It’s the most wonderful time of year in Greater Fort Lauderdale. Our vibrant cities, family-friendly attractions, and local businesses are decking the halls with drive-thru light displays, festive parades (both on land and sea), and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Here’s a selection of popular holiday events that have become beloved traditions in Greater Fort Lauderdale.
See Holiday Lights Throughout Greater Fort Lauderdale
Get an early start on the holidays with the City of Fort Lauderdale’s “Light Up” series, welcoming the season with festive events across the city:
- Light Up the Beach – Nov. 18 at Las Olas Oceanside Park (the LOOP)
- Light Up the Galt – Nov. 21 in North Beach at A1A and Oakland Park Boulevard, and on Northeast 32nd and 33rd Streets from A1A to Northeast 33rd Avenue
- Light Up Sistrunk – Dec. 6 along Sistrunk Boulevard
- Light Up Carter Park – Dec. 13 at Carter Park
To celebrate the start of Hanukkah, a menorah lighting will be held on Dec. 26 at Las Olas Oceanside Park (the LOOP).
There’s no need to leave your car during the Holiday Fantasy of Lights drive-thru event at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek. From Nov. 23 to Jan. 4, the park offers three miles of lit-up trees and holiday displays, including arches, snowmen, reindeer, Santa Clauses, and other whimsical holiday creatures.
The Water Taxi is one of the most classic ways to get around in Fort Lauderdale, and the hulls will be lit up for the holidays. The Holiday Lights Cruise runs from Dec. 5 to Jan. 4, 2025 and features live music, a bar, twinkling lights, and access to see the waterways lit up with holiday cheer.
There will be a triple lighting ceremony on Dec. 5 at Tamarac’s Caporella Park, with the lighting of the Christmas tree, hanukkah menorah, and Kwanzaa kinara. You can also expect a special appearance by Santa, a kids area, and other holiday entertainment.
Celebrate the holidays among the flamingos during the Garden of Lights event at Flamingo Gardens in Davie from Dec. 13 to 23 and 26 to 30. Thousands of lights will illuminate the arboretum and Wray Lawn for a self-guided tour throughout the property. Plus, entertainment, arts and crafts, specialty beverages, a holiday market, and holiday treats, including a s’mores kit to enjoy over fire pits.
Gather Around
Mark your calendars for Dec. 3. For 62 years, Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale has been transformed into Christmas on Las Olas, fit with meet-and-greets with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, live performances by local children’s and church choirs, arts and crafts vendors, plenty of festive sips and treats, an ice skating arena, and snow.
The town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea hosts its annual Christmas By the Sea on Dec. 4 for the annual tree lighting, seaside holiday crafts, writing letters to Santa, and other beachy fun.
In Pompano Beach, Light Up MLK Boulevard on Dec. 7 will have Annie Adderly Gillis Park aglow with the lights of the Christmas tree. The event is open to all and includes sounds of the season, performances by local groups, food and drink, activities, and arts and crafts.
Bring out the whole family to Deerfield Beach’s Ocean Way Holiday on Dec. 7 at the Main Beach parking lot. There, you’ll find live entertainment, Santa with his crew of reindeer, an interactive snow globe, ice skating, holiday treats, and more. Plus, the city’s lights will be on display all month long.
Sunrise Arts & Crafts Festival’s transforms into a Winter Wonderland on Dec. 14. Hosted at Welleby Park, it’s the perfect opportunity to shop local for holiday gifts, from artisan crafts, homemade treats, and one-of-a-kind retail pieces. Plus, kids can partake in holiday games, visits with Santa, and snow.
The Las Olas Oceanside Park (The LOOP) will be busy this holiday season with its weekly Friday Night Sound Waves. On Dec. 24, Sinatra and Friends will return for a Christmas Eve special with classic tunes from Ol’ Blue Eyes as well as holiday hits. The six-piece band is headed by Jeff Grainger, and you may even see Sammy and Dean from the Rat pack make an appearance.
Everybody Loves a Parade
This year, Pompano Beach’s annual Yuletide on Atlantic parade’s theme is Christmas movies! Get a good seat early to watch the streets fill with floats, music, live performances, a visit from Santa, and other family fun. The parade is scheduled for Dec. 5 (with a rain date of Dec. 12). Performances will take place at Harbor Drive and Atlantic Boulevard.
Make way for the candy canes! Hollywood Beach’s 67th annual Candy Cane Parade returns on Dec. 7, winding from the boardwalk at Missouri Street to Harrison Street. A parade MC will be stationed at the Hollywood Beach Theatre to lead the festivities.
Coral Springs schools and community groups will be coming together Dec. 11 for the city’s annual parade; this year’s theme is “Magical Memories: A Ride Down Memory Lane.”
In its 53rd year, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Winterfest Boat Parade returns on Dec. 14. Watch from the shores of the New River and the Intracoastal Waterway as a parade of beautiful vessels lit up with Christmas lights make their way down the 12-mile route.
Historical Holidays
Experience Holiday Magic at the historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens on Dec. 6, 7, 11, 12, and 13. Five days of trees, wreaths, and a Floridian winter wonderland will be celebrated with live music, a holiday floral arrangement class, special appearances by Santa, and performances by the characters from “POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance.”
Experience a Victorian Christmas at the Stranahan House, Fort Lauderdale’s oldest surviving home, from Dec. 15 to 20. Admire the home adorned with festive holiday decor and join guided tours every 10 minutes, where docents share fascinating insights into how the city's pioneers celebrated Christmas. And don’t miss the chance to discover unique keepsakes in the gift shop.