celebrate life in all its beauty.
Brevard County offers a wealth of artistic events to celebrate the season through music, theater, dance, dazzling lights and joyful revelry. Traditionalists will enjoy the Brevard Theatrical Ensemble’s presentation of The Dickens Carolersat Melbourne Beach Public Library on Tuesday, December 18. Speaking of Charles Dickens, there’s still time to catch the Henegar Center’s offering of Scrooge! The Musicalthrough Sunday, December 16. The King Center is also offering up Charles Dickens' classic tale with the Saturday, December 22nd presentation of A Christmas Carol – The Musical. Ebenezer Scrooge’s heart-warming redemption speaks to the near-universal belief that world-wide suffering can be healed by unselfishness and brotherhood. Will that day ever come? Regardless, it’s a great holiday pick for the whole family.
Perhaps like me, you’re looking for a bit of comedy relief from the holiday hype. Through Sunday, December 16th, The King Center presents My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish and I’m Home for the Holidays…The Therapy Continues!Boy, can I relate.
Joyous extravagance marks our celebrations during the holidays. Consider the fact that as I am writing this, Chabad of the Space and Treasure Coasts is gearing up for their 100 Car Chanukah Menorah Parade and Grand Menorah Lighting Celebration.On Thursday, December 13, 100 Menorah-topped cars will be led by a stretch Hummer from the Chabad Jewish Community Center to the Melbourne Square Mall. Can you top that?
Space Coast Lightfest is another dazzling extravaganza . Held in Wickham Park, the light show is a mile long drive-through spectacle with more than a hundred thousand lights, toy soldiers, elves, circus animals, and holiday trees and wreaths. The Lightfest is open every night through New Year’s Eve.
You can experience one of the most traditional and exquisite of all holiday artistic celebrations by attending Galmont Ballet’s The American Nutcracker at Cocoa Village Playhouse Friday through Sunday, December 21 -23. Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite always has the power to soothe my soul, no matter how hectic the day has been.
These are just a few of the holiday offerings to be found in Brevard as we make our way to the end of yet another year. I find myself somewhat overcome by nostalgia and feel compelled to mention the Melbourne Civic Theatre’s Holidays With Dinowhich runs all the way to Christmas Eve. It’s a nostalgic look back at the 1960s’ Dean Martin Show, with holiday favorites sung by Dino and his friends who arrive on his doorstep unexpectedly. I can almost hear my parents laughing and commenting on the King of Cool's witty antics.
Tonight is WFIT’s Holiday Party. It just might be the most wonderful time of the year.