Good morning, Melbourne.

Families are invited to meet Santa (2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, Dec.

7) at the Ryckman House where a live musician will play holiday tunes for children and guests.

The annual tree lighting ceremony will take place today at 6:00 p.m. at Ryckman Park (509 Ocean Avenue) and feature a performance by the Gemini Elementary Choir, snow play, bubbles, and food and dessert trucks for families.

Three volunteer groups (Sea Turtle Preservation Society, Shepherd’s Center Beachside, and Under the Bridge Ministry) are finalists for Organization of the Year, with winners to be announced at a ceremony on Thursday, Dec.

11 at Eastern Florida State College Cocoa Campus.

Trader Joe’s opened in Brevard at Avenue Viera on Dec.

4, offering festive holiday treats for local shoppers (including Jingle Jangle mix, Panettone-flavored frozen dessert, and champagne-infused cheese) as part of its seasonal lineup.

Scarlett, an 11-year-old golden retriever (cancer survivor), charms audiences as Sandy in the Annie production at Cocoa Village Playhouse, which runs through Dec.

14. Owners say her calm stage presence adds extra warmth to each performance.

Randi Flamm of Viera Charter School was named Teacher of the Week today — recognized by FLORIDA TODAY readers.

Nominations remain open online for future educator honors.

Ann Quesada, a Health First nurse practitioner, said hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can ease menopause symptoms and protect heart, bones and brain.

The FDA removed its black box warning following a July recommendation, and she advises starting treatment within 10 years of menopause.

Several Brevard restaurants are offering special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus featuring multi-course seafood feasts, with Manny’s Cucina Napoletana in Melbourne serving its Feast of Seven Fishes from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Christmas Eve (reservations needed).

Local athletes from Eau Gallie, Cocoa and Melbourne Central Catholic have signed early with Division I colleges as Xavier Lherisse chooses Oregon, CJ Hester commits to Florida and quarterback Brogan McNab and lineman Javeion Cooper join UAB and Syracuse respectively.

Their decisions set the stage for a strong next season.

Eau Gallie High School senior Brock Lustic signed his National Letter of Intent with the University of South Alabama this fall, marking his steady rise from youth leagues to leading the Commodores' pitching staff in Brevard County.

Plant Market & More

10 AM – 2 PM — Downtown Melbourne Farmer's Market at Riverview Park — Free entry — Explore local growers, fresh produce, and artisanal offerings at this vibrant market.

Melbourne Speed Dating for Singles in Their 40s and 50s

2-4 p.m. — BeachFly Brewing Company — Ticket required — Meet potential matches in a fun, fast-paced dating environment.

AK40 Band Live Performance

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Squid Lips Grill — Enjoy a night of classic rock and funk with the AK40 Band's energetic performance.

Classic Albums Live - Bob Marley: Legend

8-9:30 p.m. — Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket info available on the website — Celebrate the legacy of Bob Marley with a live performance of his classic album 'Legend'.

Surfing Santas Festival

7 AM – 2 PM — Surfing Santas — Free admission — Experience a festive surf celebration with Santas, elves, and holiday cheer on the waves.

The Grand Manor's New Year’s Eve Bash

8 p.m. — Grand Manor — Free parking — Ring in the New Year at an epic celebration filled with glamour, music, and unforgettable memories.