America’s First Resort Destination, The Original, The One, The Only: The Palm Beaches, invites visitors to explore treasured and timeless experiences and special events this holiday season, sure to be merry and bright in proper Palm Beach style. Enchanting tree displays, festive celebrations and photo ops with Santa provide plenty to fill your calendar. Read on about this year’s holiday highlights below and explore additional offerings by visiting ThePalmBeaches.com.
Holiday Events & Activities
The world’s only 35-foot, 700-ton holiday sand tree – West Palm Beach, FL
When 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.
Though the official Holiday Tree Lighting will take place on Thursday, December 2 from 6-9 p.m. in Downtown West Palm Beach, visitors can view Sandi through December 30, accompanied by nightly music and light shows, as well as additional activities such as mini golf, and special programming on select days. For more information visit www.wpb.org/events or follow along on social @Sanditreewpb.
The Royal Poinciana’s Holiday Surfboard Tree – Palm Beach, FL
The cherished surfboard tree returns for its fourth year to The Royal Poinciana Plaza, with its special artist collaboration reveal taking place on Thursday, December 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.
100-foot Christmas Tree – Delray Beach, FL
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 November 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.
The Flagler Museum’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony – Palm Beach, FL
Kick off the holiday season at the treasured former winter residence of Henry M. Flagler on December 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.
The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County’s Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade and Toy Drive – Northern region of Palm Beach County, FL
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, December 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.
Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society’s Zoo Lights – West Palm Beach, FL
Locals and visitors can enjoy illuminated walkways and themed displays during the holiday season from 6 to 9 p.m. on most evenings, beginning November 19 through January 2, 2022. One million eco-friendly lights will twinkle aglow throughout the 23-acre zoo. Additional activities are also part of the fun, including cookie decorating, holiday dance party, photos with Santa, and more. Timed tickets are required for entry and nightly attendance is limited.
Lion Country Safari’s Christmas with the Chimps – Loxahatchee, FL
Christmas will arrive early to Lion Country Safari as Santa and his helpers deliver wrapped gifts to the Safari’s 17 chimps – humankind’s closest relative. The event is included with paid park admission and allows for guests to step out of their vehicles to witness the delivery of the presents. Though the event begins at 10:30 a.m. on December 16, it’s recommended that visitors arrive by 9:30 a.m. to allow time to travel through the preserve ahead of the official event.
Holiday Festivities at The Square (previously Rosemary Square) – West Palm Beach, FL
Experience the holiday season with free and festive nightly snowfall and lightshow, offered from November 13 through December 31 at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Further celebrate alongside Santa with photo-ops under The Wishing Tree, held each Friday and Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m., through Dec. 19.
Hanukkah Hanukkah Celebration at The Square – West Palm Beach, FL In partnership with the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, the free celebration will be held on December 5 from 3 to 5 p.m. It 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. Riviera Beach CRA’s Chanukah at the Riviera Beach Marina Village – Riviera Beach, FL Held on the light night of Chanukah on Saturday, December 5 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. the community is invited to attend the lighting of the community Menorah. Food, crafts and live entertainment will be part of the waterfront celebration in observance of the Festival of Lights.
Kwanza Riviera Beach CRA Kwanzaa – Riviera Beach, FL
Celebrate Kwanzaa on December 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities will include live storytelling, poetry, art, and more.
Immersive Kwanza Celebration at The Square - Afrique Ngozi Dance & Drums brings a family-friendly event that will explore the seven principles that make up Kwanzaa and feature live West African dancing and drumming. The event will be held on December 27 from 7 to 7:30 p.m.