Events: Holiday

The Dec. 6 Holiday Magic Soiree, a fully catered affair by A Alexander Event Catering, will kick off the centennial celebration in style with live entertainment by electric violinist Jared Burnett and electric harpist Deanna Defrancesco. A full bar, holiday music and plenty of festive décor will welcome guests. Designer-decorated trees, wreaths and centerpieces will adorn Bonnet House during the event, and will be on sale throughout the week.

The Holiday Magic Soirée will take place from 6:30–9:30 p.m. A VIP reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. and include an early viewing of the trees, wreaths and centerpieces displayed throughout the house, along with a fully catered champagne reception in the citrus courtyard, and 100th anniversary commemorative holiday ornament. The cost per person for the Soirée is $75; the cost for the Soirée and VIP Reception is $100 per person. The 2018 event hosted a sellout crowd of 500 people. For sponsorship information, email.

On Dec. 7, 8, 11, 12 and 13, 2019 from 5:30–8:30 p.m., the Holiday Magic Evening Experience will open Bonnet House for self-guided tours with something exciting every night from Santa and his elves, to Christmas story telling, to strolling carolers and much more. In honor of its 100th Anniversary, during each evening tour, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens will be offering holiday cheer, including general admission to the house ($20 per person) and admission with cheers (including two drink tickets) for $30 per person. $5 for kids 6–12 and free for kids under 6.

The Holiday Magic Evening Experience performance schedule is:

• Pride Jazz Ensemble - Saturday, Dec. 7; performance times: 6:30–7:10 p.m. & 7:30–8:10 p.m.
• Whimsical Wonderland - An Evening for Families: Broward Center Spotlights - Sunday, Dec. 8, 5:30–8:30 p.m. Includes Santa arriving on a fire truck, face painting, stocking making, punch and cookies.
• Dillard Jazz Trio - Wednesday, Dec. 11; performance time: 6:30–7:30 p.m.
• Yuletide Carolers - Thursday, Dec. 12; performance time: 6:30–7:30 p.m.
• Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida - Friday, Dec. 13; performance times: 6:30–7 p.m. & 7:45-8:15 p.m.

The 100th Anniversary celebration will continue through the season with Bonnet House’s Concerts Under the Stars presented by The Haller Foundation, an annual series of live music performances from a varied set of talent. The International Orchid & Garden Festival is a signature Bonnet House event that draws enthusiasts from near and far, featuring orchid varieties from locations such as Thailand and Ecuador.

One of the oldest homes in South Florida and a popular tourist destination for locals and worldwide visitors alike, the fanciful 35-acre Bonnet House Museum & Gardens in east Fort Lauderdale is celebrating its 100th anniversary through 2020. A part of Florida’s unique history, the home was built in 1920 as the winter retreat of the Birch/Bartlett family, and is a delightful blend of art, architecture, history and ecology. A property of the Florida Trust, the 35-acre subtropical estate and historic house museum preserves the natural setting of South Florida, situated on what is one of the last examples of a native barrier island habitat in the region.

Bonnet House’s 100th Anniversary campaign will launch on Nov. 12. During this campaign, those who donate $1,000 to Bonnet House will receive two tickets to the Centennial Soirée presented by The Haller Foundation on April 25, 2020. The Soirée will include live art, performances, unique photo moments, cocktails, dinner and more.

“Our delightful and renowned holiday events provide the perfect way to begin our 100-year anniversary at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens,” said Patrick Shavloske, CEO of Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. “From the beautiful holiday décor, to fun-filled events, to top-notch entertainment, this kick-off to our centennial celebration is certain to be both exciting and memorable.”