Create your ultimate holiday plan in Hollywood! Our guide has all the top events and activities for the season. Whether you're rediscovering Hollywood or seeing it with fresh eyes, this guide enhances your holiday spirit.
Experience the enchantment of Christmas on Las Olas, where live performances and festive decorations turn the boulevard into a winter wonderland. The dazzling boat procession and synchronized light displays make the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade a must-see. And the Holiday Fantasy of Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its spectacular illuminated trail through Tradewinds Park. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Hollywood
See these and even more events listed below!Hollywood Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Near the Beach
What to Expect:
Beachside holiday celebration with a tropical twist
Description:
Christmas Near the Beach brings holiday spirit to Hollywood's famous Broadwalk. This unique celebration blends traditional Christmas elements with Florida's tropical atmosphere. Palm trees wrapped in lights line the oceanfront, creating a distinctive holiday backdrop. Visitors can enjoy live steel drum performances of holiday classics, adding a Caribbean flair to familiar tunes. The event pays tribute to Hollywood's diverse cultural heritage, incorporating holiday traditions from various communities. You'll find sand sculpture displays featuring holiday themes, a creative twist on snowmen and ice sculptures.
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Nearby Events
Christmas on Las Olas (Fort Lauderdale)
What to Expect:
Mile-long holiday celebration on historic Las Olas Boulevard
Description:
Las Olas Boulevard transforms into a winter spectacle during Christmas on Las Olas. This mile-long celebration infuses Fort Lauderdale's historic shopping district with holiday cheer. Visitors can stroll past twinkling storefronts and sample seasonal treats from local eateries. The event pays homage to the street's 100-year history, blending modern festivities with vintage charm. Snow flurries dance through the air, offering a rare taste of winter in sunny Florida. You'll find live performances scattered along the boulevard, showcasing local talent and holiday classics.
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Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade (Fort Lauderdale)
What to Expect:
Largest one-day spectator event in Florida
Description:
The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade dazzles as the largest one-day spectator event in Florida. This floating extravaganza features a procession of boats adorned with elaborate light displays and decorations. Spectators line the Intracoastal Waterway to witness this unique aquatic parade. The event has been a Fort Lauderdale tradition since 1971, growing from humble beginnings to a grand spectacle. Participants compete for prizes in various categories, pushing the boundaries of nautical decoration. You can reserve a spot at one of the official viewing areas for an optimal parade experience.
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Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
Holiday Fantasy of Lights (Coconut Creek)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display in Tradewinds Park
Description:
Holiday Fantasy of Lights illuminates Tradewinds Park with a dazzling drive-through experience. This Coconut Creek tradition transforms the park into a glowing wonderland of animated displays and twinkling lights. Visitors cruise through the 3-mile route, marveling at the intricate light sculptures and themed vignettes. The event supports local charities, continuing a tradition of community giving since its inception. You can tune your car radio to a special station for synchronized holiday music as you drive. The display includes both classic holiday scenes and unique Florida-inspired creations.
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Aventura Mall Santa's Workshop (Aventura)
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa experience in a luxury mall setting
Description:
Aventura Mall's Santa's Workshop elevates the traditional mall Santa visit to new heights. This immersive experience transports visitors to a North Pole-inspired setting within one of Florida's premier shopping destinations. Children can engage in hands-on activities like toy-making and cookie decorating before meeting Santa. The workshop design incorporates elements of Aventura Mall's renowned art collection, blending holiday cheer with contemporary aesthetics. You'll find photo opportunities that go beyond the standard Santa portrait, offering creative backdrops and props. The event space also features a "Letters to Santa" station with a direct line to the North Pole.
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Aventura Mall Santa's Workshop
Gulfstream Park's Symphony of Lights (Hallandale Beach)
What to Expect:
Synchronized light show at a horse racing venue
Description:
Gulfstream Park's Symphony of Lights merges holiday cheer with the excitement of horse racing. This Hallandale Beach attraction features a synchronized light show set to holiday music, illuminating the racetrack and surrounding areas. Visitors can witness the spectacle while enjoying the park's dining and entertainment options. The event pays homage to Gulfstream Park's rich history, incorporating racing themes into the holiday displays. You can take a stroll through the adjacent Village at Gulfstream Park, where shops and restaurants join in the festive spirit. The centerpiece of the display is a massive, glowing Christmas tree visible from miles away.
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Gulfstream Park's Symphony of Lights
Miami City Ballet's The Nutcracker (Miami)
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with Miami flair
Description:
Miami City Ballet's The Nutcracker brings Tchaikovsky's classic to life with a distinctly Miami twist. This lavish production, choreographed by George Balanchine, features stunning costumes and sets that reflect the city's vibrant culture. Dancers glide across the stage, their movements precise and graceful, captivating audiences of all ages. The performance incorporates elements of Miami's diverse heritage, adding local flavor to the traditional tale. You can marvel at the intricate detail of the hand-painted backdrops, which transport viewers from snowy landscapes to tropical paradises. The Miami City Ballet, founded in 1985, has become a cultural cornerstone of South Florida.
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Miami City Ballet's The Nutcracker
Light Up Lauderdale (Fort Lauderdale)
What to Expect:
Month-long illumination of downtown Fort Lauderdale
Description:
Light Up Lauderdale bathes downtown Fort Lauderdale in a warm glow throughout the holiday season. This month-long event transforms the city's core into a luminous landscape of twinkling lights and festive decorations. Visitors can explore the illuminated streets, discovering hidden gems and photo opportunities around every corner. The event highlights Fort Lauderdale's architectural beauty, accentuating historic buildings and modern structures alike. You can participate in guided light tours, learning about the city's history and development. Light Up Lauderdale also incorporates eco-friendly LED technology, reducing energy consumption while maximizing visual impact.
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Santa’s Enchanted Forest (Miami)
What to Expect:
Largest holiday theme park in the world
Description:
Santa's Enchanted Forest stands as the world's largest holiday theme park, sprawling across 40 acres in Miami. This massive attraction combines thrilling rides with elaborate light displays, creating a unique holiday experience. Visitors can explore over 100 rides, shows, and games, all infused with holiday spirit. The park has been a Miami tradition since 1982, growing from a small carnival to a major attraction. You can witness death-defying circus acts performed amidst a sea of twinkling lights. The park's centerpiece is a towering Christmas tree, visible from miles around and serving as a beacon of holiday cheer.
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Magic of Lights (Miramar)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light show with animated displays
Description:
Magic of Lights transforms Miramar Regional Park into a glowing wonderland of holiday cheer. This drive-through experience features over a million LED lights arranged in dazzling animated displays. Visitors cruise through a 1.5-mile route, immersed in a world of sparkling tunnels and towering light sculptures. The event incorporates the latest in light technology, creating dynamic and interactive displays. You can tune your car radio to a synchronized soundtrack, enhancing the visual experience with holiday melodies. Magic of Lights supports local charities, continuing a tradition of community involvement since its inception.
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Holiday Parade (Boca Raton)
What to Expect:
Nighttime parade with illuminated floats
Description:
Boca Raton's Holiday Parade illuminates the night with a procession of glowing floats and performers. This evening spectacle draws thousands of spectators to line the streets of downtown Boca Raton. Marching bands, dance troupes, and community groups showcase their talents amidst a sea of twinkling lights. The parade reflects Boca Raton's rich history, with floats often depicting local landmarks and cultural icons. You can marvel at the intricate designs of the illuminated floats, each one a mobile work of art. The event culminates with the arrival of Santa Claus, bringing holiday cheer to children and adults alike.