When it comes to celebrating the holidays, the North Pole has nothing on the South—South Florida that is! December in The Palm Beaches means celebrating the holiday season with unique, festive experiences and family-friendly activities for visitors of all ages.

1. Sandi Land: – West Palm Beach (Starting Dec. 2 from 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 30)
When the world’s only 35-foot, 700-ton holiday sand tree first debuted in 2012, the 100-percent sand tree, named Sandi was made with 400-tons of sand and basic multi-color lights. Now celebrating 10 years, Sandi is created from 700-tons of Florida fine grain sand and offers a fully synchronized light show, visible throughout Sandi Land and the City of West Palm Beach’s newly re-designed Centennial Fountain. The popular tree takes about a month to complete (from sand delivery to the official tree lighting) and 10 days are typically needed to sculpt the tree, while the lighting and music show take six nights to program. An estimated 1.5 million people have seen Sandi over the years.

2. The Royal Poinciana’s Holiday Surfboard Tree – Palm Beach (Starting  Dec. 2 from 6-8 p.m.)
The cherished surfboard tree returns for its fourth year to The Royal Poinciana Plaza, with its special artist collaboration reveal taking place on Thursday, Dec. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. Past artist collaborations have included Donald Robertson, Gray Malin and Ashley Longshore. Sips, nibbles, music, fashion and a visit from Santa will be part of the festive evening, though the tree will be available on display through the end of the year.

3. 100-foot Christmas Tree – Delray Beach (Nov. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m.)
As one of the most highly anticipated Christmas sights of the year, the 100-foot Christmas Tree is a beloved annual spectacle that has taken place for the past 25+ years. Its 3,000 branches are illuminated with 15,000 dazzling lights and 40,000 ornaments, by a village of volunteers who dedicate their time and service to keep this tradition going. The tree lighting, which includes family activities, musical entertainment, carolers, open house store events, dining and a visit from Santa, will be held on Nov. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. The tree will be on display through the end of the year at Old School Square Park in downtown Delray Beach.

4. The Flagler Museum’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony – Palm Beach (Dec. 5)
Kick off the holiday season at the treasured former winter residence of Henry M. Flagler on Dec. 5 for the lighting of the 16-foot-tall Grand Hall Christmas Tree. As tradition has it, the tree is lit by the youngest members and descendants of the Flagler and Kenan families at the push of a button. Festive music, including performances by local choirs and a visit by Santa Claus will make for holiday cheer. The event is free with Museum admission and held from 12 to 5 p.m.

5. Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade – Palm Beach (Dec. 4, parade begins at 6 p.m.)
Celebrating its 27th year, the annual flotilla of colorfully decorated boats will parade through the Intracoastal Waterway from the North Palm Beach Marina to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse on Saturday, Dec. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. Zambelli traveling fireworks display adds to the evening spectacle, which raises awareness and funds for Toys for Tots and Little Smiles. The free, family-friendly event features 80 boats ranging in size from small to mega yachts, decorated in holiday-themed décor and lights

6. Holidays at The Square (previously Rosemary Square) – West Palm Beach (Starting Nov. 13)
Experience the holiday season at The Square, where a plethora of festive sights and activities await visitors daily, including nightly snowfalls and a lightshow by The Wishing Tree, photos with Santa, an interactive Mistletoe Trail, live holiday musical performances and much more. In addition to Christmas, The Square in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County will host a free Hanukkah Celebration on Dec. 5 from 3 to 5 p.m. The event will feature Sean Green, South Florida Instagram and TikTik dance sensation, in addition to a DJ, photo opportunities with Hanukkah “characters”, candle lighting ceremony and more. Festivities will return for an immersive Kwanza Celebration at The Square on Dec. 27 from 7 to 7:30 p.m., featuring Afrique Ngozi Dance & Drums. The family-friendly performance will explore the seven principles that make up Kwanzaa and feature live West African dancing and drumming.

7. Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society’s Zoo Lights – Palm Beach (Starting Nov. 19)

While the animal’s slumber, Palm Beach Zoo is illuminated for the holidays with over one million eco-friendly lights. Each evening from 6 – 9 pm the Zoo will be aglow with unique themed displays throughout the entire 23 acres. The festive holiday fun also features photos with Santa (until Dec. 23), a DJ holiday dance party, seasonal treats and more! Timed tickets are required for entry and nightly attendance is limited.

8. The Polar Express – West Palm Beach (Starting Dec. 11)
The Polar Express™ returns to South Florida beginning Dec. 11th, with daily departures at Brightline’s West Palm Beach station to MiamiCentral Station for an immersive trip on The Polar Express going directly to the North Pole. Put on your PJs and hop aboard for a family event full of holiday cheer! The wondrous one-hour trip to meet Santa includes a magical train ticket to have stamped, hot chocolate and fresh cookies served by dancing chefs, interactive performances, complete with sing-alongs and read alongs, and of course – meeting Santa himself!

9. Boynton Beach Tree Lighting & Holiday Concert (Dec. 3)
Coinciding with Boynton Beach’s First Friday @ Five monthly concert series, the city’s tree-lighting ceremony is happening on Friday, Dec. 3, starting at 5 p.m. Admire the kapok and banyan trees on Ocean Avenue at Town Square and Dewey Park once the lights are flipped on, creating a magical atmosphere. The free concert will feature holiday music from local performers, and food trucks and beverage vendors will also be on site. Bring a chair and blankets to enjoy the family-friendly evening that includes some children’s activities, as well.
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