Delray Beach lights 100-foot Christmas tree in Old School Square
The 10-story walk-through centerpiece has 3,114 branches, 217,980 LED lights, 18,000 ornaments, and a 18-foot star that is visible for miles.
The holidays are here, and whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day or maybe even Festivus (for the rest of us), it’s time for some joy and laughter.
With our wonderful weather, this is a great time to get out and experience all that the holidays have to offer in Palm Beach County. From tree lightings, boat parades and massive holiday light displays, to an outdoor ice rink, the time is now.
So put on the ugliest holiday sweater you can find, fuel up on eggnog and some wonderfully-decorated holiday treats, get that special someone strategically placed under the mistletoe, then check out these 20 events happening from now through early January:
Jupiter Farms Christmas Parade & Craft Fair
Hosted by the Jupiter Elks Lodge No. 2469 with the theme of “Santa’s Helpers,” the parade will kick off with the “Rudolph Sighting” at the group’s headquarters and afterward feature a craft fair, barbecue, parade awards and more. Not a member? No problem. This event is open to the public.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. 10070 W. Indiantown Road, Jupiter. Free. Information: 561-747-2469; jupiterelks.org
Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade and Toy Drive
This water spectacle is in its third decade and bigger and better than ever. Led by a Zambelli traveling fireworks display, dozens of decorated watercraft will make their way along the Intracoastal Waterway from North Palm Beach up to the Jupiter Lighthouse.
Festooned with lights and other decorations, this flotilla is not to be missed and can be viewed from many locations along the route. There will be prizes for the top three decorated boats in categories including Lights, Enthusiasm and Themed Decor. The best boat of the parade will win $500 and Fan Favorite will win $500.
Toy donations: Sponsor Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County collected toy donations by land in early November, but if you missed that opportunity, a “toy fleet” of boats will travel along the parade route offering dockside pickup for your donations. Simply wave a flashlight when you see a boat with toy drive signage, and uniformed Marines and volunteers will pull right up to your dock to collect your donations. Last year, the group collected more than 15,000 toys.
The parade will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. North Palm Beach to Jupiter along the Intracoastal Water, Palm Beach County. Free. Information: marinepbc.org/boat-parade
Santa’s Enchanted Garden, The Gardens Mall
Having arrived at the north county shopping and dining complex on Nov. 8, Santa is ready, through Christmas Eve, to pose for pictures and listen to any gift requests. Photo reservations are encouraged, but walk-ups are welcome. Visit The Gardens Mall website for details, pricing, and to reserve photo times.
Santa will be available during mall hours through Dec. 24. 3101 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens. Information: thegardensmall.com
Holiday Dance Performance, The Gardens Mall
Dance Theatre of Florida will perform a choreographed, adaptation of the 2004 holiday classic “The Polar Express” starring Peter Scolari and Tom Hanks.
The performance will take place in the Grand Court at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. 3101 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens. Free. Information: thegardensmall.com
Palm Beach Gardens Tree Lighting celebration
Held at Gardens North County District Park, this event will feature the lighting of the city’s holiday tree, photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus, food vendors, inflatables, snow, a silent DJ party and the Gardens Trailblazer 5K and 2K Family Fun Run.
The event is 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. 5101 117th Court N., Palm Beach Gardens. Free. Information: pbgfl.gov/747/Tree-Lighting
Ice Skating at The Ben
For the quintessential winter activity, not much comes closer than outdoor ice skating. Sound impossible with our 80-degree days and ample sunshine? Grab some skates and get ready for some winter wonderland goodness at The Ben hotel in downtown West Palm Beach. They have turned some of their outdoor space into an ice-filled festive escape, complete with Aspen-inspired chalets along with themed food and beverage offerings.
Using state-of-the-art technology from Ice America, the rink promises a true winter experience. Families, couples, and friends can enjoy 90-minute skating sessions. The rink can accommodate 70 skaters, ticket price includes skate rental.
The rink will be in operation through March 1. 251 N. Narcissus Ave., West Palm Beach. Adults $20, ages 4 to 11 $10, 3 and under free. Information: thebenevents.com
Christmas at Whitehall Tree Lighting
Henry Flagler’s historic Palm Beach mansion will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland featuring the lighting of the 16-foot-tall Christmas tree. The evening will include dance and musical performances featuring dancers from Ballet Palm Beach. Guests can join company dancers during this special, yule-time tradition.
The event is noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1. The Flagler Museum, One Whitehall Way, Palm Beach. Members $10; nonmember adults $40; nonmember age 6 to 12 $20; 5 and under free. Information: flaglermuseum.us
The Nutcracker at the Kravis Center
This production of the timeless classic will be performed by Ballet Palm Beach. Share in Clara’s adventures as she is swept away by the Nutcracker Prince into an enchanted winter wonderland. Dancing snowflakes, tin soldier battles and more festive surprises await during this lavish, magical production.
The shows are 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7; 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. Dreyfoos Hall, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Tickets start at $20. Information: kravis.org
Holiday in Paradise, West Palm Beach
Video: Enjoy West Palm Beach’s 700-ton Sandi Christmas Tree
Sandi, the world’s only 700-ton holiday sand tree in West Palm Beach features a multi-colored light show is from 6 to 10 p.m. through Dec. 31, 2023.
Once again featuring Sandi, the world’s only 35-foot tall, 700-ton holiday tree, this year’s Holiday in Paradise is presented by Florida Power & Light with the theme “Sandi Shares Harmony.”
In addition to Sandi, there will be other sand sculptures. It seems that in the off season, “Sandi met Harmony, the leader of a happy herd of llamas.” Harmony will be there along with eight additional llamas. The harmonious crew will be sculpted at the base of Sandi and along the waterfront.
Starting with the tree lighting on Thursday, Dec. 5, there will be one holiday-themed event after another through New Year’s Eve. These will include Sandi and Santa’s Annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, Dec. 8; the Aloha Dancers during Sunday on the Waterfront on Sunday, Dec. 15 and much more.
The event kicks off at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5. Downtown West Palm Beach on the great lawn and along the waterfront, 100 N. Clematis St., West Palm Beach. Free. Information: wpb.org
CityPlace
The shopping and dining destination in downtown West Palm Beach will host multiple events throughout the holiday season. Expect a Nightly Snowfall at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. daily through Dec. 31. Santa Claus will be at The Wishing Tree from 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 5 to 7 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 24. Pet Day with Santa, from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at The Workshop, will give those precious pets the chance to frolic or get selfies with the Big Guy.
The Tuba Christmas Concert (yes, tubas!) at the center of the complex at 5 p.m. Dec. 14 will feature holiday carols. There will be live music from 5 to 9 p.m. Christmas Day. Then, celebrate Hanukkah with Palm Beach Synagogue from 7 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 28 and enjoy a vibrant display of Hanukkah traditions including a menorah lighting and special treats.
Finally, from 5 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 30, the Kwanzaa Dance & Drums Afrique Ngozi Dance & Drums performance will bring an immersive cultural celebration of Kwanzaa to CityPlace. This family-friendly event will explore the seven principles that make up Kwanzaa and feature live West African dancing and drumming.
The events will run through Dec. 31. 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach. Free. Information: cityplace.com
Cox Science Center and Aquarium Winter Wonderland Laser Lights & Bites
This annual event invites guests to sing and dance to their favorite holiday songs during a spectacular outdoor laser concert. There will be DIY s’mores stations, holiday photo ops with Santa, winter-themed crafts and food trucks including La Guarida Cubana, Kobschies Ice Rolls, Uptown Deli, Earls BBQ, Tina’s Treats and Gimme Grillin’.
The event is 6 to 9 p.m. every Friday in December. 4801 Dreher Trail N., West Palm Beach. Adults $24; ages 3 to 12 $20; seniors $22; under 3 free. Information: coxsciencecenter.org/Winter-Wonderland
Zoo Lights at Palm Beach Zoo
What’s better than visiting the zoo? Visiting the zoo at night when it’s filled with nearly a million lights. Going bigger and brighter than ever for 2024-25, this event is presented in conjunction with FPL SolarNow.
Love the light tunnel? It’s nearly twice as big this year. In addition, there are events within the event including visits with Santa, a snowy DJ dance party, 21 and older nights, and the Zoo Year’s Celebration to ring in 2025. The light shows and New Year’s celebration are timed, ticketed events. Please see palmbeachzoo.org for more information.
The display opens for viewing Saturday, Nov. 23 and be on for ticketed days through Sunday, Jan. 5. 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach. See website for times and tickets. Information: palmbeachzoo.org
Lights 4 Hope, 2024 Holiday Light Show
This drive-through wonderland features approximately 2 miles of light sculptures created using thousands of LED lights in the back of Okeeheelee Park near the Micanopy Pavilion. Lights 4 Hope is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to spread joy and to help local families with children suffering from terminal illness or from a life-changing physical change.
The display will be open for viewing on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 29-Dec. 1 and Dec. 6 -8; then open nightly Dec. 13-23; closed Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24; open Christmas Day, Dec. 25; open Dec. 26 to 29. Show hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays; 6 to 9 p.m. Sundays. 7715 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach. Standard car or truck (up to six people) $20, large van or small bus (seven to 12 people) $30, large bus (13 people or more) $40; bike night on Dec. 29 $15. Information: lights4hope.org/upcoming-events.html
Santa at The Ice Palace, The Mall at Wellington Green
Make your requests known to “The Big Guy” or just have a chat. Regardless, he will pose with kids for photos throughout the holidays.
Santa Claus will be at the shopping and dining complex through Dec. 24. Hours vary. 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. Free. Book a visit with Santa here. Information: shopwellingtongreen.com
Winterfest with Vanilla Ice
Presented in partnership with the Greater Wellington Chamber, this massive, annual holiday party will feature performer, music icon, philanthropist, actor, and TV star “Vanilla Ice.”
There will be additional live musical and dance performances, exhibitors, pet adoptions, retail and holiday shopping, food vendors, lounge(s) for adult attendees, kids and teen activities, and more.
The event is Friday, Dec. 6. Wellington Amphitheater, 12100 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. Free admission. wellingtonfl.gov
Holiday in the Park, Greenacres
This event at Samuel J. Ferreri Community Park will feature a special Christmas tree lighting ceremony, school performances, face painting, arts and crafts, carolers and, yes, Santa will be there. Don’t panic: Sometimes he doesn’t update the “naughty” list until after the holidays.
The event is 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. 2905 Jog Road, Greenacres. Free. Information: greenacresfl.gov/community-rec/page/holiday-park-0
Celtic Winter Faire at John Prince Park
Journey into a world where the Renaissance meets the enchantment of Celtic culture. Inspired by the rich traditions of the mythical isle of Dunsky, this event promises a captivating experience filled with wonder, discovery, and festive cheer for all ages. There will be interactive sword classes, blacksmithing workshops, one of the world’s only carillons (bell organs), a chance to meet Santa and his apprentices and unique holiday gifts from handcrafted jewelry and pottery to rare books and bespoke clothing.
The event is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, Saturday, Dec. 15, Friday, Dec. 21 and Saturday, Dec. 22. 2700 Sixth Ave. S., Lake Worth Beach. Information: faefestivals.com
Boynton Beach Holiday Boat Parade
It’s officially called the “Boynton Beach Holiday Boat Parade,” but this long-running event is held in partnership with the town of Hypoluxo, the town of Lantana, and the city of Delray Beach.
Featuring a combination of privately-owned and commercial vessels decked out with dazzling lights, holiday décor, and costumed captains, this festive flotilla will light up the Intracoastal Waterway from the Ocean Avenue Bridge in Lantana (near Old Key Lime House) and travel south to the C-15 Canal in Delray Beach (south of Linton Boulevard).
There are multiple restaurants and parks along the route for viewing. There will be first-, second- and third-place prizes for the best-decorated boats in three categories based on boat size.
The event starts at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13. Lantana through Delray Beach along the Intracoastal Waterway. Free. Information: boyntonbeachcra.com
Boynton Beach tree lighting, drone show and parade
The city’s holiday festivities begin with a Christmas Tree lighting Friday downtown from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6 at Centennial Park & Amphitheater, 120 E. Ocean Ave. A 20-minute drone show starting at 7:20 p.m. and deploying roughly 700 drones to create holiday animations in the sky could be the star of this show.
All the other holiday festivities will be there as well, including a handbell choir and a high school choir and drum line. Santa will be on hand for photos. For the youngsters, there will be storytelling time, roaming stilt walkers and a free ice skating rink and train rides. More than a dozen food trucks will also be there, so come hungry.
On Saturday, Dec. 7, the Boynton Beach Holiday Parade, in its 53rd year, will happen from 4 to 6 p.m. More than 50 groups from marching bands to dance and cheer groups will start the parade at S.E. 5th Avenue and move down Federal Highway to the intersection at East Ocean Avenue, where live performances will happen.
For more information, visit boynton-beach.org or call 561-742-6004.
Lighting of Delray Beach’s 100-foot Christmas Tree
This longstanding Delray Beach tradition brings Santa to town to light the city’s 100-foot tree. Once the tree is lit and you’ve basked in its glow, check out Santa’s Holiday Village with ice skating, a carousel, mini golf and Santa himself.
Swinton Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic from North First Street to South Fifth Avenue to better facilitate holiday happiness. There will be food trucks and over 60 vendors along Atlantic Avenue.
The event is 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3. 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Free. Information: downtowndelraybeach.com/holidays
Boca Jolly Days
Featuring a full month of holiday festivities, the city will kick off the season with their annual Tree Lighting from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. Held at the Mizner Park Amphitheater, at 590 Plaza Real, this event will feature live music, snow flurries, a chance for selfies with Santa, food and drink vendors and more.
Also at the amphitheater, from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 1 rock around the tree with the FAU Tuba Christmas event. Yes, tubas! Enjoy holiday music performed by an ensemble of tubas.
The city’s 52nd annual Holiday Parade will take place from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4 along Federal Highway and will include singing, dancing, music and more all set to the theme of “Winter Wonderland.” Next up with be a Holiday Pops Concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at the Mizner Park Amphitheater. Conducted by Jacomo Bairos, this show will feature the Symphonia Boca Raton and the FAU Chorus.
From 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 at Sanborn Square, 72 N. Federal Highway, a special holiday Night Market will feature a meet-and-greet with Olaf from “Frozen.”
Finally, finishing off the season in style will be the The Merry in Mizner-Let it Snow-Snow Cones event. It will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28 at the Mizner Park-South Area and will feature snow cones while supplies last.
For more events and information, visit bocasummercamps.my.canva.site/bocajollydays.
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
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