Fort Lauderdale Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas
Fort Lauderdale's the Christmas season comes to life around the downtown riverwalk and beachfront with festive events and holiday activities that blend coastal warmth with seasonal cheer. The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade and downtown countdowns bring dazzling displays while seasonal concerts and ice skating pop-ups offer family-friendly winter festivals. From holiday markets to illuminated waterways, Fort Lauderdale’s attractions and activities deliver sunny, festive experiences for locals and visitors during the season.
Find the best Fort Lauderdale Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Lights
22 eventsThe "Best Show on H2O" boat parade
Christmas Shows
13 eventsGrammy-winning a cappella group Pentatonix performing holiday classics.
Christmas Markets
11 eventsAnnual holiday auction with diverse items
Christmas Parties
10 eventsNew Year's Eve party with DJ David Guetta
Christmas Activities
42 eventsMidnight anchor drop celebration
Editor's Picks (6)
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Fontainebleau Presents: David Guetta - New Year's Eve 2026
(Miami Beach)
New Year's Eve party with DJ David Guetta
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Fort Lauderdale Orange Bowl Downtown Countdown
Midnight anchor drop celebration
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Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
The "Best Show on H2O" boat parade
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Bayfront Holiday Village
(North Miami)
Upcoming holiday village event
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George Balanchine's The Nutcracker®
(Miami)
South Florida-inspired Nutcracker with immersive Land of Sweets experience.
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44th Annual Holiday Auction
(Boca Raton)
Annual holiday auction with diverse items
Events Happening Soon (6)
Latest News & Updates
Stay informed about holiday events and activities in Fort Lauderdale
- Fort Lauderdale's Seas & Greetings Holiday Event Published: Thu, Nov 20, 2025
- South Florida Holiday Events Guide Published: Thu, Nov 20, 2025
Fort Lauderdale Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Fort Lauderdale
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Fort Lauderdale!
Fort Lauderdale Christmas FAQ
The biggest annual events include Light Up Lauderdale, Light Up the Beach, and Light Up Carter Park, which feature festive light displays, live music, and family activities throughout the holiday season.
Fort Lauderdale celebrates with waterfront light displays along the New River, large beachfront illuminations, and community events like the Menorah Lighting Celebration, reflecting the city’s diverse cultural heritage.
Neighborhoods near the downtown riverfront and beachfront areas, especially around Las Olas Boulevard and Esplanade Park, are known for their festive light displays and holiday decorations.
Christmas markets and local artisan fairs are often held at community centers, parks, and outdoor plazas near Fort Lauderdale, featuring vendor stalls with crafts, gifts, and seasonal treats.
Free activities include attending Light Up Lauderdale and Light Up the Beach events, exploring neighborhood displays, and enjoying holiday concerts and kids’ zones at public parks.
Family-friendly options include Light Up Lauderdale’s kids’ crafts and Santa visits, Light Up the Beach’s inflatables and slides, and the festive zones at Carter Park, all designed to engage children during the holidays.