Christmas Events in South Florida

I have rounded up all my favorite South Florida Christmas Events in South Florida and Holiday things to do in Boca Raton and the surrounding cities.  As well as the best places to see Christmas lights in South Florida.  From tree lightening to holiday parades mark your calendar so you don't miss anything this Christmas in South Florida!

South Florida Christmas Events 2022

Holiday Kickoff at The Square

When: Saturday, November 12th

What: For a festive and merry beginning to the holiday season and one of the largest celebrations of the year, visit The Square for an all-day holiday artisan market, nostalgic Yuletide Carolers, visit with Santa and his Elves, and the countdown to the main festivities; promptly at 6:30pm, the first magical nightly snowfall, holiday Wishing Tree light show and a lively evening of show-stopping musical performances begin. Pair the festivities with dinner and reserve the best seats in the house at The Square restaurants in advance.

Where: The Square in West Palm Beach (used to be called CityPlace)

Schedule:

2-10PM: Holiday Artisan Market

4-6PM: The Yuletide Carolers

6-8PM: Photos with Santa + Elves

6-10PM: Musical Performances

Mister Trombone & The M.T.E Band
SoFlo Brass Band
DJ Nick Flash
David The Drummer
6:30, 7:30, 8:30PM: Snowfall

6:30, 7:30, 8:30PM: The Wishing Tree Light Show

Santa at Hart T Tree Farms

Santa Claus will be visiting a selection of our Hart-T-Tree farm lots this year across South Florida. Pick out your tree and visit with Santa at the same time.  And save 10% on your tree by mentioning Happy Family Blog.  Take photos and don’t forget to bring your list! He will check it twice!  We got our tree at Hart T Trees the last two trees.  They have the best selection of trees.  Our tree last year lasted into mid-January.

When: Select dates in November and December

Where: Get all the details here for the locations.

Holiday Tree Lighting at BRiC

When: Thursday, November 17th at 5:30pm with a Raindate on November 18th

What: The holiday magic begins the moment you enter BRiC’s main entrance, transformed as Snowflake Lane. Surrounding the majestic 40-foot Christmas tree, family and friends will enjoy photo opportunities with Santa, festive music and dance performances by local schools and organizations, engaging themed children’s activities, a delicious line-up of food trucks, and more.

RSVP Here:

The event benefits Spirit of Giving and Junior League of Boca Raton, spreading holiday cheer throughout the greater Boca Raton community and beyond.

General admission is FREE with an unwrapped new toy or discretionary monetary donation to Spirit of Giving, collected upon entry to support the nonprofit’s Annual Holiday Gift Drive, bringing joy to thousands of children throughout Palm Beach County. The Spirit of Giving network creates alliances with nonprofit organizations by sharing resources and providing education to strengthen our communities.

VIP tickets are available at $50/adult, including access to a VIP hospitality tent, specialty cocktails, and light bites. Kids VIP tickets will also be available for $15 each (12 years and under) and will include access to a “Kids Corner” within the tent that will serve up children’s treats and beverages. 100% of VIP sales will benefit the Junior League of Boca Raton, an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Where: Boca Raton Innovation Campus (IBM campus)

Light Up Boca Raton

When: November 19th from 5-9pm

Light Up Downtown Boca kicks off Friday, November 19 with "Light the Lights," a celebration featuring a holiday tree lighting, a movie, and more.

Schedule:

• Holiday Vendors
• Holiday Stage Show
• DJ Dance Party
• Snow Flurries
• Photos with Santa (pay at vendor)
• Giant Snow Globe photo ops
• Trackless Train Rides
• Letters to Santa
• Make and Takes
• Costumed Characters
• Food and Beverage Vendors

Where: Mizner Park

The Delray Beach 100ft Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

When: November 29th 5:30-9pm Santa arrives at 6:45 PM. Tree lighting at 7 PM.

What: The Delray Beach 100 Ft. Christmas Tree is one of the largest and most celebrated holiday events in Palm Beach County, and has been for the past 26 years!

Take photos with Santa, walk inside the 100’ Christmas Tree, play Puttn’ Around Mini-Golf, skate in our ice skating rink, ride the carousel and enjoy food, music, entertainment, crafts and holiday surprises.

This is a free event.

For more information call 561-243-7250.

Where: Old School Square (51 N Swinton Ave.) in Delray Beach, FL

Photo credit Boca Cares

Santa on Fire Truck

When: Drop off Day - Monday,  November 28th from 6-9pm

What: Annually the Firefighters & Paramedics of Boca Raton supported by special volunteers provide programs as part of our commitment to serving the residents of Boca Raton. One of the most exciting and successful programs is the Santa Toy Delivery each holiday season. Santa Clause will arrive at your home in jolly spirits upon a fire engine with lights and sirens supported by a cast of characters. On your assigned delivery date Santa will personally deliver a pre-wrapped gift to your child and pose for pictures before moving on to spread cheer to more boys and girls in the Boca Raton city limits. This wonderful program generates funds to send Holiday Care Packages to our troops overseas as well as provide College Scholarships for eligible students within the community.

Where:

Boca Raton Fire Station 5
2333 W Glades Road
Boca Raton, 33431

Locations NORTH of Palmetto Park Rd will be delivered
Saturday, December 10, 2022 delivery times 9-4PM

Locations SOUTH of Palmetto Park Rd will be delivered
Sunday, December 11, 2022 delivery times 9-4PM

South Florida Christmas Events - One-Day Events in December

 

Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony

When: Thursday, December 1st

What: Save the date for the City of West Palm Beach’s holiday tree lighting on Thursday, December 1, 2022! Sandi, the 35-foot star of the City’s annual Holiday in Paradise campaign will celebrate her 11th birthday with her famed light shows and a cast of supporting characters. Santa will be in attendance to visit with guests and take photos. See you soon, Sandi!

Where: 100 N. Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Celebration of Peace

Celebration of Peace is a FREE interactive holiday experience for all ages. Enjoy strolling through this walk-through event featuring various beautiful Christmas lights displays of Times Square and Central Park, a live nativity, a big concert with all your favorite holiday hits, and two brand new shows for all ages!

When: December 8th-11th

Where: Calvary Church Fort Lauderdale

Bethlehem Revisited

When: December 9th-13th

What: This is a re-creation of the city of Bethlehem the night that Jesus was born. More than 10,000 visitors per year experience the first Christmas in a profoundly personal way.

Where: First United Methodist Church of Coral Springs

Merry in Mizner

The City will also host Merry in Mizner, evening weekend holiday entertainment and strolling pop-ups in Mizner Park on the following weekend nights, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., throughout the holidays:

When: December 2nd, 9th, 16th, & 23rd
6pm - 10pm

Where: Mizner Park

What: Experience surprise pop-up entertainment sprinkled throughout Mizner Park under the holiday lights. Each night features unique strolling performers that may include:

• Stilt walkers
• Stationary cirque acts
• Poi performers
• Carolers
• Holiday musicians
• Interactive Santa's letter booth
• Walk around giant inflatable winter characters
• Snow flurries
• Photo ops

Deerfield Beach Ocean Way Holiday Celebration

When: Saturday, December 3th 5:00-88:00pm

Join us for the annual Ocean Way Holiday at the Main Beach Parking Lot. We will be bringing back our lighting ceremony, live entertainment, holiday character show, photos with Santa, giant interactive snow globe, stilt walkers, and more! Be sure to check back at a later date for details.

The City of Deerfield Beach Parks and Recreation Department is following and monitoring the current COVID-19 situation and will be following the recommended CDC & Broward County guidelines.

Where: International Fishing Pier, 200 NE 21st Avenue

Fee: FREE

Lynn University Gingerbread Concert

When: Sunday, December 11th from 3-5pm

The annual Gingerbread Holiday Concert attracts parents, grandparents and kids of all ages to the Boca Raton Resort & Hotel’s Great Hall to enjoy seasonal classics performed by the Lynn University Philharmonia Orchestra.

Christkindlmarkt

When: December 10th & 11th

Festival at the American-German Club of the Palm Beaches shares the holiday cheer and excitement of an authentic German outdoor Christmas market. Visitors have plenty of opportunities to pick up some German language essentials and learn more about German culture without having to travel to Europe.

FAU presents: TUBA CHRISTMAS

When: Sunday, December 4th at 5pm (doors open at 4pm).

What: Enjoy the tradition of holiday music performed by tubas and euphoniums, started by Indiana University Professor Harvey G. Phillips. Tuba Christmas.  It is an outdoor event, so bring chairs or blankets. Free event.

Where: Mizner Park

City of Boca Raton Street Parade

When: Wednesday, December 7th from 7:30pm to 9:00pm

What: Parade route begins at Federal Hwy & SE 5th Street, traveling north to Mizner Park AmphitheaterPlease note: Federal Hwy. will be closed to vehicular traffic from Glades Road going south to Camino Real starting at 5pm to approx. 11pm. The City of Boca Raton’s 49th Holiday Street Parade welcomes more than 70 floats and groups to entertain viewers as they bring dance, lights and song to Federal Highway.

Fort Lauderdale Christmas Pageant

When: December 9th & 10th

What: Don’t miss our crowd-favorite Coral Ridge Christmas Spectacular! From White Christmas to Carol of the Bells, this concert is full of holiday favorites for the whole family. This year we will feature the internationally renowned gentleman’s trio, GENTRI! The Coral Ridge Concert Choir and Orchestra, youth choirs, featured artists, and dancers, will surround you with the sights and sounds of Christmas. Make the Coral Ridge Christmas Spectacular a part of your family’s Christmas tradition today!

Where: Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church
5555 NORTH FEDERAL HIGHWAY,
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33308

Delray Beach Holiday Parade

When: December 10th at 6:00pm

What: Parade with over 70 entries to help you celebrate the holidays! Through a special connection to the North Pole, The Delray Beach Fire Department will have Santa riding along on their Fire Truck. 561-243-7277, [email protected]

Where: Beginning east of the Intracoastal and continuing west to the Fire Dept

Fort Lauderdale's WinterFest Boat Parade

When: Saturday, December 10th

What: The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is the “Best Show on H2O” and the traditional kickoff to the South Florida Holiday Season. Bringing together our community and visitors from around the world, this one-of-a-kind parade of beautifully decorated boats of all sizes is a can’t-miss extravaganza. With over a million viewers along the 12-mile parade route and an economic impact to Broward County of over $50 million, the parade where the floats really float is a Fort Lauderdale institution.

Boca Holiday Boat Parade

Where: Sunday, December 17th at 6:00pm to 8:00pm

What: Intracoastal Waterway starting at the C-15 canal (Boca Raton-Delray Beach city limits) traveling south to Hillsboro Bridge

The 44th Annual Boca Raton Holiday Boat Parade is the perfect way to experience the Holiday season! Enjoy the parade, food, and drinks from Red Reef Park (west), the Wildflower Property, or Silver Palm Park viewing areas.

Where: Bridges are held in the up position for approximately 45 minutes during the parade. Please avoid these areas during estimated closing times to avoid traffic delays. The estimated bridge closing times are:

• 6:30pm –7:20pm  Spanish River
• 7:20pm – 8:10pm Palmetto Park
• 7:30pm – 8:20 Camino Real

Boca Bowl

When: Saturday, December 20th

What: College Football Bowl game offering music, food and activities for kids, and much more before the game.

Where: The bowl game will be played at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Fla., on the campus of Florida Atlantic University and nationally televised on ESPN or ESPN2. The open-air stadium opened in 2011 and seats just under 30,000 fan

Ongoing Holiday Events

Weekend Photos With Santa at The Square

When: Friday & Saturday from 6-8pm and Sunday 5-7pm November 12th-December 23

What: Commemorate the holidays and meet the jolly man himself during photos with Santa under The Wishing Tree take your own photos with Santa.

Other: Snowfall occurs each evening at 6:30pm, 7:30pm & 8:30pm
Santa will take a 5-minute break during the snowfalls at 6:30pm and 7:30pm.

Where: The Square (used to be called CityPlace)

Mizner Park iTree

When: nightly at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m

What: “iTree” consists of more than 32,000 life-like PVC branches, red & gold bows, ornament clusters, and 25,000 clear & multi-colored LED lights. There will be 20-minute musical light shows p

Where: Located at the south end of the center near the former Lord & Taylor in Mizner Park.

Santa at Town Center Mall

When: Starting November 17th.  Click the link before for the days and times as they vary.

What: Photos with Santa.  In previous years there was a $10 fee and it can be applied to your photo purchase. The least expensive package is almost $25. We did it and had a great experience, but I felt like the feeling was high.

Where: Town Center Mall in Boca Raton

Sandi the Sand Christmas Tree in West Pam Beach

When: Starts December 1st

What: Holiday in Paradise celebration is located on the beautiful West Palm Beach Waterfront and filled with tons of FREE entertainment and family-friendly holiday activities. The star of the festivities is “Sandi”, the world’s ONLY holiday sand tree made of 600 tons of sand! This staggering 35-feet-tall holiday tree will dazzle the crowds nightly with light and music shows.

Where:100 N. Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 3340

Santa's Winterland at Bass Pro

When: November 5th-December 24th

What: This is one of our favorite places to go and see Santa. They give you a free photo and Kurt loves going to Bass Pro. I love it because they have Christmas crafts and a Winter wonderland. It runs. Make an appointment online before you go.

Where: Bass Pro Shop

Holiday Fantasy of Lights

When: November 23rd-January 1st

What:  Enjoy the fantasy of color, lights, and design this holiday season with 3 miles of giant animated holiday displays. . Drive-thru the lights for $15/car or $40/bus.

Where: Tradewinds Park 3600 West Sample Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073

Symphony Of Lights at Gulfstream Park

When: November 12th- December 31st

What: Gulfstream Park’s popular holiday tradition, Symphony of Lights, features more than one million lights with new music synchronized to the lights, a 50-foot tree, and entertainment with shows on every honor.

Where: Gulfstream Park

The Polar Express Train Ride

When: TBD

What: The magical story comes to life

Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Once onboard, hot chocolate and treats are served as passengers read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his helpers greet passengers at the North Pole and then board the train, where each child is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. Chefs aboard each car lead passengers in singing Christmas carols on the ride. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride!

Where: Brightline Miami Station

Zoo Lights at the Palm Beach Zoo

When: November 18th - January 4th  6:00-9:00 p.m. with REQUIRED Timed Entry

What: Zoo Lights presented by Florida Power & Light Company, FPL SolarNow has become a Florida holiday tradition for families and friends. While the animals' slumber, Palm Beach Zoo is illuminated for the holidays with over one million eco-friendly lights. The festive holiday fun also features photos with Santa (until Dec. 23rd), a DJ holiday dance party, seasonal treats, and more!

Where: Palm Beach Zoo - 1301 Summit Blvd. West Palm Beach

Garden of Lights

When: Opens the weekend after thanksgiving

What: This new exhibition from acclaimed artist Sean Kenney features over 40 sculptures made from more than 800,000 LEGO® pieces and explores the beauty of nature through highly stylized, colorful displays that stand in striking contrast with their surroundings. Produced by Imagine Exhibitions, Nature POP! blends art, science, and innovation in the display of these sculptures. Known for his ability to make striking works of art using simple LEGO toys, Kenney pushes the boundaries of the medium in this new exhibition through his use of vibrant colors and a bold, graphical style. Inspired by the Pop art movement, Kenney’s work on Nature POP! plays on that movement’s principles by blurring the boundaries between austere and every day, and draws from a belief that everything is interconnected.

Cost: Tickets: $15 for adults; $12 for seniors, college students, and military with ID; $7 for ages 6-17; FREE for MBG members and children under 6. Ticket sales open in December.

Where: Mounts Botanical Garden

531 North Military Trail
West Palm Beach, Fl 33415

TRIPS

If you are looking for a great weekend getaway within driving distance Gaylord Palms puts on the best Christmas celebration in Orlando.  Get all the details about their SO. MUCH. CHRISTMAS here.

Jacksonville also has lots of Christmas fun.