News

The Vero Friends of the Atlantic Classical Orchestra (ACO) are pleased to announce its annual benefit concert on December 3 at Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club. This year’s program, entitled “Classy Brass,” will spotlight the ACO's Brass Quintet.

The evening’s program will feature acclaimed works by world-famous American and European composers including Roger Reynolds, Leonard Bernstein, John Cheetham, and Victor Ewald.

Guests will have an opportunity to meet and mingle with the musicians and the ACO's Maestro David Amado during an après-concert reception featuring cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.

Members of the acclaimed Brass Quintet include trumpeters Jesse Cook and Benedetto Salvia, hornist Stan Spinola, trombonist Timothy Conner, and tubist Jay Bertolet.

Tickets are $125 per person. Seating is limited.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (772) 460-0851 or click HERE.

Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club is located at One Beachside Drive, Vero Beach. For more information, visit OrchidIslandFL.com.

 

About Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club

Spanning from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River, Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club is highly sought-after for its laidback waterfront lifestyle. The Beach Club serves as the heart of the community, with a resort-style pool, world-class fitness center, salon and spa, and multiple dining venues – all overlooking the azure Atlantic Ocean. Residents also enjoy nearly a mile of a secluded beach, an Arnold Palmer-designed championship golf course, and an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Located along Florida’s Treasure Coast, Orchid Island is home to a wide variety of premier riverfront and oceanfront estates, courtyard homes, cottages, and mid-rise condominiums. For more information, call (772) 388-3888 or visit OrchidIslandFL.com.

About Atlantic Classical Orchestra

Established in 1990 by founders Andy and Jean McMullan, the Atlantic Classical Orchestra has earned a stellar reputation as one of the premier professional orchestras in the region. Under the distinguished leadership of Music Director David Amado since 2016, the orchestra continues to make waves in the classical music world. Amado, a two-time Grammy nominee and Music Director Laureate of the Delaware Symphony, brings his immense talent and passion to every performance. With a diverse repertoire encompassing baroque to contemporary music, the Atlantic Classical Orchestra's talented ensemble of 42 musicians captivates audiences with their exceptional artistry. Annually, they deliver 12 mesmerizing Masterworks concerts in Vero Beach and Stuart, Florida, showcasing their versatility and virtuosity. In 2023, the Atlantic Classical Orchestra expanded its offering with a first ever holiday concert. The tradition continues this year with performances in Vero Beach, Stuart, and Port St. Lucie, spreading joy and festive spirit to the community. Additionally, select musicians from the orchestra will enchant audiences in a three-concert chamber series held at the Vero Beach Museum of Art and the Elliott Museum in Stuart. The Atlantic Classical Orchestra is indebted to the support of its numerous patrons, dedicated volunteers, and the invaluable contributions of state, institutional, and individual donors. Their generosity and commitment enable the orchestra to thrive and bring the joy of classical music to the community. For more information about the Atlantic Classical Orchestra and their upcoming performances, call (772) 460-0851 or visit atlanticclassicalorchestra.com/holidayconcert.

The Mall at Wellington Green will host an exciting lineup of events this December. From holiday-themed festivities to star- studded sports signings, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the mall this month!

 

Cars & Coffee Toy Drive

Sunday, December 1

8am-11am

Parking lot between Dillard’s and Macy’s

$20 per vehicle entry, free for spectators

Join the mall for Cars & Coffee Palm Beach’s 11th Annual Holiday Toy Drive! In addition to the impressive assortment of vehicles on display, spectators will also enjoy cameos from Santa Claus, who will spread holiday cheer and pose for photos before heading back to the North Pole. In partnership with Children’s Healing Institute, the event will benefit children in need this holiday season; attendees are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy or provide a monetary donation.

 

Zumba Dance Party with Jaime

Every Saturday

10:30am–11:30am

Free

The District at Wellington Green

Livin' La Vida Zumba! Enjoy The Mall at Wellington Green’s fun, dance fitness party program that combines high- and low-intensity Latin dance moves designed to burn calories and boost cardio endurance. All ages and levels are welcome.

 

The Giving Tree

December 1–December 8

The Ice Palace in Grand Court

Give the gift of sharing this holiday season! Visit the mall’s Giving Tree located in The Ice Palace in Grand Court. From November 14 to December 8, shoppers can select a tag from The Giving Tree, purchase and wrap the items listed, and return the gifts to The Ice Palace. Gifts will benefit the Back-to-Basics Angel Program which provides over 10,000 children in Palm Beach County with clothing and necessities. For more information on the Back-to-Basics Angel Program, visit backtobasicsinc.org/angel-program-1.

 

Santa Photos at The Ice Palace

December 1–December 24

Hours vary

The Ice Palace in Grand Court

Children always look forward to a magical visit with Santa Claus at The Mall at Wellington Green. Get snapped with Santa at The Ice Palace and tell him what you’re wishing for this year! To book online, visit bit.ly/wellsanta1.

 

Pet Photos with Santa

Monday, December 2 & Tuesday, December 3

Hours vary

The Ice Palace in Grand Court

Calling all furry friends! Make sure to bring beloved pets to meet Santa and capture the purr-fect festive picture, plus, make a holiday memory to last a lifetime. To reserve a spot, visit bit.ly/wellsanta1.

 

Palm Beach Autographs Signing with Dennis Rodman

Friday, December 6

6:30pm-8pm

Palm Beach Autographs

Prices vary

Palm Beach Autographs is excited to welcome NBA legend, Dennis Rodman, to their store. Fans will be able to meet Rodman, who will be signing autographs and posing for photo ops. For more information or to buy tickets, visit palmbeachautographs.com/pages/signings.

 

Musicthon

Saturday, December 7

10am-6pm

Macy’s Court

Free

Music lovers should be sure to join the mall for Musicthon, an all-day musical event in partnership with the Palm Beach County Music Teachers Association. The Mall at Wellington Green will be joined by talented students, who will showcase their piano skills and overall passion for music throughout the day. Swing by the Macy’s court between 10am and 6pm and support local talent!

 

Palm Beach Autographs Signing with Bob Griese

Saturday, December 7

1pm-3pm

Palm Beach Autographs

Prices vary

Palm Beach Autographs is excited to welcome former Miami Dolphins quarterback, Bob Griese, to their store. Fans will be able to meet Griese, who will be signing autographs and posing for photo ops. For more information or to buy tickets, visit palmbeachautographs.com/pages/signings.

 

Sensory Santa

Sunday, December 8

9am- 10:30am

Santa welcomes people of all ages and abilities! The mall is thrilled to partner with Autism Speaks and New Mind Behavioral Therapy to provide sensory-friendly Santa experiences. All families with children with autism or other special needs are invited to enjoy the tradition of a visit with Santa in a subdued, calmer environment. Plus, children can participate in a holiday craft, led by New Mind Behavioral Therapy volunteers. For reservations, visit bit.ly/wellsanta1.

 

Palm Beach Autographs Signing with Sergei Bobrovsky

Sunday, December 8

11am-1pm

Palm Beach Autographs

Prices vary

Palm Beach Autographs is excited to welcome Florida Panthers goalie and recent Stanley Cup champion, Sergei Bobrovsky, to their store. Fans will be able to meet Bobrovsky, who will be signing autographs and posing for photo ops. For more information or to buy tickets, visit palmbeachautographs.com/pages/signings.

 

Mommy & Me Storytime with Mrs. Claus

Wednesday, December 18

Starts at 10:30am

Grand Court

Free

Parents and children under five are encouraged to join the mall for a morning of festive fun! Mrs. Claus will treat the audience to heartwarming holiday story time, followed by an interactive cookie decorating party.

 

The Mall at Wellington Green is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. For more information, call (561) 227-6900 or visit shopwellingtongreen.com.

There's "Snow Place Like Hilton West Palm Beach" this season, as the popular downtown resort sparkles with activations to celebrate the holidays!

Featuring seasonal curated stays and room offers, food and cocktail experiences, brunch with Santa, holiday party packages, and more, all set against a glittering holiday backdrop.

ROOM OFFERS:

Season to Stay (Bookable now through January 5, 2025, for stays through April): Up to 20% off the Best Available Rate for a 2-night minimum stay.

Experience the Stay (Bookable now for stay dates through December): $50 daily credit for use at any hotel restaurant or bar.

Florida Residents (Bookable now, ongoing): Receive up to 15% off the standard room rate.

EXCLUSIVE North Pole Retreat: Step into our North Pole Retreat, an exclusive holiday suite transformed with festive décor, holiday cheer and winter-themed amenities sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Available November 24 through January 7.

All guests receive a daily $15 food and beverage credit for use in all hotel outlets; one-hour hotel bike rental for two; two beach chairs and towels; complimentary access to all hotel group fitness classes; and neighborhood transportation via electric shuttle, giving guests access to the beach, nearby retail, cultural activations, and local community events.

HOLIDAY EVENTS/OFFERINGS:

Thursday, December 12, from 4PM-7PM: Santa’s in the house! Meet and take photos with Santa as he visits the hotel’s lobby holiday wonderland. Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped gift for the annual toy drive in partnership with the West Palm Beach Police Department. Info HERE.

Sunday, December 22, 11:30AM-3PM: Eat, drink and be merry with Santa and his elf at this family-friendly brunch buffet featuring breakfast favorites, lunch specialties, and decadent desserts. Info HERE.

Sunday, December 15, 5-6:30PM: Get into The Holiday Spirits Cocktail Experience! Whether you fancy a good old-fashioned eggnog or a cup of spiked hot cocoa, there is no denying a delicious cocktail makes the holiday season taste even better. Bring out your inner mixologist with this cocktail experience and make the perfect holiday sippers for your next yuletide get-together or just to enjoy a fun night out with your nearest and dearest. Info HERE.

Friday, December 20, 7-9PM: Enjoy a good holiday chuckle under the stars with a complimentary movie viewing of Elf. Info HERE.

Make the Holidays Shine: Book your holiday party at Hilton West Palm Beach and celebrate under the palms. Info at (561) 231-6026.

Hilton West Palm Beach is located at 600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 231-6000 or visit hiltonwestpalmbeach.com.

Four new retail destinations are joining the more than 160 stores at The Mall at Wellington Green. Couture by Ilina, Galtsand, Plus Platinum Jewelry, and Yuly360 add to the growing and robust offerings in apparel, health, beauty, and more at this lifestyle destination in Wellington.
  Couture by Ilina Hailing from Cuba, Ilina Hernandez opened her inaugural brick-and-mortar store, Couture by Ilina, on November 13. The new, 1,200-square-foot women’s boutique showcases European brands from Italy, Turkey, and Spain. Fashionistas can stock up on got-to-have-it wardrobe staples, from cocktail dresses, denim wear, and sporty tracksuits to a treasure trove of jewelry, bags, hats, and more. For information, call (561) 516-2549 and follow Couture by Ilina on Instagram and TikTok @couturebyilina.   Galtsand The Wellington-based online retail behemoth, Galtsand, launched its inaugural brick-and-mortar store—totaling 1,602 square feet of space—on October 24. Initially launched in 1986 and became popular amongst the college set for its iconic loose-fitting sweatshirts, the company embraced other market segments, including sports, wellness, and the outdoors. Committed to protecting the environment by using sustainable practices, menswear (sweaters, tops, and bottoms in heritage styles) and womenswear (movement-based clothes ranging from sports bras to biker shorts) are manufactured from premium recycled materials and utilize technologies like Silvadur™, which require fewer washings, keeps clothing fresh and eliminates the need to keep buying new items. For more information, call (561) 221-7309 or visit galtsand.com.   Plus Platinum Jewelry Founded in 2001, Plus Platinum Jewelry is a family-owned company specializing in custom jewelry and pre-owned timepieces by Rolex, Breitling, Cartier, and other luxury brands. This treasure trove is filled with antique, vintage, and estate jewelry by prestigious companies like Tiffany, David Webb, and Roberto Coin. The 940-square-foot boutique opened on September 18 and also sells loose diamonds spanning a half-carat to 10 carats. Additional onsite services include watch and jewelry cleaning and repair. For more information, call (954) 969-9776 or visit plusplatinumjewelry.com.   Yuly360 Yuly van Brake opened her third Yuly360 store on October 4 and will launch a fourth location later this month. The airy 2,105-square-foot setting houses sustainable lines of athleisure constructed from organic and recycled performance fabrics that are breathable, stretchy, and moisture-wicking. Every piece is designed by Yuly, pronounced “Julie,” and manufactured in Colombia and China by women she fondly refers to as the “breadwinners.” The Venezuelan entrepreneur launched her company during the Covid-19 epidemic after struggling with postpartum depression. Finding therapy in running, the Ft. Lauderdale resident is using her fashion to inspire other women struggling physically or emotionally. Each collection is named after terminology that describes the human condition, such as journey, freedom, and inner peace and empowering messages are printed on the clothing tags. “We are all on this unique journey, and while not every journey is fun, we must embrace it,” she says. “Nothing is better than transforming pain or fear into a purpose that fuels you forward.” For more information, call (561) 720-2145 or visit yuly360.com.   The Mall at Wellington Green is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, FL. For more information, call (561) 227-6900 or visit shopwellingtongreen.com.   Mall hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.   About The Mall at Wellington Green The Mall at Wellington Green in Wellington, FL is a 1.2 million-square-foot, two-levelregional shopping destination, and it features over 160 stores. Retail and restaurant favorites include Macy’s, Dillard’s, Apple, Pandora, Brighton, Chico’s, Forever 21, H&M, Helzberg Diamonds, Zales, Tommy Bahama, City Furniture, California Pizza Kitchen, Lemongrass Asian Bistro, CMX Wellington, The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History, and more. For more information, visit shopwellingtongreen.com.   About Spinoso Real Estate Group The Mall at Wellington Green is managed by Spinoso Real Estate Group. Since 2009, Spinoso has taken a creative, entrepreneurial approach to real estate development and management, delivering and sustaining successful projects across a wide range of property types and across the country. Spinoso’s robust portfolio includes work on hundreds of enclosed shopping malls, lifestyle centers, and large-scale retail projects from coast to coast. For more information, visit spinosoreg.com.

American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, will host the 14th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards® Gala at The Breakers Palm Beach on January 8, 2025, at 6 p.m.

Known as the “Oscars® for Canines,” this year’s star-studded gala will be hosted by supermodel, actress, and entrepreneur Christie Brinkley and TV personality Carson Kressley. Before sitting down to a sumptuous dinner, video presentation, and live entertainment, guests will have the opportunity to mingle on the red carpet with the canine finalists from five key categories, including therapy dogs; service and guide or hearing dogs; military dogs; law enforcement and first responder dogs; and emerging hero and shelter dogs.

“Whether they protect us on the frontlines, help us with medical challenges, or just lighten our spirits with an enthusiastic kiss after a long day, dogs save and improve our lives in infinite ways,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “We are thrilled to kick off the Palm Beach season with the American Humane Hero Dog Awards Gala honoring the best of our best friends.”

Nominees for the American Humane Hero Dog Awards® are:

Dayo (Therapy) Sampson (Service and Guide/Hearing) K-9 Niki (Military) Bo (Law Enforcement and First Responder) Penny (Shelter and Emerging Hero)

The American Humane Hero Dog Awards® is an annual, nationwide competition that recognizes America’s standout working dogs—often ordinary dogs who do extraordinary things—such as saving lives on the battlefield, lending sight, or hearing to a human companion, or helping people achieve their goals.

To purchase tickets, visit herodogawardsgala2025.funraise.org, call (561) 537-5887, or email events@americanhumane.org.

For sponsorship opportunities, email herodoginfo@americanhumane.org.

About American Humane

With offices in Palm Beach, FL and Washington, DC, American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, overseeing the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane has been First to Serve™ the cause of animals and has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in the humane movement. For more information or to support our lifesaving work, please visit AmericanHumane.org, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.

December workshops, classes, and demonstrations at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens:

Tuesdays, December 3, 10, 17

Ikebana Flower Arrangement- Ikenobo School Time: Beginners – 11am – 1pm

            Intermediate – 1:15pm – 3:15pm*

Cost: $67.50 (Morikami Members $60) Advance Registration Required *Intermediate courses are for students with prior experience or have taken at least three sessions of Ikebana classes.

Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana has various different schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. Dating back to the 15th century, the Ikenobo School is the oldest and most traditional. Students in this course learn the basic principles and style of Ikenobo, creating fresh flower arrangements each week to take home and enjoy.

Wednesdays, December 4, 11, 18

Ikebana Flower Arrangement: Sogetsu School

Time: Beginners – 10:30am – 12:30pm

           Intermediate – 1:30pm – 3:30pm*

Cost: $67.50 (Morikami Members $60) Advance Registration Required Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana has various different schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. The Sogetsu School is a contemporary school which focuses on the creativity and individuality of ikebana. The idea is that ikebana can be done by anyone, anywhere, with almost anything. Students will learn the basics of Sogetsu and create pieces each week to take home and enjoy. *Intermediate courses are for students with prior experience. For required materials or to register, visit morikami.org.

Saturday, December 7

The Art of Kokedama Time: 10am – 12:30pm or 2–4:30pm

Cost: $65 Advance Registration Required Kokedama is the Japanese art of growing plants in a moss-covered ball of soil. It is wrapped with string and contains an ornamental plant growing inside. These beautiful and decorative plants, brings an organic and natural touch to planting orchids, succulents, and other ornamental plants. Learn the mechanics of how to make kokedama, creating two regular size and one small one to decorate your home or to give away to a special person.

Saturday, December 7 Koto Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm Cost: $60 Advance Registration Required

Koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument first introduced to Japan from China in the 7th-8th centuries. Learn the fascinating history of this exquisite instrument and how to play it in this one-day introductory workshop. Instruments will be provided for participants to use in the workshop. To further your studies on the koto, sign-up for our koto class series or summer Guest Artist Workshops.

Sundays, December 8, 15

Sado: Tea Ceremony Time: Beginners – 10:15am – 12:15pm*

           Intermediate – 1–3pm

Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $55) Advance Registration Required

Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with its ever-evolving seasonal subtleties, in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and from season to season. Intermediate course requires approval by the instructor before registering. *Sunday Beginner’s II Class Prerequisite - You must have already taken a Thursday beginner’s I class session or a workshop to attend Sunday classes.

Thursdays, December 12, 19

Sado: Tea Ceremony Time: Beginners – 10:15am – 12:15pm

           Intermediate – 1pm-3pm

Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $55) Advance Registration Required

Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with its ever-evolving seasonal subtleties, in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and from season to season. Intermediate course requires approval by the instructor before registering.

Saturday, December 14 Sado: The Way of Tea Time: 12pm, 1:30pm or 3pm Cost: $5 with paid museum admission.

Observe Japanese sadō, an ever-changing demonstration rich in seasonal subtleties. Your involvement in the true spirit of sadō — harmony (wa), reverence (kei), purity (sei), tranquility (jaku) — along with a sip of matcha green tea and a sweet will help you bring a calm perspective into your busy life.

Saturday, December 14

The Art of Japanese Gift Presentation Time: 10am – 12pm or 1:30–3:30pm

Cost: $35 Advance Registration Required

Learn the customs and art of Japanese gift presentation in this hands-on workshop. Combining traditions with contemporary aesthetics, participants are introduced to the beauty of Japanese packaging and design, often times incorporating natural and unconventional materials.  Learn to wrap with washi (Japanese traditional handmade paper), create uniquely designed boxes, and other techniques to give your gift an Asian-inspired elegance. Workshop tools and materials will be provided for the participants to use.

Saturday, December 14 Family Fun: Snow Globe Ornaments Time: 12–3pm Cost: FREE (with paid museum admission). No Reservation Required

Get festive by decorating a Japanese wintry scene that you can keep inside your own snow globe ornament.

Saturday, December 14

Shibori Indigo – Scarf

Time: 10am – 3pm Cost: $75 Advance Registration Required

The use of indigo dye, or aizome, has a long and cherished history in Japan. The deep blue colors for which Japanese textiles are celebrated come from the leaves of the tade ai, a plant introduced to Japan from China in the sixth century. Shibori is a Japanese technique of manual resist dyeing used to make patterns on fabrics. Learn various shibori techniques and make a shibori scarf to add to your wardrobe or for a special someone.

Saturday, December 14 – Sunday, December29 Family Fun: Nengajō: New Year’s Cards Time: Virtual | Lobby: 10am- 5pm Cost: FREE (with paid museum admission). No Reservation Required

Join us throughout the holiday season to create a nengajō, a Japanese New Year’s card, to share with friends and family.

Sunday, December 15 Film Screening: Akira

(124 mins., 1988, Rated R, Sci-fi, Anime) Time: 11am (Dubbed in English) Cost: $5 with paid museum admission (FREE for members as part of Member Appreciation Weekend. Children ages 3 and under free, limited tickets available

In the year of 2019, thirty one years after World War III, Tokyo has been rebuilt into Neo-Tokyo a modern metropolis. A secret military project endangers New-Tokyo when it turns a biker gang member into a rampaging psychic psychopath who can only be stopped by a teenager, his gang of biker friends and a group of psychics.

Sunday, December 15 Film Screening: Survival Family

Underwritten by Linda and Michael Sonnenreich (117min., 2016, Not Rated, Comedy, Adventure, Family)

Time: 2pm (in Japanese, subtitled in English) Cost: $5 with paid museum admission (FREE for members as part of Member Appreciation Weekend. Children ages 3 and under free, limited tickets available)

Exploring the comedic masterpieces by award-winning Director Shinobu Yaguchi, Survival Family will delight audiences with this post-apocalyptic comedy for the whole family. The Suzukis are a self-indulgent family who squirm at the sight of a dead fish. When Tokyo abruptly loses all forms of electricity – clocks stop, trains halt, and purification plants stop pumping water – they find themselves trapped in a city slicker’s first world nightmare. The Suzukis hop on their bikes and decide to escape the pandemonium and reluctantly head to grandpa’s farm in Kagoshima. Thrown in face of first-world challenges, they encounter ups-and-downs which ultimately bring their family together. And through their journey across mountains and farmland, they realize they gravity of taking resources for granted.

Thursday, December 19 Karesansui: Raking Demonstration Time: 10:30am Cost: FREE with paid museum admission. No Reservation Required

Karesansui or dry landscape garden, is founded on Zen ideology using carefully composed rock arrangements and gravel or sand.  Karesansui are carefully raked to represent characteristics of water

such as currents and waves while boulder arrangements may be interpreted as islands.  Learn about our Late Rock Garden and observe how the raking can be a practice in mindfulness and meditation.

Saturday, December 21 Family Fun: Kagamimochi Time: Virtual Program Cost: FREE

Let’s prepare for the new year by making a kagamimochi, a traditional Japanese New Year’s decoration.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.

On November 9, unleash your inner Ariel during mermaid training at Hilton West Palm Beach.

Hit the pool and learn how to become an aquatic princess with Vero Beach Mermaid! Led by world-famous PADI mermaiden, Brandee Anthony, the immersive, 60-minute class will teach kids and adults how to safely swim, kick, dive, and tread water gracefully while wearing a colorful mermaid tail and monofin. The fun-filled day will end with a mermaid photoshoot. We think Poseidon would approve.

Two sessions are offered at 9am and 10:15am.

Session 1: "Discover Mermaid" is open to kids ages 6 to 9.

Session 2: "Basic Mermaid" is open to adults and kids ages 10 and up.

Cost is $75 for Session 1; $155 for Session 2.

For more information or to register, visit mermaidfreedive.com/hilton-november.

Hilton West Palm Beach is located at 600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 231-6000 or visit hiltonwestpalmbeach.com.

 

Tuck into a happy Thanksgiving, November 28, at Galley in West Palm Beach. Located inside Hilton West Palm Beach, the popular steak and seafood restaurant and executive chef Miguel Santiago will present a three-course prix fixe menu including a fork-dueling dessert that will have your sweet tooth feeling extra grateful.

 

Thanksgiving prix fixe menu:

APPETIZER

(Choice of one)

Butternut Squash Bisque

Spicy roasted pepitas, chive cream fraiche, green pumpkin seed oil

Grilled Peach Salad

Frizee, arugula, roasted kombucha, spicy pickled onions,

goat cheese, cranberry dressing

ENTRÉE

Turkey Breast Roulade

Dark meat stuffing, cranberry thyme orange sauce,

sweet potato pave, haricot verts, sliced toasted almonds,

crispy shallots, cornbread

DESSERT

Gooey Pumpkin Pie

Cinnamon whipped cream, cake crumble

   

Cost is $75 per adult, and $35 for children 12 and under. Tax and gratuity not included. For reservations, click here.

Limited a la carte menu will also be available.

Galley’s Thanksgiving hours are 2pm to 10 pm.

Hilton West Palm Beach is located at 600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL. For more information, call (561) 231-6000 or visit hiltonwestpalmbeach.com.

Experience the most unforgettable events at The Mall at Wellington Green. November’s programming highlights include an exciting health and wellness expo and family-friendly pursuits to Santa’s anticipated holiday arrival. Come for the fun and stay for the thrill at Wellington’s favorite mall.

Wellington Regional Medical Center Lung Health Event

Saturday, November 2

10am – 2pm

City Furniture Court

This special event aims to raise awareness about lung cancer and highlight the importance of early detection, prevention, and treatment options. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with healthcare professionals, learn about risk factors, screening methods, and the latest advancements in lung cancer treatment. There will also be educational materials, interactive exhibits, and a potentially life-saving opportunity for current and former smokers to be screened for early detection of lung cancer.

Kids Club Mommy & Me Thanksgiving Party

Wednesday, November 13

10:30am – 12pm

Grand Court

Free

Parents and children under five are invited to an early thanksgiving celebration. Guests will enjoy fun, interactive activities and performances including Thanksgiving arts and crafts and Patty Shukla’s Primary Songs Show. Snacks will also be served.

The Giving Tree

November 14 – December 8

The Ice Palace in Grand Court

Give the gift of sharing this holiday season! Visit the mall’s Giving Tree located in The Ice Palace in Grand Court. From November 14 to December 8, shoppers can select a tag from The Giving Tree, purchase and wrap the items listed, and return the gifts to The Ice Palace. Gifts will benefit the Back-to-Basics Angel Program which provides over 10,000 needy children in Palm Beach County with clothing and necessities. For more information on the Back-to-Basics Angel Program, visit backtobasicsinc.org/angel-program-1.

Santa Photos at The Ice Palace

November 14 – December 24

Hours vary

The Ice Palace in Grand Court

Children always look forward to a magical visit with Santa Claus at The Mall at Wellington Green. Get snapped with Santa at The Ice Palace and tell him what you’re wishing for this year! To book online, visit bit.ly/wellsanta1.

Santa’s Arrival and PJ Party

Friday, November 15

6–7:30pm

The District at Wellington Green

Free

Santa Claus is coming to town! Santa’s official escalator arrival at The Mall at Wellington Green will ramp up with an ultimate pajama party featuring non-stop musical entertainment, including special performances by Frozen’s Elsa, Anna, and Olaf, along with photo ops, holiday cookie cakes, and more.

BFF Black Friday Brunch

Friday, November 29

10am – 12pm

Free

The District at Wellington Green

Take a break from Black Friday shopping and enjoy a delicious brunch and mimosa bar, catered by Sandy James Catering. Enjoy gift card giveaways, swag bags, fun photo ops, and DJ entertainment. Plus, the first 250 guests will receive a complimentary BFF swag bag.

Zumba Dance Party with Jaime

Every Saturday

10:30–11:30am

Free

The District at Wellington Green

Livin' La Vida Zumba! Enjoy The Mall at Wellington Green’s fun, dance fitness party program that combines high- and low-intensity Latin dance moves designed to burn calories and boost cardio endurance. All ages and levels are welcome.

The Mall at Wellington Green is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. For more information, call (561) 227-6900 or visit shopwellingtongreen.com.

About The Mall at Wellington Green 

The Mall at Wellington Green in Wellington, FL is a 1.2 million square foot, two-level regional shopping destination, and it features over 160 stores. Retailers include Macy’s, Dillard’s, Apple, Brighton, Chico’s, Forever 21, H&M, Tommy Bahama, City Furniture, The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History, CMX Wellington, and more. For more information, visit shopwellingtongreen.com.

November workshops, classes, and demonstrations:

Saturday, November 2

Families Reading Together Kick-Off Event

In partnership with the Palm Beach County Library System Time: 10am – 1pm Cost: FREE with paid museum admission. Children presenting a valid library card from any Palm Beach County library will receive free admission along with one accompanying adult.

Reading with your family is an important bonding experience. Children and their families are encouraged to celebrate Families Reading Together this year at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. For this year’s theme come dressed as your favorite book or comic character.

Give the gift of a Morikami Membership! For this one day only renewals and new members can get an extra month on their annual membership! Special is only available in-person, does not apply to online membership sales.

Schedule of Free Activities:

  • Great Book Giveaway (Sakai Room)
  • Family Fun Activity
  • Kamishibai Storytelling in the Theater (20 mins.)
    • 11:00am – Magic Tea Kettle
    • 11:30am – The Goblin, the Water Imp, and the Thunder God
    • 12:00pm – The Peach Boy, Momotaro
    • 12:30pm – Kon and Pon
  • Palm Beach County Bookmobile (front entrance)

Saturday, November 2

Tea Ceremony (W) Time: 1pm – 3pm Cost: $60 Advance Registration Required

The workshop teaches the basics of sadō – The Way of Tea - necessary to understand the aesthetics of sadōand to fully enjoy the tea ceremony itself. Participants become familiar with how to be a guest, how to make a bowl of tea, and serve it.

Sundays, November 3, 10, 17, 24, December 8

The Art of Bonsai (C) Time: Beginners – 12:30pm – 3:30pm

           Intermediate - 9am – 12pm Cost: $100 (Morikami Members $90) Advance Registration Required Bonsai means "a tree in a tray." The art of bonsai creates the illusion of age and maturity of a tree which has developed and sustained the effects of nature for many years. Students of bonsai learn to artfully trim and train a tree in a container.

Tuesdays, November 5, 12, 19

Ikebana Flower Arrangement - Ikenobo School Time: Beginners - 11am – 1pm

           Intermediate – 1:15pm – 3:15pm*

Cost: $90 (Morikami Members $80) Advance Registration Required *Intermediate courses are for students with prior experience or have taken at least three sessions of Ikebana classes.

Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana has various different schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. Dating back to the 15th century, the Ikenobo School is the oldest and most traditional. Students in this course learn the basic principles and style of Ikenobo, creating fresh flower arrangements each week to take home and enjoy.

Wednesdays, November 6, 13, 20

Ikebana Flower Arrangement: Sogetsu School

Time: Beginners - 10:30am –12:30pm

           Intermediate – 1:30pm – 3:30pm*

Cost: $67.50 (Morikami Members $60) Advance Registration Required Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana has various different schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. The Sogetsu School is a contemporary school which focuses on the creativity and individuality of ikebana. The idea is that ikebana can be done by anyone, anywhere, with almost anything. Students will learn the basics of Sogetsu and create pieces each week to take home and enjoy. *Intermediate courses are for students with prior experience.

Saturday, November 9

Shibori Indigo – Tenugui

Time: 10am – 3pm Cost: $75 Advance Registration Required

The use of indigo dye, or aizome, has a long and cherished history in Japan. The deep blue colors for which Japanese textiles are celebrated come from the leaves of the tade ai, a plant introduced to Japan from China in the sixth century. Shibori is a Japanese technique of manual resist dyeing used to make patterns on fabrics. Learn various shibori techniques and create a tenugui cloth towel for your home or personal use.

Saturday, November 9 Film Screening: AKIRA

Time: 11am

(124 mins., 1988, Rated R, Sci-fi, Anime) (In Japanese, subtitled in English) Cost: $5  

In the year of 2019, thirty one years after World War III, Tokyo has been rebuilt into Neo-Tokyo a modern metropolis. A secret military project endangers New-Tokyo when it turns a biker gang member into a rampaging psychic psychopath who can only be stopped by a teenager, his gang of biker friends and a group of psychics.

Saturday, November 9

The Cultural Significance of AKIRA – Talk by Curators Stefan Riekeles and Hiroko Myokam Time: 1:30 pm Cost: FREE (with paid museum admission)

Join the curators of the exhibition AKIRA: The Architecture of Neo-Tokyo for an introduction to the production process of Japanese animation in general and to the details of the classic ground-breaking animated film AKIRA’s genesis. Hiroko Myokam will highlight the archiving situation of these important artifacts of a historic milestone in animation history in today’s industry. Stefan Riekeles will elaborate on the specific cultural value of AKIRA’s background artwork which continues to inspire artists and an audience alike to this day.

Hailing from Stuttgart, Germany, Stefan Riekeles is a graduate of Humboldt University, Berlin and the Technical University, Berlin. He is an animation historian and exhibition curator of several internationally touring exhibitions of original anime background art, most notably Proto Anime Cut (Berlin, Dortmund, Barcelona, Madrid, Tallinn, Basel, 2011-2013), Anime Architecture (Berlin, London, Sydney, Delray Beach, 2016-2019), AKIRA - The Architecture of Neo Tokyo (Berlin, Delray Beach, 2022 & 2024) and Cityscapes in Anime Background Art (Kanazawa, 2023). He founded Riekeles Gallery in 2021. His most recent publication is Anime Architecture - Imagined Worlds and Endless Megacities (Thames & Hudson, 2020).

Hiroko Myokam is from Ishikawa, Japan and a graduate of the University of Tsukuba, School of Art and Design, the Academy of Advanced Media Arts and Sciences (IAMAS) and completed an MA in Media Art Histories at the University of Danube. After working as a curator at the SKIPCITY Museum of the Moving Image (2004-2007) and the NTT InterCommunication Center (2007-2009), she was a visiting researcher at the Inter Media Art Institute Düsseldorf, Germany (2013-2018). In 2018, she co-founded the Eizo Workshop with Noriyuki Kimura. She is currently a curatorial researcher of SIAF Lab, a director of the Toshio Iwai Archive & Research, and a part-time lecturer at the Kanazawa College of Art and Kyoto Seika University.

Sundays, November 10, 17

Sado: Tea Ceremony Time: Beginners - 10:15am -12:15pm*

           Intermediate – 1pm-3pm

Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $55) Advance Registration Required

Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with its ever-evolving seasonal subtleties, in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and from season to season. Intermediate course requires approval by the instructor before registering. *Sunday Beginner’s II Class Prerequisite - You must have already taken a Thursday beginner’s I class session or a workshop to attend Sunday classes.

Thursdays, November 14, 21

Sado: Tea Ceremony Time: Beginners - 10:15am -12:15pm

           Intermediate – 1pm-3pm

Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $55) Advance Registration Required

Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with its ever-evolving seasonal subtleties, in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and from season to season. Intermediate course requires approval by the instructor before registering.

Saturday, November 16 Sado: The Way of Tea Time: 12pm, 1:30pm or 3pm Cost: $5 with paid museum admission.

Observe Japanese sadō, an ever-changing demonstration rich in seasonal subtleties. Your involvement in the true spirit of sadō — harmony (wa), reverence (kei), purity (sei), tranquility (jaku) — along with a sip of matcha green tea and a sweet will help you bring a calm perspective into your busy life.

Saturday, November 16

Introduction to the Art of Kintsugi Time: 10:00am – 12:30pm

Cost: $70 Advance Registration Required Kintsugi an inspired version of the traditional Japanese art form of mending broken pottery with gold powder.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.