It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Greater Fort Lauderdale! Lights are twinkling, decorations are abundant, and holiday cheer can be found around every palm tree. From Las Olas Boulevard to Gulfstream Park, Greater Fort Lauderdale is brimming with festive splendor. Ready to get into the holiday spirit? Read on for the best places to experience holiday lights and decorations in Greater Fort Lauderdale.
Fort Lauderdale
Known as Fort Lauderdale’s oldest surviving home, the Historic Stranahan House Museum offers charming Victorian Christmas Tours on select days in December. Take a trip back in time to the Victorian era in the beautifully decorated Historic Stranahan House Museum. Learn how holiday traditions started and how the pioneers celebrated Christmas in the early days of Fort Lauderdale. Then, pop into their gift shop to get something for everyone on your (nice) list.
Want an extra dose of Fort Lauderdale history? Celebrate five nights of holiday magic at the whimsical and historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens during their sixth annual fundraising event. For five wonderful nights, a talented team of designers will decorate the house and grounds, with all trees, wreaths, and centerpieces available for purchase. Bonnet House will also offer self-guided tours and special events each night, including storytelling with Santa and his elves, strolling carolers, and much more!
A winter wonderland awaits as Las Olas Oceanside Park (the LOOP) transforms into a hub of holiday activity during its third annual WONDERLAND. With Santa sightings, a holiday market, a new ice skating rink, and more, everyone under the sun can make lasting memories at this seven-week holiday experience. For Instagram-worthy snaps, don’t miss out on over 50,000 lights illuminating the picturesque beachfront and the return of “Olas,” the wildly popular 20-foot beach snowman located at A1A and Las Olas Boulevard.
Starting December 1, embark on a majestic Water Taxi Holiday Lights Cruise for a spectacular seasonal show of lights and decorations. Guests can enjoy live music, a host of holiday cocktails, and a front row seat to breathtaking homes decked out for the holidays.
Known as the “Best Show on H20,” the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade offers a unique holiday experience. Now in its 52nd year, the aquatic parade features boats of all sizes adorned with holiday lights and decorations, navigating a 12-mile route along Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway.
Davie
Thousands of lights and holiday decor will fill the Arboretum and Wray Lawn of Davie’s Flamingo Gardens during its annual Garden of Light event. Taking place on select nights in December, attendees can expect after-hours self-guided walks throughout one of South Florida’s oldest botanical gardens, visits from Santa and friends, live musical performances, holiday treats and more!
Coconut Creek
If you’re looking for a holly jolly time from the comfort of your own vehicle, Tradewinds Park will once again host Holiday Fantasy of Lights—South Florida’s most popular drive-thru holiday attraction! Starting at the end of November and running through December, you can drive through three miles of giant animated displays and tons of twinkling lights while jamming to your favorite holiday tunes.
Hallandale Beach
Get ready to deck the halls during Gulfstream Park Village’s ‘Symphony in Lights’ Holiday Celebration. Running nightly from November 11-December 31, the property will be illuminated with more than 250,000 LED lights, all set to the sounds of holiday classics and modern tunes. A 10-minute light show begins at the top of every hour from 6-11 p.m. Guests may also enjoy the festive decor, including a Christmas tree with a show-stopping topper, a regal Santa chair and archway, elegant street light post ornaments, and LED entrance lighting.
In Greater Fort Lauderdale, it’s easy to make your spirits bright with so many amazing spots to experience holiday lights and decorations. From holiday cruises to drive-thru light displays and everything in between, there’s something very merry for everyone under the sun.