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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.

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 …

Read More about Winter holiday events & festivals in Palm Beach County

We have it made here in South Florida because we don’t have to worry about bundling up warm or slogging through sleet to enjoy the seasonal displays and festivities.  We’ve compiled a list of some free and ticketed holiday light displays for 2025 available for public viewing throughout Palm Beach County. And we hope everyone …

Read More about Holiday lights & displays in Palm Beach County

Lionsgate is offering free passes to an advance film screening that is rated-R.  The Housemaid When: Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Where: AMC Aventura, 19501 Biscayne Blvd. Passes are limited, click HERE to claim yours. Each pass allows two admissions. The film will be released in theaters nationwide on Dec. 19. Synopsis: In THE …

Read More about Free screening: The Housemaid, Aventura, Nov. 25

The City of West Palm Beach is celebrating its 34th annual Pleasant City Share-A-Supper community event and will be offering Thanksgiving dinner to residents, while supplies last, at no charge. Share-A-Supper Thanksgiving Feast WHEN: Tuesday, Nov.  25, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Pleasant City Community Center, 500 22nd St., West Palm Beach City …

Read More about Share-A-Supper, Pleasant City Community Center, Nov. 25

Communing with nature has never been more fun and the Daggerwing Nature Center has so many opportunities for kids and their families to take advantage of the great outdoors. Admission is free; access to trails and boardwalk are free; most programs have fees usually from $5 to $10. Upcoming November events: BIRDING 101 Saturday, Nov. …

Read More about Thanksgiving with animals at Daggerwing, Boca Raton, Nov. 25

Mizner Park in Boca Raton is transformed each by a sleigh full of elves with winter holiday decorations and public festivities. Following is a partial list. What: Boca Jolly Days & Merry in Mizner When: Tree, displays and activities extend through Dec. 31, 2025 Where: Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton & other venues. …

Read More about Merry in Mizner & Boca Jolly Days, Nov. 22 through Dec. 31

Take advantage of this ongoing series of free concerts under the stars, with food trucks and vendors, plus pop-up family events scheduled in 2025. Click HERE to see who’s performing and what else is happening this week and next! The amphitheater at Wellington Town Center has a capacity of 1,500 people. Plan to take portable seats …

Read More about Free outdoor concert & food trucks in Wellington, Nov. 22

The Shops at Boca Center will present Jingle & Mingle: Holiday Cheer Lights up The Shops at Boca Center, Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Event highlights include: Nutcracker Fantasy – Delight in the presence of Nutcracker Stiltwalkers, along with Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy Ballerinas, bringing the magic of the …

Read More about Holiday Kickoff party with tree lighting, at Boca Center, Nov. 22

Each week, the Norton Museum of Art presents a new experience, with an eclectic mix of live performances, film screenings, workshops, tours, and more. So, if it’s Friday, shake off the sand and head down to The Norton as part of the museum’s Art After Dark series that features something new and different each week. …

Read More about $10 music & Art After Dark: Fridays, West Palm Beach

Lake Worth Beach is kicking off the season with performances, a meet and greet with Santa, plus plenty of family activities. Tree Lighting and Meet & Greet Santa! When: Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m. Where: Cultural Plaza, Lake Worth Beach Features: Tree lighting with Santa, performances and family activities. Cost: Free …

Read More about Free Tree Lighting with Santa, Lake Worth Beach, Nov. 29

The “6th Annual Pooches & Presents in the Park”is a free, pet-friendly holiday event. Not only will it feature photos with Santa, adoptable dogs, local vendors, food and raffles, but also dog-friendly activities like a splash zone and lure course.  “Pooches & Presents in the Park” When: Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, from noon to 4 …

Read More about Delray is going to the dogs with a holiday party for pooches, Nov. 23

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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