Fun, not-necessarily-Christmas things to do in Brevard in December

It's the holiday season, but there are still plenty of non-Christmas things to do on the Space Coast. Whether you're interested in food festivals, concerts or live theater, there are plenty of choices across Brevard in December.

Event details are subject to change, so we encourage you to check with presenting organizations about the status of their events.

Fairs and festivals

Tacos & Treats Throwdown in Wickham Park

Who doesn't love tacos? Sample the offerings at the Tacos & Treats Throwdown in Wickham Park on Saturday, Dec. 2.
Who doesn't love tacos? Sample the offerings at the Tacos & Treats Throwdown in Wickham Park on Saturday, Dec. 2.

The third annual Tacos & Treats Throwdown will be held at Wickham Park, 2500 Parkway Drive, Melbourne, on Saturday, Dec. 2 from noon to 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will include a special a la carte tasting menu featuring tacos and desserts priced at $5 or less per item. There will also be live music, a craft fair marketplace, ax throwing, face painting and more. Single day admission is $7 and two-day weekend passes are $10, with free admission for ages 10 and younger. VIP weekend passes that include one free menu item from each food vendor are available for $100. Visit 321tacostreats.com.

Ocean Reef Beach Festival in Satellite Beach

Celebrate the ocean lifestyle at Pelican Beach Park, 1525 Hwy. A1A, Satellite Beach, on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be conservation and recreation displays, activities, food trucks, local ocean artists, live music and more. Admission is free. Parking is limited. Proceeds benefit Kids Dig Gardening. Visit satellitebeach.gov.

Looking for Christmas events? Your guide to holiday events in Brevard

Concerts, theater and performing arts

Happening at the King Center

The King Center is at 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. For tickets and additional information, visit kingcenter.com or call 321-242-2219.

Three Dog Night will play at the King Center on Thursday, Dec. 7. Visit kingcenter.com.
Three Dog Night will play at the King Center on Thursday, Dec. 7. Visit kingcenter.com.
  • ‘The Nutcracker’: Space Coast Ballet, accompanied by the Brevard Symphony Orchestra, presents the 20th anniversary production of “The Nutcracker” on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 2 and 7 p.m. Enjoy the magic of Christmas as Clara takes us on an adventure to the land of snow and sweets, where flowers waltz and sugar plum fairies dance with delight. Tickets start at $29.

  • The Fab Four: Beatles tribute band The Fab Four brings their show to the King Center on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. The show will feature a performance of The Beatles' "Rubber Soul" in its entirety, as well as the Beatles' greatest hits. Tickets start at $35.

  • Three Dog Night: Legendary band Three Dog Night, now in its 5th decade, will play at the King Center on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. The show will feature hits like songs like “Mama Told Me (Not To Come)”, “Joy to the World”, “Black and White”, “Shambala” and “One.” Joining the band as a special guest will be Boston rock legend Charlie Farren, who has long been known for great songs, great singing, and outstanding live performances. Tickets start at $59.75.

  • Making Spirits Bright: Brevard Community Chorus presents a concert of holiday songs and Christmas cheer on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Under the baton of Dr. Robert E. Lamb, the Chorus will perform some of the season's most beloved music, including highlights from Handel's enduring oratorio, “Messiah.” General admission tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for seniors and active military.

  • A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Emmy and Peabody award-winning story by Charles M. Schulz comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation that celebrates the television classic at the King Center, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts characters uncover the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets start at $49.

  • Mean Girls!: The North American tour of the hit musical “Mean Girls!” will be at the King Center on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. This fiercely fetch queen bee of Broadway will have you wearing pink. Tickets start at $43.

  • Classic Albums Live: The Lithium Experience: Classic Albums Live brings The Lithium Experience, featuring music from the ‘90s, to the King Center on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. Classic Albums Live recreates albums live on stage, note for note, cut for cut, using the world’s best musicians. Tickets start at $29.

  • State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine’s 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs': The fairy tale of Snow White comes to life in dance by the State Ballet Theater of Ukraine. It tells a story about love, friendship, witchcraft, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. It will be at the King Center on Saturday, Dec. 30, with two performances at 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $30.

'A Christmas Carol' at the Henegar Center

The show is playing at the Henegar Center, 625 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne, through Dec. 10. Curmudgeon Ebeneezer Scrooge faces his selfish ways when three ghosts visit him on Christmas Eve in this lavish musical. Tickets start at $37. Call 321-723-8698 or visit henegarcenter.com.

'Sister Act' at Cocoa Village Playhouse

The musical is at Cocoa Village Playhouse, 300 Brevard Ave., through Dec. 3. A woman hiding in a convent helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she rediscovers her own. This feel-good comedy smash is based on the hit film. Tickets range from $23 to $35. Call 321-636-5050 or visit cocoavillageplayhouse.com.

'The Wizard of Oz' at Titusville Playhouse

Maddy Moore plays "Dorothy Gale" and Scrappy plays "Toto" in "The Wizard of Oz," on stage at Titusville Playhouse through Dec. 10, 2023. Visit titusvilleplayhouse.com.
Maddy Moore plays "Dorothy Gale" and Scrappy plays "Toto" in "The Wizard of Oz," on stage at Titusville Playhouse through Dec. 10, 2023. Visit titusvilleplayhouse.com.

The musical is on stage at Titusville Playhouse, 301 Julia Street, through Dec. 10. This beloved tale, in which a Kansas farm girl travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home, has entertained audiences for generations. Tickets start at $29. Call 321-268-1125 or visit titusvilleplayhouse.com.

Home is where the heart is: Follow the yellow brick road to Titusville Playhouse for 'The Wizard of Oz'

'Holly Jolly Holiday' at Melbourne Civic Theatre

The holiday variety show is on stage at Melbourne Civic Theatre, 817 E. Strawbridge Ave., Dec. 8 through 24. The theater’s annual fundraiser features a showcase of popular holiday songs. Tickets are $40. Call 321-723-6935 or visit mymct.org.

'The Candy Cane Caper' at Surfside Playhouse

Holiday cheer conceals sinister secrets at Surfside Playhouse, 301 Ramp Road, Cocoa Beach, on Dec. 8 through 17. Follow Santa, his trusty reindeer, and a determined team of investigators as they unwrap a chilling mystery that threatens Christmas itself. Can they unmask the culprits before it's too late? Audience participation required to solve this whodunit. General admission tickets are $25. Call 321-783-3127 or visit surfsideplayhouse.com.

Maddy Winer in concert on Merritt Island

The Space Coast Jazz Society presents jazz saxophonist Maddy Winer in concert at the Veterans Memorial Center, 400 S. Sykes Creek Pkwy., Merritt Island, on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. Over the past three decades Winer has enthralled audiences with her inimitable, recognizable voice. Maddy attributes her successes to her love of the Great American Songbook, jazz standards and the pop music of her youth. Tickets are $15 for Jazz Society and Veterans Memorial Center members, $20 for guests and free for students under 25. Bring your own food and drink, tables and seating are provided. Visit spacecoastjazzsociety.org.

Selwyn Birchwood at Heidi's Jazz Club in Cocoa Beach

Blues musician Selwyn Birchwood brings his brand of "Electric Swamp Funkin' Blues" to Heidi's Jazz Club in Cocoa Beach on Friday, Dec. 8.
Blues musician Selwyn Birchwood brings his brand of "Electric Swamp Funkin' Blues" to Heidi's Jazz Club in Cocoa Beach on Friday, Dec. 8.

Blues musician Selwyn Birchwood will perform at Heidi’s Jazz Club, 7 N. Orlando Ave., Cocoa Beach, on Friday, Dec. 8 at 7 and 9 p.m. Florida native Birchwood is one of the blues’ brightest young stars, playing exhilarating, visionary new roots music that he calls “Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues” defined by raw and soulful musicianship played with fire-and-brimstone fervor. Tickets start at $15. Call 321-783-4559 or visit heidisjazzclub.com.

Holiday Spectacular 'Glad Tidings' at The Henegar Center

The show will be at the Henegar Center, 625 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne, Dec. 14 through 17. The show is a musical extravaganza with live music, a choir, outstanding vocalists, dancers and specialty acts. Tickets start at $37. Call 321-723-8698 or visit henegarcenter.com.

'A Tuna Christmas' at Titusville Playhouse

Steven Heron and Patrick Ryan Sullivan reprise their roles as the quirky characters of Tuna, Texas in Titusville Playhouse's production of "A Tuna Christmas," Dec. 14 through 17. Visit titusvilleplahouse.com.
Steven Heron and Patrick Ryan Sullivan reprise their roles as the quirky characters of Tuna, Texas in Titusville Playhouse's production of "A Tuna Christmas," Dec. 14 through 17. Visit titusvilleplahouse.com.

The show will be at the Henegar Center, 625 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne, Dec. 14 through 17. The show is a musical extravaganza with live music, a choir, outstanding vocalists, dancers and specialty acts. Tickets start at $37. Call 321-723-8698 or visit henegarcenter.com.

'Who's Holiday' at Titusville Playhouse

Jordyn Linkous plays a grown-up Cindy Lou Who in Titusville Playhouse's naughty, festive "Who's Holiday." The show is on stage Dec. 15 through 22. Visit titusvilleplayhouse.com.
Jordyn Linkous plays a grown-up Cindy Lou Who in Titusville Playhouse's naughty, festive "Who's Holiday." The show is on stage Dec. 15 through 22. Visit titusvilleplayhouse.com.

The show is on stage at Titusville Playhouse's Shuler Stage, 316 S. Palm Ave., Dec. 15 through 22. The show is a raunchy riff on Dr. Seuss’ Christmas tale, following a middle-aged Cindy Lou Who as she recalls that famous Christmas Eve when she first met the Grinch, and the twisted turn of events her life has taken. Tickets are $35. Call 321-268-1125 or visit titusvilleplayhouse.com.

Alfie Silva Christmas Special at The Tangiers

Get into the holiday spirit with entertainer Alfie Silva at The Tangiers, 4500 Dixie Highway, Unit 1A, Palm Bay, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. from Dec. 15 through 24. The show has music, singing, dancing and comedy all rolled into one beautifully wrapped package. Tickets start at $40. Call 321-327-8759 or visit thetangiersflorida.com.

Other events

Moonlight Music on the Promenade in Cocoa Village

Visit Cocoa Riverfront Park, 401 Riveredge Blvd., Cocoa, for a concert under the stars on Friday, Dec. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is free with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy for the Cocoa Police Department toy drive. A cash bar by Cocktails 2 You will be available. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Visit visitcocoavillage.com.

Free poetry reading in Melbourne

Precious Publishing Academy will host a free poetry reading with the theme of “Food Addiction” at the West Melbourne Public Library, 2755 Wingate Blvd, Melbourne, on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 1 to 3 p.m. From midnight snacks to the rollercoaster of cravings and control, this insightful gathering will share poems that will resonate with anyone who has struggled with food. Admission is free. Visit preciouspublishing.biz.

First Friday Art Walk in EGAD

The Eau Gallie Arts District (EGAD) hosts a First Friday Art Walk on the first Friday of every month from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Stroll between businesses viewing art, finding treats and mingling with artists. Visit  egadlife.com.

Meet the artists at Eau Gallery

Eau Gallery, 1429 Highland Ave., in the Eau Gallie Arts District, hosts an exhibit titled “Great Art in Small Packages” from Friday, Dec. 1 through Wed., Jan. 3. This show is a favorite during the holiday season as these small pieces make perfect holiday gifts, for a loved one or even for yourself. There will be a First Friday reception on Friday, Dec. 1 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free. Call 321-253-5553 or visit eaugallery.com.

Friday Fest in Cape Canaveral

The City of Cape Canaveral will host a Friday Fest on Dec. 1 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the intersection of Taylor and Poinsetta Aves. It will include food and craft vendors, beer and wine for purchase and live music by Angel City. Leashed pets are allowed. Admission is free. Call 321-868-1226 or visit cityofcapecanaveral.org.

Teen Anime Club in Palm Bay

Kids ages 12 to 17 can join the Teen Anime Club at the Palm Bay Public Library on the first Friday of every month.
Kids ages 12 to 17 can join the Teen Anime Club at the Palm Bay Public Library on the first Friday of every month.

Palm Bay Public Library, 1520 Port Malabar Blvd. NE, hosts a Teen Anime Club for kids ages 12 to 17 on the first Friday of every month at 3:30 p.m. Fans of Japanese animation gather to explore the world of anime and watch an age-appropriate episode of a new or older series. Refreshments are provided. Call 321-952-4519.

Ranger-led tour of Turkey Creek Sanctuary

Turkey Creek Sanctuary, 1518 Port Malabar Blvd NE, Palm Bay, offers free ranger-led tours on the first and third Sundays of each month, excluding holidays, from 10 to 11 a.m. Participants should meet at the sanctuary Nature Center and bring sturdy tennis shoes or boots, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, snacks, binoculars and a hat. Tours will take place on the boardwalk and various trails. Each tour will be led by a park ranger and will focus on common plants and animals found in the sanctuary. Total distance for tours is approximately 1 to 1.5 miles and should take about 1 hour to 1 1/4 hours to complete. Admission is free. To sign up, call the Nature Center at 321-676-6690.

Free boat trip to Samsons Island

Samsons Island is a 52-acre passive nature island in the Banana River, accessible only by water, with docks on the south, east and north sides of the island for public use. The City of Satellite Beach provides free boat transportation to and from Samsons Island conservation area and nature park on the first and third Sunday of each month at noon, weather permitting. Guests will meet back at the main dock at 3 p.m. for the return trip. Trips will depart from and return to the Satellite Beach Fire Department, 1390 S. Patrick Drive. Due to increased popularity and limited availability, reservations for the boat shuttle are required. Call 321-773-6458 or visit satellitebeach.gov.

Fly-in/Drive-in breakfast at Warbird Air Museum

This Red Baron Stearman will be housed in the mail hangar at the Warbird Air Museum, 6600 Tico Road, Titusville. Visit warbirdairmuseum.com.
This Red Baron Stearman will be housed in the mail hangar at the Warbird Air Museum, 6600 Tico Road, Titusville. Visit warbirdairmuseum.com.

Valiant Air Command’s Warbird Air Museum continues its monthly Fly-In/Drive-In Breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 9. Tickets are $12, which includes a chef-prepared breakfast and admission to the museum for the rest of the day. Tickets for children under 5 are $5. The museum is at 6600 Tico Road, Titusville, five miles from Kennedy Space Center. Call 321-268-1941 or visit warbirdairmuseum.com.

Space Coast Postcard Club meeting in Cocoa

The Space Coast Postcard club invites you to attend a meeting at the Catherine Schweinsberg Rood Central Library, 308 Forrest Ave., Cocoa, at 2 p.m. Dec. 10. Please call 585-267-9403 or email dcanfield8@cfl.rr.com to verify that the time or date has not changed. Visit facebook.com/Postcardspacecoastclub.

Late Night Ballin' in Palm Bay

The Palm Bay Recreation Department is bringing Late Night Ballin’ to the Tony Rosa Community Center, 1502 Port Malabar Blvd NE, continuing on Dec. 8. Late Night Ballin’ is a free basketball program for teenagers ages 13-18 and runs from 8 to 11 p.m. Last entry to the gym will be at 9 p.m. All participants under 18 need to have a signed waiver from their parents to participate. Participants will be required to participate in a short 10-to-15-minute mentoring session each month from a guest speaker at 9:15 p.m. before continuing with basketball activities.  Proper basketball shoes are required to play. Call 321-952-3443.

Renaissance Fair pub crawl in Downtown Melbourne

Madhatter Productions hosts a Renaissance-themed pub crawl for ages 21 and older in downtown Melbourne on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 5 to 10 p.m. It starts at Drews Brews & Grille, 2101 Henley Court, Melbourne, at 5 p.m., followed by Lumber Jack’s at 6 p.m., Debauchery at 7 p.m., Meg O’Malley’s at 8 p.m. and Mugsy’s on Main at 9 p.m. Dress in costumes with themes of pirates, fantasy, viking, heroes and Celtic. Tickets for six drinks are $20 in advance or $30 at the event. Call 321-543-1346 or visit madhatterpromotions.com.

3rd Thursday at The Avenue Viera

This free, family-and-pet friendly night will be outdoors in the Central Park area of The Avenue Viera, 2261 Town Center Ave., on Thursday, Dec. 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy live music, vendors, complimentary snacks and a free drink or ice cream. There will be live music by Whiskey JUJU. Admission is free, but you must register to receive an event ticket. Visit avenueviera.com.

Looking for Christmas events? Be sure to check floridatoday.com and the TGIF section in print on Fridays for ongoing coverage of Christmas and holiday events.

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Do you have a community event? Email tgif@floridatoday.com at least three weeks in advance for consideration for the Things to Do roundup.

Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Fun, not-necessarily-Christmas things to do in December in Brevard