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Holiday Event Guide 2020 for South Florida

Where you can find some Christmas Cheer this year
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PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — This list is a living document and will be updated regularly. If you would like to add a listing to the list please e-mail tawalker@wptv.com.

Holiday Event Submission Form

Boca Raton

Boca Center

Now through Jan. 4, Boca Center’s will have a winter wonderland photo booth set-up next door to En Vogue Boutique, outside of the former Brio space. The photo booth will include a seated setup with a faux fireplace and a dreamy backdrop of white birch trees, suspended silver balls and snowflakes. The birch trees will also have Spirit of Giving virtual gift tags that guests can take to spread some joy to kids in need. Those who post their photo booth pictures on social media with the hashtag #MerryAtBocaCenter will be automatically entered to win a gift basket valued at over $250.

• Snow Globe workshop on Dec. 12 – Participants will learn how to create their very own snow globe, with the help of two of Santa’s elves from artNEST [artneststudios.com]. The event is Saturday, Dec. 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations must be made in advance on Eventbrite at Snow Globe workshop [eventbrite.com]. Tickets are $10 with 100% of proceeds benefiting Spirit of Giving Network.

• Holiday Music Fridays – Each Friday between Dec. 4 and Jan. 4 (including Christmas Day) from 5 p.m. -7 p.m. Boca Center will host Holiday Music Fridays where a live musician will walk throughout the courtyard playing holiday music for those enjoying dinner or happy hour at Boca Center’ restaurants. During that time, Spirit of Giving Network will also have toy drive boxes available. Everyone who brings an unwrapped gift will receive a complimentary cocktail or dining special at one of the participating Boca Center restaurants.

Santa Claus at Town Center Mall

Runs Nov. 27 - Christmas Eve.
Hours are Monday – Saturday from 1 – 7 p.m. and 1 – 5 p.m. on Sunday.

  • Reservations are required. Make Santa reservations today by clicking here
  • For everyone’s safety, visiting Santa will be a socially distant experience
  • Santa and his helpers will be wearing masks throughout the duration of each visit

Boynton Beach

Santa at the Boynton Beach Mall

Runs Nov. 27 - Christmas Eve.
Santa is back at Boynton Beach Mall. The set will be temporarily closed from Nov. 30 - Dec. 2. Reservations are strongly encouraged, see below for details:

Santa Set Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Santa Break from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. for cleaning)
Sundays: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Santa Break from 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. for cleaning)
Christmas Eve: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Santa Break from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. for cleaning)

Click here to make your reservation for photos with Santa.

Delray Beach

Death or Glory Christmas Pop-up Bar. Click here to read more.

Fort Pierce

Holiday Lights Spectacular

The Holiday Lights Spectacular will be held in Marina Square on Melody Lane. The display consists of over 100,000 lights synchronized to holiday music. The lights and music will run from 6 p.m. – 9p.m. daily from Dec. 6 until January 3, 2021.

Jensen Beach

Santa Claus at Town Center Mall

Runs Nov. 27 - Christmas Eve.
Hours are Monday – Saturday from 1 – 7 p.m. and 1 – 5 p.m. on Sunday.

  • Reservations are required. Make Santa reservations today by clicking here
  • For everyone’s safety, visiting Santa will be a socially distant experience
  • Santa and his helpers will be wearing masks throughout the duration of each visit

Jupiter

Holiday Lights at Jupiter Creamery

See the Holiday Lights at Jupiter Creamery. Drive-Thru a 10 acre farm to see the displays with lights, set up by businesses, non-profits, clubs & teams from around Jupiter. The event is free to the public. Plus where else can you see lights on a cow, buy cider donuts and pick up fresh eggs or homemade milk soap.

Palm Beach Gardens

Angel Tree

At The Gardens Mall an Angel Tree will be outside of Sears starting Nov. 27. Guests can get a wish from a needy child and fulfill the request inside the mall.

Drive-Thru Milk and Cookies with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet families and pass out a holiday snack bag with milk and cookies for kids of all ages to enjoy at the West Legacy Place parking lot area north of Total Wine and behind Chili’s on Saturday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 19 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost is a $10 donation per vehicle to the Palm Beach Gardens Police & Fire Foundation Annual Joy Drive. Advance registration is required (click links on dates above).

Drive-Thru Santa
Alton Town Center is making the holidays brighter for local families in need with the Drive-Thru Santa & Elves Toy Drive. On Dec. 12, and Dec. 19 from 9 – 11 a.m., the Palm Beach Gardens shopping center will be accepting new, unwrapped toys to benefit Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches. Santa and his merry elves will be on hand to accept the donations and bring some holiday cheer.

Guests will get to meet and greet Santa from the comfort of their own vehicles at this socially distanced event. Each child may tell Santa their wish list and in return, receive a surprise toy and gift bag filled with goodies, including a delicious gluten-free cookie courtesy of Bolay. Make sure to grab your coats because a cold front is coming through Alton Town Center with a “frozen” special guest.

Elf Drive-in Movie
Saturday, Dec. 19, meet Santa, Mrs. Clause, and Buddy the Elf at 5 p.m. The movie starts at 6 p.m on top of the Legacy Place parking garage. Each car is required to pre-register (click link above). Admission is $15 per car with all proceeds benefiting the Palm Beach Gardens Police & Fire Foundation Annual Joy Drive.

Holiday Carolers
Seasonal sounds will fill the Centre Court at Downtown Palm Beach Gardens from 6 p.m. - 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings. Performances will briefly break during the Holiday Light Show, every hour on the hour.

Holiday Family Photo Sessions at Legacy Place Shops in Palm Beach Gardens
Dress in your holiday best for professional family photos by Stephanie Smith across the breezeway by Newk’s Eatery on Sunday, Dec. 12 or Saturday, Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with a festive backdrop complete with snow. Pets are welcome.
Receive a 5” x 7” photo the day of purchase, with a digital link for additional photos to follow via e-mail.
The cost is a $15 donation to the Palm Beach Gardens Police & Fire Foundation Annual Joy Drive. You must preregister for the event (click links on the dates above).

Holiday Wonder
Nov. 28 - Christmas Eve (Wednesdays - Sundays)
At The Gardens Mall you can experience a magical world of candy cane swirls and snowflake blizzards. Picture yourself inside a giant snow globe or with Santa’s rooftop view. It will be held on the first level near Saks Fifth Avenue. Admission is $10 per person with all proceeds benefiting The Arc of Palm Beach County.

Santa - The Gardens Mall
Things to Know

  • Runs during normal hours Nov. 21 through Christmas Eve.
  • Socially distant photos with Santa (no lap-sitting)
  • Santa will place his magical mask over his beard
  • Appointments are strongly encouraged
  • Children 2 and up require facial coverings
  • Enhanced cleanings between visits
  • Lines will have social distant spacing between parties

Get a full list of safety precautions by clicking here.

Riviera Beach

Giant Gingerbread Tiki Bar

An over-the-top gingerbread display at Marriott Singer Island. This year’s work of art by Pastry Chef Kursten Restivo will feature a tropical twist. And for the first time, the sugar-trimmed house will offer interactive elements. Chef Kursten’s gingerbread displays are a labor of love. Last year’s gingerbread surf shack took over 1,000 hours to complete, and 1,800 gumballs, 110 eggs and over 34 pounds of sugar were used to create the gingerbread confection.

Royal Palm Beach

Royal Palm Beach Christmas Boat Parade

The parade starts at Todd A. Robiner Park on La Mancha Avenue on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 6:30. The parade will pass by Earth Day Park about 6:35 p.m. then the parade will travel under the Crestwood Bridge next to H.L. Johnson Elem around 6:45 p.m. At about 7:15 p.m. the parade will pass the Hidden Harbor Apartments, then the Okeechobee Bridge Around 7:15 p.m. The parade will end at Lake Challenger around 7:30 p.m. Organizers said the library is a great place to see the parade plus there is room for parking.

Stuart

Stuart Paddle Tours

Dec. 12 and 19 at SandSprit Park.
The local eco-tour company is offering holiday-themed beginner-friendly paddle tours to bring fun to the holiday season. Tours will include festive attire and post paddle cider and cookies.

Paddlers are encouraged to wear Santa hats, bring their jingle bells, and sing their favorite Christmas carols. They can also expect to learn a fun ocean-themed holiday fact or two.

Borrow a board or bring your own paddle craft for a discounted price. Tickets are to be purchased in advance as there are limited spaces available.

For more information and for booking call (772) 324-9394.

Vero Beach

Complimentary Horse and Carriage Rides

Saturday, Nov. 28 - Dec. 19 at the Vero Beach Outlets from 1:30 to 3:30. Rides start near the Williams-Sonoma Outlet.
Email: debbieainvero@gmail.com for more information.

Wellington

Santa at the Mall at Wellington Green

Runs Nov. 21 - Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Guests are invited to capture memories of a lifetime with professional quality photos with Santa. Advance reservations and appointments to visit Santa are strongly encouraged.

To help guests capture a one-on-one visit with Santa this holiday season, The Mall at Wellington Green is offering a contactless in-person Santa experience with enhanced safety protocols such as offering a reservation system to avoid overcrowding, requiring guests and staff to wear a face covering and daily temperature checks and health screenings for all staff.

Visit www.WhereisSanta.com to see photo package details.

Santa is not able to visit on 11/23, 11/24, 11/25, 11/26, 11/30 or 12/7 because he has to return to the North Pole.

West Palm Beach

A Classic Christmas in Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fair Grounds

Saturday, Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Organizers hope to bring out the holiday spirit the old-fashioned way. The Village’s historic buildings will be minimally decorated, indicative of the time period portrayed in Yesteryear Village.

Activities include:

  • Visits with farmer Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Cracker Cow Camp

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

  • Classic Christmas carols
  • School chorus Wellington Collegiate Chorus
  • DJ Sound Channels playing Christmas Music under pavilion-volunteer-Guitarist at

1 p.m. - 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.Admission: Adults $10 | Seniors and Children 5 - 11 $7 | and Children under 5 are free

Holiday Light Show
A family-friendly, fun-filled, drive-thru holiday event held at Okeeheelee Park Fridays - Sundays now through Dec. 27. Proceeds benefit local children and families via Lights 4 Hope Inc. Tickets start at $12.

Miracle Pop-Up Bar
Grandview Public Market in West Palm Beach’s Warehouse District will host a Christmas-themed bar concept called “Miracle Bar” starting Nov. 24 through the end of this year. The pop-up bar will include a special menu and the type of astonishing holiday decorations that have made it famous around the country.

Nightly Snowfall & Light Show

Watch it snow at Rosemary Square nightly starting Nov. 14 - New Year's Eve. Showtimes are 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m.There will be no snow on Thanksgiving.

Sandi the Holiday Tree
Sandi has returned to the Great Lawn, located at the east end of Clematis Street, just west of Flagler Drive (100 N. Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401).

Sandi Activities

  • Sandi’s Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, Dec. 19 from 9 – 11 a.m. A $5 per person pancake breakfast, complete with custom toppings such as chocolate chips, whipped cream, and fruit. The breakfast takes place steps from Sandi in the Lake Pavilion where tables will be appropriately spaced, and CDC guidelines will be followed. The breakfast sessions are 45 minutes long, with three separate seatings at 9, 10, and 11 a.m. If preferred, the pancake breakfast can also be taken to-go. Breakfast attendees will also have private access to photos with Santa, who will be safely distanced from children and families in an inflatable snow globe. Proceeds from the Pancake Breakfast will benefit a charity chosen by WPB Fire Rescue and WPB Police Department. Reservations are required.

  • Santa at Sandi

Sunday, Dec. 6 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 20 from 6 – 8 p.m. Children will have the chance to share their annual wish lists with Santa, at a safe distance, with Santa tucked inside a snow globe. City staff will encourage social distancing while families wait in line, but visitors are welcome to take pictures from outside of Santa’s globe. Visits with Santa are free.

  • Sandi and Hope’s Last Fla-mingle

Thursday, December 31 from 6 p.m. – midnight.On New Year’s Eve, Sandi and Hope will present their last song and dance to usher in 2021 properly. The lights and music show will be extended for the holiday.

Santa at Rosemary Square
Pose with Santa at Rosemary Square under The Wishing Tree at Rosemary Square from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. every Friday & Saturday starting November 14.

Things to Know

  • Parents take their own photos
  • No physical contact with Santa
  • Child chairs placed in front of Santa
  • Masks may be removed for photos
  • There are a limited number of spots for each hour time slot (it is suggested to preregister)

Winter Wonderland Laser Lights & Bites at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium
Friday, Dec.11 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sing and dance along to holiday favorites with plenty of room to social distance during the outdoor Laser Concert spectacular.
• Winter Wonderland Laser Shows on the Cox Amphitheater at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Explore outdoor exhibits on the 5-acre Fisher Family Science Trail
• Grab a bite from Gimme Grillin Food Truck
• Twilight Mini Golf on the Conservation Course
Guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets to set up their own area on the amphitheater lawn.
Admission is $12 for adults | 10 for children | Kids under 3 are free.

Zoo Lights
Starting Nov. 27, Zoo Lights will illuminate Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society with more than one-million eco-friendly LED lights this holiday season. The Zoo will open after regular hours on select nights through Jan. 9, from 6:00 - 9:00 PM for a "wild" holiday celebration.

Enjoy a socially distanced outdoor stroll in nature, get your family photos with Santa, make s'mores, dance to the D.J. playing family-friendly holiday music, and more.