VENICE, Fla. (Nov. 25, 2025) – Wellen Park is spreading the holiday cheer this year with Wellen Wonderland, a multiday celebration featuring beloved holiday traditions and the arrival of Santa Claus. Events take place Thursday, Dec. 4, to Sunday, Dec. 7, in Downtown Wellen and include the community’s annual tree lighting, bicycles and golf carts all aglow, and musical performances by local schoolchildren, the acclaimed American Sirens and more.
“Wellen Wonderland is an unforgettable holiday celebration for the entire family that captures Wellen Park’s spirit of joy and community connections,” said Christine Masney, vice president of marketing for Wellen Park. “Guests enjoy a wide variety of unique events and experiences that celebrate the season of being together with family, friends and neighbors.”
For full event details, visit wellenpark.com/wellen-wonderland.
Thursday, Dec. 4
Local School Performances
6 to 7 p.m.
Students from across the community share the magic of music – from time-honored carols to holiday classics – during performances on the Solis Hall stage.
Ornament Decorating
6 to 8 p.m.
Twinkling lights and downtown’s 80-acre Grand Lake provide the backdrop as families and friends create one-of-a-kind keepsake ornaments. Activity available while supplies last.
Live Holiday Music Under the Heritage Tree
7 to 10 p.m.
Enjoy holiday tunes performed by Totally B under downtown’s beautiful Heritage Tree.
Friday, Dec. 5
American Sirens Holiday Performance
5:30 to 6:15 p.m.
Known for signature harmonies, captivating vocals and a timeless style, the American Sirens deliver an unforgettable evening accompanied by favorite holiday melodies.
Figure Skaters Performance
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Experience the magic of the season as talented skaters take to the ice for dazzling performances.
Tree Lighting with Santa
6:15 to 6:30 p.m.
A Wellen Park holiday tradition, downtown sparkles to life during the annual tree lighting ceremony featuring a visit by Old Saint Nick. Gather by the Grand Lake as the switch is flipped on the community tree illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights, enjoy festive music, sip on seasonal treats and experience the magic as children visit with Santa. Registration is requested at wellenpark.com/wellen-wonderland.
Pictures with Santa
6:30 to 8 p.m.
Capture a keepsake moment to treasure for years to come. Families create cherished memories while children share their holiday wishes with Santa Claus.
Ashley Lux Band
6:30 to 10 p.m.
Gather with family and friends for a joyful night of music, community and celebration as this Tampa-based band performs seasonal favorites and soulful tunes.
Saturday, Dec. 6
Caddy Carts Parade of Lights
6 p.m.
The night’s festivities kick off with the annual golf cart parade featuring carts decked out in lights and holiday decor as they make their way down Wellen Park Boulevard. Cue the squeals of delight as children spy a special guest getting a lift to his chair.
Dueling Pianos
6 to 10 p.m.
This year-round favorite gets a holiday makeover as dueling pianists tickle the ivories head-to-head, performing festive favorites and crowd requests. Expect a high-energy night of audience interaction and plenty of laughter.
Pictures with Santa
6:15 to 8 p.m.
Kids relay their holiday wish lists with Santa as you snap an Instagram-worthy photo, set to the sparkling backdrop of downtown.
Sunday Dec. 7
Derek Roura Trio
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This talented threesome performs holiday music on the Solis Hall stage during the weekly farmers market.
Snow Party
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
There’s a 100% chance of snow flurries today as children of all ages enjoy Wellen Park’s unique Snow Party. Downtown’s splash pad transforms to a winter wonderland – no mittens required.
Pictures with Santa
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
It’s the final opportunity for a picture with Santa before he returns to the North Pole.
Glow Bike Ride
5:30 p.m.
Cyclists deck out their bikes in LED lighting and dress to impress during this beloved annual tradition – the brightest ride of the season. Enjoy the sights and sounds of holiday music from sidewalks or follow the lead of sponsor Kind Vibe Outfitters while cruising through downtown all aglow. The ride begins and ends at Solis Hall. Full details, including a route map and link to register, are available at wellenpark.com/wellen-wonderland.
Music under the Tree
Crownz Duo
6 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy holiday music during this festive performance by Branco Costa.
About Downtown Wellen
Thoughtfully designed spaces in Downtown Wellen create unique outdoor experiences – from intimate parks, a natural playground and a living room shaded by a decades-old relocated live oak tree to larger gathering spaces like the Great Lawn for community festivals, markets, celebrations and events, and the lakefront fountain and splashpad. Solis Hall, an elegant rental venue, features an outdoor stage, a lakefront patio and an easy flow from inside spaces to neighboring alfresco areas.
The pedestrian-friendly downtown emphasizes heartfelt connections to community and nature and celebrates a waterfront vibe with the 80-acre Grand Lake providing a scenic backdrop and opportunities for fishing and paddle sports. Visitors can enjoy time on the water and along downtown’s 3-mile lakefront trail with on-site bicycle, e-bike, kayak and paddleboard rentals at Kind Vibes Outfitters.
The Yard food park offers a playful outdoor environment with a dining area, games and activities. Casual food and beverage choices are served counter style from retrofitted shipping containers.
Located at 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., the second phase of Downtown Wellen is now under construction with businesses expected to open in spring and summer of 2026. Learn more at wellenpark.com/shop-dine.
About Wellen Park
With a focus on wellness, community connections and a vibrant lifestyle, Wellen Park offers an array of homes and neighborhoods built by leading national and regional builders. Ranked the No. 6 best-selling community in the nation for 2024 by prominent national real estate consultants RCLCO and John Burns, Wellen Park is planned for more than 50,000 residents and 22,500 homes at full buildout. The community is currently home to 10,000 residents who enjoy on-site recreational and fitness opportunities, amenities, events, Downtown Wellen and proximity to the area’s top-rated Gulf of Mexico beaches.
Wellen Park continues to expand residential and lifestyle choices with new gated neighborhoods featuring private amenities, low-maintenance villas, coach homes and condominiums, plus custom, semi-custom and single-family homes, including the community’s first enclave for active adults 55 and over.
Traditional apartment and single-family home rentals are also available as is world-class independent, assisted living and memory care.
For more information about Wellen Park, call 941-960-7805, go to www.wellenpark.com or visit the Welcome Center, open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 12275 Mercado Drive in Venice, Fla.
