Season's Finale in Vero: Floats, Boats and Nutcrackers

This past weekend on December 6, thousands lined Ocean Drive for Sunrise Rotary's 40th Annual Christmas Parade, one of Vero's most reliably festive productions. The procession featured 91 floats plus fire trucks, the VBHS marching band, and the Rotary wagon, totaling over 100 entries. Gator Building Supply claimed Best in Business and Best in Workmanship, Storm Grove Middle School took Best in School, and Called Higher swept the rest—Best in Organization, Best in Design, and the coveted Overall Public Appeal. What follows is your guide to the holiday events still to come, from jungle light spectacles to ballet performances, boat parades more.

Jungle Lights — Select Nights Through January 3

McKee Botanical Garden's 19th annual spectacle runs 25 nights through January 3, transforming the grounds into an Amazonian wonderland. Six zones representing Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela feature handcrafted lanterns of macaws, toucans, and an illuminated alpaca. It's theatrical, slow-paced, and best experienced with time to wander. Admission: $30-35 adults, $20 children. Book at mckeegarden.org.

Nutcracker on the Indian River — December 11-14 at Riverside Theatre

Ballet Vero Beach's reimagined Nutcracker ditches Sugar Plum Fairies for Florida fauna—heroine Marie travels from 1919 New York to the Indian River Lagoon, where land crabs and manatees replace candy characters. Tchaikovsky meets local wildlife, choreographed to work. Full performances: December 11-12 at 7:30 p.m., December 13 at 2 p.m., December 14 at 12 p.m. Accessible versions for families and individuals with disabilities run December 13 at 7 p.m. (Act I) and December 14 at 12 p.m. (Act II). VIP add-on includes backstage access. Tickets: balletverobeach.org or 772-231-6990.

Christmas at Tara Drive-Through Light Show — December 1–31 at Grall Law Group Tara Plantation

From December 1–31, the Christmas at Tara Light Show at the Grall Law Group's Tara Plantation (7555 20th St, Vero Beach, FL 32966) offers a drive-through tour of the building's annual holiday lighting spectacle. The drive-through format makes it an accessible option for multigenerational groups regardless of weather.

Wintergreen Night Lights — December 12-13 at Environmental Learning Center

The Environmental Learning Center opens its boardwalks after dark December 12-13 with low-impact lighting that brings a festive touch to the surrounding mangrove forests. Admission is $5 (free for members and children under 2) and features s'mores by the fire, aquariums, touch tanks, and a nature playscape for kids. The real draw: illuminated canoe trips through the mangroves for $15. An Aerial Antics performance will take place Friday at 5 p.m. Located at 255 Live Oak Drive. For more information, visit https://www.discoverelc.org/wintergreen/

Holidays at the Museum — December 13 at Vero Beach Museum of Art

Coinciding with its Second Saturday free admission program on December 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., this event includes art-making activities, docent-led tours, student performances and more.

Grab a bite at one of the food trucks outside, shop the museum store and participate in an art hunt through the galleries. Located at 3001 Riverside Park Drive. More information at vbmuseum.org

Vero Beach Christmas Boat Parade — December 14 on the Indian River Lagoon

Following a two-year hiatus since the 2023 parade, the Christmas Boat parade returns December 14 at 6 p.m. Decorated vessels will run from north of Barber Bridge through the City Marina channel to MacWilliams Park, under the bridge to Quail Valley River Club, then north to Youngs Park, ending at Royal Palm Pointe.

The best viewing locations are: City Marina, Riverside Park, Cole Coppola Memorial Fishing Pier, A.W. Young Park, Royal Palm Pointe Park.

Rejoice! Choral concert by Vero Beach Choral Society — December 14 at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church

Rejoice!, presented by the Vero Beach Choral Society on December 14 at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church (7550 26th St, Vero Beach, FL 32966), blends reverence and joy, showcasing the ensemble's expressive power and celebrating the timeless beauty of choral music. RSVP here

Run Run Santa 1 Mile Run — December 21 at Pocahontas Park

The Run Run Santa mile hits Vero Beach December 21 at Pocahontas Park (2140 14th Avenue). Runners in Santa suits (yes, they are mandatory!) will complete a one-mile course at 7:30 a.m., then collect medals and holiday treats. Registration includes suit, finisher medal, and post-race refreshments. Competitive runners and festive families both welcome. Register here