Are you ready to get festive?
The Thanksgiving turkey may still be frozen, but South Florida is moving full steam ahead into the winter holidays.
If you’re itching to skip ahead to dazzling light displays, visits with Santa and performances of “The Nutcracker” even before you slice into the pumpkin pie, this month has some gifts all wrapped up with a bow for you.
Gather around as cities light their decked-out centerpiece trees — and one giant beach snowman — to flip the switch on the merry-making fun.
Plus, you’ll find new yuletide celebrations lighting the way to a jolly holiday season. For example, Lion Country Safari, the drive-thru wildlife park in Loxahatchee, has debuted a nighttime festival, Lanterns & Lights Safari Nights, through January.
“The lantern festival kicks off just ahead of the holiday season, when families are often looking for magical opportunities to make memories and connect,” said Lion Country Safari spokeswoman Haley McCann-Gonzales. “The lanterns are inspired by nature and wildlife, and they complement the animals under our care in a stunning environment that we feel guests will really enjoy.”
Created by Tianyu Arts and Culture Inc., each light display is unique, she said, “but the lantern renditions of the animals we care for in the park are extra-special to us.
“We also have some lantern pathways, including a long stretch of flamingos and larger-than-life flamingo feathers, as well as an overhead flower tunnel, which are particularly beautiful.”
A longtime Palm Beach County tradition, Hoffman’s Chocolates Winter Wonderland is migrating south after its home, the flagship location in Greenacres, closed up shop earlier this year.
The event, from Nov. 22 to Dec. 30, has found a new home at Flamingo Gardens in Davie, where it will merge with that attraction’s annual Garden of Lights to take over 10 acres with a 35-foot Christmas tree, Santa’s Village and thousands of lights. Proceeds will support Flamingo Gardens’ educational and conservation mission, with a portion for the BBX Capital Foundation, which invests in arts, education and other South Florida programs.
“We outgrew our original space, but now, thanks to our amazing partnership with Flamingo Gardens and Amazon, we’re turning up the holiday cheer in a big way,” said Lois Marino, executive director of the BBX Capital Foundation and director of community engagement for BBX Capital, Inc., parent company of Hoffman’s Chocolates.
“Get ready for dazzling lights, heartwarming moments and unforgettable memories the whole family will treasure for a lifetime.”
So, get ready for Christmas in November with this roundup of holiday happenings in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
BROWARD COUNTY
Light the night
Fort Lauderdale is getting a jumpstart on the holidays with spectacles of light debuting for the season at the following free events. Visit parks.fortlauderdale.gov/special-events.
- “Get Lit,” the launch of Light up Lauderdale, a 10-week celebration of lights along the New River, takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at Esplanade Park, 400 SW Second St. The lighting ceremony will start at 6:30 p.m., with the Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds performing at 7 p.m. A kids’ zone will be open throughout the event.
- Light Up the Galt with music, entertainment and food from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at North Beach Restaurants and Shoppes, Northeast 33rd Avenue and Northeast 33rd Street, Galt Ocean Mile. Play in the kids’ zone and browse the art show on 34th Street starting at 6 p.m. Watch as a tree is lit at 6:30 p.m., with a performance from the Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds following at 7 p.m.
- Light Up the Beach with Olas, the 20-foot beach snowman, who will be back in his spot at State Road A1A and Las Olas Boulevard. The festivities take place from 5:3o to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at Las Olas Oceanside Park (The LOOP), 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd., with 50,000 lights along the beachfront starting at 6:30 p.m. There will also be a kids’ zone with Santa, inflatables and slides. The Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds will take the stage at 7 p.m.
Lace up your skates for Dania After Dark — Light Up Dania Beach, which will feature an ice-skating rink from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 15 at City Hall Plaza, 100 W. Dania Beach Blvd. There will be a Christmas tree lighting, photo opportunities with Santa, and a Christmas village with treats. Other activities include: an Ugly Sweater Competition, a drone show and face painting. Bring an unwrapped toy for the Broward Sheriff’s Fire Rescue Holiday Toy Drive. Free. Visit daniabeachfl.gov.
Hoffman’s Chocolates Winter Wonderland spreads out across 10 acres at Flamingo Gardens, 3750 S. Flamingo Road, in Davie, from Nov. 22 to Dec. 30. Open nightly from 5:30 to 9 p.m. (except Nov. 27 and Dec. 24-25), the holiday display includes thousands of lights, a 35-foot Christmas tree, free photos with Santa in Santa’s Village (select nights through Dec. 23), Hoffman’s Chocolates Pop-up Shop, The Sweet Ride ice cream truck, seasonal treats at the Flamingo Pond Café and musical performances. Tickets are $24 for guests age 12 and older, $17 for ages 3 to 11, and free for those 2 and younger. Visit flamingogardens.org/winter-wonderland.
“Hard Rock the Holidays,” a light show featuring more than 2 million LED lights, displays and family experiences, is coming to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, from Nov. 29 to Jan. 3. A total of 24 acres of the Guitar Hotel Pool will be transformed into a winter wonderland with more than 20 themed areas, photo opportunities and a light and music show synchronized to holiday classics. Seasonal entertainment, food and drinks will be part of the experience. The show is available from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Nov. 7. General admission is $45 for adults, $10 for guests ages 7 to 12, and free for those age 6 and younger. Visit hardrocktheholidays.com.
Mike Stocker / South Florida Sun Sentinel
Santa waves from an airboat during a previous It’s a Wonderful Life in Plantation Holiday Parade along Broward Boulevard. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel file)
Holidays on parade
The It’s a Wonderful Life in Plantation Holiday Parade steps off at 9 a.m. Nov. 22 at the intersection of Broward Boulevard and Northwest 46th Avenue, with participants such as community groups, schools and businesses. The route will head north on Northwest 69th Avenue and west on Fourth Street to Plantation City Hall. Free. Visit plantation.org.
Season of shows
Join the Peanuts gang for “A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Miramar Cultural Center, 2400 Civic Center Place. Tickets are $26.33 to $29.25. Visit miramarculturalcenter.org.
Hollywood Ballet Academy’s “The Nutcracker” will have performances at 1 and 6 p.m. Nov. 23 at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, 3800 NW 11th Place. Young dancers will reimagine Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece. Tickets are $35-$40. Visit showpass.com/hba-nutcracker-2025.
Trees in the spotlight
Light Up the Night will celebrate Dania Beach’s birthday and bid an early welcome to the holidays from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 15 at City Hall, 100 W. Dania Beach Blvd. There will be music, a ceremonial tree lighting and a visit from Santa. Free admission. Visit daniabeachfl.gov.
Hollywood continues its Centennial Celebration featuring a concert with On the Roxx, plus photos with Santa and a tree-lighting ceremony from 5 to 10 p.m. Nov. 21 at ArtsPark at Young Circle, 1 Young Circle. Free. Visit hollywoodfl.org.
Light Up MLK from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 22 at Annie Adderly Gillis Park, 601 Dr. MLK Blvd., Pompano Beach. Performances, food, games, giveaways and the ceremonial lighting kick off the holiday season during the 18th annual event. Free. Visit eventbrite.com.
Visits with Santa & family fun
Through Dec. 24, visit Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops in Dania Beach (200 Gulf Stream Way) and Miami (11551 NW 12th St.) to get a free photo with Ol’ St. Nick and participate in holiday-themed games, crafts and more. Children can send their holiday wish lists to the North Pole via mailbox. Reserve a time to see Santa up to a week in advance at basspro.com/santa.
Ride giant slides at the free Winterfest Family Fun Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 23 at Esplanade Park, 400 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale. Other activities include cookie decorating, entertainment by School of Rock, a snow mountain, puppy kissing booth and more. The nearby Museum of Discovery & Science will offer free admission from 3 to 5 p.m. after the event. Visit winterfestparade.com/events.
PALM BEACH COUNTY
Illuminated adventures
Lion Country Safari’s first lantern festival, Lanterns & Lights Safari Nights, features more than 60 wildlife displays and a Prehistoric Land of Legends from 6 to 10 p.m. on select nights through Jan. 18. Try out interactive installations such as glow swings, seesaws and tunnels. Sample holiday cocktails and fare from a wild eats-themed menu. Santa Claus is scheduled to make an appearance on Dec. 19 and 20. The festival is open in the walk-through adventure park, 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee. The drive-thru park, rides and waterpark will be closed and no animals will be accessible. Gemstone mining will be available. Admission for guests age 3 and older is $27.99 in advance or $29.99 at the gate. Admission is free for kids younger than 3, though a ticket is required. Visit lioncountrysafari.com.
Starting Nov. 21, Lights 4 Hope returns to Okeeheelee Park, 7715 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach. The 2-mile, drive-thru light display will be open Fridays to Sundays through Dec. 7, then Dec. 26 to 28, and nightly from Dec. 12 to 23. Hours vary. The nonprofit Lights 4 Hope Inc. performs hospital and home visits to provide decorations, presents and gift cards to families of children who are terminally ill or facing life-changing physical needs. Tickets are $25-$45. Visit lights4hope.org.
Zoo Lights are back Nov. 21 through Jan. 4 at the Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, with thousands of lights shining along the pathways to each animal habitat. There will also be music, a 24-foot animated holiday tree, family activities, and food and drink available for purchase. Visit Santa through Dec. 23 in the Winter Pavilion. Adults-only (21 and older) nights are set for Dec. 4, 11 and 18. Ticket prices vary. Hours: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Visit palmbeachzoo.org.
Skate into the season
For the second year, a Winter Wonderland has popped up in front of The Ben hotel, 251 N. Narcissus Ave., West Palm Beach. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Jan. 4, the site features a real 50-by-66-foot outdoor ice rink. The Holiday Tree Forest makes it debut this year with decorated trees created in collaboration with nonprofit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. A full-service holiday bar serves hot chocolate, hot toddies, s’mores, popcorn and other treats. Shop from chalets and enjoy entertainment such as Live Music Saturdays, Santa Claus Sundays and other rotating events. Admission is free, but ice skating requires a ticket purchase for a 90-minute session ($25 for adults; $10 for children age 4 to 11). Skate rentals are available. Visit thebenevents.com.
Santa arrives at malls
Santa’s Arrival Parade kicks off his annual visit at 6 p.m. Nov. 7 at The Gardens Mall, 3101 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens. Welcome him as he’s escorted by characters and the Palm Beach Gardens High School Marching Band on his way to Santa’s Enchanted Garden in the Grand Court. He’ll be available for photos from Nov. 8 to Dec. 24 during mall hours. Stilt Walking Elves will hang around Grand Court from 1 to 4 p.m. on weekends. There’s also a Kids’ Corner Holiday Shop on the upper level of Grand Court from Nov. 7 to Dec. 24. Children can receive a free coin to shop there; coins may also be purchased (three for $5), with proceeds benefiting The Arc of Palm Beach County, which serves people with disabilities. Visit eventbrite.com.
Santa’s Arrival Party is coming to The Mall at Wellington Green, 10300 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14, along with a bubble show and holiday treats. Photo opportunities will be available from Nov. 15 through Dec. 24 at The Ice Palace. Hours will vary. Visit shopwellingtongreen.com/events.
Let’s see those trees
CityPlace’s “Wrapped in Wonder,” a season-long celebration with nightly snowfalls, The Wishing Tree light shows, Santa’s Workshop and performances, kicks off from 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 8 at the outdoor shopping complex, 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach. Santa will make his entrance, plus catch a preview of “The Nutcracker” with a performance of “The Waltz of the Snowflakes” by Ballet Palm Beach. The nightly snowfall and tree light shows happen at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. daily through Dec. 31 (weather permitting). At Santa’s Workshop, take photos from 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 5 to 7 p.m. Sundays. All events are free. For more details, visit cityplace.com/west-palm-beach-events.
CP Group’s 10th Annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Extravaganza is set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Boca Raton Innovation Campus, 5000 T-Rex Ave. Festivities include Santa and his Workshop Tent, dog adoptions, food truck, cash bar and bounce house, Admission is free with a toy donation collected at the entrance to support Spirit of Giving’s holiday drive. VIP tickets are $60 adults and $16 for guests age 16 and younger. Rain date is Nov. 21. Visit 2025cptreelighting.eventbrite.com.
Boca Raton will have its Holiday Tree Lighting at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, from 6 to 10 p.m. Nov. 22. Take a selfie with Santa throughout the night at the Boca Raton Art Museum, 501 Plaza Real. At 7:15 p.m., Mayor Scott Singer will light the tree that also illuminates 50,000 LED lights on 75 palm trees throughout Mizner Park. Musical performances start at 7:30 p.m. There also will be a holiday market, food and drinks for sale, a craft station, characters and snow flurries. Free admission. Visit myboca.us.
Meet and greet Santa at a Holiday Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Lake Worth Cultural Plaza, 414 Lake Ave. The city event will also have family activities, food trucks and performances throughout the event. Free admission. Visit lakeworthbeachfl.gov.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
NightGarden brings more than 800 new lighting fixtures, fairy encounters and installations to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, from Nov. 7 to Jan. 11. A Tree of Life, Canopy Walk, movie nights, dance parties, laser shows, winter snowfalls, food and beverages are part of the seasonal experience. Ticket prices vary. Visit fairchildgarden.org.
Catch Luminosa: A Journey Through Light daily from Nov. 14 through March 7 at Jungle Island, 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami. In its fourth year, the outdoor light festival will showcase illuminated sculptures, handcrafted silk lanterns and performances throughout the property. Visitors walk the trail through themed lands representing different ecosystems. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Prices vary. Visit luminosamiami.com.
Become immersed in six holiday worlds at Christmas Wonderland at Tropical Park, which will be open Nov. 13 through Jan. 4 (closed Nov. 24, Dec. 1 and Dec. 8). Find more than 50 rides, light shows, fireworks on Fridays, Santa’s Sky Shot stunt show, a reindeer-themed aerial act and other entertainment. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Prices vary. Visit miamiwonderland.com.
