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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.

It’s that time of year again and Royal Palm Beach is going all in to create another signature event for the holidays that not only includes performers, entertainment and food vendors but also lots of wintry activities for kids of all ages. Winter Festival When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, from 2 to 9 p.m. Where: …

Read More about Free: Winter Festival has seasonal fun for kids in Royal Palm Beach, Dec. 6

Lynn University Conservatory of Music invites the public to attend this free performance featuring Taiwanese-American pianist Charlotte Hu. She will play a program highlighting the music of Frédéric Chopin, Enrique Granados, and Claude Debussy. Free Guest Pianist in Recital When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Where: Lynn University, Amarnick-Goldstein Concert Hall, …

Read More about Free: Guest pianist in recital, Lynn University, Boca Raton, Dec. 6

Whether you’re a creative crafter or maybe just appreciate unique handicrafts, or just like to browse a variety of homemade works by local artisans to get ideas for your own projects, this event is for you.  Buckler’s 35th annual Christmas Craft Fair When: Dec. 6-7, 2025, Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. …

Read More about Buckler’s 35th Christmas Craft Fair, West Palm Beach, Dec. 6-7

The Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade will be held rain or shine, and prizes will be announced at the Jupiter Lighthouse. The parade, led by a Zambelli traveling fireworks display navigates up the Intracoastal Waterway from North Palm Beach to the Jupiter Inlet at approximately 8 p.m. 31st annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade When: …

Read More about Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade, Dec. 6

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

Here’s a holiday celebration that has something for kids of all ages, from ice skating and Santa to the tree lighting, live performances and plenty of holiday activities, with food vendors on site. Tree Lighting and Menorah Presentation When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 What: Tree Lighting and Menorah presentation 6-9 p.m. Where: Village Courtyard, 226 …

Read More about Holiday Tree Lighting & Menorah Presentation, Palm Springs, Dec. 6

Coco Market not only features live music, family activities, artisans and retailers but also wellness vendors, workshops, bounce houses, pet adoptions and more. These seasonal events are held monthly in Delray and Jupiter and everyone is welcome. Coco Market, Delray Beach First Sunday: Dec. 7, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Old School …

Read More about Free Coco Market: Something for everyone, Delray Beach, Jupiter, Dec. 7 & 21

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

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 German Christmas spirit will come to life with lots of fresh holiday flair, thanks to the American German Club. There will be music, cookies and crafts, rides and plenty of magical moments for kids of all ages. Christmas Market When: Saturday, Dec. 13, from 1 to 9 p.m. & Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, from …

Read More about German Christmas spirit comes to life with authentic folk dances, food and fun, Dec. 13-14

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