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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 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

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

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

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

Here’s a chance to see a free advance screening of a new movie: “The Housemaid,” a  thriller starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, based on a best-selling book. From director Paul Feig, the film plunges audiences into a twisted world where perfection is an illusion, and nothing is as it seems. THE HOUSEMAID (rated-R) South …

Read More about Free pass to see ‘The Housemaid,’ in South Miami, Dec. 15

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, through Dec. 31

If you’re on a quest to discover a place where you can take the kids and enjoy the day for next to nothing, then the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton is definitely a place for the whole family to enjoy an authentic outdoor Florida adventure. ‘Tis the Seas’n at Gumbo Limbo! Experience holiday …

Read More about Gumbo Limbo Aglow lights up Nature Center, Fridays in Boca Raton

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

Santa’s helpers and visiting elves have been busy decorating for one of its biggest and most imaginative holiday lineups ever. Seasonal highlights range from a life-size Candy Land game and candy-themed “Storytime Spectacular” to hands-on gingerbread workshops, musical performances, and tech-forward holiday crafting, and more. What: Festive programs for all ages When: Throughout the month …

Read More about Free, festive programs for all ages, Mandel Public Library, West Palm Beach

Walking in nature has been shown to have a wide range of health benefits, both physical and mental. Experts say it can not only help reduce stress, but it also may improve one’s mood, boost creativity, and even improve cognitive function. So, grab the sunscreen and bug repellant, your comfy walking shoes, and if you …

Read More about Guided nature walks, animal encounters and more at Riverbend Park, Jupiter

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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