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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.

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

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

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

Holiday elves will be delivering 32 tons of real snow, providing a winter wonderland with play areas, bounce houses, holiday characters like Santa, Anna & Elsa. Plus, there will be special music, and a festive Winter Village that will transform The Town of Jupiter into a wonderland to the delight of all. There’s Snow Place Like …

Read More about Free: Bundle up! There’s ‘Snow Place like Jupiter,’ Dec. 13

Sailfish Marina has partnered with an impressive lineup of sponsors and the City of West Palm Beach to host its first-ever holiday boat parade. Event will help support the Little Smiles annual Holiday Toy Drive by asking spectators to donate unwrapped toys for those in need. Boat Parade of the Palm Beaches When: Saturday, Dec. …

Read More about Holiday Boat Parade of the Greater Palm Beaches, Sailfish Marina, Dec. 13

The Carlin Park After Dark experience takes everything you love about a beach day to the next level. Arrive early to walk along the Jupiter Beach shoreline at sunset. Enjoy an evening picnic with local food vendors on site and live music. Then, only a few steps away from the stage, grab your blanket or …

Read More about Carlin Park After Dark: Free Elton John tribute, Jupiter, Dec. 13

The 59th annual Holiday Parade will proceed as the sun sets and the streets of Lake Worth Beach will transform into a dazzling spectacle of twinkling lights and vibrant holiday cheer. Features decorated floats, local marching bands and community groups showcasing their holiday spirit. “Celebrating Toyland” When: Saturday, Dec. 13, from 6 to 9 p.m. …

Read More about City of Lake Worth Beach Holiday Parade, Dec. 13

Residents and visitors are invited to watch as local boating enthusiasts “Light up the Lake” with a Holiday Boat Parade on Lake Wellington. The event will be featuring approximately 40 festive, decorated boats. Holiday Boat Parade When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, starts at 6:30 p.m. Where: Town Center Promenade, near Lakeside Market & Wellington Amphitheater, 12100 …

Read More about Wellington Holiday Boat Parade, Dec. 13

More than 70 floats, marching bands, dance teams and walking groups will parade along Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Delray Beach to NW 5th Avenue. And with a special connection from the North Pole, the Delray Beach Fire Department will have Santa riding along on their fire truck for the Holiday Parade. Plus, more than 70 …

Read More about Free Delray Beach ‘Festival of Lights’ Holiday Parade, Dec. 13

Northwood Village in West Palm Beach is hosting a free night of fun, food and family festivities, plus shopping opportunities, with holiday lights, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts from local artisans, and festive live entertainment. Nights in Northwood Village When: Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m. Where: Northwood Village, Old Northwood Historic District, West …

Read More about Nights in Northwood Village, holiday edition, West Palm Beach, Dec. 12

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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