The Village of Merrick Park is kicking off the holiday season with its annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 17. Serving as Master of Ceremonies for the magical and fun-filled evening will be Belkys Nerey, Head News Anchor at FOX WSVN Channel 7.

For the fourth time, Village of Merrick Park has taken measures to ensure the event is environmentally friendly by lighting its majestic 50-foot tree with 55,000 LED light bulbs.

Festivities include a musical performance by the Coral Gables High School Choir and holiday greetings from Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and an array of other holiday character favorites. Stilt walkers and jugglers will also be on hand throughout The Garden.

Activities specifically geared towards children will include an arts and crafts station courtesy of Gymboree Play & Music among other exciting surprises.

Families can also gather around the colossal tree for holiday photographs. Attendees are also encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift to donate to The Voices for Children Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising funds for abused and neglected children in Miami-Dade County.

The festivities will take place from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 17, with the tree lighting occurring at precisely 7:45 p.m. and the tree will be on display from Nov. 17 – Jan. 6, 2012.

Village of Merrick Park is located at 358 San Lorenzo Ave., Coral Gables. For more information, visitwww.villageofmerrickpark.com.

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