Wellen Park announces schedule of holiday events to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year

VENICE, Fla. (Nov. 21, 2022) – Wellen Park is lighting up the holiday season in its own signature style with a Bright Bike parade, lessons in mixology, the spirit of giving, a visit from Santa, and so much more. Throughout December, Wellen Park is hosting family-friendly and age-restricted events at its Welcome Center, which are complemented by CoolToday Park’s annual Braves Jingle Jam and Tomahawk 5K.

“The holidays really capture the essence of Wellen Park and its emphasis on joy, heartfelt connections and community,” said Christine Masney, vice president of marketing of Wellen Park. “We have planned many fun, meaningful experiences that are unique to Wellen Park for families to create memories they will cherish for years to come.”

The upcoming events take place in the Welcome Center, 12275 Mercado Drive, Venice, overlooking Downtown Wellen, where the first phase of the region’s newest gathering hub is nearing completion. From the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree, now through Dec. 4, to a fun-filled weekend of festivities, Dec. 16-17, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays at Wellen Park.

December’s fun-filled calendar reflects the vibrant spirit of Wellen Park and foreshadows a full winter season of activities and events beginning in mid-January 2023 with the opening of Downtown Wellen’s outdoor amenities. Most activities are free and open to the public, with advance registration required for some events. For more information or to register, visit wellenpark.com/events.

 

Celebrate the Holidays at Wellen Park:

 

Through Sunday, Dec. 4
The Salvation Army of Sarasota County Angel Tree
Wellen Park Welcome Center, daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A holiday tradition since 1979, the Salvation Army Angel Tree shares the joy of Christmas morning with millions of children across the country. Wellen Park participants select an angel from the Christmas tree in the Welcome Center that contains wish list items, shop for new clothing and toys on the child’s wish list and return gifts to the Welcome Center by Dec. 4. Donations are distributed to local children who seldom receive Christmas gifts.

Saturday, Dec. 3
Braves Tomahawk 5K
CoolToday Park, 18800 S. West Villages Parkway, 7:30 a.m.

The family-friendly race and fan favorite, now in its fourth year, covers a lot of territory – a flat course taking runners along roads near the park and behind the scenes of the Atlanta Braves’ spring training stadium before looping around the on-field warning track and a dramatic third-base finish televised on the 40-by-80-foot scoreboard. Tickets are $45 and benefit the Atlanta Braves Foundation. To register, visit raceroster.com or cooltodaypark.com.

Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 3-4
Fourth Annual Braves Jingle Jam
CoolToday Park, 18800 S. West Villages Parkway, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The park transforms into a magical holiday wonderland with season-themed crafts and activities for children, family events and contests, live music, horse and carriage rides, plus a holiday craft market for one-of-a-kind gift giving. No holiday event is complete without a parade or the man of the month – Santa Claus. Caddy Carts hosts Jingle Jam’s annual golf cart parade Sunday at 5:30 p.m. with a decorating party from 3:30 to 5 p.m. (register online at qrco.de/cartparade by Dec. 2.) and Mr. Claus and his missus make special appearances throughout the festivities.

For those who want to jumpstart their holiday merrymaking, CoolToday Park offers the second annual Beer Run Friday, Dec. 2, beginning at 6 p.m. Runners, joggers and walkers circle the concourse, enjoying a 10-ounce draft beer or soft drink at every quarter mile. Tickets are $25 and include a T-shirt and three beverages. Register at raceroster.com.

For more information about Jingle Jam, call the park at 941-413-5000 or visit the events tab at cooltodaypark.com.

Saturday, Dec. 10
Holiday Mixology
Wellen Park Welcome Center, 6 to 8 p.m.

Mix, mingle and jingle while you expand your cocktail repertoire with festive libations sure to wow guests at your next holiday party. Emcee and ‘mixologist’ Sean Barber from Oak & Stone, a tavern coming soon to Downtown Wellen, shows guests the secrets of mastering two festive cocktails – the Ginger Pomegranate Cosmo and the About Thyme. Participants enjoy live music, sushi, appetizers and two cocktails during the demo and receive a mixology kit with all the ingredients and tools needed to practice at home. $30 per person. Register early as spaces are limited.

Monday, Dec. 12
Cabernet & Canvas
Wellen Park Welcome Center, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Wine, watercolors and the warmth of the holiday season … Channel your inner Andrew Wyeth, John Singer Sargent and other famed watercolorists during this “make and take” painting session lead by local artist Clare Harvey. Tickets are $30 and include canvas, painting supplies, snacks and two glasses of wine. Advanced registration is required.

Friday, Dec. 16
Wellen Wheels Bright Bike Parade
Wellen Park Welcome Center, 6 p.m.

Wellen Park lights up the night with Bright Bikes, a three-mile parade featuring pedal-powered and electric bicycles decked out in more holiday lights than a Clark Griswold Christmas tree. Bright Bikes kicks off a fun-filled weekend of holiday cheer and is followed by seasonal snacks and beverages at the Welcome Center. Reservations are required.

Saturday, Dec.  17
Zumba on the Lawn
Wellen Park Welcome Center, 9 a.m.

Put a little jingle in your dance moves. The Venice YMCA spices up your holiday fitness routine with outdoor Zumba for all abilities.

Saturday, Dec. 17
Wellen Workshop for Kids
Wellen Park Welcome Center, noon to 3 p.m.

Santa’s workshop temporarily relocates to Florida as children make holiday ornaments and nosh on milk and cookies, lemonade and magical holiday-flavored yogurt from Peachwave Yogurt Company. Rumor has it, Santa will be making a surprise visit! The workshop is free; reservations are required as space is limited.

 

Consistently ranked among the U.S.’s top-selling communities annually by prominent real estate consulting firm RCLCO, Wellen Park’s expanding residential choices include single-family homes in picturesque neighborhoods, a bundled golf and country club community, paired villas, coach homes and condominiums, one- to three-bedroom apartments and rental homes, a rental apartment community for active adults 55 and older, and world-class independent, assisted living and memory care. The community currently has approximately 9,500 residents, and at full buildout will have more than 50,000 residents and 22,500 homes within its three distinct districts: West Villages, Downtown Wellen and Playmore.

To learn more about living at Wellen Park, call 941-960-7805, go to wellenpark.com or visit the Welcome Center, open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 12275 Mercado Drive in Venice, Fla.

 

Contact:

Jennifer Hamilton, Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR, 239-275-5758, [email protected]

 

Photos:

Oak & Stone, a tavern coming soon to Downtown Wellen, will host the Holiday Mixology class where participants will enjoy live music, sushi, appetizers and two cocktails during the demo and receive a mixology kit with all the ingredients and tools needed to practice at home.

Cabernet & Canvas painting session will be led by local artist Clare Harvey and the class will include canvas, painting supplies, snacks and two glasses of wine.