Best Christmas events, holiday boat parades, tree lightings in Palm Beach County
With the holiday season now well underway, it's time to spread the joy and the thanks, and practice being extra good (so Santa forgets those trip-ups over the past 11 months). Here are the best events in Palm Beach County to get you in the holiday spirit.
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Here's a list of merrymaking opportunities that will get you in the spirit:
46th Annual Jupiter Tequesta Christmas Parade
With the theme, "Super Heroes Celebrate Christmas," participants can make every child happy. Imagine the surprise and excitement of children and adults when they see their favorite super hero decorating a Christmas tree, helping elves place gifts underneath the tree or simply walking along the parade path waving at everyone.
When: 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11
Where: Alternate A1A from Center Street over the bridge to Bridge Road
Information: jtaa.org/holidayparade
There's Snow Place Like Jupiter
This free, family-friendly event will feature 24 tons of real snow, a performance by Performing Arts Academy of Jupiter's Team Joy, singing by the Jupiter Middle School Chorus, the holiday tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Clause, a DJ, food vendors and more.
When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2
Where: Abacoa Community Park, 1501 Frederick Small Road, Jupiter
Information: https://www.jupiter.fl.us/1703/Theres-Snow-Place-Like-Jupiter
Palm Beach Gardens Annual Tree Lighting
In addition to watching the tree lighting, children should bring their letters for Santa to drop in the mailbox. After the tree is lit, attendees will have the chance to dance the night away at the community concert.
Where: City Hall Municipal Campus, 10500 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens
When: 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
Information: pbgfl.com/747/Annual-Tree-Lighting
Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade and Toy Drive
The 28th annual parade and 23rd annual toy drive, which benefits Toys for Tots and Little Smiles, will feature small boats, sailboats, and megayachts all adorned with millions of holiday lights illuminating the waterways. Though decked out for a great cause in the holiday spirit, bragging rights are on the line and prizes are to be had for the most creatively-decorated boats with the most enthusiastic crews.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
Where: Starting in North Palm Beach and finishing at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse
Information: www.marinepbc.org/boat-parade
Tanger Outlets Santa's Holiday Celebration
This event will take place in the outdoor mall's Center Court near the holiday tree and will include a meet and greet with Santa, special visits from his friends including Rudolph and the Grinch, a holiday craft station, live holiday music, face painting and more.
When: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17
Where: 1751 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., West Palm Beach
Information: tangeroutlet.com
Flagler Museum Christmas Tree Lighting
Each year during the winter holiday season, Whitehall's first floor is transformed into a Christmas wonderland with historically-accurate greenery, trimmings and ribbons. The focal point is a 16-foot Christmas tree in the grand hall, adorned with colored electrical "fairy" lights and traditional Gilded Age-style ornaments.
The official tree lighting will be filled with holiday cheer. There will be music played on the Odell organ and Steinway piano, a special choir performance, refreshments and a visit from the big guy himself, Santa.
When: noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4
Where: Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, One Whitehall Way, Palm Beach
Cost: Museum entrance is $26 for adults, $13 ages 6 to 12, free for members and ages 5 and younger.
Information: flaglermuseum.us, 561-655-2833
Holidays at The Square
The Square will offer one holiday happening after another including nightly snowfall and light shows at The Wishing Tree, weekly events including photos with Santa and his elves, Yuletide carolers and celebrations including Hanukkah with Jewish Federation of the PBC & Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches on Dec. 18, a Christ Fellowship Christmas Concert on Dec. 21 and a Kwanzaa performance by Afrique Ngozi on Dec. 30. For exact times see The Square's website or social media.
Where: 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach
Information: thesquarewestpalm.com
Sandi the holiday tree/Holiday in Paradise
Sandi will once again grace downtown West Palm Beach this holiday season. This "tree" of sand was named "Best Public Holiday Lights Display" last year according to USA Today 10Best. This will be Sandi's 11th year and she will be officially lit on Dec. 1 during the Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting. There will synchronized music and light shows on the quarter hour from 6 to 10 p.m. through Dec. 31.
When: 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1 through Dec. 31
Where: Great Lawn, 100 N. Clematis St., West Palm Beach
Info: www.wpb.org
Sandi Tree, Ferris the ferris wheel stars of West Palm Beach's Holiday in Paradise
Tropical Holiday Trees at Mounts Botanical Garden
Mounts Botanical Garden will be embracing the holiday season with three, framed, 8- to 15-foot trees designed by the Mounts horticulture team and installed with hundreds of colorful bromeliads, orchids, and other tropical botanicals. “This new seasonal exhibit promises to be even bigger and better than last year’s popular holiday bromeliad tree at Palm Beach Outlets, in partnership with the PBC Extension Service,” promises Rochelle Wolberg, Mounts curator-director.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 31
Where: 531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach
Cost: part of regular admission
Info: mounts.org
Zoo Lights at the Palm Beach Zoo
Presented by Florida Power & Light Company, FPL SolarNow, this holiday tradition will once again make the season sparkle with more than one million eco-friendly lights. The zoo will be aglow with unique-themed displays spread out over the zoo's 23 acres. There will also be photo opportunities with Santa through Dec. 23, season treats available and more
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 25 to 27; Dec. 2 to 4, 9 to 11, 16 to 23; 26 to 30; Jan. 1
Where: 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach
Cost: see website for ticket prices and available time slots
Information: 561-547-9453; palmbeachzoo.org/zoolights
Lights 4 Hope 5th Annual Drive-Through Light Show
Featuring two miles of animated and musical holiday light displays, this family-event, drive-through light show is a great way to celebrate the season and give a little. The Lights 4 Hope organization is a nonprofit that works with local hospitals to spread joy and to help local families whose child is suffering from terminal illness or a life-changing physical change.
Where: Okeeheelee Park, 7715 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach
When: Friday to Sunday through Jan. 1
Cost: 15 per vehicle
Information: www.lights4hope.org
Winterfest in Wellington
Keeping with tradition, this annual event will be headlined by music icon, philanthropist, actor and television star Vanilla Ice. Guests will be treated to live musical performances on two stages, retail and holiday shopping, a silent disco, food vendors, kids and teens interactive Blizzard Beach, lounges for adults and more. Parking will be available onsite, and remotely with shuttle service.
When: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9
Where: Village Park, 11700 Pierson Road, Wellington
Information: wellingtonchamber.com
Lake Osborne Holiday Boat Parade
The annual boat parade in Lake Osborne is back for its eighth year, and organizers report roughly 50 to 55 boats are decking the decks for event. (Bragging rights and prizes are on the line.) The parade route takes about two hours for the boats to navigate. The best viewing is along Lake Osborne Drive from Lantana Road to Lakeworth Road and John Prince Park and Campground. Parade follows the entire perimeter of the lake, according to the event's Facebook page. The participans are asked to gather at The Hive Restaurant and Tiki Bar (formerly Anchor Inn).
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16
Where: Lake Osborne, Lantana
Information: facebook.com/lakeosborneboatparade
Boynton Beach Holiday Boat Parade
Featuring vessels decked out with dazzling lights, holiday décor, costumed captains and crews this event is not to be missed. Though the official watch location is the Boynton Harbor Marina, other great spots to watch from include Intracoastal Park, Jaycee Park, Veterans Park and Knowles Park.
When: 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9
Where: Starts at the Ocean Avenue Bridge in Lantana and runs south to the C-15 Canal in Delray Beach (south of Linton Boulevard).
Info: .boyntonbeachcra.com
Boynton Beach Tree Lighting & Holiday Concert
This holiday event at the Boynton Beach Amphitheater will be part of the city's free monthly concert series, First Friday.
The tree-lighting event includes holiday music from local performers, food, children's activities and more. Saturday's Annual Holiday Parade, the 50th, will begin at 4 p.m. with a hoped-for 50 entries, including walking groups, bands, dance teams and businesses. Bring a lawn chair, but leave the pets at home.
Where: Boynton Beach Amphitheater, 120 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach
When: 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2
Information: www.boynton-beach.org/tree-lightingholiday-concert-2022
Boynton Beach 2022 Annual Holiday Parade
The city's 51st annual Holiday Parade will begin at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 along Federal Highway in downtown Boynton and last about two hours. Floats will be reconnized in numerous categories, including Musical Performance, Use of Innovation and/or Technology, Artistic Design, Depiction of Life in Boynton Beach, Display of Showmanship, Most Whimsical and Most Creative. Spectators should bring a chair, but please leave pets at home.
Where: downtown Boynton Beach along Federal Highway from Boynton Beach Boulevard to Woolbright Road
When: 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
Information: boynton-beach.org/parade
Delray Beach Holiday Parade
This year's theme is Winter Nights and Holiday Lights.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10
Where: Atlantic Avenue, Delray
Information: downtowndelraybeach.com/holidays
Boca Raton Boat Parade
The 48th annual Holiday Boat Parade will light up the waters of the Intracoastal beginning at C-15 Canal, traveling south to the Hillsboro Boulevard Bridge. There will be $1,000 cash prizes for the best decorated boats in three categories: under 25 feet, 26-34 feet, and over 35 feet. Viewing areas include Reef Park, Wildflower Park and Silver Palm Park.
When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 17
Where: Begins at C-15 Canal, traveling south to Deerfield Beach/Hillsboro Blvd. Bridge
Information: myboca.us
Merry in Mizner
Boca Raton's Mizner Park transforms into a winter wonderland with surprise pop-up entertainment sprinkled throughout the park under the holiday lights. Each night features unique strolling performers.
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays, Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23
Where: Mizner Park, 327 Plaza Real, Boca Raton
Information: myboca.us
The 50th Annual Holiday Street Parade
This year's parade will be themed “Groovy 70s” in recognition of the50-year milestone. More than 70 floats and groups will entertain viewers as they bring dance, lights, and song to Federal Highway in Boca Raton.
When: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7
Where: Federal Highway and Southeast Fifth Street, traveling north to the Mizner Park Amphitheater
Information: myboca.us
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Best boat parades, Christmas events in Palm Beach County, Sandi Tree
