Hoffman's Chocolates brings Santa to town for Holiday Extravaganza

Greenacres isn't exactly the North Pole, but for nearly three decades a winter wonderland opened its gates every holiday season at the home of Hoffman's Chocolates. That tradition was short circuited in the first year of the pandemic and festivities at the property beyond confection making went quiet — until now.

This year the people at Hoffman's are launching a new era of holiday festivities they are calling their Holiday Extravaganza. They are clear that this is not a return to Christmas' and holidays past, but a fresh effort at giving the community something special to enjoy this season.

This extravaganza leans heavy on Friday and Saturday nights when Santa will come to visit. It will also include opportunities to learn some treat making through classes at the chocolate shop.

The extravaganza begins with a tree lighting off Friday, Nov. 24, but the fun will stretch through Dec. 30.

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This is not just any old tree, but a 40-foot wonder. And this particular flip of the switch will bring over 15,000 lights to life, illuminating more than 800 assorted metallic ornaments. In the middle of the tree will be a large 7- by 8.5-foot blue ornament, surrounded by white lights, featuring the logo of the extravaganza's principal sponsor, Florida Blue.

The lighting ceremony will also feature an array of activities to participate in as well. There will be face painting, games, a special visit from Canine Assisted Therapy, samples of seasonal Hoffman's Chocolates desserts, holiday music and, oh yeah, Santa himself.

That's right "The Big Guy" will be there, posing for pictures and even entertaining your pleas about how you definitely should be on the "nice" list. He'll listen to you drone on about how any infractions you may have incurred during the past year, weren't really your fault and, how, even if they were, you're really sorry and do deserve that particular toy/car/promotion. We'll see.

Following that visit, Santa will be making sporadic stops at Hoffman's for the remainder of the Holiday Extravaganza from 6 to 9 p.m. on select Friday and Saturday nights (Dec. 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23). (Yes, he can drive his sleigh faster than the speed of light on Christmas Eve, but he can't be everywhere at once and he has other commitments. Sheesh.)

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If you're going to the tree lighting, getting there early for might be a good call as first 100 guests to make a purchase that night will receive a free twelve-inch gold or silver nutcracker.

After the lighting, the holiday tree will remain illuminated during store hours through December 30.

In addition to the tree lighting, activities, meeting Santa and sampling some of the gourmet holiday chocolates and confections Hoffman's has been making for nearly 50 years, guests are encouraged to take part in one of the classes they will be offering during the Holiday Extravaganza. These include a lollipop class, 6-ounce chocolate bar class, caramel apple class, and chocolate house classes.

The class times will very with some in the mornings and some in the evenings. For exact times, dates and prices call the Greenacres store at 888-281-8800. Pre-registration is required.

As an added bonus, and to make the holidays just a little sweeter (literally) through Dec. 30, Hoffman's will offer a 15% discount on purchases to customers who show proof of an original and valid Florida Blue insurance card at any Hoffman’s retail location.

In addition to their regular assortment of chocolates and sweet delicacies, Hoffman's will have several seasonal items holiday lollipops, gift baskets and even a 50-pound, molded chocolate Santa.

One event making a return appearance: the Holiday Wreath Display Contest. Seven nonprofits will decorate wreaths that will be displayed at Hoffman’s Chocolates in Greenacres during the Holiday Extravaganza. The public is invited to vote for their favorite wreath by visiting the Hoffman’s Chocolates website beginning on Nov. 24 or using a dedicated QR code in store. The nonprofit with the most votes will receive a donation of $1,500. This year’s partnering nonprofit organizations include Canine Assisted Therapy, Feeding South Florida, Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach, Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center, Make-a-Wish® Southern Florida, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County and Boca Raton Achievement Center.

Hoffman's Chocolates Holiday Extravaganza

Where: 5190 Lake Worth Road, Greenacres

When: Kicks off 6 p.m. Nov. 24 and runs through Dec. 30. Santa visits from 6 to 9 p.m. on select Friday and Saturday nights Dec. 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23; Classes will also be available via the store's website.

Cost: Free

Information: hoffmans.com

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Hoffman's Chocolates holiday event with Santa near West Palm Beach