Deena McDaniel, co-founder and producer of Christmas Near The Beach, said, “I wanted to do something unusual to celebrate the 10th year and what better way than to sing Christmas Carols and hymns to the Lord!” This free family-friendly variety show began as an idea in 2007 to bring the Gospel to streets of South Florida in a time of year when people can experience the truth about Christ in Christmas.

Held at the Hollywood Arts Park at Young Circle from 4 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 17, Christmas Near the Beach features local artists, musicians and entertainers, creating a real “hometown Christmas” feel. The caroling world record attempt will be a pre-event beginning at 2 p.m. and travelling through downtown streets singing carols until they arrive at the Arts Park at 4 p.m.

Christmas traditions continued to be created at Christmas Near The Beach in 2015. A hush came over the thousands of people gathered for the festivities as they were greeted by the angelic voices of the youth choir.

Celebrating the birth of Christ is what each artist brings to the stage. Prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking ballet/drama of Many But One Christian Preforming Arts. Featured again this year is Josh Bramos from Victory Life Church and new to the 2016 line up is “The Village Hymns.”

“God has poured out talents on us and our response should be to offer them back to Him. Songwriting is one talent that The Village Hymns wants to develop in each artist to glorify Him,” said a group representative. And watch out for the crazy green furry favorite, Grinchy on rollerblades!

St. Nick arrives in a classic car, sporting tropical attire while seated next to his surfboard. Then during the height of the excitement, the focus quickly shifts from the jolly fellow to the glory of the baby Jesus. Angels precede the live nativity scene onto the stage as a hush falls over the crowd. You’ll want to make sure you have your camera because the photos are priceless as St. Nick bows to the Christ child while presenting him a gift.

Thousands gather each year in the 10-acre Arts Park. A variety of vendors are an added experience, because “Who doesn’t love a fried Oreo?” added co-founder Mickey McDaniel. The festival has that distinct holiday touch. There are photo opportunities for the crowd throughout the evening around the 40-foot lit Christmas tree.

St. Nick’s Beach House also provides families with a free photo with the jolly ole guy, and hundreds of families experience that special moment when children’s secrets are shared with Santa.

“I dearly love the kids I speak with, and it’s an awesome thing to look into a child’s eyes and see the wonder and the love that’s being shared. You just never know when or where God will use opportunities like this to share God’s love that is found in Christ Jesus,” said Paul Derry, who travels from Orlando as Santa, sporting a “real beard.” Often praying with the kidos, St. Nick brings tears to many as he makes that moment a lifetime memory.

Bring a lawn chair and make it an entire day of Christmas joy! “We actually schedule our Christmas events around Christmas Near The Beach,” said Christine McClain, of Pembroke Pines. “This is our family tradition, and this year we’re ready to make history by singing to reach the record of  most people caroling.”

To be a part of the world record attempt for the “most people caroling,” sign up on the website at www.christmasnearthebeach.com. More than 1800 carolers are needed to break the world record. The current record is 1,822 people from the chilly state of Wisconsin. Christmas Near the Beach will bring the coolest songs to the hottest place, Historic Downtown Hollywood.

“We will begin checking people in at 2pm and caroling begins at 3pm. We encourage families, youth groups and entire churches to gather with us to make a joyful noise as we walk the streets of downtown Hollywood. We’ll go business to business to complete our route, ending back at the Arts Park all the while singing our Christmas Carols and hymns as the rules require,” McDaniel announced.

Mark your calendar now to “Celebrate Christmas South Florida Style.” You can make history in Hollywood on Saturday, December 17.  Join Christmas Near The Beach as they break the Guinness Book World Record for “Most People Caroling!” The caroling is a pre-event (2pm-4pm). The FREE family-friendly Christmas festival is from 4 – 9 p.m. at Arts Park at Young Circle, 1 Young Circle, Hollywood. Register today at www.christmasnearthebeach.com.