Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
HOLIDAY TOURS LIGHT THE WAY THIS SEASON
Need something to do with your out-of-town guests? Looking for a different way to see South Florida homes decorated with holiday lights? How about by boat, candlelight or both? Here’s a look at some of the unique local tours this holiday season.
Waterfront tour
The Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi tour takes guests on the Double Decker Water Taxi Island Discovery boat on a 90-minute ride to see the lights on the estates along the Intracoastal Waterway. Officials say they are bringing back the tour because of its popularity and extending the dates. Last year, it drew 1,200 passengers.
From Monday to Dec. 21, the tour will feature Christmas carol singalongs and free popcorn on the vessel, which will be decked out for the holidays.
Folks can board the water taxi at its stop next to the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina under the 17th Street Causeway Bridge in Fort Lauderdale. The dock can accommodate wheelchairs. Boarding starts 20 minutes before departure times which are 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. The tours will run rain or shine since the boat has covered seating.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children. Visit watertaxi.com or call 954-467-6677.
Historic homes
Just south of the CityPlace mall in downtown West Palm Beach is the historic Flamingo Park neighborhood, which will have its 24th annual Historic Home Tour.
Look inside 12 homes, which represent a mix of 1920s through 1940s architectural styles from Mediterranean Rival to Spanish Mission. Nine of this year’s homes are new to the event.
Complimentary drinks and appetizers will be served for guests.
The event is 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Check-in is at 2420 Florida Ave. Tickets cost $50 online and $60 the evening of the tour. Visit flamingopark.org.
These old houses
The Fort Lauderdale Junior Woman’s Club and the Broward Trust for Historic Preservation are organizing the inaugural Historic Holiday Home Tour.
Eight Fort Lauderdale homes, some 100 years old, are decorated with holiday accoutrements. The idea: present a mix of waterfront estates and Crafstman-style homes to highlight the area’s architectural history while raising funds for the organizations.
The tour, which is open to the public, runs 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Admission, which includes complimentary Sun Trolley rides along the tour, are $40 per person. Visit historicholidayhometour.org or call 954-536-4297.
Waterfront house
Victorian ornaments will adorn the Stranahan House in Fort Lauderdale, which offers a holiday river tour as part of its home tour this season.
Docents will be dressed in costumes and there will be live music for visitors of the house, which was built in 1901 by Frank Stranahan, described as Fort Lauderdale’s founding father.
The event takes place 7 p.m. Dec. 15 and a boat departs from the house at 335 SE Sixth Ave. at the end of the house tour. Tickets are $30. Reservations are required. Visit stranahanhouse.org or call 954-524-4736.
Homes by candlelight
West Palm Beach residents may be familiar with this event: Old Northwood’s 29th Annual Candlelight Holiday Home Tour, organized by the Old Northwood Neighborhood Association.
The tour highlights homes of various styles and eras, from Mediterranean Rival and Mission style inspired by Addison Mizner to homes from architects and builders John Volk and William King. Homeowners and residents will be lighting and decorating their residences during the event, which begins at 3510 Spruce Ave., in West Palm Beach. Champagne, wine and beer along with some food will be available at some of the homes. Tour officials will also be collecting toys for the West Palm Beach Police Department’s toy drive.
The tour runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 18. Prices range from $30 to $62 for VIP tickets that include a preparty with drinks, hors d’oeuvres and live music. Visit oldnorthwood.com