In an effort to save our collective parental holiday sanity, MBMom has consolidated the BEST 2024 South Florida Holiday events, activations and Christmas events in Florida into a handy guide (***to be updated regularly***), with a star* next to the ones my family and I are making special efforts to attend.
They are organized from NORTH TO SOUTH and chronologically for your convenience. Happy Holiday SEASON MBMoms!
2024 South Florida Holiday Events Guide: West Palm Beach
Merry & Bright Night at Tanger Outlets Palm Beach
WHERE/WHEN: Tanger Outlets Palm Beach between Columbia and Forever 21 on Friday, November 8; 6-8:00 p.m.
WHAT: Kick off the holiday season in style at Merry & Bright Night at Tanger Outlets in Palm Beach! 🎶✨ Enjoy live holiday music by Bay Kings Band, indulge in sweet treats & holiday mocktails, snap festive photos, and don’t miss the first 200 guests’ giveaway: a Light Up Bulb Necklace! 🎁🛍️ Plus, get a head start on holiday shopping with TangerStyle. See you there!
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Santa’s Holiday Celebration at Tanger Outlets Palm Beach
WHERE/WHEN: Tanger Outlets Palm Beach between Columbia and Forever 21 on December 14th; 4-6:00 p.m.
WHAT: Join for a magical evening at Santa’s Holiday Celebration! Enjoy holiday favorites from our DJ, hot chocolate & sweet treats, festive crafts, magical photo moments, giveaways, and more. Don’t miss the chance to snap selfies with Santa! He’ll be on hand to hear your holiday wishes and spread cheer. This celebration is designed for all ages, so bring your loved ones and enjoy a day filled with joy, creativity, and holiday cheer! Event located near Columbia and Forever21.
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Holiday Kickoff At CityPlace West Palm Beach
WHERE/WHEN: Experience the magic of the holiday season at CityPlace with our annual Holiday Kickoff celebration on November 9th at 700 South Rosemary Avenue, West Palm Beach!
“Merry & Bright” Holiday Kickoff and Reoccurring Events
Get into the festive spirit with CityPlace’s much-anticipated Holiday Kickoff. The season begins with a full day of holiday excitement, including nostalgic performances and special visits from Santa and his elves. As evening falls, the celebration reaches its peak with the first snowfall of the season at 6:30 PM, a dazzling Wishing Tree light show, and live music and dance performances by Mister Trombone, Ballet Palm Beach, and DJ Lexey. For the best views, visitors can reserve tables at one of CityPlace’s restaurants. November 9, 5-9PM
The nightly snowfalls that continue through December 31 at 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, and 8:30 PM, as well as Santa Meet-and-Greets every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Santa will be available for photos against the festive backdrops of the Wishing Tree and holiday décor. November 9 – December 31
Chanukah with Palm Beach Synagogue
Celebrate Chanukah with Palm Beach Synagogue at CityPlace. The event will feature the lighting of the menorah and holiday treats, inviting everyone to share in the traditions of Chanukah. December 28
Kwanzaa Dance & Drums Performance
Celebrate Kwanzaa with an immersive performance from Afrique Ngozi Dance & Drums. This family-friendly event will explore the seven principles of Kwanzaa through live West African dancing and drumming. December 30
City of West Palm Beach Sandi & Holidays in Paradise
WHEN/WHERE: Starting Thursday December 5 at 100 N. Clematis Street, West Palm Beach
When it comes to celebrating the South Florida holiday events season, the North Pole has nothing on The Palm Beaches in South Florida – not even snow!
WHAT: The world’s only 35-foot, 700-ton holiday sand tree returns to the West Palm Beach waterfront. Starting December 5, Sandi and the surrounding area will feature synchronized nightly music and light shows through December 31 from 6 – 10pm (shows will be extended on New Year’s Eve through midnight). Shows start on the quarter hour except during special events.
This annual holiday tradition draws thousands of visitors to the waterfront and offers guests an enchanting opportunity to enjoy Sandi’s magical music and light show and get in the holiday spirit.
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Zoo Lights at the Palm Beach Zoo
WHEN: Select Nights Between November 23rd & January 5th – REQUIRED Timed Entry 5:30-9:00pm
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.
Larger-than-life animal sculptures shedding light on the Zoo’s efforts to save animals in the wild. Nightly entertainment with a 24′ animated Christmas tree and lights around Fountain Plaza choreographed to music and enjoy the wonder of Florida snow.. Shows multiple times per hour. Find out which list you made in Santa’s Village, photos with Santa with cookie decorating and more.
WHERE: 1301 Summit Blvd. West Palm Beach
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Holiday Evening Tours at Flagler Museum
WHERE/WHEN: Tours begin at 6:00pm, 6:15pm, 6:30pm, 6:45pm. $50 for Adults $30 for Children ages 17 and under Advance purchase required; December 19-23 at One Whitehall Way, Palm Beach.
Free for Legacy and Visionary level (2 tickets) and Whitehall Society Members (2 tickets) plus 2 children
- For tickets, please call (561) 655-2833 ext. 10
During this beloved annual event, families tour Whitehall after hours and discover the origins of American Christmas traditions. Holiday Evening Tours begin with a special Docent-led holiday tour of Whitehall, followed by a reception featuring carol singers, refreshments, and holiday-themed activities. Guests have the rare opportunity to experience Whitehall by the glow of the 1902 light fixtures. Every visitor receives a traditional Flagler Museum Christmas Cracker following the tour. The H. M. Flagler & Co. Museum Store will remain open during the program for holiday shopping.
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Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade
WHEN: December 7th, 6pm
WHAT: Rejoice in 30 years of holiday cheer at the 30th Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade and toy drive! The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County (MIAPBC) is thrilled to celebrate its 30th anniversary milestone with an appearance in an upcoming Christmas movie, “Christmas Overtime,” and its largest fireworks display to date. Presented by Lessing’s Hospitality Group, the parade will benefit Toys for Tots and Little Smiles.
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2024 South Florida Holiday Events Guide: Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach & Lake Worth
Merry In Mizner Activities
Holiday Pops
- December 7th
Merry In Mizner’s Meet & Greet with Olaf at Night Market
- Dec. 12 6-8pm
Merry In Mizner’s Cookie & Cocoa
- Dec. 20 | 6 – 8pm
Merry In Mizner’s Let It Snow, Snow Cones
- Dec. 28| 11-2pm
WHERE: Mizner Park Amphitheater 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton
*Boca Raton (BRIC) Tree Lighting
Sponsored
WHEN/WHERE: November 21st, 5:30-7:30pm at BRIC 5000 T-Rex Avenue
Mark your calendars for CP Group’s 9th Annual Tree Lighting on November 21, 2024 (rain date November 22). Join us for an enchanting evening of festive lights and holiday cheer! Pre-register now and discover what’s in store at this year’s event.
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Downtown Delray Beach Holiday Events
*100 Ft. Tree Lighting
WHEN: Tuesday, December 3; 6:00-9:00pm
WHAT: 100 Ft. Christmas Tree
WHERE: Old School Square Grounds & E. Atlantic Avenue Street Fest
*Holiday Village
Welcome to the Delray Beach Holiday Village, where even in the sunshine, Delray has managed to create a winter wonderland that captures the spirit of the season! As the palm trees sway gently in the warm breeze, the Holiday Village transforms into a magical hub of holiday cheer at Old School Square!
WHERE: Old School Square Grounds
Holiday Parade
Menorah Lighting
WHEN: Sunday December 29; 6:00-8:00pm
Join the City of Delray Beach for the lighting of the Menorah!
WHERE: Old School Square Grounds
Holiday Boat Parade
WHERE:
Deck 84, Del Fuego, Veterans Park, Knowles Park
Bridge Delays:
George Bush Boulevard – 7:45 PM
Atlantic Avenue – 8:00 PM
Linton Boulevard – 8:15 PM
AND MORE!
Information on Additional Holiday Events & New Year’s Eve HERE
*Holiday Photos with Santa at Town Center at Boca Raton + Signature Santa Experience
Sponsored
WHAT: Simon® is pleased to announce Santa visits for families as part of the Simon Santa Photo Experience at Town Center at Boca Raton through December 24.
WHEN: Santa arrives on Friday, November 8 and will be available for visits until Christmas Eve in Nordstrom Court.
Santa Hours: ‘Tis the Season for Photos with Santa at Town Center at Boca Raton®
- Caring Santa: Sunday, December 8 from 9-10:30am
- Pet Photos: Sunday, December 1
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A Magical Cirque Christmas
WHEN/WHERE: November 17, 7pm at Coral Springs Center for the Arts
WHAT: Ho-ho-hold on to your seats this holiday season. The Coral Springs Center for the Arts will host the very merry tour of MagicSpace Entertainment’s A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS. The ultimate holiday extravaganza will mesmerize, twist, flip, and jingle all the way for one very special performance
COST: Start at $54
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*Boca Raton Holiday Street Parade
WHEN/WHERE: Wednesday December 4; 7:30-9:00pm in Downtown Boca Raton
WHAT: This year’s theme, “Winter Wonderland” will feature floats & community groups with dancing, lighting, and music in the heart of Downtown Boca.
2024 South Florida Holiday Events Guide: Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Lighthouse Point, Pompano Beach, Ft. Lauderdale & Miami
Ocean Way Holiday in Deerfield Beach
WHEN: Saturday, December 7 | 5:00-9:00pm
WHERE: Main Beach Parking Lot, 149 SE 21st Ave.
Join for the annual Ocean Way Holiday on Saturday, December 7th at the Main Beach Parking Lot. Join us to light up Ocean Way with live entertainment, Santa and his Reindeer, our giant interactive snow globe, ice skating, treats and more!
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The CHAOS Greater Pompano Beach, Lighthouse Point, Deerfield Beach Holiday Boat Parade
WHEN: Dec 21 | 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
WHERE: VIEWING AREAS
* RESTAURANT LIVE VIEWING
- Sands Harbor Resort & Marina, Sunset Catch by Mario, Two Georges at the Cove, Houston’s (call them for info)
PUBLIC LIVE VIEWING AREA
- *Alsdorf Park -2901 NE14th Street, Pompano Beach- (limited stadium seating) First Come First Served
- * Sullivan Park- 1633 Riverview Rd, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441-Bring your own Chairs
PUBLIC SCREEN VIEWING AREA
- * Mitchell Moore Park- 901 NW 10th St, Pompano Beach, FL 33060- Big screen with Facebook live – Bring your own Chairs
The 61st Annual CHAOS Pompano Beach/Lighthouse Point/Deerfield Beach Holiday Boat Parade will take place between the hours of 7 and 9:30 along the intracoastal waterway on Thursday December the 21st, 2023. This year’s theme is “A Salute to our First Responders”. The Grand Marshals selected for 2023 are “Pompano Beach Fire Rescue & Ely Fire Cadets”. Also new for 2023 is a live broadcast via YouTube.
More than 50 boats, glowing with colorful lights, holiday decorations, music and merriment, thrill thousands of spectators that line the Intracoastal Waterway, as they float past decorated homes, hotels, restaurants and parks. The air will be filled with the spirit of the holidays as the community comes together in this wonderful annual event to kick-off and celebrate the winter season! And let’s not forget “Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus” will be making an appearance too!
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Holidays at the Aventura Mall
From holiday installations and exclusive experiences, Aventura Mall offers exceptional shopping, dining, and entertainment, ‘tis the season at Aventura Mall, which continues to stand as the most festive destination in South Florida this holiday season.
Holiday Events & Experiences at Aventura Mall:
Holiday Village
Aventura Mall has unveiled a Holiday Village, enchanting and delighting guests, bringing the spirit of the season to everyone. The Holiday Village is a bespoke shopping experience, offering a curated collection of local craftsmanship, delectable treats, holiday gifts, and heartwarming festivities. Visits with Santa are open for everyone to take their own photos – Black Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and thereafter Fridays from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. from November 24 through December 24. The Holiday Village is located on the Lower Level near Bloomingdale’s.
The FRIENDS™ Experience
The FRIENDS™ Experience features several nostalgia-packed rooms, activations, and re-created sets including Monica’s kitchen and the iconic FRIENDS™ fountain. The interactive space provides opportunities to explore the show’s history and revisit your favorite moments including posing in front of Rachel and Monica’s purple door, relaxing in Chandler and Joey’s recliners, and helping Ross with the famous sofa pivot. And of course, the space features a re-created Central Perk with the legendary orange couch. Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.
Dior Garden of Dreams
Immerse yourself in the enchanting ‘Dior Garden of Dreams’ pop-up, bringing the magic of Tuileries Garden exclusively to Aventura Mall. Explore the snow-dusted garden and take advantage of Dior’s Art of Gifting services for a truly special holiday experience, with the pop-up offering exclusive and exceptional pieces, and holiday limited editions, some of which are typically only available for purchase online.
Visit with Santa
Guests are invited to visit Santa at the enchanting Holiday Village! Those interested in capturing timeless moments can bring their personal camera and “sleigh” a photo with Santa and even bring their furry friends along for the ride! Visits with Santa take place in the Holiday Village November 24 through December 24 – Black Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and thereafter Fridays from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Holiday Village is located on the Lower Level near Bloomingdale’s.
The Aventura Market Special Editions
For over 20 years, The Aventura Farmers Market has functioned in support of the local community, giving shoppers the perfect setting to explore exotic foods and handmade goods from local businesses. Today, the market showcases a diverse array of cuisine, fresh produce, and desserts – as well as handcrafted clothing, décor and accessories – from dozens of vendors. This holiday season, The Aventura Farmers Market will continue every weekend – plus, there will be special Black Friday and Holiday Edition market weekends to provide visitors with even more unique and locally sourced gifting options.
Holiday Favorites and Instagrammable Opportunities
In addition to the Holiday Village, Aventura Mall is proud to present a host of other holiday-inspired attractions throughout the mall.
The Aventura Train Station
The largest and grandest model train in Florida, returns with its enchanting world of miniature marvels and awe-inspiring details. The 18-by-30-foot display spans over 100 scale miles of track and features more than 500 figurines, over a dozen animated accessories, a working drawbridge, a party yacht, towns with lighted buildings, and more. The Aventura Train Station is located on the Lower Level next to Macy’s.
Santa’s Sleigh and Mailbox
Snap pictures with the whole family in Santa’s shiny red and gold sleigh, which is set against a bundle of frosted, lit Christmas trees, and next to a smiling, red-nosed reindeer and Santa’s Mailbox, where kids are encouraged to drop off their letters! The installation is located on the Upper Level in front of Zara.
Nightgarden At Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden in Miami
WHEN/WHERE: Starting November 15 at 10901 Old Cutler Road, Miami.
WHAT: Fairchild is brought to life with stunning illumination! Enjoy enchanted activities, interactive light and sound experiences and solve the mystery surrounding the FairyScope(TM) app.
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Holiday Fantasy Lights at Tradewinds Park
WHEN/WHERE: Through January 4; Open Nightly 6-10pm; Open Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve/Day, New Year’s Eve/Day at 3600 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek.
WHAT: Celebrate the holidays with a spectacular drive through three miles of giant animated holiday displays and illuminated trees. Our 30th annual event is larger than ever and includes favorites from the past and exciting new creations!
PURCHASE TICKETS
Jungle Island Luminosa
WHEN/WHERE: November 14-March 8 at 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami.
Jungle Island, in collaboration with LEKTRIK Art, is thrilled to announce the return of its beloved Luminosa festival, now entering its third year. Building on the resounding success of previous years, Luminosa promises even more wonder, with enchanting new elements and immersive experiences. For a limited time, guests can also explore Jungle Island’s first-ever Holiday Village.
