Shops at Merrick Park’s 20th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

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Shops at Merrick Park

Shops at Merrick Park presents its 20th Annual Lighting Ceremony, featuring a decorated 50-foot tree, interactive activities, entertainment, an appearance by Santa Claus and a special live performance by South Florida’s own Preston Howell, a former contestant on NBC’s The Voice.

Shops at Merrick Park, Coral Gables’ pristine destination for fine shopping and dining, will present its 20th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, November 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Special guest host WSVN Channel 7’s “Today in Florida” Anchor Alex de Armas will emcee the evening’s festivities. On this special night, attendees will witness the illumination of a towering 50-foot tree and enjoy a live performance by South Florida’s own Preston Howell, a former contestant on NBC’s The Voice.

South Florida native Preston Howell, known for his smooth vocals and dynamic stage presence, will return to the Shops at Merrick Park stage to debut his holiday single, “Christmas Without You.” The song, written by Beth Cohen as a tribute to her late father, was produced by Doug Emery and Preston himself. Howell gained national recognition with his stunning rendition of “America the Beautiful” at the 2018 U.S. Open Men’s Semi-Finals and furthered his success on “The Voice” Season 17, impressing all four celebrity judges and his chosen mentor, John Legend. He's been a part of an elite, talented youth singers’ group called “Acapop! KIDS,” created by Grammy-award-winning Pentatonix creators in collaboration with Warner Records, and he also appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Preston’s career is on the rise, with three featured films, one to be released this holiday season, featuring the song he will debut at Shops at Merrick Park.

The Miami Royal Ballet and Coral Gables Senior High School Gablettes will add to the festive spirit along with holiday costumed characters, a 360° photo booth, and a highly anticipated appearance by Santa Claus who will kick-off the festive season.

Santa will make his grand arrival down San Lorenzo Avenue on the Coral Gables Fire Department’s fire truck. To mark the official start of the holiday shopping season, Special guest host Alex de Armas and Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago will ceremoniously light up the majestic 50-foot tree. Shoppers can view and pose with the holiday tree through early January 2024.

For more information, call (305) 529-1215, visit www.shopsatmerrickpark.com. Follow Shops at Merrick Park on Facebook at facebook.com/shopsatmerrickpark and Instagram @shopsatmerrickpark.