Thousands of families kicked off the holiday season at the Shops of Merrick Park this November for the outdoor mall’s annual Christmas tree lighting holiday celebration.

The glittering event, hosted by WSVN’s Belkys Nerey and Coral Gables Mayor Raul Valdex-Fauli, featured many holiday-themed treats and activities for children, toy soldiers on stilts, children’s performances, and a visit from the big man himself, Santa Claus.

Attendees donated hundreds of new, unwrapped toys for the patients at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, to kick off the annual Spread Joy Toy Drive. The toys, which will be gifted to admitted patients on Christmas morning, are being collected December 3 through 23 at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Blue Garage Registration Office. Visit nicklauschildrens.org/spreadjoy to get more information on when to drop off your toy donations, and what is on our patient’s wish list.