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Mary Lou Cruz

Mary Lou worked for the South Florida Sun Sentinel for 21 years. She was a special sections writer in the advertising department for 7 years and worked in the newsroom for 14 years. Before her newspaper career, she worked in the airline and travel industry and has lived in Brazil, Puerto Rico and vacationed in more than 25 countries. Motto: "Learning to live a frugal lifestyle is both an art and a science." She can be reached at marylou@miamionthecheap.com.

Scurry on down to Lantana Town Hall for a special holiday outing to celebrate Winterfest 2025. Event features Christmas tree and menorah lighting, photos with Santa, and gifts for children. Families can also enjoy face painting, a balloon twister, vendor giveaways, and food trucks. Winterfest in Lantana When: Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, from 6 to …

Read More about Free: Winterfest in Lantana, Dec. 12

The City of Greenacres is turning 100 years old in 2026 and is inviting the public to take part in the festivities at these special Holiday in the Park events. A tree lighting ceremony, along with family activities will be on Friday, Dec. 12, from 5 to 9 p.m., followed by a Saturday drone show with …

Read More about Free: Holiday in the Park & Drone Show, Greenacres, Dec. 12, 13

Holiday elves will be delivering 32 tons of real snow, providing a winter wonderland with play areas, bounce houses, holiday characters like Santa, Anna & Elsa. Plus, there will be special music, and a festive Winter Village that will transform The Town of Jupiter into a wonderland to the delight of all. There’s Snow Place Like …

Read More about Free: Bundle up! There’s ‘Snow Place like Jupiter,’ Dec. 13

Sailfish Marina has partnered with an impressive lineup of sponsors and the City of West Palm Beach to host its first-ever holiday boat parade. Event will help support the Little Smiles annual Holiday Toy Drive by asking spectators to donate unwrapped toys for those in need. Boat Parade of the Palm Beaches When: Saturday, Dec. …

Read More about Holiday Boat Parade of the Greater Palm Beaches, Sailfish Marina, Dec. 13

The Carlin Park After Dark experience takes everything you love about a beach day to the next level. Arrive early to walk along the Jupiter Beach shoreline at sunset. Enjoy an evening picnic with local food vendors on site and live music. Then, only a few steps away from the stage, grab your blanket or …

Read More about Carlin Park After Dark: Free Elton John tribute, Jupiter, Dec. 13

The 59th annual Holiday Parade will proceed as the sun sets and the streets of Lake Worth Beach will transform into a dazzling spectacle of twinkling lights and vibrant holiday cheer. Features decorated floats, local marching bands and community groups showcasing their holiday spirit. “Celebrating Toyland” When: Saturday, Dec. 13, from 6 to 9 p.m. …

Read More about City of Lake Worth Beach Holiday Parade, Dec. 13

Residents and visitors are invited to watch as local boating enthusiasts “Light up the Lake” with a Holiday Boat Parade on Lake Wellington. The event will be featuring approximately 40 festive, decorated boats. Holiday Boat Parade When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, starts at 6:30 p.m. Where: Town Center Promenade, near Lakeside Market & Wellington Amphitheater, 12100 …

Read More about Wellington Holiday Boat Parade, Dec. 13

More than 70 floats, marching bands, dance teams and walking groups will parade along Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Delray Beach to NW 5th Avenue. And with a special connection from the North Pole, the Delray Beach Fire Department will have Santa riding along on their fire truck for the Holiday Parade. Plus, more than 70 …

Read More about Free Delray Beach ‘Festival of Lights’ Holiday Parade, Dec. 13

Northwood Village in West Palm Beach is hosting a free night of fun, food and family festivities, plus shopping opportunities, with holiday lights, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts from local artisans, and festive live entertainment. Nights in Northwood Village When: Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m. Where: Northwood Village, Old Northwood Historic District, West …

Read More about Nights in Northwood Village, holiday edition, West Palm Beach, Dec. 12

Street parades offer a unique kind of magic, transforming ordinary city blocks into shimmering, vibrant pageants of marching bands, floats and community spirit. Following is a list of some of the most popular ones across Palm Beach County. Listed chronologically: Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, Boca Raton, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, Boynton Beach, at …

Read More about Holiday street parades in Palm Beach County for 2025, through Dec. 14

As the temperatures cool and the holiday spirit warms up, there is no place in the world quite like Palm Beach County to celebrate the season on the water. The county’s most dazzling coastal tradition is perhaps the Holiday Boat Parade season, and this year it promises spectacular nights of glittering lights, festive cheer, and …

Read More about Popular holiday boat parades in Palm Beach County, through Dec. 19

Living on the CheapSouth Florida on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.

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