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2026 South Florida Holiday Events Guide

1. Garden of Lights Palm Tree

In an effort to save our collective parental holiday sanity, MBMom has consolidated the BEST 2026 South Florida Holiday events, activations and Christmas event in Florida into a handy guide (***to be updated regularly***)!

 

Happy Holiday SEASON MBMoms! And don’t forget about Winter Break Camps–we also have a handy guide for that!

Breakfast with Santa at Nordstrom Boca Raton

Nordstrom Holiday Breakfast 2026

DATE/TIME: Saturday, December 5th; 9, 9:30 or 10am

LOCATION: Bazille at Nordstrom Boca Raton

 

Join for a delicious holiday-inspired breakfast, visits from Santa and Nordy, kids’ activities and more. Plus, capture the magic of the season with Photos with Santa, available exclusively for breakfast guests until 11am.

 

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Delray Beach 100’ Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration and Yuletide Street Fair 

Delray Beach Christmas Tree

DATE/TIME: Tuesday, December 1; 6-9pm 

LOCATION: Old School Square, Delray Beach

 

Join to celebrate 33 years of the 100 Ft. Christmas Tree. Help welcome the holidays with festivities, delicious food, musical performances, crafts, and many more holiday surprises.

 

Do some holiday shopping with over 60 vendors down Atlantic Ave., Old School Square, and Pineapple Grove. Enjoy the culinary creations at one of the many food trucks on Swinton Ave. Silent disco, and more in one festive, fun-filled night. Most importantly, you don’t want to miss Santa lighting up the tree.

 

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11th Annual Tree Lighting at BRiC

BRiC fountain edit (1)

DATE/TIME: Thursday, November 19; 5:30-7:30pm

LOCATION: Boca Raton Innovation Campus

 

BRiC is once again kicking off the holiday season in style with the first community tree lighting event of the season. The community gathering will feature the annual holiday lighting with the center lake as its backdrop, a meet-and-greet with Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves, and an enchanting drone show to cap off the evening.

Younger guests can jump into the holiday spirit at the Nutcracker-themed bounce house or visit the Kids’ Activity Tent, where ArtNest will offer festive keychain-making and Habitat for Humanity will host hands-on activities for children. The Junior League of Boca Raton, an organization devoted to promoting volunteerism, empowerment, and community betterment through the leadership of trained volunteers, will also organize a book drive to encourage literacy and a love of reading. Attendees can also enjoy spending time with therapy dogs in the Canine-Assisted Therapy Area. 

A VIP tent experience will also be available, with tickets priced at $60 for adults and $16 for children under 16. Patrons will be granted access to the VIP hospitality tent, which includes multiple open bars, a variety of hors d’oeuvres, a carving station, and special activities. Inside, the VIP “Kids Corner” will provide treats, beverages, a Candy Bar and a special “Make Your Own S’mores” station. Additional entertainment includes face painting, glitter tattoos, and a live illustrator. All proceeds from the VIP ticket sales will benefit the Junior League of Boca Raton, carrying on the tradition of supporting the organization. Space is limited and the tent typically sells out quickly, so attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets early.

This year’s Food Truck Village will serve up a variety of savory bites and sweet treats. Guests can enjoy offerings from 681 Seafood, How Ya Doughn, Uptown Deli, Maria’s Tacos and Marco’s Burgers, alongside desserts from Santo Dulce, Cotton Candy, Cool & Creamy, Frost E and Crepe Stick. A hot chocolate station will offer the seasonal favorite for all, while a cash bar will offer refreshments for adults.

Ample free parking is available onsite. In the event of inclement weather, a rain date is set for the same time on Friday, November 20. Continuing the event’s charitable traditions, general admission is free with an unwrapped toy donation. These donations will support the nonprofit’s Annual Holiday Gift Drive, bringing joy to thousands of children throughout Palm Beach County.

 

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Boca Holiday Street Parade 

Boca Holiday Street Parade

DATE/TIME: Wednesday, December 2; 7:30-9pm 

LOCATION: Downtown Boca Raton

 

The 54rd Annual Boca Raton Holiday Street Parade will feature decorated floats and community groups which will entertain viewers as they bring dancing, lighting, and music to Federal Highway in Downtown Boca. The parade will start at Federal Highway and SE 5th Street, and travel north to the Mizner Park Amphitheater. 

 

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Holiday Kickoff At Boca Center

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DATE/TIME: Friday, November 20; 5:30-8:00pm

LOCATION: The Shops at Boca Center

 

Santa Claus is coming to town! Join us as we ring in the season at Holiday Kickoff on Friday, November 20, from 5:30-8:00PM. Enjoy an evening of festive fun for the whole family!

 

Get ready for holiday fun, including: Live holiday music performances, and photos with Santa (for a $10 donation benefiting the Boca Raton Toy Drive). There will also be cookie decorating, letters to Santa, and other activities.

 

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Holiday Photos With Santa at Town Center at Boca Raton

South Florida Holiday Events

DATE/TIME: November 6-December 24 

LOCATION: Town Center at Boca Raton (Nordstrom Court)

 

The ultimate holiday tradition awaits. And Santa is making a list and checking it twice — so reserve your photos with Santa today! Santa arrives on November 6th and will be here through December 24th. Book early to ensure your spot to see Santa.

 

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A Special Visit with Caring Santa

South Florida Holiday Events

DATE/TIME: Sunday, December 6; 9-10:30am

 

Caring Santa® is a special, sensory-friendly experience – exclusively for children with special needs and their families. Santa will be located in the Nordstrom Court. Photos will be taken and available for purchase at this event. Reservations are required for this private event.

 

To reserve your spot, click “Reserve your visit here!”


A Special Santa Visit for Pets

South Florida Holiday Events

DATE/TIME: Sunday, November 22; 6:30-8:30pm

 

Bring your pets to pose with Santa! Your pets are part of the family too, so don’t miss this fun opportunity for them to see Santa too! Pet Photos will be located in Nordstrom Court. Photos will be taken and available for purchase at this event. Reservations are not required for this event. 

 

Reserve your visit here for Pet Photos with Santa.

Holiday Fantasy Lights At Tradewinds Park

South Florida Holiday Events Guide

DATE/TIME: November 21 – January 22

LOCATION: Tradewinds Park

 

Celebrate the holidays with three miles of giant animated holiday displays and illuminated trees. Their 32nd annual event is larger than ever and includes favorites from the past and exciting new creations.

 

Stroll Through the Lights

Friday, November 13, 6-9PM

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through one of South Florida’s most popular family-friendly holiday events. Also at the event, enjoy food trucks and mail letters to Santa in the North Pole Mailbox. Get your tickets now to secure your chosen entry time. Tickets available online only.

 

Bike Through the Lights

Sunday, November 15, 6-9PM

Gather your family and friends for a glimmering ride through the holiday lights. Yummy food trucks and helpful bike repair will also be at the event. Get your tickets now to secure your chosen entry time. Tickets available online only.

 

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Santa Arrives At The Mall At Wellington Green | South Florida Holiday Events

Santa at The Mall at Wellington Green

DATE/TIME: November 13 – December 24

LOCATION: The Mall at Wellington Green

 

Santa’s Arrival Party

  • Grand Court
  • Friday, November 14
  • 6-7:00pm
  • FREE

 

Santa Claus is officially in town! Children and families are invited to celebrate Santa’s official arrival to The Mall at Wellington Green with a festive bubble party, holiday treats, photo ops and more. 

 

Santa Photos at The Ice Palace 

  • The Ice Palace in Grand Court  
  • November 13–December 24
  • Hours vary

 

Children always look forward to a magical visit with Santa Claus at The Mall at Wellington Green. Get snapped with Santa at The Ice Palace and tell him what you’re wishing for this year. 

 

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Holiday Book Signing with Boca Raton Author, R.G. Taylor

Spike and the Holiday Parade Book

DATE/TIME: December 6; 11:00am

LOCATION: Barnes & Noble Boca Raton

 

This heartwarming story follows Spike, a lovable pug who discovers the magic of community and celebration during a vibrant holiday parade. Spike and the Holiday Parade takes place at Mizner Park – a perfect connection to Boca Moms and Boca’s Holiday Parade!

 

It’s a joyful, art-inspired read that’s perfect for Boca families looking to add something meaningful to their holiday traditions.  The book is a top seller and reached #7 in its category last year on Amazon! 

Usher In The Holiday Season At CityPlace in West Palm Beach

South Florida Holiday Events Guide

DATE/TIME: Saturday, November 14; 5-9pm (Holiday Kickoff)

LOCATION: CityPlace, West Palm Beach

 

Usher in the season with a festive evening of live entertainment! Ballet Palm Beach opens the night with a preview of The Nutcracker, followed by holiday harmonies from The Sensational A Cappella Group. Richie Nuzz takes the stage with jazz elegance, rich vocals and expressive trombone solos, while special appearances by Santa add to the magic. Plus, experience the all-new flagship Audi SQ9, with the first 500 guests receiving an exclusive gift courtesy of Audi West Palm Beach.

 

The Holidays at CityPlace presented by Florida Power & Light Company.

  • 5-9pm Santa’s Workshop Presented by Bank of America
    5-9pm Live Entertainment by Richie Nuzz, The Sensational A Capella Group
    6:30pm First Snowfall and The Wishing Tree Lighting

    Snowfall and Light Shows at 6:30pm, 7:30pm, and 8:30pm. 

 

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West Palm Beach Holiday In Paradise | South Florida Holiday Events

Sandi at Holiday in Paradise in West Palm Beach photo courtesy of the City of West Palm Beach

DATE/TIME: November 27 – December 31

LOCATION: West Palm Beach Waterfront

 

Dec 7: Sandi and Santa’s Annual Pancake Breakfast |

Tickets are $18 per person, plus taxes and fees, and will include private access to Santa and Mrs. Claus and the only daytime ride on Ferris. You can purchase tickets at www.wpb.org/events. 

 

Dec. 11: Clematis by Night on featuring Phoenix5 (Soul, Funk, Rock, Reggae) 6 – 9 p.m.

FREE on the Centennial Square & Great Lawn

 

Dec. 12: Nights in Northwood Village

Nights in Northwood Village | Northwood Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 – celebrate the season in Northwood Village with dazzling holiday lights, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts from local artisans, and festive live entertainment. This is a FREE event, so attendees are encouraged to bring their friends, family, and neighbors for this vibrant holiday celebration.

 

Dec. 13: Greater WPB Boat Parade

 

Dec. 21: Sunday on the Waterfront on the Stage featuring the Aloha Islanders Tropical Polynesian Show| 4 – 7 p.m. 

The annual vibrant, high-energy, and authentic Polynesian show is popular with guests of all ages and is consistently the most popular Sunday on the Waterfront show. FREE on the Great Lawn 

 

Dec. 26: NO CLEMATIS BY NIGHT

Sandi and Ferris will still operate on the normal schedule. 

 

Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve | 6 p.m. – midnight 

Ring in the New Year in style with Sandi, Ferris, and friends with extra music and light shows.

 

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Ilumina At Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach

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DATE/TIME: November 12 – January 11

LOCATION: Mounts Botanical Garden

 

ILUMINA: A Tropical Garden Lantern Festival transforms our lush landscape into a glowing paradise filled with more than 500 handcrafted silk lanterns, inspired by the plants, animals, and vibrant spirit of the tropics. As you stroll through illuminated pathways, you’ll encounter towering chameleons, radiant flamingos, shimmering butterflies, luminous orchids, and the festival’s breathtaking centerpiece—a 195-foot dragon rising from the Garden’s lake, a masterpiece of color and light that will leave you in awe.

 

Each lantern is a work of art, created by artisans who blend centuries-old traditions with contemporary creativity. The result is a multisensory experience that connects people of all ages with the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

 

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Santa’s Enchanted Garden At The Gardens Mall 

Santas Enchanted Garden in the Grand Court

DATE/TIME: November 13 – December 24

LOCATION: The Gardens Mall, Palm Beach Gardens

 

Santa’s Arrival Parade & Photos
Santa arrives Friday, November 13 at 6 p.m., with the Palm Beach Gardens High School Marching Band and festive characters. Visit Santa in the Grand Court November 13–December 24 during mall hours. Weekend Stilt Walking Elves appear from 1–4 p.m. Reservations encouraged; walk-ups welcome. Kids receive a free pocket-sized Christmas storybook.

 

Salvation Army Angel Tree
Choose an angel and help a local child in need this holiday season. The tree will be in the mall’s east wing, lower level, November 20–December 20. Donations accepted. Kickoff event: Friday, November 20 at noon.

 

Maltz Jupiter Theatre Jingle Jam & Shopping Day
Saturday, December 5, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Enjoy 30-minute performances at noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m., plus raffles, giveaways and visits from the Drama Dragon.

 

Musicthon
Saturday, December 12 at 10 a.m. in Nordstrom Court. Enjoy holiday performances by Palm Beach County school music programs, with proceeds benefiting Breakthrough T1D.

 

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Santa Story Time! Williams Sonoma Hosting Breakfast and Cookie Decorating Event for Children With Special Needs

DATE/TIME: Sunday, December 7; 8:30am

LOCATION: Williams Sonoma at The Gardens Mall

 

Children with special needs and their families can enjoy a delicious breakfast courtesy of Brio Italian Grille, a heartwarming Santa story time, and hands-on cookie decorating. Tickets are $30 per person, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

 

This festive morning event is designed to bring holiday joy and inclusivity to the special needs community. Proceeds from the event ensure that no family ever receives a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food while their child is cared for at St. Jude.

 

Space is limited. For reservations, call Randi Kirshner, William Sonoma’s general manager, at 561-799-2425.

Zoo Lights at The Palm Beach Zoo

Screenshot 2026 11 10 102756

DATE/TIME: November 20 – January 3

LOCATION: Palm Beach Zoo

 

This holiday event is now in its eighth year with the biggest transformation in the event’s history. This year’s Zoo Lights is one glowing story told in three chapters, and it’s shaping up to be one of the best South Florida holiday events in West Palm Beach.

 

Boynton Beach South Florida Holiday Events

Holidays in Boynton Beach 2025

Holiday Tree Lighting

Kick off the holiday season in Downtown Boynton Beach on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 4–10pm at Centennial Park & Amphitheater (120 E. Ocean Avenue).

 

The festive evening will feature the annual holiday tree lighting, a drone show, live music and performances, holiday market and food vendors, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Kids can enjoy a special performance stage near Seacrest Boulevard and E. Ocean Avenue, along with Grinch and Whoville-themed fun, holiday activities and festive photo opportunities.

 

Holiday Boat Parade

Keep the holiday celebrations going on Friday, December 11, 2026, from 6–9pm at Boynton Harbor Marina (735 Casa Loma Blvd.). Enjoy an evening along the waterfront as boats take part in Boynton Beach’s holiday parade.

 

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Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade | South Florida Holiday Events 2026

South Florida Holiday Events Guide

DATE/TIME: December 6; 6pm

LOCATION: Intracoastal Waterway from North Palm Beach to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse

 

Get ready for an unforgettable night of festive cheer and dazzling boats during the 32nd Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade! Watch up to 80 boats light up the Intracoastal Waterway from North Palm Beach to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.

 

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 Santa’s Holiday Party At the Galleria Mall

South Florida Holiday Events Guide

DATE/TIME: Saturday November 28; 11am-2pm

LOCATION: The Galleria Mall in Ft. Lauderdale

 

This FREE family-friendly event will feature a festive lineup of holiday fun, including a 30-minute Winter Wonderland musical stage show with a special character meet-and-greet, holiday carolers, face painting, cookie decorating, seasonal crafts, treats, prizes and a special appearance by Santa!

 

Families can also enjoy entertainment, arts and crafts, a family meal and a photo opportunity with Santa. The event kicks off Santa’s seasonal stay at Galleria, where families can take keepsake portraits with him throughout the holiday season for a nominal fee. Admission is FREE and open to the public.

 

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Christmas Wonderland At Tropical Park Miami | South Florida Holiday Events 2026

DATE/TIME: November 12 – January 3

LOCATION: Tropical Park in Miami

 

Back for its fourth year, Christmas Wonderland transforms more than 14 acres of Tropical Park into a massive holiday attraction featuring six immersive holiday worlds, more than 50 rides, dazzling light shows and nonstop entertainment for all ages.

 

New for 2026: Take in panoramic views aboard the 230-foot America 250 Wheel, billed as the world’s largest portable observation wheel, or catch Light Up the Night, a mile-long Tinsel Trail featuring synchronized lights and music every hour. Families can also explore the new Christmas Marketplace for handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats and holiday photo ops, and join Duck Discovery, an interactive scavenger hunt for kids 12 and younger. Special choir performances are scheduled for December 1, 8 and 15, along with a nostalgic tribute to the holiday traditions generations of Miami families remember from Tropical Park.

 

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Hoffman’s Chocolate’s Winter Wonderland at Flamingo Gardens 

Hoffman's Chocolates Winter Wonderland at Flamingo Gardens | South Florida Holiday Events 2026

DATE/TIME: November 21 – December 30

LOCATION: Flamingo Gardens in Davie

 

You might’ve heard of Hoffman’s Winter Wonderland before, but this year promises to be bigger, brighter and spread more holiday cheer than ever. With the collaboration of Hoffman’s Chocolates, Flamingo Gardens and Amazon, guests will see Flamingo Gardens’ Arboretum transform. Visuals include: 
 
  • Brand-new holiday light displays and immersive, themed experiences throughout the Gardens
  • A dazzling 35-foot Christmas tree and Holiday tree lot
  • Santa’s Village, presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
  • Sounds of the Season Stage, presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
  • Meet Santa nightly through December 23
  • Storytime with Mrs. Claus and fun holiday crafts
  • Hoffman’s Chocolates Pop-Up Shop and The Sweet Ride Ice Cream Truck
  • Cozy s’mores and festive treats from the Flamingo Pond Café
  • Holiday Tree lot presented by FPL
  • Live holiday music every night and even more festive surprises throughout your visit! 

 

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Night Garden at the Fairchild Tropical Botanical GardenNightGarden at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden | South Florida Holiday Events 2026

DATE/TIME: Starting Thursday, November 12

LOCATION: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables

 

This year, Miami families can lace up their skates under the palms. NightGarden is back at Fairchild for its eighth season with a REAL ice rink, glowing new light and sound displays, and a visit with Archie, the talking tree kids get to wake up each holiday season. Grab a hot chocolate from the food trucks and make a night of it.
 

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2025 South Florida Holiday Events Guide by Modern Boca Mom

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