Experience the magic of the holiday season in West Palm Beach, FL, where festive coastal vibes meet unique traditions. Marvel at the 35-foot Sandi Tree lighting up the waterfront, a masterpiece of eco-friendly sand sculpture.
Enjoy the nautical glow of the Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade as illuminated vessels cruise the Intracoastal Waterway. Don't miss Holiday in Paradise, a month-long celebration blending traditional festivities with tropical flair, incorporating diverse cultural traditions.
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The Top Christmas Events in West Palm Beach
- Sandi Tree Lighting
- Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade
- Holiday in Paradise
- Christmas on Antique Row
- Jingle Bell Jog
- Green Market Holiday Bazaar
- Christmas Spectacular on the SoFla Holiday Train
West Palm Beach Holiday Light Displays
Sandi Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
World's only 700-ton sand Christmas tree
Description:
West Palm Beach's Sandi Tree stands as a testament to Florida's coastal ingenuity. This 35-foot-tall, 700-ton sand sculpture transforms the waterfront into a tropical holiday spectacle. Visitors can marvel at the intricate details carved into the sand, a tradition that began in 2012 as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional trees. The tree comes alive each night with a dazzling light show synchronized to music. You can capture a unique holiday photo with this sandy behemoth, blending beach vibes with yuletide cheer.
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Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Floating parade of decorated boats along the Intracoastal Waterway
Description:
The Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade illuminates the Intracoastal Waterway with a procession of twinkling vessels. This nautical celebration, a tradition since 1994, showcases the area's maritime heritage. Boats of all sizes cruise by, adorned with thousands of lights and creative decorations. The parade route stretches for miles, allowing spectators to find perfect viewing spots along the shore. You can enjoy the gentle lapping of waves while watching captains compete for the best-decorated boat title, a coveted honor among local boating enthusiasts.
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Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade
West Palm Beach Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas on Antique Row
What to Expect:
Holiday shopping event in a historic district of antique shops
Description:
Christmas on Antique Row transports visitors to a bygone era of holiday shopping. This unique event takes place in West Palm Beach's historic Antique Row, where vintage shops and art galleries line the streets. The district comes alive with the soft glow of candlelight, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Victorian-era Christmases. Shoppers can hunt for one-of-a-kind gifts while enjoying live performances by carolers in period costumes. The event celebrates the area's rich history as an antique dealer hub, dating back to the 1950s.
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Green Market Holiday Bazaar
What to Expect:
Farmers market with a holiday twist
Description:
The Green Market Holiday Bazaar elevates West Palm Beach's popular farmers market with a festive flair. This special edition of the weekly market brings together local farmers, bakers, and artisans offering holiday-themed products. The air fills with the aroma of freshly baked seasonal treats and locally roasted coffee. Visitors can shop for unique gifts while supporting local producers and learning about sustainable agriculture. You can participate in holiday cooking demonstrations using fresh, local ingredients. This event, which began as a small community market in the 1990s, has evolved into a cornerstone of the city's local food movement.
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West Palm Beach Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Spectacular on the SoFla Holiday Train
What to Expect:
Moving holiday show on a decorated train
Description:
The Christmas Spectacular on the SoFla Holiday Train brings holiday cheer to communities along the South Florida rail line. This unique event features a specially decorated train that stops at various stations, presenting a mobile holiday show. Performers aboard the train entertain waiting crowds with music and dance routines. The train itself becomes a moving light display, visible from miles away as it travels between stops. Spectators can experience a piece of railroad history while enjoying modern holiday entertainment. This event pays homage to Florida's rich railway heritage, which played a crucial role in the state's development.
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Christmas Spectacular on the SoFla Holiday Train
West Palm Beach Other Holiday Activities
Holiday in Paradise
What to Expect:
Month-long celebration featuring diverse holiday activities
Description:
Holiday in Paradise transforms West Palm Beach into a subtropical winter celebration. This month-long event series embraces Florida's unique climate, offering a blend of traditional and tropical holiday experiences. Palm trees wrapped in lights line the streets, creating a distinctly Floridian holiday atmosphere. Visitors can ice skate under the warm sun at the outdoor rink, a surreal experience in the Sunshine State. The event pays homage to the city's diverse cultural heritage, incorporating holiday traditions from various communities that call West Palm Beach home.
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Jingle Bell Jog
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed fun run with jingle bells
Description:
The Jingle Bell Jog invigorates the holiday season with a dash of fitness and fun. Participants don festive attire and jingle bells, creating a symphony of tinkling sounds as they run through West Palm Beach's scenic streets. The 5K route showcases the city's beautiful waterfront and historic neighborhoods. You can join in group warm-ups led by costumed fitness instructors before the race. This event, which began as a small community run, has grown into a beloved holiday tradition that promotes health and camaraderie during the indulgent season.
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Nearby Events
Downtown Delray Beach Holiday Parade (Delray Beach)
What to Expect:
Vibrant street parade showcasing local community groups
Description:
Delray Beach's Holiday Parade brings the community together in a colorful street celebration. This lively procession features elaborately decorated floats, marching bands, and local performers. The parade route winds through the historic downtown, highlighting the city's charming architecture. Spectators can catch candy tossed from floats, a beloved tradition that delights children and adults alike. This event, which began in the 1960s, has grown to become a cherished annual gathering that showcases the town's strong community spirit and diverse talents.
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Downtown Delray Beach Holiday Parade
Holiday Boat Parade of the Palm Beaches (North Palm Beach)
What to Expect:
Largest holiday boat parade in South Florida
Description:
The Holiday Boat Parade of the Palm Beaches dazzles spectators with a flotilla of illuminated vessels. As the largest boat parade in South Florida, it attracts over 100 decorated boats ranging from small dinghies to luxury yachts. The parade route spans 10 miles of waterways, offering numerous vantage points for viewers. You can hear the cheerful sounds of holiday music echoing across the water as boats pass by. This aquatic spectacle, which began in the 1990s, has become a signature event showcasing the region's strong boating culture.
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Holiday Boat Parade of the Palm Beaches
Delray Beach 100ft Christmas Tree Lighting (Delray Beach)
What to Expect:
Massive 100-foot artificial Christmas tree
Description:
Delray Beach's 100-foot Christmas tree stands as a towering symbol of holiday cheer. This colossal artificial tree, adorned with over 15,000 ornaments and 150,000 lights, dominates the skyline of the city's downtown. Visitors can step inside the tree to explore a hidden world of miniature train displays and holiday scenes. The tree lighting ceremony, a tradition since 1993, marks the official start of the holiday season in Delray Beach. This impressive structure serves as a testament to the city's commitment to creating larger-than-life holiday experiences.
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Delray Beach 100ft Christmas Tree Lighting
Palm Beach Winterfest (Palm Beach)
What to Expect:
Blend of holiday traditions with tropical flair
Description:
Palm Beach Winterfest reimagines winter celebrations for the tropics. This unique festival combines traditional holiday elements with Florida's sunny disposition. Palm trees adorned with icicle lights create a surreal juxtaposition of winter and summer. Visitors can build sandmen on the beach, a whimsical twist on the classic snowman-building activity. The event pays homage to Palm Beach's history as a winter retreat for the wealthy, offering luxurious holiday experiences alongside more accessible community activities.
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Manatee Lagoon Winter Wonderland (Riviera Beach)
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration centered around manatee viewing
Description:
Manatee Lagoon's Winter Wonderland offers a uniquely Floridian holiday experience. This event combines wildlife education with seasonal cheer, centered around the gentle giants that frequent the warm waters near the power plant. Visitors can observe manatees in their natural habitat while enjoying holiday-themed activities. The lagoon's viewing areas are decorated with eco-friendly lights that don't disturb the marine life. You can learn about manatee conservation efforts, a crucial part of Florida's environmental history, while participating in holiday crafts workshops.
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Manatee Lagoon Winter Wonderland
Whitehall Christmas Tree Lighting (Palm Beach)
What to Expect:
Tree lighting at a Gilded Age mansion
Description:
The Whitehall Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony transports visitors to the opulent Gilded Age. Set at Henry Flagler's grand mansion, now the Flagler Museum, this event showcases how Palm Beach's elite celebrated the holidays in the early 20th century. The 16-foot-tall tree, adorned with authentic period ornaments, stands in the magnificent marble hall. Visitors can tour the mansion's lavishly decorated rooms, each offering a glimpse into historic holiday traditions. This event, steeped in Palm Beach's luxurious past, provides a stark contrast to modern celebrations.
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Whitehall Christmas Tree Lighting
Delray Beach Holiday Market (Delray Beach)
What to Expect:
Open-air market featuring local artisans and makers
Description:
The Delray Beach Holiday Market transforms the city's downtown into a bustling bazaar of local talent. This open-air event showcases the work of regional artisans, crafters, and food producers. Visitors can browse unique, handcrafted gifts while enjoying the warm Florida breeze. The market emphasizes sustainable and locally-made products, reflecting the community's commitment to supporting small businesses. You can watch live demonstrations by skilled craftspeople, offering insight into their creative processes. This event, inspired by European Christmas markets, has become a platform for nurturing local entrepreneurship and creativity.
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Holiday Nights at McKee Botanical Garden (Vero Beach)
What to Expect:
Tropical garden illuminated with thousands of lights
Description:
Holiday Nights at McKee Botanical Garden bathes lush tropical landscapes in a sea of twinkling lights. This event transforms the historic garden, once a popular 1940s tourist attraction, into a nighttime paradise. Thousands of lights illuminate the garden's rare plants and water features, creating ethereal reflections. Visitors can stroll through illuminated pathways, discovering hidden light displays among the foliage. The garden's famous stone structures, including the Spanish Kitchen, take on a new character under the glow of holiday lights, blending natural beauty with festive illumination.
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Holiday Nights at McKee Botanical Garden
Polar Express Train Ride (Fort Lauderdale)
What to Expect:
Immersive train ride experience based on the popular book
Description:
The Polar Express Train Ride brings a beloved holiday story to life in the heart of Florida. This immersive experience transforms a historic railway into a magical journey to the North Pole. Passengers board in their pajamas, just like in the book, and embark on a round-trip voyage filled with music, dancing, and storytelling. The train whistle pierces the night air as you chug along, creating an atmosphere of anticipation. This event, which began as a small local attraction, has grown into a cherished holiday tradition that captures the imagination of both children and adults.
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Holiday Wonderland at The Gardens Mall (Palm Beach Gardens)
What to Expect:
Elaborate indoor holiday displays and activities
Description:
Holiday Wonderland at The Gardens Mall transforms the shopping center into an immersive seasonal experience. This event goes beyond typical mall decorations, featuring elaborate themed areas throughout the complex. Visitors can explore a miniature village complete with model trains, or walk through a forest of uniquely decorated trees. The mall's central court hosts a towering Christmas tree adorned with thousands of ornaments. You can participate in holiday-themed scavenger hunts designed to engage shoppers of all ages. This event reimagines the traditional mall Santa experience, offering multiple interactive holiday vignettes.
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Holiday Wonderland at The Gardens Mall
Boynton Beach Holiday Parade (Boynton Beach)
What to Expect:
Night parade with illuminated floats
Description:
The Boynton Beach Holiday Parade illuminates the night with a procession of glowing floats and performers. This evening event transforms the city's main thoroughfare into a river of light and color. Spectators line the streets to watch as illuminated floats, marching bands, and dance troupes pass by. The parade showcases the city's diverse community groups and local businesses, each contributing their unique flair to the festivities. You can enjoy the sounds of holiday music mixed with cheering crowds as the parade passes. This event, which began in the 1970s, has grown to become a highlight of Boynton Beach's holiday calendar.