Florida is always ready to celebrate a holiday, and Easter (on Sunday, April 5, this year) is no exception, with festivities including Easter egg hunts, religious services and holiday feasts.
Here are just some of the special events at a variety of popular Florida destinations. For information on costs and other details, visit each event’s website.
Bok Tower Gardens: These lovely gardens in Lake Wales present the 89th Annual Easter Sunrise Service on April 5. The service, 7- 8 a.m., will feature the Lake Wales Chorale, bagpipes performance, live carillon performances and the sounds of the Celebration Brass Ensemble. The event offers free admission to the Gardens between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. Bok Tower Gardens is at 1151 Tower Blvd. Info: boktowergardens.org.
Cocoa Beach: The 51st Sundance Ranch Easter Surfing Festival is April 3-5. Surfers ages 12-80 compete at Lori Wilson Park. Also on the agenda are exhibitions and music. Admission to the festival is free. Info: eastersurffest.com.
Disney World: Disney World’s Magic Kingdom puts on a special Easter Parade each year to mark the holiday, the Easter Bunny is on hand and Epcot is in bloom for its annual International Flower & Garden Festival. Restaurants offering special holiday feasts on April 5 include the Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Chef Mickey’s and The Wave … of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and the Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Info: disneyworld.com.
St. Augustine’s Easter Parade: The Old City celebrates with its annual Easter Parade starting at 3 p.m. April 5. The parade, which starts at Mission Nombre de Dios and winds through downtown St. Augustine, features marching bands, floats, drill teams, clowns, the Royal Family and the Easter Bunny. The city’s carriage horses wear hats donated by famous women. Info: floridashistoriccoast.com.
Easter Egg Hunt and Dolphin Cruise: Hop aboard to cruise San Carlos Bay off Fort Myers, watching for dolphins along the way to Picnic Island for an Easter Egg Hunt and opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny. Cost is $45 per adult; $35 per child. Easter bags are provided. Info: adventureinparadiseinc.com.
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort & Spa: The White Rabbit from “Alice in Wonderland” typically makes appearances to pose for pictures and sign autographs at this seaside resort in quaint Vero Beach. Other festivities include an Easter Egg Hunt and an Easter Buffet at the resort’s Shutters restaurant, featuring salads, peel ‘n’ eat shrimp and other seafood, rolls and cornbread, a variety of entrees including ham, desserts and children’s menu selections. Info: verobeach.disney.go.com.