‘Tis the season to gather with friends and family and attend one of the many holiday festivities in Palm Beach County. Whether you are searching for the perfect gift or just want to embrace yourself in holiday cheer, palmbeachillustrated.com shares with you a list of events that spread warmth and joy during this special holiday season.
100-Foot Christmas Tree | Delray Beach
Join the fun in Delray Beach on Thursday December 10 at 5 p.m. for the Christmas tree lighting event as the 100-foot Christmas Tree illuminates the sky, which is surely be a sight to see [the Lighting Ceremony was originally scheduled for December 3]. Not only will Santa be joining the fray, but this tree packs some serious punch: at 7:15 p.m. the grand illumination will bring 15,000 LED lights to life (that’s 15,500 watts), shining bright on the tree’s 3,086 branches and 39,500 ornaments. There will be a plethora of fun holiday activities starting at 5 p.m. where children and adults of all ages can enjoy on-stage performances, carousel rides, ice-skating, and visits with Santa. The 100-Foot Christmas Tree will be open daily from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. from December 3- January 1 (open at 1 p.m. on December 25 and January 1).
While the grand lighting may be happening on December 10, there is a full schedule of activities dotting the month of December. Check out Delray Beach’s event schedule below:
- November 27 to January 1 – Holiday Carousel: Monday-Friday, 5-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 1-9 p.m. Rides cost $3. Located at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, Old School Square Grounds.
November 27 to January 1 – Ice-Skating: Monday-Friday, 5-9 p.m; Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 1-9 p.m. Ice time costs $7 for 45 minutes and includes skate rental (socks are required).
- November 27 to January 1 – Kiddie Train: Hop aboard the Polar Express for festive goodtime Monday-Friday, 5-9 p.m; Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 1-9 p.m. Rides cost $3. Located near the carousel on the Old School Square Grounds.
December 5, 12, 19, and 20 – Cookie Cruise with Santa: Hop aboard The Lady Atlantic for the Cookie Cruise with Santa. Admission costs $20 per person and includes cookies and milk or hot chocolate, coffee and tea, and holiday activities. Boarding time is 10 a.m., the cruise runs from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Call 561-243-0686 to reserve a spot.
December 6 – Menorah Lighting: Join the community for the lighting of the first candle of the Menorah at Old School Sqaure at 6 p.m.
- December 11 – Annual Holiday Boat Parade on the Intracoastal Waterway: Decorated with holiday flair, a flotilla of boats will line up along the Boynton Beach Inlet and proceed South to the C-15 Canal, just south of the Linton Bridge, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
- December 12 – Delray Beach Holiday Parade: Starting at 6 p.m the parade will begin on Atlantic Avenue at the Intracoastal Bridge in Downtown Delray Beach, and will continue west to NW 5th Ave. Among 70 of the other parade entries, the Delray Beach Fire Department will have Santa as their special guest to join them on their fire truck.
December 19– Screen on the Green: Head to Old School Square Park for a double feature, beginning at 6:30 p.m. First up, the 1964 stop motion animation classic Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, followed by the 2003 Will Ferrell holiday film, Elf. Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs, snack and drinks.
- December 31 – First Night 2016: Celebrate in a family friendly environment while ringing in the New Year. There will be an assortment of exciting activities including, dancing, visual arts, arts and crafts, obstacle courses, face painting, carousel rides, ice skating, magicians, and much more. Tickets cost $10 in advance and $15 on New Year’s Eve.
Hoffman’s Annual Winter Wonderland
Begin the holiday season when Hoffman’s Chocolate’s transforms from a decadent chocolate factory into the ultimate winter wonderland for the twenty-fifth annual Winter Wonderland from November 22 through December 30. Decorated with more than 75,000 LED lights, animated holiday displays, and festive trains, the chocolate factory is fully embracing the holiday spirit. On December 8, Hoffman’s will celebrate Hanukkah, beginning at 5:30 p.m., with a Menorah lighting, live music, magical tricks with an illusionist, and sufganiyot. For those looking for a last-ditch shot at the “Nice” list, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be present every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6-10 p.m, as well December 18-23.
- Hoffman’s Chocolate’s Holiday Wonderland is open daily from 6-10 p.m. through December 30. Admission is free.
- Holiday Wonderland will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Breakfast with Santa | Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
The wildest Santa experience in South Florida is setting the table in the Palm Beach Zoo for the annual Breakfast with Santa. Set for December 13, 19, and 20, families can book a seat for the kiddies to give Santa and Mrs. Claus one last plea for a slot on the “Nice” list. A seat at the table includes breakfast, private animal encounters, greetings from Santa and Mrs. Claus (photo ops abound!), arts and crafts, carousel rides, holiday music provided by Be the Show Productions Noisy Neighbors DJs, and more. As a bonus, each child will receive a special gift from the animals at the zoo.
- Registration is required (click here for the form – PDF). There will be one seating from December 13, 19, and 20, from 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- Admission costs $37 for adults ($27 for members), $29 for chidlren ($19 for members), $8 for toddlers.
- For more information, visit palmbeachzoo.org/breakfast-with-santa.
 Sandi LandDowntown West Palm Beach will transform into Sandi Land this December, a tropical holiday wonderland with a serious tree. |
O Christmas Tree Kick off the yuletide season with these area tree lighting events. |
 Sugar Plum DreamsThe Nutcracker is an iconic holiday season staple. The Miami City Ballet brings George Balanchine’s classic to stage at The Kravis Center. |
 Radio MagicArts Garage’s Radio Theatre presents a special adaptation of Miracle on 34th Street this December. |
A Gilded Age Christmas Experience a Gilded Age Christmas when the Flagler Museum’s Whitehall opens for nightly tours, bedecked with holiday decor. |
The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens transforms into a Christmas wonderland for the ninth annual Festival of Trees. |
Bethesda-by-the-Sea celebrates the Boar’s Head Festival with a procession of over 150 performers. |
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