Travellers can trade the cold for a palm-tree-lined paradise this festive season in The Palm Beaches, America’s First Resort Destination®.
With 47 miles of breathtaking Atlantic coastline, The Palm Beaches offer an unforgettable holiday experience, blending festive traditions with the tropical and laid-back charm of South Florida.
From awe-inspiring light displays to family-friendly events, see Discover The Palm Beaches’ guide to top holiday happenings and seasonal offers below:
Event Highlights
Sandi, the Holiday Sand Tree – 5 December through 31 December, 2024
The world’s largest holiday sand tree is located in downtown West Palm Beach. Standing at 35 feet and made of 700 tons of sand, the holiday tree is part of “Holiday in Paradise” a holiday celebration along the city’s waterfront. The tree’s dynamic nightly music and multi-coloured light show runs daily for the month of December, and brings about 100,000 visitors during the holiday season to view its spectacle. The annual month-long celebration will include fun, family-friendly, and festive-themed activities. A 50-foot ferris wheel ticketed experience will arrive closer to the Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting.
100-foot Christmas tree – 3 December 2024
Delray Beach’s 100-foot Christmas Tree is a beloved annual tradition since 1993. Starting 3 December through the entire month of December, visitors can head downtown to catch a glimpse of one of the most highly anticipated and largest Christmas sights of the year. Standing tall with 18,000 ornaments and 217,980 LED lights, the walk-through tree is a festive favourite and plenty of holiday surprises will be available including, food, performances, crafts, and more. Families can also visit Santa and his holiday village, which features a carousel, ice skating, mini golf and of course Santa sightings!
Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade – 7 December 2024
Now in its 30th year, the annual flotilla of decorated boats returns to the Intracoastal Waterway this December. As the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County’s signature event, it raises awareness and collects toys benefitting Toys for Tots and Little Smiles. The parade begins at North Palm Beach Country Club and ends with a grand finale at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, as the Zambelli travelling fireworks display navigates up the line of boats making for a festival Florida evening. The parade begins at 6 p.m. and concludes at approximately 8 p.m. The parade map and viewing locations are available here.
Winter Wonderland Laser Lights & Bites – 6, 13, 20, & 27 December
This holiday season, guests are invited to experience Winter Wonderland Laser Lights & Bites. Presented by FPL SolarNow, visitors of all ages can sing and dance to their holiday favourites during the spectacular outdoor laser concert. Families and individuals can enjoy DIY s’mores stations, face paintings, winter-themed crafts, a sing-along light show, holiday laser show and holiday photos with Santa. Food trucks from La Guarida Cubana, Kobschies Ice Rolls, Uptown Deli, Earls BBQ, Tina’s Treats and Gimme Grillin will also be onsite. The event, which will take place on select days in December, will begin at 6 p.m. and run through 9 p.m.
The Ben, an Autograph Collection Hotel, Introduces South Florida’s First and Only
Outdoor Ice-Skating Rink & Winter Wonderland Experiences – 2 November through 1 March, 2025
The Ben Hotel, an Autograph Collection property in West Palm Beach will welcome South Florida’s first and only outdoor ice-skating rink this November. Made possible by Ice America’s cutting-edge technology, the one-of-a-kind experience will transport visitors to a winter wonderland, feature Aspen-inspired chalets and introduce four new food and beverage concepts. The Ben Hotel’s Winter Wonderland invites guests to experience an authentic winter season in a tropical, “Instagramable” setting. Guests can expect specialised lighting, music, and festive decorations designed to make them feel as though they have stepped into a faraway snow-capped village while still under Florida’s palm trees. Families, friends, and couples are invited to lace up their skates and enjoy a real outdoor ice-skating rink, themed food and beverages inspired by cosy winter lodges, along with a VIP area for special guests. The space will host a variety of seasonal events, including family-friendly activities and exclusive themed parties throughout the duration of the installation.
Zoo Lights at the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society – Select nights 19 November through 2 January, 2024
Visitors can meander through 23 acres of illuminated walkways and themed displays in one of the largest light shows in all of South Florida. The zoo features one million eco-friendly lights, and it comes alive with festive music and delightful seasonal treats like hot cocoa, holiday snacks, and cookie decorating. Pictures with Santa, interactive LED light shows in the fountain, scheduled snow showers, and more are part of the nightly amusement from 6 to 9 p.m.
Love Christmas? Why Not Try a Christmas Market Cruise…
