South Florida Christmas Events

I have rounded up all my favorite South Florida Christmas Events, Holiday things to do in South Florida and 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 – One Day Events in November 

CityPlace Tree Lighting – Sunday, November 10th 3-6:45pm.

During this event, you can watch the Jupiter Dance Academy perform the Polar Express. Then, stay for a performance from the Palm Beach Symphony. Finally, Dance South Florida will present their “Home for the Holidays” routine with the tree lighting to follow. Be sure to save this date for this wonderful way to start your holiday season.

Jingle All the Way Holiday Tree Lighting at Boca Center – Friday, November 15, 2019 at 5:30 – 7pm

Boca Center, Crocker Partners, Junior League of Boca Raton and Spirit of Giving invite you to this year’s Jingle All the Way Holiday Tree Lighting celebration at Boca Center Courtyard Friday, Nov. 15 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment, kids activities and a special photo opportunity with Santa himself!

Save the date for this festive experience and come early for a Sip & Shop pre-party with Boca Center retailers beginning at 3:30 p.m until 5:30 p.m. Receive a free gift with a purchase of a $100 minimum.

General Admission is free with a new unwrapped toy or cash donation for Spirit of Giving.

VIP tickets are $45 per person and include valet parking, open bar for those 21+, lite bites from TAP42 and Rocco’s Taco’s, sweet treats from Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, fast lane access to Santa, and special activities for kids. Limited VIP tickets available at jinglealltheway2019.eventbrite.com

City of Boca Tree Lighting – November 23rd from 4-8pm

Come kick-off the Holiday season with our Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony! The event will include free carnival rides, an artificial ice rink, holiday bounce houses, Santa’s Circus variety show, Carolers, stilt walkers, aerial performances, letters to Santa station, photos with Santa ($5 each), carnival food for purchase, and more!

The highlight of the evening will be the ceremonial lighting of the City’s tree led by Mayor Scott Singer that will illuminate simultaneously with Mizner Park’s tree at the south end of the center near Lord & Taylor and followed by a spectacular fireworks display above the amphitheater.

Admission is FREE.
For more information, please call 561.367.7073.

Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island – November 29th 6-9pm

The magic of Christmas will come to life in the grand lobby of Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa on November 29. You’re invited to kick-off the holiday season with a Christmas Tree Lighting celebration featuring holiday music by Chad Michaels, former pianist to Celine Dion. And the resort’s highly anticipated gingerbread display will be unveiled by Executive Pastry Chef Kursten Restivo. Situated next to the grand Christmas tree, this year’s creation will pay homage to Palm Beach with a surf shack-theme that fuses holiday sparkle with beach time fun.

Please join us from 6-8 p.m. for a variety of festive activities, including arts and crafts for the kids, complimentary passed hors d’oeuvres and a visit from Santa himself.

South Florida Christmas Events – One Day Events in December

Santa on Fire Truck Drop off Day – Monday, December 2nd from 6-9pm is the drop off day.  On either December 14th or 15th 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 Area. 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. This was Bailey’s favorite holiday event last year.  I highly recommend it.

Locations SOUTH of Palmetto Park Rd will be delivered: Saturday, December 14th, 2019 delivery times 9-2PM

Locations NORTH of Palmetto Park Rd will be delivered: Sunday, December 15th, 2019 delivery times 9-2PM

This policy will now give you the peace of mind of knowing the delivery day the night of toy drop off which is Monday, December 2nd from 6-9 at Fire Station Five across from the Town Center Mall. It will also give you the chance to review your calendar to see if these days work into your schedule.

Sandi lights up the Waterfront! – December 5th starting at 6pm

The City of West Palm Beach’s annual holiday tree lighting! After nearly a month-long preparation, “Sandi,” the world’s only 700-ton sand tree will be ready to make her debut at Clematis by Night on Thursday, December 5. Festivities will begin at 6:00 p.m. The 35-foot star of the City’s annual Holiday in Paradise campaign will bring merriment and cheer through December 31, including nightly light shows and a cast of supporting characters. Returning activities this year include “Glow FORE it Mini Golf,” “SnowieVille,” and Sandi’s dressing room. Santa will be in attendance to visit with guests

The Delray Beach 100ft Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony – Thursday, December 5th from 5:30-9pm

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!

Join us from 5:30 PM – 9 PM, Thursday, December 5, at Old School Square (51 N Swinton Ave.)

Santa arrives at 6:45 PM. Tree lighting at 7 PM.

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.

Deerfield Beach Ocean Way Holiday Celebration Saturday, December 7th 5:00-9:00pm

Join us for the 6th Annual Deerfield Beach Ocean Way Holiday Celebration presented by the Deerfield Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, Saturday, December 7th, at the International Fishing Pier (200 NE 21st Ave). Festivities will begin at 5:00pm and run until 9:00pm. Come out for a family night of fun while walking the parade of lights display, taking your photo with Santa, snow flurries, kid’s activities, live reindeer, an ice skating rink and live entertainment throughout the event!

When: Saturday, December 7th
Where: International Fishing Pier, 200 NE 21st Avenue
UPDATED TIME: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Fee: FREE
Event Activities ~ Snow ~ Ice Skating Rink ~ Holiday Character Show ~ Photo with Santa ~ Face Painting ~ Arts & Crafts ~ Kids Activities ~ Giant Snow Globe ~ A variety of food & drinks will be available for purchase.

Christkindlmarkt – December 7th & 8th

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 opportunity pick up some German language essentials and learn more about German culture without having to travel to Europe.

FAU presents: TUBA CHRISTMAS  Sunday, December 8th at 5pm (doors open at 4pm).

Enjoy the tradition of holiday music performed by tubas and euphoniums, started by Indiana University Professor Harvey G. Phillips. Tuba Christmas.  Outdoor event, bring chairs or blankets. Free event.

Gingerbread Concert – Sunday, December 8th 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.

City of Boca Raton Street Parade – Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 7:30pm to 9:00pm

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 in Boca Raton.Wednesday, December 5th

Delray Beach Holiday Parade – December 14th at 6:00pm

Beginning east of the Intracoastal and continuing west to the Fire Dept. 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, beardsleyd@mydelraybeach.com

Coral Springs Light up the Night – Wednesday, December 11th from 7-9pm.

The parade will feature marching bands, decorated floats and other entries along Sample Road from Coral Springs Drive to City Hall.  Before the holiday parade, individuals and families will participate in the Coral Springs Holiday Mile along Sample Road near Coral Springs Drive at 6:15 p.m. This will be a timed one-mile event, with awards for the top three male and female participants in each age category.

Fort Lauderdale’s WinterFest Boat Parade – Saturday, December 14th

More than 1,000,000 cheering spectators along the 12-mile route have transformed this event into not only the largest, one-day, live audience of any event in Florida, but also the seventh largest one-day spectator event in the country! WinterFest was just named by Readers Digest as “100 Best in America” which lists the top events in the United States. They are a nonprofit and their mission is to enhance the community’s image by producing wholesome, unique, internationally recognized events that reflect the diversity and culture of South Florida.

Boca Holiday Boat Parade – Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 6:30pm to 8:00pm

Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 6:30pm to 8:00pm

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

The 43rd 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.

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:•

6:50pm – Spanish River
• 7:20pm – Palmetto Park
• 7:30pm – Camino Real

Boca Bowl – Saturday, December 21st at 3:30pm

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 fans.  Started at 3:00pm the Ford Fan Fest will be offering music, food and activities for kids and much more.

On going Holiday Events

Snowfall on the Rosemary Square (formerly CityPlace Plaza)

Snowfall shows are running nightly. We went on Sunday and it was a fun night out. CityPlace is so festive with their snowflake lights and huge tree. The train was also a big hit for us at $3/ride. It is snowing November 30th-December 31st, except November 23rd and December 25th

Monday – Wednesday: 6pm and 7pm
Thursday – Sunday: 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm

Mizner Park Tree
Located at the south end of the center near Lord & Taylor, Mizner Park’s “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 performed nightly at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. starting on Wednesday, November 22 and continuing through the holiday season. The tree will be illuminated for photo opportunities between shows.

Santa at Town Center Mall
You can bring your pets. You can also make an appointment online starting November 8th. There is 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 feel was high.

Sandi the Sand Christmas Tree in West Pam Beach
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. November 29th-December 31st. Things to do in Florida at Christmas

Hoffman’s Chocolates Winter Wonderland
Featuring more than 125,000 LED lights, captivating holiday displays, a giant Christmas tree, live entertainment, and photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Winter Wonderland will be open nightly, November 16th through December 30th from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. and is FREE to the public. (closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day)

5190 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth

Santa at Bass Pro
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 November 16th-December 24th

Holiday Fantasy of Lights
Tradewinds Park – Enjoy the fantasy of color, lights and design this holiday season with 3 miles of giant animated holiday displays. 3600 West Sample Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073. Drive-thru the lights for $15/car or $40/bus. November 27th-December 31st 6-10pm.

Symphony Of Lights at GulfStream Park
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.

Santa & Mrs. Claus, toy soldiers, juggling acts and stilt walkers will have appearances. Catabella Express Train Rides will be available to take children on a tour of GulfStream Park

The Polar Express Train Ride
The magical story comes to life when the train departs from Brightline Fort Lauderdale Station.

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!

Fort Lauderdale Christmas Pageant
From the street corner to the city square, the sights and sounds of Christmas surround us during this wonderful season. It features a festive opening scene with familiar carols in a turn-of-the-century setting, a concert of inspirational contemporary songs, and a musical drama of the nativity and life of Christ. This year’s Pageant includes a spectacular snow-filled winter wonderland (watch for the falling snowflakes, not just on stage, but in the audience as well!) and an elegant cityscape. The show runs November 29th – December 15th.

Bethlehem Revisited
This is a re-creation of the city of Bethlehem the night that Jesus was born. A tradition of First United Methodist Church of Coral Springs for 24 years. More than 10,000 visitors per year experience the first Christmas in a profoundly personal way. December 13th-17th