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Enjoy the pageantry of the Holiday Boat Parade in Boynton Beach. Photo courtesy of the event
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11/24/24 - By Lindsey Scannell

The holiday season has officially arrived in South Florida, bringing a mix of Christmas cheer and Hanukkah festivities.

Picture “snow” by the beach, dazzling holiday lights under Miami's starry skies, and magical Polar Express train rides by the sea. Experience the twinkling magic of Night of Lights in Pinecrest; enjoy the timeless charm of The Nutcracker at Coral Springs Center for the Arts; explore the festive Chanukah Wonderland in Palm Beach; or keep it fun and budget-friendly at Winter Wonderland in Plantation.

Ready for more? Keep reading to discover our top picks for Christmas celebrations and holiday activities in Miami and throughout South Florida.

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Flamingo Gardens transforms into a holiday destination during Garden of Lights. Photo by Lorenzo Cassina
Flamingo Gardens transforms into a holiday destination during Garden of Lights. Photo by Lorenzo Cassina

South Florida Holiday Events & Christmas Shows

Zoo Lights at Palm Beach Zoo

West Palm Beach
Select nights through January 5, 2025
This magical event transforms the zoo into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights and seasonal delights. Take photos with Santa, decorate cookies, and roast s’mores. Enjoy hourly light shows, music and “snow” in the fountain. READ MORE

Fairchild's Night at the Garden

Miami
Select nights through January 12, 2025
Walk through Miami’s beautiful Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden at night while exploring a combination of lighting effects, state-of-the-art holographic technology, projection mapping, and music. Marvel at unique sculptures, interact with the talking tree, join a Fairy Quest, and much more. READ MORE

Lights 4 Hope Holiday Light Show

West Palm Beach
Select nights, November 22-December 29, 2024
Load family and friends into the car and get in the holiday spirit at this drive-thru holiday light show. READ MORE

Holiday Fantasy of Lights

Coconut Creek
November 23-January 4, 2025
Running nightly, this local holiday tradition in Tradewinds Park is a 2½-mile drive-thru route, featuring dozens of static and animated light displays and illuminated trees. READ MORE

Miami Children’s Museum Tropical Winter Wonderland

Miami
Select days beginning November 25, 2024
Glide and twirl in your socks on the outdoor sock skating rink while learning about the characteristics and qualities of snow. READ MORE

The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays at The Kravis Center

West Palm Beach
November 29-December 1, 2024
Celebrate the holidays with the entire family at The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays, a mind-blowing showcase featuring jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth. The Illusionists has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage. READ MORE

Zoo Lights Miami

Miami
Select nights, November 29-December 30, 2024
Walk through more than 1 million bright and dazzling tree lights, see a 26-foot-tall LED holiday tree, and enjoy animal appearances and visits with Santa at this fun holiday event. READ MORE

Jingle Bell Jam at The Kravis Center

West Palm Beach
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Celebrate the holiday season with the third Annual Lopez Music Lab Recital, Jingle Bell Jam. The studio is dedicated to nurturing young talent and inspiring a love of music, and this year’s recital will showcase students’ hard work and creativity. Watch as they perform festive holiday classics with fun twists, showcasing their skills in piano, drums, guitar, voice, and more. READ MORE

Hallandale Beach's Holiday in the Park

Hallandale Beach
Friday, December 6, 2024
Each year the City of Hallandale kicks off the season with a Holiday in the Park event complete with children's activities, holiday crafts, community performances, visits with Santa, holiday music, inflatables, amusements, food trucks, and more. READ MORE

Ballet Palm Beach Presents The Nutcracker

West Palm Beach
December 6-8, 2024
The timeless Christmas classic returns during Ballet Palm Beach’s The Nutcracker. Share in Marie’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. READ MORE

Miami Youth Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Miami
December 7-8, 2024
Escape to a world full of enchantment this holiday season with the timeless Christmas classic, Miami Youth Ballet’s The Nutcracker, about a little girl’s journey to the Land of the Sweets. READ MORE

Night of Lights

Pinecrest
December 6-29, 2024
Step into a magical world of twinkling lights, festive treats, Santa sightings, a holiday bazaar, live performances in the historic Banyan Bowl, and more. READ MORE

Winter Wonderland Laser Lights & Bites

West Palm Beach
Fridays, December 6-27, 2024
Friday evenings in December are for singing, dancing along to holiday favorites, and an outdoor laser show spectacular. This year features a brand new show. Guests can also explore the outdoor exhibits, dazzling lights throughout the Science Trail, science-themed activities, s'mores, and food trucks. READ MORE

Christmas in the Gardens

Pinecrest
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Presented by Miami Dance Futures, Christmas in the Gardens is a celebration of the holiday season through dance and music by the young artists from Conchita Espinosa Conservatory of the Arts. The show features The Snowman, an original story ballet inspired by the beloved English story, as well as ballet variations, contemporary dance choreographies, and musical and choral pieces.  READ MORE

Old Town Trolley's Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tour

Key West
December 9-23, 2024
See all the best decorations on a holiday tour of historic Key West homes in a splendid cascade of lights and other decorative touches to see which local can outdo the other in a friendly, holiday-inspired competition. READ MORE

Cookies and Cocoa with Santa in Cooper City

Cooper City
Friday, December 13, 2024 (Cooper City residents)
Santa Claus greets Cooper City kids in third grade and younger for a night of cookies and cocoa, crafts, pictures with Santa, and more. READ MORE

The Nutcracker at Coral Springs Center for the Arts

Coral Springs
December 13-15, 2024
Celebrate the 25th annual Nutcracker at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts. Since 2000, the Coral Springs Center for the Arts has proudly hosted the International Ballet Company's enchanting annual production of The Nutcracker, a holiday classic that captures the hearts of young and old alike. READ MORE

Flamingo Gardens’ Garden of Lights

Davie
December 13-30, 2024 (closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day)
Thousands of lights and holiday decor fill the Arboretum and Wray Lawn at Flamingo Gardens. This annual holiday event features an after-hours, self-guided walk through the botanical gardens adorned with thousands of lights and decorations. Enjoy visits with Santa and some of his friends along with snow and nightly live musical performances. READ MORE

Holiday Wonderland at Delmar Farm

Loxahatchee
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Experience a magical winter wonderland at the farm with a walkthrough, pony rides, miniature horses, farm animals, Mrs. Claus Story Time, activities with Mrs. Cookie in her giant gingerbread house, elves, letters to Santa, visits with Santa, and more. READ MORE

Pigeon Key Holiday Spectacular

Marathon
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Ride the Pigeon Key Polar Express for a magical holiday celebration filled with festive fun for the entire family. Meet Santa, enjoy holiday-themed movies on the big screen, take part in a gingerbread house competition, and the weather forecast includes snow! READ MORE

Christkindlmarkt in Lake Worth

Lake Worth
December 14-15, 2024
Share the holiday cheer and excitement of an authentic German outdoor Christmas market. Christmas cakes, cookies, brats (the kind you eat), Glühwein, Santa, and Christmas carols. It's the perfect place for grown-ups and the little ones to get in the spirit of Christmas. READ MORE

North Pole Pajama Party

Fort Lauderdale
December 14 and 21, 2024
All aboard the Polar Express for this South Florida family winter tradition. Wear your comfiest pajamas and embark on a festive adventure. Explore Museum of Discovery and Science exhibits with a frosty twist, from floating dry ice bubbles to snowy liquid nitrogen shows. Admission includes an invitation to see The Polar Express in the IMAX Theater. READ MORE

Cirque Dreams Holidaze at The Kravis Center

West Palm Beach
December 19-24, 2024
This annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around an infusion of contemporary circus arts. As lights dim and the music swells, audiences will have visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads as a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life on stage. READ MORE

Palm Beach Chanukah Wonderland

Palm Beach
Monday, December 23, 2024
Children of all ages, parents, grandparents, and friends are invited to the annual Chanukah Wonderland, featuring sensory activities for the little ones, booths and bounce houses for the older kids, a magic show, and fire truck gelt drop. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at M.O.D.S

Fort Lauderdale
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Ring in 2025 in style at this annual Noon Year’s Eve celebration. Get ready for a midday bash packed with immersive activities, lively tunes, dance-offs and mind-blowing science experiments. READ MORE
Make memories with Santa at Bass Pro Shops. Photo courtesy of Bass Pro Shops
Make memories with Santa at Bass Pro Shops. Photo courtesy of Bass Pro Shops

FREE Christmas & Holiday Events Near Miami

Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops

Miami
Through December 24, 2024
Experience the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Wonderland and get a free 4x6 photo with Santa. This event takes place at the Miami, Islamorada, and Dania Beach locations. READ MORE

Winter Wonderland in Plantation

Plantation
Select days through January 4, 2025
Enjoy a holiday display featuring over 40 different themed Christmas trees, a miniature train village, Hanukkah display, holiday gift shop, and more. READ MORE

Christmas at Stuart Main Street

Stuart
Friday, November 29, 2024
This much-loved family event features the annual lighting of the 30-foot Christmas tree, as well as other fun activities for the whole family such as arts and crafts, face painting, and photos with Santa. READ MORE

City of Sunrise Light Up the Holidays

Sunrise
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Get into the holiday spirit at this free event. Enjoy live music and colorful decorations as the City of Sunrise lights its seasonal display.  Light Up The Holidays provides a great backdrop for family photos. READ MORE

Wilton Manors Holiday Lighting Ceremony

Wilton Manors
Thursday, December 5, 2024
The City of Wilton Manors welcomes one and all to kick off the holidays at the annual lighting of the holiday menorah, kinara, and the Wilton Manors Christmas tree. READ MORE

Light Up Cooper City

Cooper City
Friday, December 6, 2024
Families can start the holiday season by lighting up the park with holiday cheer,  visiting with Santa, and enjoying a holiday bazaar and performances. READ MORE

Light Up Sistrunk

Fort Lauderdale
Friday, December 6, 2024
Get ready for dancing in the streets at Light Up Sistrunk. This one-of-a-kind celebration features the lighting of a giant holiday tree, live bands, outstanding entertainment, a free toy giveaway, a health fair, food trucks, a kids zone complete with Santa, bounce houses, slides, and arts and crafts plus a teen area with a DJ, activities, and more.  READ MORE

Oakland Park Holiday Village

Oakland Park
December 6-7, 2024
Holiday Village features live entertainment, a Christmas tree decorating competition, and visits from Santa each day. City Commissioners assist Santa Claus with the official lighting of Oakland Park's 40-feet tall Christmas Tree at the park's Grand Fountain Plaza.  READ MORE

Candy Cane Parade

Hollywood
Saturday, December 7, 2024
The Candy Cane Parade on Hollywood Beach is one of the longest-running holiday parades in the country. It started back in the mid-1950s by a group of Hollywood merchants as a way to draw patrons to their shops and businesses. Today it features dozens of lighted floats and vehicles along the parade route entertaining the thousands of spectators who line the Broadwalk. READ MORE

City of Palm Beach Gardens Tree Lighting

Palm Beach Gardens
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Kick off the holiday season with Santa, food vendors, and festive activities.  READ MORE

Holiday Lighting of the Greens Festival

Davie
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Enjoy lighting up the holiday season with thousands of sparkling lights and holiday decorations and activities such as a Jingle Bell Lighted Horse Parade, live entertainment, children's activities and games, and a visit with Santa. READ MORE

Light Up Your Holidays in Palmetto Bay

Palmetto Bay
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Kick off your holiday season with this fun and festive event for all ages. Featuring dance and musical performances, food and craft vendors, snow flurries, letters to Santa, a 40-foot Christmas tree lighting and more, this annual event won't disappoint.  READ MORE

Ocean Way Holiday

Deerfield Beach
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Light up Ocean Way with live entertainment, Santa and his reindeer, a giant interactive snow globe, ice skating, treats, and more. READ MORE

Royal Palm Beach Winter Fest

Royal Palm Beach
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Join the Village of Royal Palm Beach for a free day of festive fun. Get into the holiday spirit with activities, entertainment, and winter magic for the whole family. READ MORE

Winter Kiddos Land at CityPlace Doral

Doral
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Experience first-class entertainment and enjoy character appearances, an art station, toddler zone, train rides, Santa’s Elves Workshop, storytime, Letters to Santa, festive Christmas songs, and more.  READ MORE

Holiday Boat Parade in Boynton Beach

Boynton Beach
Friday, December 13, 2024
The Boynton Beach Holiday Boat Parade is hosted annually on the second Friday of December. The event features a variety of festively decorated boats and is a premier holiday attraction for the Boynton Harbor Marina. READ MORE

Light Up Carter Park

Fort Lauderdale
Friday, December 13, 2024
Enjoy holiday cheer and fun for the entire family. Highlights include live performances from local artists, bounce houses, train rides, face painters, holiday crafts, giveaways, and more. READ MORE

Cutler Bay Holiday Celebration & Golf Cart Parade

Cutler Bay
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Save the date for Cutler Bay's holiday celebration & golf cart parade. More details to come. READ MORE

Key Largo Boat Parade

Key Largo
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Visit Key Largo for the annual Christmas in the Keys boat parade. Boats line up at 6:30pm; parade begins at 7:30pm. READ MORE

Lake Worth Beach Holiday Parade

Lake Worth Beach
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Bring the family to Lake Worth for a holiday parade. Parade route runs through Downtown Lake Worth, ending at Cultural Plaza. READ MORE

Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade

Fort Lauderdale
Saturday, December 14, 2024
The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is the traditional kickoff to the South Florida holiday season. Bringing together the 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. READ MORE

Santa By Sea in Wilton Manors

Wilton Manors
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
This Wilton Manors tradition is like no other holiday event in Broward County. Santa takes to the sea from Colohatchee Park Boat Ramp. Santa sails around the Island City with his elves to spread the holiday cheer. READ MORE

Chabad of Coconut Creek Chanukah Celebration

Coconut Creek
Thursday, December 26, 2024
Join Promenade at Coconut Creek for live music, jelly donuts, kids crafts, and more at the annual menorah lighting to celebrate Hanukkah. READ MORE

Fort Lauderdale Menorah Lighting Celebration

Fort Lauderdale
Thursday, December 26, 2024
Honor the first night of Hanukkah. Highlights include the traditional menorah lighting, music, and delicious customary treats. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
American German Club of the Palm Beaches
Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
Plantation Historical Society
Hollywood Beach Boardwalk
The Gardens North County District Park
Village Of Palmetto Bay Village Hall
Lake Worth Cultural Plaza