The lights are being hung and retail store fronts are being decorated with care. Christmas on Las Olas is in the air. Taking place on December 2, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. to
10:00 p.m. between S.E. 6th Avenue and S.E. 10th Avenue, Christmas on Las, is once again set to transform the Boulevard into a winter wonderland.

With thousands of glistening lights, holiday decorations lining the sidewalk and rooftops, choirs and carolers, Las Olas Boulevard has celebrated the holidays with a welcomed street festival full of good will and holiday cheer for more than 40 years. And this year, Korbel Champagne, The Las Olas Association, The Las Olas Company and a number of charities are going out of their way to ensure that the crown jewel of Fort Lauderdale's shopping and dining destination kicks off the holiday shopping season with glee.

This year, in addition to one of the most popular components of the evening, Starbuck's Snow Mountain, a 16-ton sled run made of real snow, more than 50,000 festival goers will really get into the winter swing of things "ice skating" on a polymer ice skating rink on the north side of S.E. 8th Ave. and Las Olas and "snow" skiing on Peter Glenn Ski & Sports' ski-instruction machine. Then, families can capture the moment with free family portraits at Carroll's Jewelers, located 915 E. Las Olas Blvd.

Meanwhile, dozens of church and school choirs performing on three stages and the Riverside Hotel will draw huge crowds with a special appearance by Santa Clause and its spectacular "Ice Bar," a mainstay and local favorite at Christmas on Las Olas. Adding to the holiday atmosphere the hotel's holiday culinary delights at Indigo, and four-star Grill Room on Las Olas will supplement the street-side vendors offering holiday treats.

Complimenting the overall ambience on the street, the nearby historic Stranahan House will be beautifully decorated by Flowers and Found Objects with extended hours from
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Admission is only $5.00 per adult and children under 12 free.

But what are the holidays without the spirit of giving? There are a variety of charities participating in the name of a good cause, including Kids in Distress, which will be taking orders for fresh Christmas trees and wreaths for home delivery, and Children's Home Society, which is accepting unwrapped toy donations at Carroll's Jewelry. Helping everyone in attendance get into the giving spirit, Shadowood II, Inc., a non-profit organization that supports efforts to help people living on the streets with HIV/AIDS in Broward County, is conducting Christmas on Las Olas first "Santa Holiday Holly Daze Surprise" mystery raffle, featuring more than $1,200 in gift certificates and merchandise. Availble at Kilwin's (809 East Las Olas) these "must have tickets" are $5.00 each or 3 for $10.00.