Traditional Events, Reinvented
This year, the Coronavirus is challenging the way we typically celebrate the holidays with our loved ones at The Reef, but the Club has responded to this challenge in creative and imaginative ways to ensure the joyful holiday spirit remains alive and well this season at Ocean Reef. Club Management along with our Member Events and Recreation Teams, have worked hard to come up with ways to make our traditional events Covid-friendly.
“Although modifications have been made to many of the events our Members enjoy during the holidays, they do not take away from the importance and the sentiment of these valued holiday traditions,” said Kyle Landers, Member Events Manager. “The activities that Members and their families will enjoy this winter season will all be safe and socially distant versions of events they already know and love.”
What follows are some of the ways the Club has reinvented your favorite traditional events.
Gingerbread House Decorating
Gingerbread house decorating will be done from the comfort of your own home this year. All of the materials you need to create a spectacular at-home gingerbread house will be available for pick up between 12 and 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 23 at Town Hall. To pre-order your house, call 305-367-5931.
Santa ‘Round The Reef
Santa will be coming to your neighborhood, not in a sleigh but in vintage car, on Wednesday, December 23 to say a socially distanced, “Hello!” Peek out your window between 4 and 6 p.m. so you don’t miss him.
Santa’s Christmas Cruise
Before setting off on his journey to leave presents under the trees of all Reef children, Santa will embark on a cruise around Ocean Reef’s waterways to wish everyone a merry Christmas. You can see Santa and his elves from Buccaneer Island, The Point, the Marina, and all other oceanside channels on Thursday, December 24 between 6:45 and 8:45 p.m.
Elf Greetings
Christmas Eve wouldn’t be the same without a visit from Santa’s elves! This year, the elves will drop by your home with a book and a Christmas basket full of goodies. These enchanted gifts aren’t limited to the youngest family members. The elves have baskets for grownups and your four-legged friends too. Then before the children go to bed, the elves will visit virtually to read a story before saying goodnight until Christmas morning. Reservations required, 305-367-6516.
Super Bingo: Drive-In Style
Super Bingo is double the “super” this year! Drive in to the Business Center Parking Lot on Saturday, December 26 or Wednesday, December 30 and enjoy the traditional Super Bingo from your cart. Bingo will commence at 7 p.m. sharp and huge prizes will be up for grabs. Reservations required, 305-367-5931.
Family Trivia: Drive-In Style
Like Super Bingo, the traditional Family Trivia experience will return this year from your cart. Bring your A-game to the Business Center Parking Lot on Sunday, December 27 (5 p.m. start) or Tuesday, December 29 (7 p.m. start). Reservations required, 305-367-5931.
Big Wheels at The Reef
Big Wheels at The Reef is this year’s reimagined Touch-a-Truck event. On Monday, December 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., kids (and grown-ups too) can explore and take photos with various cars, trucks, boats, and more at the Business Center Parking Lot, but no touching!
Fireworks Display
Nothing says “Happy New Year” like fireworks over the waters off Ocean Reef. This New Year’s Eve, the Club will host two showings at 8:30 p.m. and 12 a.m., which can be viewed from anywhere on Buccaneer Island, Sunrise Cay, or even your boat or oceanside home. Masks are required and Members must social distance.
There’s no shortage of things to do this December and each activity has been carefully curated with safety as the top priority. For more holiday happenings, pick up This Week at The Reef or visit oceanreef.com/Events.