Lifestyle & Entertainment

A holiday parade, scholarships, Santa: Things to do in Coral Springs this week

The Coral Springs holiday parade is one of the city’s biggest events this December, with hundreds of residents gathering to watch local schools, businesses and law enforcement show off their creativity.
The Coral Springs holiday parade is one of the city’s biggest events this December, with hundreds of residents gathering to watch local schools, businesses and law enforcement show off their creativity. Courtesy of the City of Coral Springs

Looking for something to do this week, but not sure where to start? Whatever your interests, Coral Springs has something for you.

Learn more about scholarships and other free educational resources with the public library system, or indulge your curiosity through conversations on topics ranging from Julia Child to true crime. Plus, get into the holiday spirit with Santa meet-and-greets and the annual Coral Springs holiday parade.

Monday, Dec. 8

Parkland Chamber of Commerce holiday party (5:30 to 7 p.m.)

Join the Parkland Chamber of Commerce at El Mariachi Restaurant in Coral Springs for an evening of community, connection and giving back. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a free drink, light bites and networking .

Members get in for free but are asked to bring a new, unwrapped gift for children ages 13 or older. Non-members must pay a $35 entry fee in addition to a gift donation. Proceeds benefit Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Learn more and register to attend on the Chamber’s website.

Tuesday, Dec. 9

Music and movement toddler storytime (10:30 to 11 a.m.)

Enjoy stories, activities and songs geared towards practicing toddlers’ literacy skills. Registration is free, but space is limited. Learn more and sign up on the library events page.

Online scholarship resources workshop (noon to 12:30 p.m.)

Did you know that the Broward County Library system has tools to help you find and apply for scholarships? This workshop will teach participants everything they need to know to use them. Learn more and regsiter on the library events page.

Author talk — The Legacy of Julia Child’s Kitchen (2 to 3 p.m.)

Delve into cooking icon Julia Child’s legacy with Paula J. Johnson, a Smithsonian curator, public historian and nonfiction author. Learn more and register on the library events page.

Another online scholarship resources workshop (4:30 to 5:30 p.m.)

High school students planning for college can turn their winter break into a head start on scholarships with this workshop, hosted by The Scholarship Plug. Learn more and register on the library events page.

Broward public schools showcase (5 to 8 p.m.)

Trying to choose a school for your kid, but don’t know where to start? As the school choice window begins to close, the county pubic school system is bringing over 200 of its educational institutions together at Sunrise’s Amerant Bank Arena to help families stay informed about their options. Get more information here.

Book Warriors meeting (5:30 to 6:30 p.m.)

Immerse yourself in stories and an engaging discussion about this month’s book, “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” by Jamie Ford. Learn more and register on the library events page.

Wednesday, Dec. 10

The Witness movie screening (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

Kitty Genovese’s name became a symbol of “urban apathy” after the New York Times reported that 38 people turned a blind eye to her brutal murder in 1964. But in this 2015 documentary, her brother discovers a lie beneath it all.

Watch for free, learn about how the film was made and discuss themes afterwards with fellow attendees at Northwest Regional Library. Learn more and register on the events page.

Introduction to LinkedIn Learning (1 to 2:30 p.m.)

Join this in-person session to learn how to access and take free courses using LinkedIn Learning, with topics ranging from graphic design to leadership to programming and more. Get more information and register on the library events page.

Coral Springs holiday parade (7 p.m.)

Local schools and organizations will showcase their creativity for the city’s annual festivities. This year’s theme, Parade of Cultures, celebrates the diversity of winter traditions around the world, with vibrant displays, live music and more to enjoy.

The parade will take place along Sample Road from Coral Springs Drive to City Hall. Learn more on Facebook.

Thursday, Dec. 11

Cookies with Santa at Plaster Carousel (4 to 7 p.m.)

Get free snacks and drinks, plus a session with Mr. Claus himself, at the local painting and pottery studio on Sample Road. Attendees are also invited to stick around and create a piece to take home. Learn more on Facebook.

Tiny art painting for teens (3 to 4 p.m.)

Create a miniature artwork for free at the Northwest Regional Library. All supplies will be provided — all you have to do is RSVP! Learn more and register on the library events website.

Florida Trail Association meetup (6:30 to 9 p.m.)

Both members and non members are invited to Fern Forest Nature Center in Coconut Creek to learn about upcoming adventures with Happy Hoofers, the local chapter of the Florida Trail Association. Snacks will be provided. Learn more on Meetup.

New art exhibition reception at the Coral Springs Museum of Art (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.)

At this event, the Coral Springs Artist Guild will unveil its newest group exhibition. “To Be Seen” centers a variety of self-portraits in realistic, surreal or abstract forms through a variety of media, encouraging viewers to examine the wider themes of perception, vulnerability and the human condition.

This is a free event. Learn more on Facebook and RSVP on the museum’s website.

Recurring

Literacy and learning

Games, hobbies and live entertainment

Fitness and wellness

Allison Beck
Coral Springs News
Allison Beck is an award-winning reporter for the Coral Springs News, a sister publication to the Miami Herald. They are a proud Temple University graduate with experience covering a wide range of topics from stolen human remains to space-based businesses.