Events
A Real-Life Winter Wonderland Melts Hearts in Palm Beach County
Snow Laughing Matter: This Holiday Wonderland Proves That Family Fun and Festive Surprises Never Melt Away.
November 3rd, 2025
By Riviera Beach Prep Journalism students
Snow may never fall in South Florida, but at The Ben Hotel in West Palm Beach, a frosty dose of holiday cheer has arrived all the same. Returning for its second year, Winter Wonderland has transformed the waterfront hotel into a festive escape where palm trees meet pine, and locals of all ages can glide across real outdoor ice under the glow of twinkling lights.
At the heart of it all is General Manager Bernardo Neto, whose passion for hospitality and community shines as brightly as the holiday décor itself. “My favorite thing about this hotel is the team,” he shared during a lively group interview with local students. “We have about 300 associates, and we work together to achieve hard things, like putting together Winter Wonderland.”

And “hard” might be an understatement. Creating and maintaining a full-sized ice rink in Palm Beach County’s subtropical climate is no small feat. Neto explained the process with the enthusiasm of a proud engineer: “We hired a company with proprietary technology that runs aluminum coils underneath the rink. A chiller keeps the refrigerant at negative temperatures, so the water stays frozen and forms a sheet of ice.”
Bigger, Brighter, and More Community-Focused
This year’s Winter Wonderland is more than just an encore. It is a complete reinvention. The hotel expanded the rink to 50 by 66 feet, up from last year’s 40 by 66, while also making the event more accessible. “Last year guests had to pay just to enter the tent,” Neto said. “This year it’s free to come in. We wanted more community.”
That spirit of giving back is reflected in one of the event’s most heartwarming features: a forest of 30 Christmas trees, each decorated by a local non-profit organization. “They do incredible things in Palm Beach County,” Neto said. “We wanted to give them a chance to shine.”

The layout invites guests down a red-carpeted path through the tree-lined wonderland, leading to cozy corners where children can craft gifts in Santa’s Workshop or send handwritten Letters to Santa. Every corner is designed to feel less like an attraction and more like a memory in the making.
From Portugal to Palm Beach
Neto’s journey to The Ben is as global as it is inspiring. Originally from Portugal, he came to the U.S. in 2001 to attend Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island. Since then, his career has taken him from Hawaii’s island of Kauai to Europe, then to Las Vegas, where he helped open Park MGM, home to residencies from stars such as Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.
When asked how those experiences influence Winter Wonderland, Neto said it all comes down to crafting moments that matter. “People don’t just want a hot chocolate; they want an experience. So here, we don’t just sell tickets to skate, we create memories.”
Bringing the Christmas Spirit to Life
If you ask Neto what it means to bring the Christmas spirit to life, his answer comes without hesitation. “It’s family fun, unpredictable fun,” he said with a smile. “You come with one expectation, but then you find new experiences. Maybe you think you’re just coming for a drink or to see one Christmas tree, but then you discover this zigzag forest of trees, you go ice skating for the first time, and you leave with a memory that lasts a lifetime.”

And yes, Christmas is his favorite holiday. “It’s when I get to see my family,” he said. “For half my life I lived away from them, my brothers and my mom, so it’s the one season I’m guaranteed to be with them.”
A Lesson Beyond the Ice
Perhaps the most poignant moment came when Neto offered a bit of life advice to the young interviewers. “Put your phones away and get out on the ice,” he urged. “You’ll remember every second you’re out there. You might fall, but you’ll get up, and that’s the best part.”
He also spoke candidly about his toughest professional challenge: launching The Ben Hotel just five weeks before the pandemic hit. “That was tough,” he said. “You’re responsible for a team, for people’s livelihoods, and you don’t have control over what’s happening. But we got past it, and now we even have ice in Palm Beach.”
For Neto, Winter Wonderland isn’t just a seasonal attraction. It’s a reflection of what hospitality can be at its best—welcoming, imaginative, and full of heart. “Sometimes the best things in life are the simplest,” he said. “A cup of hot chocolate, a night with friends, a few laughs after falling on the ice. That’s what we wanted to give people.”
And with The Ben’s Winter Wonderland glowing against the South Florida skyline, it’s safe to say that spirit of joy has found a home, frozen solid in the middle of paradise.
Event Details
What: The Ben Hotel’s Winter Wonderland
Where: The Ben, Autograph Collection, 251 N Narcissus Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL
When: Select dates through the holiday season
Admission: Free general admission; ice skating sessions available for purchase
Highlights: Real outdoor ice skating, Santa’s Workshop, Letters to Santa station, 30 Christmas trees decorated by Palm Beach County non-profits
More Info: The Ben Hotel Winter Wonderland
Events
Fangtasia at Regatta Grove Brought Vampire Vibes and Spooky Cocktails to Miami
From vampire bartenders and a neon coffin photo op to Halloween cocktails and waterfront dancing, Regatta Grove’s Fangtasia was a bloody good time.
November 2, 2026
Halloween in Miami just hits differently. While the rest of the country is bundling up for spooky season, we’re sipping cocktails by the water, dancing under the stars, and apparently hanging out with vampires.
And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.
Regatta Grove in Coconut Grove went all in for Halloween weekend with Fangtasia, a two-night vampire-inspired celebration on October 30 and 31 that turned the waterfront hotspot into a spooky little paradise.
We stopped by to see what all the fang-tastic fun was about, and between the elaborate costumes, DJ, festive cocktails, and vampire staff, there was plenty to love.
The first thing we noticed? Regatta Grove was fully committed to the theme.
Red Halloween decorations transformed the open-air venue, creating a moody atmosphere against the backdrop of Biscayne Bay. Guests showed up in elaborate costumes, bringing plenty of Halloween personality to an already lively setting.
But our favorite detail might have been the staff.
Every staff member was dressed as a vampire.
Yes, even the people making your drinks were embracing their undead era. It’s those little details that make themed events so much more fun, and Regatta Grove definitely understood the assignment.
And then there was the neon coffin photo op, because what’s a vampire party without somewhere to take a ridiculously good Halloween picture?
Let’s just say the photo opportunities were not lacking.
Now, obviously, we need to talk about the drinks.
Fangtasia featured three Halloween specialty cocktails made with Ketel One vodka, each with its own spooky personality.
The Ghoul’s Mule was a Halloween twist on the classic Moscow Mule, made with Ketel One vodka, ginger beer, strawberry, and lime. Fruity, refreshing, and just the right kind of festive for a warm Miami evening.
The Black Widow was one for the espresso martini lovers, combining Ketel One Espresso vodka, cold brew, and coffee liqueur. Dark, coffee-forward, and appropriately named for the occasion. We love a cocktail that matches the dress code.
And finally, the Bloody Good Martini mixed Ketel One vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and strawberry for a citrusy, fruity take on a Halloween martini.
Honestly, who needs a cauldron when the cocktail menu is already this fun?
One of the best things about Regatta Grove is its location. Set right along Biscayne Bay, the Coconut Grove venue already has that laid-back, tropical atmosphere that makes Miami nights so much fun.
But for Fangtasia, things got a little darker.
The red decorations, vampire costumes, and Halloween details gave the venue a completely different personality, while a great DJ kept the energy going throughout the celebration.
And the guests definitely brought their A-game. From elaborate costumes to all-out Halloween looks, the crowd was clearly having fun with the theme.
There was something especially entertaining about seeing such an eerie Halloween atmosphere mixed with palm trees, waterfront views, and Miami’s warm evening breeze.
A little spooky, a little glamorous, and very Miami.
Between the costumed crowd, vampire staff, themed cocktails, and neon coffin photo op, Fangtasia at Regatta Grove was such a fun way to celebrate Halloween in Coconut Grove.
What made the night memorable wasn’t just one big attraction. It was how all the details came together, from the music and decor to the staff getting in on the fun.
And really, a Halloween party where you can dance by Biscayne Bay, sip a Bloody Good Martini, and take photos in a glowing coffin? That’s pretty hard to beat.
Fangtasia may be over for this year, but we’re already curious to see what Regatta Grove has planned next.
Until then, we’ll be keeping our fangs crossed for another round next Halloween.
Regatta Grove | Coconut Grove, Miami
3415 Pan American Drive, Miami, FL 33133
Event: Fangtasia Halloween Celebration
Dates: October 30–31, 2026
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The Wharf Fort Lauderdale Is Going Full Halloween, and We Want In!
Horror movie villains on Friday, disco skeletons on Saturday, and two nights of Halloween chaos we absolutely cannot miss.
October 14, 2026
Okay, Fort Lauderdale, Halloween weekend is looking GOOD.
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale is giving us not one, but TWO completely different Halloween parties this year, and honestly, choosing between them feels unfair. One night we’re running from horror movie villains, and the next we’re dancing under disco balls with skeletons. What more could we possibly want?
Whether you’re the type who lives for a good scare or just wants an excuse to wear something outrageous and dance all night, The Wharf has plans for you.
And yes, we’re already thinking about costumes.
Friday, October 30: Slasher Drive-In
Remember when horror movies were all about creepy drive-in theaters, questionable decisions, and someone inevitably running in the wrong direction?
Well, The Wharf is bringing that energy back with Slasher Drive-In, an old-school horror-inspired Halloween party that sounds equal parts terrifying and ridiculously fun.
The venue is transforming into a vintage-style drive-in movie theater, complete with a throwback concession stand serving movie-night snacks.
Cute, right?
Except there’s one tiny problem.
Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, Ghostface, and Leatherface are all on the guest list.
Yes, the horror icons themselves will be roaming around the venue throughout the night, so maybe think twice before wandering off alone.
We love a good Halloween theme, but this one sounds like you’re stepping straight into your favorite slasher movie. Except instead of screaming at the characters on screen, you might actually be the one doing the screaming.
And honestly? We’re kind of into it.

Saturday, October 31: ‘Til Death Do Us Party
Now THIS is our kind of afterlife.
On Halloween night, The Wharf is trading horror movie scares for a full-blown disco takeover with ‘Til Death Do Us Party, where Studio 54 meets the great beyond.
Think glitter, mirror balls, disco skeletons, fabulous costumes, and a dance floor that refuses to rest in peace.
It’s spooky, it’s glamorous, and it’s giving us every reason to break out the sequins.
There will also be a costume contest, plenty of photo opportunities, and a special menu of $12 Halloween cocktails, because what’s a disco in the afterlife without a little something spooky to sip?
We’re picturing outrageous outfits, sparkly accessories, and a whole lot of dancing. If you’ve been saving a dramatic Halloween look for the perfect occasion, this might be it.
And can we just appreciate a Halloween party that doesn’t make us choose between looking fabulous and embracing the spooky season?

So, Which Night Are We Going?
Here’s the thing. We genuinely cannot decide.
Friday is for horror movie lovers who want to hang out with the villains they’ve spent years being terrified of.
Saturday is for the disco queens, costume enthusiasts, and anyone who believes Halloween should involve a little glitter and a lot of dancing.
Our solution? Both. Obviously.
Halloween only comes around once a year, and The Wharf Fort Lauderdale is making a pretty convincing case for clearing the entire weekend.
So call your friends, start planning those costumes, and prepare for two nights that sound way too fun to stay home for.
Because whether you’re running from Ghostface or dancing with the dead, one thing’s for sure: Fort Lauderdale isn’t going to be boring this Halloween.

The Halloween Weekend Details
Where: The Wharf Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Friday, October 30: Slasher Drive-In, featuring horror movie characters, drive-in theater vibes, and movie-night snacks.
Saturday, October 31: ‘Til Death Do Us Party, featuring a Halloween disco, costume contest, photo ops, and $12 specialty cocktails.
The vibe: A little spooky, a little fabulous, and absolutely worth getting dressed up for.
Events
Regatta Grove Is Getting Spooky, and Fangtasia Might Be Our Favorite Halloween Plan Yet!
Vampire vibes, waterfront cocktails, and two nights of Halloween fun on Biscayne Bay? We’re so in.
Okay, Miami, THIS is the kind of Halloween we’re talking about.
Picture this: you’re sipping a cocktail by the water, the sun is setting over Biscayne Bay, there’s a breeze coming off the water, and suddenly your favorite waterfront hangout has entered its vampire era.
Welcome to Fangtasia at Regatta Grove, where Halloween meets Miami’s favorite kind of night out.
Taking over Regatta Grove on Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, Fangtasia is bringing a darker, moodier twist to the waterfront spot we already love. And honestly, vampires and cocktails by the bay? We’re listening.
There’s something about Regatta Grove that makes an ordinary night feel like a mini vacation. The waterfront views, the open air, the tropical atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you show up for a drink and somehow lose track of time.
Now imagine all of that with a spooky Halloween twist.
Fangtasia is bringing the Halloween spirit to Coconut Grove without losing the laid-back coastal charm that makes Regatta Grove so much fun in the first place.
Think mysterious waterfront vibes, wicked cocktails, and the perfect excuse to embrace your dark side for the evening.
And can we talk about how good a vampire-inspired Halloween party sounds against a Miami sunset?
We’re already obsessed with the idea.
Listen, we love a haunted house. We love a good Halloween party. But there’s something especially appealing about celebrating spooky season with a cocktail in hand and Biscayne Bay as your backdrop.
No need to choose between your favorite Miami waterfront hangout and getting into the Halloween spirit. Fangtasia is giving us both.
Whether you’re going all out with your costume or just looking for somewhere fun to spend Halloween weekend, this is the kind of plan that’s easy to get excited about.
And with two nights to choose from, there’s really no excuse not to get a little fang-tastic.
If your Halloween group chat is still full of “What are we doing?” messages, consider this your answer.
Regatta Grove is already one of those places we love finding an excuse to visit, and throwing a vampire-inspired celebration into the mix just makes it better.
Grab your favorite people, embrace the spooky season, and make your way to Coconut Grove for a Halloween weekend with a little bite.
Because really, who wouldn’t want to spend Halloween sipping cocktails by the bay?
Where: Regatta Grove, Coconut Grove, Miami
When: Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, 2026
The Vibe: Moody waterfront Halloween fun, wicked cocktails, and a vampire-inspired twist on a Miami favorite.
Our take? Halloween by the water with a little vampire energy sounds like a pretty perfect night to us.
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