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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.

When it’s time to close the door on 2024 and welcome the New Year, here are a few places you can do that with family, friends and neighbors and still have room in your pocketbook to pay for some treats. Sandi’s New Year’s Eve with Ferris and Fireworks When: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 – Thursday, …

Read More about Free & cheap New Year’s Eve celebrations in West Palm Beach

CityPlace is offering a special holiday treat, free on the lawn from 6 to 9 p.m. King’s Academy Jazz Ensemble Catch the talented student musicians of the King’s Academy Jazz Ensemble live at CityPlace. When: Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. Where: 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach   To keep up with the latest news, …

Read More about Free: King’s Academy Jazz Ensemble live at CityPlace, Dec. 20

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, with interactive map

Who in their right mind would cruise down the Amazon River in Brazil to make a movie while being totally inexperienced, naive and warped by a raging midlife crisis? Two characters played by Jack Black and Paud Rudd do just that in this PG-13 adventure comedy. The film will be shown at Regal Dania Pointe …

Read More about ‘Anaconda,’ free movie screening, Dania, Dec. 17

Here’s a list of some free concerts in the Village of Royal Palm Beach for December, 2025.  Winter concerts in Commons Park Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, features Solstice Reign, from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, features Wonderama, from 5 to 9 p.m. Where: Commons Park, 11600 Poinciana Blvd., Royal Palm Beach Cost: …

Read More about Free outdoor concerts in Royal Palm Beach, Dec. 16, 19

Get ready for goodies and gelt, games, dreidels and lots of latkes to celebrate the miracle of lights. Here’s a sample list of some of the upcoming festivities we found. Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, Boca Raton Chabad of Boca Raton will host its annual Chanukah Festival, from 2 to 6 p.m., with menorah lighting at …

Read More about Chanukah and Hanukkah celebrations in Palm Beach County

There is always so much to see and do during the month of December, it’s not easy to cover everything going on in the greater Palm Beach area, but we’ve done our best to compile a list of some of the best of the best from a frugal standpoint. Please check back with us since …

Read More about Top seasonal things to do in December in Palm Beach County

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

Celebrate the season Delray-style with festive Midday Holiday Cheer at Old School Square. Holi-Days events at Old School Square What’s in store: Each Tuesday and Wednesday in December, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be live music, lawn games, and good vibes. Pack a lunch, grab a friend, and kick back to holiday …

Read More about Holi-Days events at Old School Square, Delray Beach, through Dec. 23

The Delray Beach Holiday Village is a tradition that kids of all ages will enjoy. It features a walk-through 100-ft. tree, Santa’s House, ice skating, mini golf, vendors and much more. Holiday Village When: Through Dec. 31, 2025. Where: Along Atlantic and Swinton avenues, Old School Square, and Pineapple Grove. Features: Holiday Village, with Gingerbread …

Read More about Delray Beach 100-ft. tree & Holiday Village open through Dec. 31

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter invites the public to participate in this special holiday workshop on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Event will feature Santa, hot cocoa and crafts. Admission is by donation and everyone is welcome. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is at 17855 Rocky Pines Road, Jupiter Farms. Sip hot …

Read More about Party with the animals at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter, Dec. 20

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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