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BOCA RATON, FLORIDA (November 8, 2016) – Light Up Downtown Boca, a series of winter holiday festivities including parades, concerts and more, kicks off on Wednesday, November 23 at Mizner Park Amphitheater from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. with a FREE Holiday Festival culminating in the City of Boca Raton’s and Mizner Park’s annual tree lighting ceremony. The event will include carnival rides, a mountain of snow, carolers, children’s crafts, and live entertainment including “Frozen Fantasy,” a stage show presented by ZMC Entertainment. The highlight of the evening will be the ceremonial lighting of the City’s tree led by Mayor Susan Haynie that will illuminate simultaneously with Mizner Park’s 47-foot animated tree at the south end of the center near Lord & Taylor. Throughout Mizner Park, 50,000 LED lights will adorn 75 palm trees; poles will be laced with garland; lights and four wreaths (each 60” in diameter) will be placed throughout the center; garland will be swooped throughout the gazebos and the valet parking station – all of which will be decorated with lights and holiday trimmings. Located at the south end of the center near Lord & Taylor, Mizner Park’s “iTree” consists of more than 32,000 life-like PVC branches, red & gold bows, ornament clusters and 25,000 clear & multi-colored LED lights. There will be 20 minute musical light shows performed nightly at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. starting on Wednesday, November 23 and continuing through the holiday season. The tree will be illuminated for photo opportunities between shows. The 46th Holiday Street Parade will be Wednesday, December 7 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. beginning at Federal Highway and SE 8th Street, traveling north to the Mizner Park Amphitheater. Over 70 floats and groups will entertain viewers as they bring dance, lights and song to Federal Hwy in Boca Raton. Merry Tuba Christmas Concerts will be presented in 250 cities throughout the world, including Boca Raton on Sunday, December 11 at 5 p.m. The Mizner Park Amphitheater will host FAU Tuba Christmas 2016. Enjoy the tradition of holiday music performed by tubas and euphoniums, started by Indiana University Professor Harvey G. Phillips. FAU's Sean Murray brings this tradition to the Boca Raton community for its fifth annual presentation. Outdoor event, bring chairs or blankets. Climb aboard the Polar Express on Friday, December 16 with FREE family fun activities – train rides and “snow” - starting at 5 p.m. at the MPA. Dress in your pajamas for a showing of the Polar Express movie at 6:30 p.m. Pizza, popcorn, hot chocolate and other concessions will be available for purchase. Bring blankets and chairs! The 40th Annual Holiday Boat Parade on Saturday, December 17 will begin at 6:30 p.m. and light up the waterways beginning at C-15 Canal with bleacher viewing at Silver Palm Park and Red Reef Park. Free boat entry with $10,000 in cash and prizes with many categories in which to win. Attendees are encouraged to walk, bike, car pool and use free parking at City Hall, the Boca Raton Library and Downtown Boca Library. For more information visit www.myboca.us or call 561-393-7807. # #