Published: November 25, 2024
By: Shannon Pease-Severance
Holiday magic shines bright in South Florida this month with activities ranging from delightful displays of lights and outdoor movie nights to shiver-free skating & wintertime craft making.
Compiled by Shannon Pease-Severance
Broward County
COCONUT CREEK
Holiday Fantasy of Lights
Through January 4
Get in the holiday spirit while driving through this holiday display of lights. Fee applies. Tradewinds Park, 3600 Sample Rd., Coconut Creek,
http://www.holidaylightsdrivethru.com
COOPER CITY
Light up Cooper City
Friday, December 6
Holiday fun includes twinkling lights and seasonal activities. 6:30-9pm, Memorial Park, between City Hall and the Community Center on 90th Ave., 954-434-4300
Cookies and Cocoa with Santa
Friday, December 13
Spend some sweet time with Santa while enjoying cookies, cocoa and crafts. 6:30-8:30pm, Community Center, 9000 SW 50 Place, 954-434-4300
Menorah Lighting
Monday, December 30
Celebrate Hanukkah with a menorah lighting in the park. 5pm, Memorial Park, 9001 SW 51 St.,
CORAL SPRINGS
Light up the Lawn
Saturday, December 7
Bring the family for a tree lighting ceremony, train rides, snow zone and other fun winter surprises. Free. 5-8pm, City Hall, Lawn, 9500 W. Sample Rd.,
Holiday Parade
Wednesday, December 11
Enjoy the bright lights at the city’s annual holiday parade with floats, bands, entertainment and more. 7-9pm, along Sample Road, from Coral Springs Drive to City Hall, 944-344-1001
Bethlehem Revisited
Friday-Tuesday, December 13-17
A hands-on, interactive walk-through experience that recreates the town of Bethlehem with a cast of volunteers of all ages. 7pm-9pm, Friday, Monday & Tuesday; 6pm-9pm, Saturday & Sunday. First United Methodist Church of Coral Springs, 8650 W. Sample Rd.,
http://www.bethlehem-revisited.com
DAVIE
Lighting of the Greens
Saturday, December 7
Evening includes activities, live entertainment, a Jingle Bell Horse Parade, the official lighting of Bamford Park and a visit from Santa. 6-9pm, Bamford Sports Complex, 3801 S. Pine Island Rd.,
Mrs. Claus’ Davie Christmas
Saturday, December 7
Write a letter to Santa Claus using an old-fashioned pen and read a holiday story with Mrs. Claus. $5. 10am-1pm, Old Davie School Historical Museum, 6650 Griffin Rd., 954-797-1044
Garden of Lights
December 13-23 & 26-30
See the botanical gardens and the historic Wray Home decked out with thousands of lights and decorations at night. $20 ages 12 and up, $15 ages 3-11. 5:30-10pm, Flamingo Gardens & Wildlife Sanctuary, 3750 S. Flamingo Rd., 954-473-2955
http://www.flamingogardens.org
DEERFIELD BEACH
Ocean Way Holiday
Saturday, December 7
A magical evening with a giant interactive snow globe, Santa and his reindeer, ice skating, live entertainment, treats and more. 5-9pm, Main Beach Parking Lot, 149 SE Second Ave.,
http://www.deerfield-beach.com
FORT LAUDERDALE
Holiday Lights Cruise
December 5 – January 4
Check out the lights that line the shore while cruising the Intracoastal by way of Water Taxi. The tour includes sightseeing, holiday music and sing-alongs. Space is limited. Advance purchase recommended. $45/adult, $15/child. Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi, stop number 1 by the Riverside Hotel, 954-467-6677
Light Up Sistrunk
Friday, December 6
A one-of-a-kind holiday celebration with fun and entertainment, including a tree lighting, live bands, holiday activities, a Kids Zone and more. 5-8pm, Sistrunk Boulevard, from NW Ninth to NW 11th Avenues,
Cookies with Santa
Saturday, December 7
Enjoy a sweet treat and a five-minute family photo session inside the Historic Stranahan House. The cost is $45 for a family of four, and $5 for each additional person. By appointment only. 9am-4pm, Historic Stranahan House, 335 SE Sixth Ave., Fort Lauderdale,
http://www.stranahanhouse.org/cookies-with-santa
Holiday Magic Whimsical Wonderland
Saturday, December 7
An evening for families with live entertainment, a scavenger hunt, story time, letters to Santa and more. Pre-registration required. $35/adult, $15/teen, $5/child, 5 and under/free. 5:30-8pm, Bonnet House, 900 N. Birch Rd.,
Singing Sons – 2024 Holiday Concert
Sunday, December 8
The Florida Singing Sons present their annual holiday concert. 7-9pm, First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale,
http://www.floridasingingsons.org
Winterfest Boat Parade
Saturday, December 14
Line up along Fort Lauderdale’s waterways to enjoy the dazzling annual boat parade, from downtown Fort Lauderdale to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. Free. 6:30-8:30pm.
http://www.winterfestparade.com
North Pole Pajama Party
Saturdays, December 14 & 21
Wear your pajamas and celebrate the season with a holiday science show, holiday activities, museum exploration and an IMAX screening of The Polar Express. $30. Activities begin at 9am, film at 10am. Museum of Discovery and Science, 401 SW Second St., 954-713-0930
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Wednesday-Monday, December 18-23
Magnificent sets, costume design and performers transport the audience to the whimsical world of Whoville. $45 and up. Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, 954-462-0222
The Nutcracker
Friday-Sunday, December 20-22
The Arts Ballet Theatre transports the audience to a land filled with snowflakes and sugar plums in this holiday classic. $30 and up. The Parker, 707 NE Eighth St., 954-462-0222
http://www.parkerplayhouse.com
Menorah Lighting Celebration
Thursday, December 26
Honor the first night of Hanukkah at this celebration with a menorah lighting, music and treats. 6pm, Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd.,
Kwanzaa Ujamaa
Friday, December 27
Pay homage to the fourth principle of Kwanzaa, cooperative economics. 2-6pm, Bass Park, 2750 NW 19 St.,
Noon Year’s Eve
Tuesday, December 31
Ring in 2025 with music, dancing, science activities and a “ball drop” at noon. Free with paid museum admission. 10am-5pm, Museum of Discovery and Science, 401 SW Second St., 954-467-6637
Downtown Countdown
Tuesday, December 31
Experience a New Year’s celebration with family activities from 4:30 to 8:30pm, live music from 5:30pm-1am, a kids countdown at 7pm and an adult countdown at midnight. 4:30pm-1am, in the area of Southwest Second Street and Southwest Fifth Ave.,
http://www.parks.fortlauderdale.gov/nye
HALLANDALE BEACH
Symphony in Lights
Through December 31
A spectacular dancing light show with hundreds of thousands of animated lights and a towering Christmas tree all synchronized to music. The 10-minute show begins at the top of every hour. Free. 6-11pm, Gulfstream Park, 901 S. Federal Hwy., Hallandale Beach, 954-454-7000
HOLLYWOOD
Hollywood Beach
Candy Cane Parade
Saturday, December 7
A magical evening under the starsfeaturing floats, marching units and bands with a hometown flavor. Free. 7pm, along the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk,
Nature’s Gifts
Sunday, December 15
Make some nature-based arts and crafts to give to loved ones. $2 donation. Noon-3pm, Anne Kolb Nature Center, 751 Sheridan St., Hollywood, 954-357-5161
LAUDERDALE-BY-THE-SEA
Christmas-by-the-Sea
Wednesday, December 4
An evening of old-fashioned family fun, entertainment and activities. Free. 5-8pm, Anglin’s Square, Commercial Boulevard and El Mar Drive,
LIGHTHOUSE POINT
Lighthouse A’Glow
Wednesday, December 4
Spend an enchanted evening with holiday fun and activities. 6:30-8:30pm, Frank McDonough Park, 3500 NE 27 Ave.,
http://www.lighthousepointfl.gov
MARGATE
Winter Festival
Friday, December 20
A free family-friendly festival with children’s activities, live performances, kiddie rides, Florida-style snow, photos with Santa and more. 6-10pm, Margate Boulevard and State Road 7,
OAKLAND PARK
Holiday Village
Friday-Saturday, December 6-7
Have some holiday fun with children’s activities, a snow slide, a visit with Santa, an ice skating rink and more. Free. Friday 5:30-10pm, Saturday 1-9pm. Jaco Pastorius Park, 4000 N. Dixie Highway, 954-630-4500
PEMBROKE PINES
SnowFest
Saturday, December 7
Bundle up to play in tons of snow and participate in a variety of holiday activities. Pre-registered residents only. 4-8pm, Charles F. Dodge City Center, 601 City Center Way, 954-392-2116
PLANTATION
Winter Wonderland
Through January 4
A wonderland of more than 40 themed holiday trees and more. Closed Sundays-Tuesdays. Call for hours. Free. Plantation Historical Museum, 511 N. Fig Tree Lane, 954-797-2722
http://www.plantation.org/museum
POMPANO BEACH
Yuletide on Atlantic Parade
Thursday, December 5
Line up for a hometown holiday parade starting at Riverside Drive, heading west to Atlantic Boulevard. Free. 6:30-9:30pm, along Atlantic Boulevard,
Donuts with Santa
Friday, December 13
Have a sweet time while enjoying freshly baked donuts and mingling with Saint Nick. Tickets go on sale Nov. 4. $10/person. 9-11am, Emma Lou Olson Center, 1801 NE Sixth St., Pompano Beach,
Pompano Beach Holiday
Boat Parade
Friday, December 13
Whether you are watching or participating, this is a great procession on the Intracoastal Waterway, starting at Lake Santa Barbara heading north to Hillsboro Boulevard at 7pm.
http://www.pompanobeachchamber.com
SUNRISE
Light Up The Holidays
Thursday, December 5
Get into the holiday spirit with live music, decorations and a lighting of the city’s seasonal display. Free. 5:30-8:30pm, Sunrise Civic Center Campus, 10610 W. Sunrise Blvd., 954-747-4600
The Nutcracker Ballet
Friday-Sunday, December 20-22
Fort Lauderdale Youth Ballet presents the holiday classic about a young girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince. All ages. Reserved seating, $35. Sunrise Civic Center Theatre, 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd., 954-747-4646
TAMARAC
Winter Wonderland
Friday, December 13
Have a holly jolly night with reindeer games, bounce houses, face painting, photos with Santa and more. 6-8pm, Tamarac Park, 7501 N. University Dr.,
Paws with Claus
Saturday, December 14
Bring your fur baby for a best-dressed holiday hound contest and other pet-friendly activities. 10am-noon, Gary B. Jones Park for People and Pups, 8101 Southgate Blvd.,
WESTON
Christmas Tree Lighting
Sunday, December 8
Enjoy the holiday festivities during this annual event. 4-8pm, Weston Town Center,
http://www.westontowncenter.net
Menorah Lighting
Sunday, December 29
Bring the family for a menorah lighting at Town Center. 5-8pm, Weston Town Center,
http://www.westontowncenter.net
WILTON MANORS
Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Thursday, December 5
Kick off the holidays with an annual lighting of a menorah, kinara and Christmas tree, musical performances and holiday cheer. 6:30pm, Justin Flippen Park, 2109 Wilton Dr., http://www.wiltonmanors.com
Santa By Sea
Wednesday, December 18
Santa will take to the Sea from Colohatchee Park Boat Ramp to sail around the Island City with his elves to spread the holiday cheer. Be sure to come out to one of these parks to meet and greet Santa or if you live on the water, come out and say hello. 5:30pm, Colohatchee Boat Ramp, 1975 NE 15 Ave.,
Wilton Wonderland
Saturday, December 21
Bring the family to see Santa and friends to participate in holiday activities. 10am-noon, Hagen Park, 2020 Wilton Dr.,
Palm Beach County
BOCA RATON
Gingerbread Holiday Concert
Sunday, December 8
Family-friendly concert for all ages featuring seasonal music and holiday cheer. $35 and up. 3pm, Lynn University Wold Performing Arts Center, 3601 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton, 561-237-7000
Holiday Green Screen Photos
Thursday, December 12
Take a seasonal photo with the family using a green screen. Photos will be emailed after the session. 2-3pm, West Boca Branch Library, 18685 FL-7,
Boca Raton,
BOYNTON BEACH
Jingle Bell Babies
Tuesday, December 3
Jingle along with your little one with rhymes, songs and movement activities. 10:30-11am, West Boynton Branch Library, 9451 Jog Rd.,
Holiday Lighting
Friday, December 6
Enjoy an enchanted night of live entertainment, vendors and a tree lighting ceremony. 5-9pm, Centennial Park and Amphitheater, 120 E. Ocean Ave.,
Boynton Beach Holiday Parade
Saturday, December 7
Bring lawn chairs and settle in to watch a festive parade pass by. 4-6pm, Downtown Boynton Beach,
Holiday Boat Parade
Friday, December 13
See festively decorated boats travel, decked out in dazzling lights, travel along the Intracoastal waterway from Ocean Avenue Bridge in Lantana south to the C-15 Canal in Delray Beach. 6pm, Boynton Harbor Marina, 735 Casa Loma Blvd.,
http://www.boyntonbeachcra.com
DELRAY BEACH
Delray Beach Holiday Parade
Saturday, December 14
Watch this festive procession as it travels down Atlantic Avenue beginning at 6pm.
http://www.downtowndelraybeach.com
Jingle Bell Jog
Saturday, December 21
Get your jingle on at this 5K and Elf Dash morning run that gives out Santa suits and shoelace bells to runners to race in. Pre-register online. Anchor Park, 340 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach,
Grand Delray Beach
Chanukah Festival
Sunday, December 29
Stop by Old School Square for a menorah lighting, face painting, music, bounce houses, crafts and more. 6-8pm, Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave.,
http://www.downtowndelraybeach.com
WELLINGTON
Holiday Hogwarts and Hot Cocoa
Monday, December 2
Have a magical movie night with a cozy screening of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone while sipping on hot chocolate. 5:30-8:30pm, Wellington Branch Library, 1951 Royal Fern Dr.,
WEST PALM BEACH
Zoo Lights
Select nights through January 5
Start a new tradition with family and friends by strolling the zoo while it’s twinkling with more than 1 million eco-friendly lights. Pre-purchase required online. $14-$26. 5:30-9pm, Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., 561-547-9453
Winter Wonderland
Laser Lights & Bites
Fridays, December 6, 13, 20 & 27
Sing and dance to holiday favorites during this outdoor laser show spectacular. The night also features food trucks, science-themed activities, entertainment and more. $24/adult, $20/child. 6-9pm, Cox Science Center and Aquarium, 4801 Dreher Trail North,
http://www.coxsciencecenter.org
Ballet Palm Beach Presents
The Nutcracker
Friday-Sunday, December 6-8
The timeless Christmas classic returns, performed by Ballet Palm Beach. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., 561-832-7469
A Seraphic Fire Christmas
Wednesday, December 11
Enjoy seasonal carols and heart-warming music by guest conductor Anthony Trecek-King and the ensemble. $50 and up. 7:30pm, Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., 561-832-7469
Miami-Dade County
AVENTURA
The NutcRacker
Friday-Sunday, December 13-15
Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida presents this classic ballet to Tchaikovsky’s popular score. $60 and up. Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188 St.,
A Seraphic Fire Christmas
Thursday, December 19
Enjoy seasonal carols and heart-warming music by guest conductor Anthony Trecek-King and the ensemble. $50 and up. 8pm, Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188 St., Aventura,
Celtic Angels Christmas
Saturday, December 21
Vocalists and Irish dancers present an unforgettable night of song and dance. 3 & 8pm, Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188 St., Aventura,
CORAL GABLES
A Very Merry Garden
December 2 – January 5
A month-long celebration with reindeer games, letters to Santa and hot chocolate and storytime with Mrs. C. 10am-5pm, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Rd., 305-667-1651
http://www.fairchildgarden.org
Night at the Garden
Through January 12
Experience the fantasy and wonderment of effects including the wise talking tree and rainbow colored pathways at this magical light spectacular. 6-10pm, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Rd., 305-667-1651
http://www.fairchildgarden.org
CUTLER BAY
The Nutcracker
Saturday-Sunday, December 7-8
This classic Christmas ballet about a little girl’s journey to the Land of Sweets is performed by the Miami Youth Ballet. $36-51. Saturday 7pm, Sunday 3pm. The Moss Center, 10950 SW 211 St., 786-573-5300
Holiday Celebration & Golf Cart Parade
Saturday, December 14
It’s a unique take on a typical parade as a procession of decked-out golf carts glide by. Additional holiday activities include photos with Santa, holiday inflatables, food trucks, face painters, a toy drive, music and more. 6-10pm, Cutler Ridge Park,10100 SW 200 St.,
A Seraphic Fire Christmas
Sunday, December 15
Enjoy seasonal carols and heart-warming music by guest conductor Anthony Trecek-King and the ensemble. 4pm, The Moss Center, 10950 SW 211 St., 786-573-5300
DORAL
Park & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, December 6
Be dazzled as twinkling lights add holiday cheer to the night. 6-9pm, Downtown Doral Park, 8395 NW 53 St., 305-593-6600
Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, December 7
Find a unique gift to give – or for yourself – at this artisanal sale that includes unique items for sale, live music and interactive activities. 4-8pm, Downtown Doral Park, 8395 NW 53 St., 305-593-6600
Holiday Celebration at the Park
Friday, December 13
Celebrate the season with a festive evening of live performances, inflatables, face painters and more. 6-10pm, Doral Central Park, 3000 NW 87 Ave.,
Light Up the Night
Thursday, December 26
Festivities include a menorah lighting, light refreshments and recognition of first responders. 6-7pm, Downtown Doral Park, 8395 NW 53 St., 305-593-6600
MIAMI
Miami City Ballet’s The Nutcracker
December 13-24
The Miami City Ballet presents George Balanchine’s dazzling choreography. Showtimes vary. Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., 305-949-6722
Christmas Wonderland
Through January 5
Experience loads of holiday displays, a midway with carnival rides, live shows, holiday festivities, interactive activities and more. Tropical Park, 7900 SW 40 St.,
http://www.miamiwonderland.com
Zoo Lights
Select nights through December 30
See dazzling displays of lights and different themed nights throughout the holiday season. Miami, 12400 SW 152 St., Miami,
MIAMI LAKES
Paw-liday Palooza
Saturday, December 7
This winter extravaganza, designed especially for pooches, includes a festive dog costume contest, a pet-friendly Santa Claus photo-op, food trucks pet vendors and more. 10am-2pm, K9 Cove, 14048 Palmetto Frontage Rd.,
Reindeer Run 5K
Saturday, December 14
Get a healthy start to the holiday season by running a festive 3-mile race. 8-11am, Miami Lakes Veterans Park, 15151 NW 82 Ave.,
PALMETTO BAY
Silent Night
December 4, 10 & 18
See the historic houses of the Deering Estate decorated in elegant holiday décor with a theme this year of, Historic Holidays: Caroling Through the Season. $6-$18. 5:30-7:30pm, Deering Estate, 16701 SW 72 Ave., 305-235-1668
Story Time & Photos With Santa
Saturday, December 14
Stop by for a photo with the big guy, holiday arts and crafts and a story time with Santa’s elves. Included with paid admission of $18/adult, $10/child. Additional fee for photos. 10am-1pm, Deering Estate, 16701 SW 72 Ave., 305-235-1668
PINECREST
Nights of Lights
Select nights December 6 – January 4
Be enchanted as Pinecrest Gardens transforms into a holiday wonderland featuring thousands of sparkling lights on select nights. 6-9pm, Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 Red Rd., 305-669-6990
