Winterfest Boat Parade
The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is one of Fort Lauderdale’s most magical nights of the year, turning the water into a sparkling holiday show filled with music, lights and boats decked out from bow to stern. With the parade kicking off at 6:00 PM, you’ll see everything from glowing sailboats to show stopping megayachts as they cruise along the Intracoastal in true South Florida style. It’s festive, it’s bright and it’s a holiday tradition you don’t want to miss!
Where: Along the New River, traveling east to the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale and north to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. The viewing area is located at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park
When: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Cost: Parade viewing area tickets range from $35-$60
More Information: Event Website
Christmas on Las Olas
Christmas on Las Olas transforms the Boulevard into a sparkling winter wonderland, filled with twinkling lights, live performances, local vendors, and festive fun for the whole family. Stroll the street with hot cocoa, sled down Snow Mountain, lace up for free ice skating, snap photos with Santa and enjoy shows from more than 30 local schools and organizations.
Where: Las Olas Boulevard from 6th Avenue to 11th Avenue
When: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Cost: Free
More Information: Event Website
Light Up the Holidays
Light Up the Holidays brings festive magic to every corner of Fort Lauderdale, with a citywide series of cheerful celebrations including Light Up Lauderdale, Light Up the Beach, Light Up the Galt, Light Up Sistrunk, the Menorah Lighting Celebration and Light Up Carter Park. From sparkling tree lightings and live holiday concerts to kids zones, crafts, Santa visits and dazzling light displays along the New River and beachfront, each event offers its own joyful slice of the season. Fort Lauderdale’s holiday kickoff invites families to enjoy cozy treats, community spirit and unforgettable moments all season long.
Where: Various locations across Fort Lauderdale
When: November 6, 2025 – December 14, 2025
Cost: Free
More Information: Event Website
Candy Cane Parade
The 69th annual Candy Cane Parade brings holiday sparkle back to the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, filling the night with glowing floats, music and Christmas cheer. This long running South Florida tradition rolls out at 7:00 PM, as dozens of lighted floats entertain crowds gathered along the sand and sea. With dancers, decorations and Santa himself, it’s a magical beachfront parade that promises a sweet start to the season.
Where: Hollywood Beach Broadwalk (from Missouri Street south to Harrison Street)
When: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Cost: Free
More Information: Event Website
Christmas Lights in Broward County
Holiday Fantasy of Lights at Tradewinds Park
The Holiday Fantasy of Lights is a glowing drive through adventure filled with dazzling displays, twinkling scenes and festive surprises around every turn. Enjoy the magic from the comfort of your car as millions of lights bring the holidays to life in a dreamy, larger than ever winter wonderland. It’s a joyful, family friendly tradition that makes the season shine. Get the fun glasses they offer for an extra special treat!
Where: Tradewinds Park
When: November 22, 2025 – January 3, 2026. From 6pm – 10pm
Cost: $29.50 per car
More Information: Event Website
Christmas Lights in the Acres
Experience the magic of the season at Christmas Lights in the Acres. With over a million dazzling lights and joyful holiday tunes, this enchanting event is the perfect way to celebrate with family and friends.
Where: Plantation Baptist Church, 11700 NW 28th Ct, Plantation Acres
When: November 28, 2025 – December 27, 2025. From 6pm -10pm
More Information: Event Facebook Page
Holiday Lights Cruise on the Water Taxi
The Holiday Lights Cruise by Water Taxi offers a unique way to experience the holiday season in Fort Lauderdale. Step aboard and enjoy a festive evening cruise along the city’s scenic waterways, where millions of twinkling holiday lights and beautifully decorated waterfront homes create a sparkling winter wonderland. With holiday music filling the air and Fort Lauderdale’s famous skyline as a backdrop, this family friendly cruise is a perfect way to celebrate the season.
Where: Departs from The Riverside Hotel / Stranahan House Museum
When: December 4, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Cost: $45
More Information: Event Website
Hoffman’s Chocolates Winter Wonderland
Flamingo Gardens transforms into a sparkling Winter Wonderland with all new light displays, a towering 35′ Christmas tree, nightly live music and festive treats around every corner. Families can explore Santa’s Village and even meet him on select nights. Roast s’mores, shop sweet holiday goodies and enjoy magical holiday scenes throughout the gardens. It’s a bright, cheerful, totally immersive holiday experience that brings the season to life in the most enchanting way.
Where: Flamingo Gardens
When: November 22, 2025 – December 30, 2025
Cost: $24
More Information: Event Website
Hard Rock the Holidays
The Guitar Hotel at the Hard Rock debuts a brand new light show spectacular, transforming the iconic resort into a glowing winter wonderland with more than two million lights, immersive themed areas, festive food and family friendly fun. Wander through dazzling displays, snap incredible holiday photos, enjoy live entertainment and experience a holiday music show synced to the hotel’s famous light façade. With magical moments around every corner, this all new festival brings the season to life in the bold, unforgettable Hard Rock way.
Where: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
When: November 29, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Cost: $45
More Information: Event Website
Holiday Concerts and Performances
Christmas Near the Beach Festival
Christmas Near the Beach brings all the magic of the season to downtown Hollywood with a lively, joy filled celebration for the whole family. Enjoy a dazzling 40′ Christmas tree, live music and dance performances, a heartwarming live nativity, free photos with St. Nick, gift giveaways and a festive marketplace packed with holiday treats and local vendors.
Where: The ArtsPark
When: December 13, 2025, From 4pm – 9pm
Cost: Seats start at $49
More Information: Event Website
Christmas Concerts at The Broward Center of Performing Arts
The Broward Center transforms into a holiday hub filled with show stopping productions and feel good Christmas entertainment. Experience everything from the sweeping magic of Disney’s Frozen and the uplifting sounds of the Vienna Light Orchestra to festive concerts with Trisha Yearwood, David Foster & Katharine McPhee, and more. With Broadway hits, musical celebrations and inspiring seasonal stories like Black Nativity, the Broward Center offers unforgettable holiday moments for families, friends and theater lovers alike.
Where: The Broward Center for the Performing Arts
When: December 12, 2025 – December 21, 2025
Cost: Seats start at $49
More Information: Event Website
More Holiday Shows at Parker Playhouse
The Parker lights up the season with a festive lineup of holiday favorites that blend music, magic and tradition. From the timeless beauty of Handel’s Messiah to heartfelt Christmas concerts and a dazzling series of Nutcracker performances, this beloved venue offers something special for every family. The Parker is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays with a touch of sparkle and nostalgia.
Where: The Parker Playhouse
When: December 6, 2025 – December 29, 2025
Cost: Seats start at $42
More Information: Event Website
Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Amerant Bank Arena
Prepare for an electrifying night as Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns with The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, a powerful rock opera that blends soaring symphonies, stunning visuals and heartwarming storytelling. With TSO’s signature mix of rock, classical and holiday music, this high energy show delivers a holiday experience that’s emotional, unforgettable and unlike anything else on stage.
Where: Amerant Bank Arena
When: December 12, 2025
More Information: Event Website
