It’s a special time of year, and that is no exception at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. On December 6, patients and families were treated to a tree-lighting celebration that included singing, delicious holiday treats, and even “snow.” The Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Employee and Volunteer Choir kept guests in the spirit throughout the ceremony, singing Christmas and Hanukkah songs, while the lyrics were displayed on screens for everyone to sing along. Even the children from the Early Learning Center joined in on the fun, as they accompanied the choir in singing “Jingle Bells” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

Our December Patient of the Month, Frankie, and his sister, Kailynn, were also in attendance, and they had the honor of flipping the switch to light the Christmas tree. Click here to view Frankie's story.

The tree-lighting ceremony is a tradition that the Children’s Experiences team at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital hosts every year in order to help boost the spirit of the children who are in the hospital during the holidays. This year’s event also included special messages by Chaplain Hadson Solis and Rabbi Jonathan Tabachnikoff, as well as a Gingerbread House play area.

There are many ways to help make the holidays special for our patients and families, including supporting our Spread Joy Holiday Toy Drive.