Celebrate the Season With These Holiday Happenings
Your 2023 guide to festivities and merriment in The Palm Beaches.
Trade in the snowy and dreary winter wonderland for palm-tree-lined paradise in America’s First Resort Destination. Not only does the destination have 47 miles of pristine Atlantic Coast beaches, but it also has its fair share of holiday happenings like no other. Explore treasured and timeless experiences and special events this holiday season, sure to be merry and bright in proper Palm Beach style. Read on about this year’s holiday highlights below and explore holiday deals to make your holiday visit even more magical.
Christmas Trees, Lights, and Décor
The world’s only 35-foot, 700-ton holiday sand tree – West Palm Beach
Sandi Land, the City of West Palm Beach’s yearly holiday celebration returns this year. Nightly music and light shows will run daily.
The Holiday Tree Lighting takes place on Thursday, Nov. 30, from 6 – 10 pm. The celebration will feature music by The Music Machine on the NewDay USA Stage and include FREE and special entertainment, including fun-loving pirates, strolling entertainment, photos with Santa, and much more. A holiday shopping bazaar will take place in the Lake Pavilion. Music, activities and the bazaar take place until 9 p.m. Sandi shows and rides on Ferris take place until 10 pm.
Location: the Great Lawn at 100 N. Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL, 33401.
Celebrate 30 years of the 100-foot Christmas Tree from late November into the new year. Delray residents and visitors alike can head downtown to catch a glimpse of one of the most highly anticipated Christmas sights of the year. The 100 Foot Christmas Tree Lighting is a Delray Beach tradition dating back to 1993, and since then it has become one of the largest and most celebrated holiday events in Palm Beach County. The lighting of the 100-foot Christmas Tree takes place on November 28 at 7 pm!
The Yuletide Street Festival kicks off at 6 pm on Nov. 28 and includes children’s activities and games, delicious food, live musical performances, a silent disco, Victorian carolers, crafts, and many more holiday surprises, including Santa.
Location: Old School Square, Delray Beach, FL 33444.
Holiday Décor at The Breakers – Palm Beach
As a decades-long tradition, The Breakers Palm Beach will once again enchant guests with its visually captivating décor at one of Florida’s most iconic luxury resorts. After 11 months of extensive planning and preparation, the team spends six days decking the halls, from its majestic entry to its loggias and courtyards. Starting the day after Thanksgiving, the palm lights on the main drive are illuminated and decorating continues for the next week.
Holiday décor highlights:
- Thousands of soft white lights wrap the 100 majestic royal palms and Canary Island date trees, lining the hotel’s 1,040 ft. main drive
- 170,000 twinkle lights, 8,000 ornaments, 12,000 feet of ribbon and 126 bows create an atmosphere of cheer and wonder
- Two 18 ft. evergreen trees and a sculptural menorah illuminate the hotel lobby
- Flagler Steakhouse showcases a stunning 14 ft. tree in its lobby
- The Italian Restaurant features a whimsical 7.5 ft. nutcracker-inspired tree
- Holiday-themed events and activities entertain guests and families
Location: The Breakers Palm Beach, 1 S County Rd, Palm Beach, FL 33480.
Holiday Décor at The Colony – Palm Beach
Traditions are cherished at The Colony Hotel, as such Aerin Lauder will once again be designing The Living Room’s holiday décor through her AERIN brand. Aerin’s holiday décor will draw on cherished childhood memories of holidays in Palm Beach with her grandparents Estée and Joseph and give all guests a glimpse into her world of updated classic Palm Beach glamour.
Location: The Colony, 155 Hammon Ave, Palm Beach, FL 33480.
Annual Tree Lighting at the Boca Raton – Boca Raton
On November 25, kick off the holiday season with The Boca Raton’s iconic Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Experience a dazzling display of lights and watch the property transform as holiday festivities begin. Featuring a visit from Santa Claus himself and a live performance by Scott Dreier. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served to ring in the holiday spirit in true fashion.
General admission is free with an unwrapped new toy to Spirit of Giving, collected upon entry to support the nonprofit’s Annual Holiday Gift Drive, bringing holiday cheer to thousands of children throughout Palm Beach County.
VIP Tickets are also available. Click here for more information.
Location: The Boca Raton, 501 E Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432.
Menorah Lighting – Delray Beach
Come enjoy the Grand Delray Beach Chanukah Festival & Menorah Lighting taking place from 5 pm – 7 pm on December 18 at the Old School Square Pavilion. The free festival will feature live music, game trucks, holiday snacks, crafts, and more.
Location: Old School Square, Delray Beach, FL 33444.
Parades
Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade – Palm Beach
This year marks the 29th year of the Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade along the Intracoastal Waterway. As the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County’s signature event, it raises awareness and funds for the Toys for Tots drive. The parade begins at North Palm Beach Marina and ends with a grand finale at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, as the Zambelli traveling fireworks display heads up the line of boats making for a festival Florida evening.
Location: Intracoastal Waterway from North Palm Beach to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.
Boynton Beach Holiday Boat Parade – Boynton Beach
Occurring on December 8 starting at 6:30 pm, the Boynton Beach Holiday Boat Parade features a variety of festively decorated boats and is a premier holiday attraction for the Boynton Harbor Marina. This year, the event is being held in partnership with the Town of Hypoluxo, the Town of Lantana, and the City of Delray Beach.
Each year, a combination of privately owned and commercial vessels decked out with dazzling lights, holiday décor, and costumed captains compete in the modest, yet wildly popular boat parade. The festive flotilla lights up the Intracoastal waterways of beautiful Boynton Beach!
Location: The parade will form at the Ocean Avenue Bridge in Lantana (near Old Key Lime House) and travel south to the C-15 Canal in Delray Beach (south of Linton Boulevard).
Kid-Friendly activities
Santa meet-and-greet at The Square – West Palm Beach
Step inside The Workshop at The Square, a festive wonderland where Santa will reside on weekends for photos to last a lifetime. Santa will be there every weekend from November 11 – December 31:
- Friday & Saturday 6-8 pm
- Sunday 5-7 pm
Special Dates Include:
- November 24, extended hours from 4 – 8 pm
- December 23 and 24, extended hours from 5- 8 pm
This offering is complimentary and open to the public.
Guests must take photos on own with smart phone or camera.
Location: The Square, 700 S Rosemary Ave Ste 116, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
Zoo Lights at Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society – West Palm Beach
Zoo Lights is celebrating five years of holiday magic with more twinkling, more dancing, and more magic. Visitors can walk through the 23 acres of illuminated walkways and themed displays including larger-than-life animal sculptures. Using 1 million eco-friendly lights, the event sparkles with holiday splendor, including festive fun such as cookie decorating at Santa’s Village and more. Nightly attendance will be limited, and timed tickets will be required.
Location: Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society, 1301 Summit Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33405.
Nightly Snowfall at The Square – West Palm Beach
Celebrate the Holiday season at The Square with a spectacular snowfall and light show. Take in the real magic of the holiday season each evening beginning November 11 through December 31 at 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm, and 8:30 pm.
Location: The Square, 700 S Rosemary Ave Ste 116, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
Screen on the Green: Holiday-Themed Double Feature – West Palm Beach
On Friday, Dec. 8 from 6:30 pm to 10 pm, enjoy free holiday-themed movies on the West Palm Beach waterfront. Movie features:
- Muppet Treasure Island:The Muppets are back in action in another movie based on a classic novel written by Robert Louis Stevenson. Kermit the Frog and his colleagues go on a warfare against ruthless pirates. They also share their problem-solving journey on sea to rescue a treasure.
- About Muppet Christmas Carol:The Muppet Christmas Carol is a retelling of the classic Dickens tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, miser extraordinaire. He is held accountable for his dastardly ways during night-time visitations by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
Location: Location: 101 N Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
Kids Corner Holiday Shop at The Gardens Mall – Palm Beach Gardens
The Kids Corner Holiday Shop runs through Christmas Eve in the Nordstrom Court at the Gardens Mall. This exclusive, kids-only store lets children pick out gifts for their favorite people. A wonderful team of Santa’s helpers are there to help each and every child spend one shiny coin from Santa’s golden bank. Additional coins can be purchased at three for $5, and best of all, 100% of the proceeds will benefit The Arc of Palm Beach County!
Location: The Gardens Mall, 3101 Pga Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.
Boca Holiday Festival – Boca Raton
The enchanting spirit of the holiday season is set to come alive at the much-anticipated Boca Holiday Festival, scheduled to take place at Mizner Park Amphitheater on Saturday, December 9th from 10 AM-9 PM & Sunday, December 10th from 10 AM-6 PM. This festive extravaganza promises to be a heartwarming celebration that captures the essence of the season. The weekend-long festival includes fun for all ages such as thrilling rides, holiday activities & decorations, live shows & entertainment, gift shopping, and curated food vendors. To purchase tickets or learn more about the Boca Holiday Festival visit www.BocaHolidayFestival.com
Location: Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432.
Holidays At The Cox Science Center And Aquarium – West Palm Beach
Spend the holidays with Cox Science Center & Aquarium! Wrap yourself in the warmth and incandescence of the center’s weekly Winter Wonderland Laser Lights & Bites, its ‘Tis the Season for Science series, Noon Year’s Eve, and more!
Starting off the holiday buzz, spend Black Friday looking at the dark sky versus the sales. On Friday, November 24, the Science Center will present its Dark Sky Party for fellow stargazers to step into the mysterious world of the universe. From 6 to 9 pm, guests can view the night sky and captivating astronomical objects through the new eVscopes.
Also sounding the holidays is the start of ‘Tis the Season for Science. Between November 24 and January 7, the Science Center will have a full schedule of holiday happenings, including Let It Snow Planetarium Shows, Laser Light Holiday Shows, Frigid Science Demonstrations and Winter Wonder STEM activities. The series will take place daily between 11 am and 3 pm.
Then on Friday, December 1, between 6 and 9 pm, guests are invited to step an enchanting and starry night of Winter Wonderland Laser Lights & Bites! In partnership with FPL SolarNow, visitors of all ages can sing and dance to their holiday favorites during the spectacular outdoor laser concert. Recurring every Friday in December, families and individuals can enjoy DIY s’mores stations, face paintings, mini-golf winter-themed crafts, and holiday photos with the one and only Santa! Food trucks from Bustle and Brew, Tacos Vera Cruz Food Trucks, Gimme Grillin and Tina’s Treats Food Trucks will also be onsite. Click here for more information.
Location: Cox Science Center and Aquarium, 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, FL 33405.
Art & Culture
A Christmas Carol – Jupiter
The magic of the yuletide season comes to life in Charles Dickens’ masterpiece, A Christmas Carol, performed at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre from November 28 to December 10.
The miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, through a series of strange and magical journeys with the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, discovers the true spirit of the holiday season. This reimagined concept of the classic story of redemption is interwoven with dazzling special effects, traditional songs, strolling carolers and musicians, and will surely usher in holiday memories for years to come.
Location: Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 East Indiantown Road, Jupiter, FL 33477.
34th Annual Musicthon at The Gardens Mall – Palm Beach Gardens
The 34th Annual Musicthon returns Saturday, December 16 from 10 am to 7 pm in the Nordstrom Court at the Gardens Mall. The holiday musical extravaganza is provided by the Palm Beach Music Teachers Association and features festive performances from students in the Palm Beach County Schools music programs. The event is open to the public and all proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Location: The Gardens Mall, 3101 Pga Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.
Holiday-Themed Dining
Holiday Tea at The Breakers – Palm Beach
Celebrating the holidays Palm Beach style isn’t always palm trees and sand. The Breaker’s hosts a timeless Holiday Tea tradition at HMF, where attendees are invited to arrive in tea-time attire and enjoy holiday treats, such as handcrafted tea sandwiches, warm buttermilk scones with Devonshire cream, rose petal jam, fresh fruit preserves, and delicate pastries, along with a curated selection of teas. Prices start at $120 per person (both adults and children). The event takes place from the hours of 1:30 PM-3:30 PM, through the December afternoons on the 20-23rd and 26-30th. An array of cocktails is also available for purchase throughout the duration of the event.
Location: HMF at The Breakers, 1 S County Rd, Palm Beach, FL 33480.
Christmas Grand Feast at The Boca Raton – Boca Raton
Celebrate the joy of the season with a grand display of over-the-top holiday classics with a twist. This extravagant Christmas feast features traditional favorites like a savory carving station, iced seafood station, sushi bar, artisanal hand-carved cheeses and winter-harvest-inspired sides. Chef Sebastien Feneyrol will offer a magnificent display of desserts from holiday yule logs to decadent pies and assorted cookies. There will be festive activities for children to enjoy. Exclusive to Club members and resort guests. For reservations, click here.
Location: The Boca Raton, 501 E Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432.
Sandi and Santa’s Annual Pancake Breakfast – West Palm Beach
Enjoy breakfast in downtown West Palm Beach on Saturday, Dec. 16. Seatings will be available on the hour from 9 – 11 am. Tickets are $17 per person, plus taxes and fees. The event includes private access to Santa and Mrs. Claus, the only daytime ride on Ferris, and a splash of pirates and mermaids.
Location: The Lake Pavilion, West Palm Beach Waterfront, 101 S. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
Christmas Cocktails and Dining at Love Street – Jupiter
Make the holidays deliciously memorable this year at Charlie & Joe’s at Love Street. BEACON and Lucky Shuck Oyster Bar & Taphouse are bringing all the warmth and flavor this holiday season with cozy, seasonal cocktails, Christmas dinner specials, and a gourmet yule log dessert sale by Executive Pastry Chef Jenniffer Woo.
Available the entire month of December, BEACON and Lucky Shuck’s craft cocktails will add a festive bow to your holiday celebration. Holiday cocktails include the Merry Margarita, the White Christmas, and The Griswold cocktail.
On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, feast your eyes on holiday dinner specials! And Chef Woo is baking a special holiday dessert, the Yule Log, available for purchase from November 22 to December 19.
Location: Love Street, 1116 Love St, Jupiter, FL 33477.
Feast of the Seven Fishes at The Wine Room Kitchen & Bar – Delray Beach
Indulge in a feast like no other at The Wine Room Kitchen & Bar this Christmas Eve. The restaurant and wine bar will be hosting a special Feast of the Seven Fishes on Sunday, December 24, 2023, at 6 p.m. Executive Chef Blake Malatesta has prepared a multi-course seafood symphony, giving a New World approach to an Old World Italian-American tradition. To pair with the feast, wine specialist Jim Hepple has curated an exquisite flight of wines to perfectly complement each bite.
To make a reservation, please visit thewineroomonline.com/events.
Ring in The New Year
New Year’s Eve on the Waterfront – West Palm Beach
On Sunday, Dec. 31 from 6 pm to midnight, ring in the New Year in style in downtown West Palm Beach with Sandi and friends with extra music and light shows.
Location: 101 N Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
New Year’s Eve at Treehouse – West Palm Beach
Join the Annual New Year’s Eve rooftop celebration at The Canopy by Hilton West Palm Beach. Hosted at Treehouse, the highest Rooftop Bar & Lounge in West Palm Beach, this exclusive party offers a luxurious atmosphere, live entertainment, delicious food, and an open bar. Don’t miss out on this exquisite event! Click here for more info.
Location: Treehouse, 380 Trinity Pl, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
New Year’s Eve at The Ben – West Palm Beach
On Sunday, December 31, celebrate the arrival of the New Year at The Ben! This highly anticipated annual New Year’s Eve party will once again take place at Spruzzo, The Ben’s breathtaking rooftop. Mark your calendars for this extraordinary event. Click here for reservations.
Location: The Ben Hotel, 251 N Narcissus Avenue West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
