‘Tis the season for magic and wonder. The holidays are upon us, and we're here to help you make the most of it during your stay in Greater Fort Lauderdale. From classics like Christmas on Las Olas to cheerful holiday performances, brace yourself for a whirlwind of adventures. We've rounded up all the best events in one comprehensive guide to ensure you have a merry time in Greater Fort Lauderdale.
AROUND TOWN FESTIVITIES
Every year, The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens in Fort Lauderdale magically transforms into a gorgeous spectacle during its annual Holiday Magic Soirée. On five select nights beginning December 5, walk around the decorated estate and historic house museum while enjoying a full bar, bites, and live music. All the decorated trees, wreaths, and centerpieces throughout the house will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting The Bonnet House. Guests can attend on December 5, 6, 10, 11, and 12.
Take your holiday photos to the next level during Cookies with Santa at The Historic Stranahan House. Book a family photo session with Santa Claus on December 6 for a memorable photo opp (online reservations are recommended). If you’re in town later that month, stop by for the Victorian Christmas Tours available December 16-20. Choose between a group tour or explore solo. You'll learn about holiday traditions, see how the pioneers of Fort Lauderdale celebrated the season, and finish with some Christmas shopping at the gift shop.
Watch as Fort Lauderdale beach gets a glow-up during the annual Light Up the Beach celebration, returning to Las Olas Oceanside Park (LOOP) on November 19. Kick off the holiday season with 50,000 twinkling lights, live music, and plenty of coastal cheer. Be sure to snap a photo with “Olas,” the 20-foot beach snowman, hang out at the family-friendly Kids Zone and witness the lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m.
Another favorite of the season is the 63rd annual Christmas on Las Olas — a.k.a., the most exciting time of the year for the boulevard. This year’s free public event on December 2 promises to bring the winter season to locals and visitors alike with holiday performances, food vendors, kid-friendly activities like sledding down Snow Mountain, and even fake snow.
Bahia Mar’s Marina Village kicks off the season with its inaugural “Light Up the Village” featuring Fort Lauderdale’s tallest Christmas tree on November 21 (tree lighting at 7 p.m.). Guests can enjoy a night of magical snowfall, face painting, fresh-baked cookies and coquito, and a specialty cocktail menu as the waterfront comes alive with holiday cheer.
Sip and savor even more festive cocktails at Miracle Bar at Carousel Club in Hallandale Beach. The open-air venue set against the backdrop of horse racing is reimagined into a vibrant winter-meets-tropical escape—over-the-top, kitschy decorations and reimagined cocktail glasses included! Whimsical seasonal cocktails range from classics like the Christmapolitan to new inventions, like Candy Cane Lane and Dancing Sugarplums.
Catch one of the many tree lightings in Greater Fort Lauderdale by stopping by Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach for its Symphony in Lights. From December 6 to December 31, families can enjoy the seasonal lights display at the open-air lifestyle center. If you’re in the area on December 6, be sure not to miss its kickoff event at 6 p.m. featuring an expanded music program, 250,000 illuminated lights, and a snow-filled visit from Santa.
Let it Snow Dania Pointe brings the magic of winter to South Florida with a sparkling 10-minute “snowfall” on the Lawn every weekend, Nov. 28–Dec. 28. Bring the family and enjoy the flurries under the twinkle lights all season long, then make the most of this modern lifestyle destination, featuring everything from shopping to restaurants to entertainment.
Staying closer to Hollywood? Make your way to the 69th Annual Hollywood Beach Candy Cane Parade along the Broadwalk on December 7. This festive seaside spectacle features dozens of illuminated floats and vehicles gliding from Missouri Street to Harrison Street. Watch the show from the sand or stop by the Hollywood Beach Theatre at Johnson Street, where the parade’s emcee keeps the holiday spirit shining bright.
Keep the holiday vibes flowing with Holiday Fantasy of Lights at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek—dubbed Florida's largest spectacular drive-thru holiday lighting event. Fun for the whole family, hop in the car and drive through 3 miles of giant animated holiday displays and illuminated lights.
Follow the glow to Hoffman's Chocolate Winter Wonderland at Flamingo Gardens in Davie. Wander through lights and themed displays throughout the gardens, visit Santa’s village and meet the big man himself. And, of course, don’t forget your sugar fill at Hoffman's Chocolates pop-up shop and The Sweet Ride ice cream truck.
PARTY ON THE WATER
One of the most epic events of the holiday season is the 53rd Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, known as the “Best Show on H2O,” taking place on December 13. Watch as a parade of elaborately decorated boats and yachts cruise along the Intracoastal to the theme of “Yacht Rock of Ages,” with internationally acclaimed pop artist Romero Britto and R&B singer Montell Jordan serving as Grand Marshals. You can view the spectacle anywhere along the 12-mile route, which begins at the New River, continues on the Intracoastal, and ends at Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. 
Pompano Beach will host The Greater Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade on December 12, starting at Lake Santa Barbara through the Hillsboro Bridge before ending near Sullivan Park in Deerfield Beach. View over 50 illuminated boats adorned with a kaleidoscope of colorful lights, festive decorations, music, and more along the scenic Intracoastal.
For a more laid-back way to soak in the season, set sail on the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi Holiday Lights Cruise, running now through Jan. 3. Glide past waterfront homes and mansions glowing with extravagant holiday displays during the 90-minute cruise, with festive tunes playing in the background and drinks available for purchase.
HOLIDAY JAMS
Entertainment will come a plenty this holiday season in Greater Fort Lauderdale. Not sure what to check out? You don’t want to miss performances at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale, which range from “Tower of Power: Holiday and Hits Tour” on November 30 to South Florida Symphony Orchestra: “Handel's Messiah” on December 6 to Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida’s “The Nutcracker” on December 19-21. At the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, you can catch “Les Misérables” from December 16-28 and “Black Nativity” on December 18-21.
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood is also offering festive events. Don’t miss Hard Rock The Holidays with a special Light Show Spectacular at The Guitar Hotel. Spanning 24 acres and featuring over 2 million lights, the immersive experience includes more than 20 themed displays, festive treats, and photo opps with Santa. It all culminates with a limited-time light show synced to classic holiday hits, illuminating the iconic Guitar Hotel in a dazzling seasonal display. Additional events include Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida (December 9) and Sarah Brightman: A Christmas Symphony (December 13).
SHOP LOCAL
It doesn’t get much better than buying gifts for loved ones in Greater Fort Lauderdale. Whether exploring malls and outlets or seeking hidden treasures in flea markets and quaint local boutiques, the shopping choices are endless.
Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise is home to more than 350 stores, including luxury outlets in The Colonnade, and is a great place to start for everyone on your list. Plus, you can relax afterward with a great meal at one of the many restaurants on-site, like Yard House and CVI.CHE 105.
Las Olas Boulevard in downtown Fort Lauderdale is home to a mix of businesses that have called the boulevard home for decades. Have fun popping in and out of storefronts, including Southern Moon and South Tide Under. Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach is renowned for its horse racing, but it also beckons visitors as a shopping haven, boasting an array of stores dedicated to fashion and home furnishings.
And there’s no forgetting our locally-owned businesses. A few favorites include swimwear and accessories brand Montce, as well as women’s boutiques like The Wander Shop in Oakland Park and Etiquette. Don’t miss Connect Record Shop in the heart of the Thrive Arts District. Their curated collection is all about quality over quantity, featuring imports, specialty dance records, 45s, rare finds, and a mix of modern and classic favorites.