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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.

The annual tree lighting, performances and activities are just the beginning at Harbourside Place in Jupiter. There will also be dancers, gymnasts, food vendors and much more. Tree Lighting & Santa arrival When: Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, kick-off at 5 p.m. Where: Harbourside Place, 200 U.S. Route 1, Jupiter, Features: Local vendors, holiday performances, including …

Read More about Tree Lighting & Santa arrival, Harbourside Place, Jupiter, Nov. 29

It has been said, “The best way to spread holiday cheer is singing loud for all to hear!” So, gather your friends and family for a cozy night under the stars to help kick off the holiday season with this free outdoor film, Elf! Films on the Field: “Elf” When: Time: 6:30 p.m. Where: The Gardens …

Read More about Free Films on the Field features ‘Elf,’ Palm Beach Gardens, Dec. 5

Delray Beach is gearing up for the 6th annual United We Rock Toy Drive & Concert as it returns to the Amphitheater for a free, family-friendly evening of music and holiday giving.  United We Rock Toy Drive & Concert When: Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, from 5 to 10 p.m. Where: Old School Square Amphitheater, 51 …

Read More about Free: United We Rock toy drive and concert, Delray Beach, Dec. 5

The Boynton Beach Gold Coast Band will perform several seasonal concerts in 2025-26 at various venues. Tickets are $10 at the door; children under 12 get in free. Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at 3 p.m., Coral Lakes Theater, 12751 El Clair Ranch Road Program includes arrangements of your favorite Christmas and Hanukkah melodies, with   featured vocalist, …

Read More about $10 concert, Boynton Beach Gold Coast Band, Dec. 14

The public is invited to attend this special holiday event featuring elementary students on stage performing their hearts out for family, friends and neighbors. These kids are what the holidays are all about. Jingle Bell Rock When: Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, at 7 p.m. Where: Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave, Lake Worth Beach Cost: …

Read More about Free: ‘Jingle Bell Rock,’ Lake Worth Beach, Dec. 10

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

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: Downtown Delray’s First Friday Art Walk on Dec. 5, 2025, will feature Yuletide Carolers strolling around from 6 to 8 p.m., starting at the Cornell Art Museum. Each Tuesday and Wednesday in December, …

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: Tuesday, Dec. 2, through Dec. 31, 2025. Where: Along Atlantic and Swinton avenues, Old School Square, and Pineapple Grove. Features: Holiday …

Read More about Delray Beach 100-ft. tree & Holiday Village open Dec. 2 through Dec. 31

If you have a partner and dancing shoes and want to participate in the Que Bacano! Latin Dance Showcase, you will need to register in advance. However, even if you just want to watch on the sidelines and tap your toes under the table, you should still register since seating is limited. Admission is free and …

Read More about Free Latin Dance Showcase, West Palm Beach, Dec. 5

All of Howard Alan Events and American Craft Endeavour shows are free of charge for visitors. Plus, artists are on site for the duration of the events, allowing visitors to discover the creative inspirations and processes behind every piece. Attendees can stroll along city blocks and chat with artists while viewing their works, including larger-than-life …

Read More about Free entry: Downtown Delray Beach Art Festival on 4th, Dec. 6-7

Well, this looks like another fun film from Paramount Pictures, so you’d better hurry and register to get a free pass because seats are limited and they are first-come, first-served.  “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants” (G) When: Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2025, at 11 a.m. Where: AMC Sunset Place, 5701 Sunset Drive, South Miami Request …

Read More about Free screening of The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants South Miami, Dec. 13

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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