Winter holidays

We may never have a white Christmas, unless the snow is fake, and chestnut roasting on an open fire are unlikely. But despite our tropical winter weather, or maybe because of it, South Florida goes all out for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and the winter holiday season. Palm trees look great in holiday lights, as do …

Winter festivals, fun with Santa, and dazzling light displays are part of the seasonal festivities in South Florida. Broward County offers all kinds of events to celebrate Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and the New Year. Parades, festivals, concerts, family festivals, light displays and more abound from Coral Springs to Hallandale Beach, from Hollywood to Pembroke …

Floridians know how to celebrate the winter holidays, even if “winter” doesn’t mean here what it means elsewhere. The snow may be fake or manmade, but the fun is real. South Florida has holiday parades, boat parades, Christmas tree lightings, menorah lightings, holiday concerts, family festivals and more. Many events are free or cheap. We …

Christmas tree lightings and winter fests are happening earlier and earlier each year. Here’s where to watch when they flip the switch and hundreds of lights bring the tree to life! And even though we don’t have much winter weather in Miami-Dade, there are winter festivals to be found. We will add more tree lighting …

The wacky 42nd King Mango Strut Parade, known for being a spoof of the year’s craziest, most outrageous headlines, of which there are plenty in Miami, weaves through the streets of Downtown Coconut Grove on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at 2 p.m.  Watch as marching groups, homemade floats and makeshift mascots parade down Main Highway.  …

Several library branches in Broward are offering free holiday photo shoots and free photo ops. For photo shoots, libraries are using a green screen that offers different holiday and winter digital backdrops.  Usually a digital version of the photo is emailed to participants for free. Friends, family and props are permitted. No pets, please. If …

For a holiday treat, the Galleria in Fort Lauderdale features an assortment of performances from regional organizations.  Galleria mall is at 2414 East Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 33304. Entry and parking are free  In 2025,  entertainment includes   1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, December 6 Broward College Premier Jazz Combo  1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday, December …

Festive theme decorated trees and a Hanukkah display are featured at a free Winter Wonderland exhibit in Plantation.  The indoor exhibit at Plantation Historical Museum includes a mini train village, a gift shop and occasional extra festive events. Extra events feature Santa and live entertainment. In 2025 the display with about 40 trees  is open …

This holiday season, prepare to be dazzled and amazed when you experience a series of dazzling spectaculars of music and light as the Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights comes to South Beach Dec. 13 and 14; Dec. 20 and 21, 2025, at The Betsy Hotel, 1440 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach. Showtimes are Dec. 13 …

Visitors to the city’s Holiday in Paradise annual celebration can once again enjoy a free Polynesian show at the West Palm Beach waterfront, with a high energy show for all ages. Aloha Islanders Tropical Holiday Spectacular When: Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. Where: Waterfront Commons, NewDay USA Stage on the Waterfront …

Holiday lights and decorations glisten at a display in Pembroke Pines.  The drive-by version is offered Mondays to Thursdays, and the weekends feature a walk in event with entertainment, photo ops, and a fun zone.  Oasis Church in Pembroke Pines hosts Christmas at the Oasis.  In 2025, the display and events are 6:30 p.m. to …