Big night of art, music, Santa and the tree lighting

Friday night the City Hall Christmas tree was lit at a big ceremony, which is the yearly tradition. And tonight, Saturday, it's Coconut Grove's turn. This is a big night for the Grove as it's FAM Night (Fashion + Art + Music) and CocoWalk also, will be having the tree lighting ceremony for Coconut Grove's Christmas tree, right in the center of town. Above, at left, Mayor Tomas Regaldo and Commissioner Willy Gort, pull the switch to light the City Hall tree on Friday night, which is all silver and gold.

Today, December 6, Coconut Grove's Tree Lighting Extravaganza is from 2 pm to 9 pm, with the actual tree lighting at 6:30 pm - earlier in the day it's full of free family-friendly activities at CocoWalk for the entire community to enjoy.

A red firetruck brought Santa to City Hall last night. Santa will be in the Grove today.

Celebrate the holiday tradition today in the Grove with arts and culture by experiencing a full day of free activities for the whole family to enjoy, including a visit from Santa Claus in Santa’s Village, a bounce house, holiday-inspired arts and crafts by Abrakadoodle, and live performances by local schools, churches and dance studios such as the Academy of Arts and Minds, Fellowship Church and Coconut Grove Ballet Studio. In addition, the Happy Wall art installation, where visitors are invited to answer the question, “What makes you HAPPY?”, will be on display for people to express individual happiness and jump headfirst into the movement. 

Last night it was penguins at City Hall. Tonight it's the Miami Marlins at 6:30 pm along with Commissioner Marc Sarnoff and some characters from Despicable Me 2, to light the tree in a winter wonderland of fun. The evening will conclude with a chic Fashion Show at 8:00 pm, all at CocoWalk.

This Nativity scene was part of last night's City Hall event.

Grove artist Peter Johan Studl with his two daughters at the City Hall tree lighting. Peter took all these City Hall photos.

FAM Night starts at 7 pm Saturday night and goes until 10 pm, where galleries open their doors, trunk shows take over the boutiques and live holiday music will fill the sidewalk cafes.

Frost School of Music students from the University of Miami will take part of the district – wide event and will perform outside designated restaurants and boutiques.  The Coconut Grove Drum Circle will return at their new location at the Promenade at the Mayfair in the Grove. Barracuda Bar and Grill will present live music from the Robby Hunter Band.  Participating merchants such as Vinos in the Grove will be hosting an art exhibition and complimentary wine tasting to feature artists Krista Lewis, Jorge Piedra and Carlos Spartacus. Sale Rack will be offering locally made sugar scrubs, which will be on sale for that perfect stocking stuffer gift as well as both modern and vintage Christmas sweaters for those upcoming “unique sweater” parties on the calendar. Art Galleries such as the Coconut Grove Arts Festival will host world renowned Italian Academy Award winning cinematographer, noted Author and artist, Vittorio Storaro.  

This event is free and open to the public.