Clicky Skip to Content

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.

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, from Dec. 6 to Dec. 19

Communing with nature has never been more fun and the Daggerwing Nature Center has so many opportunities for kids and their families to take advantage of the great outdoors. Admission is free; access to trails and boardwalk are free; most programs have fees usually from $5 to $10. Weekly: ANIMAL FEEDINGS & TALKS Wednesdays, Thursdays …

Read More about Free entry & cheap activities with animals at Daggerwing Nature Center, Boca Raton

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

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

“The Centennial Express” is the theme for this year’s parade, featuring floats and marching bands displaying and saluting the city’s pride over the past 100 years. Holiday Street Parade: 100 Years of Holiday Cheer When: Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Where: The parade will start at Federal Highway and SE 5th …

Read More about Holiday Street Parade: 100 Years of Holiday Cheer, Boca Raton, Dec. 3

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

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. 5, 16, 19

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

Winter in paradise comes early in Palm Beach County, where some venues and malls are already in full swing of hosting holiday trees, “snow” and lights galore. These holiday tree lightings are perfect for the entire family and often include a variety of holiday activities, from free concerts, Santa photos, elf sightings, and a lot …

Read More about Holiday Tree Lightings & Santa Sightings, Palm Beach County

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

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.

Living on the Cheap in the Media