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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.

Each week, the Norton Museum of Art presents a new experience, with an eclectic mix of live performances, film screenings, workshops, tours, and more. So, if it’s Friday, shake off the sand and head down to The Norton as part of the museum’s Art After Dark series that features something new and different each week. …

Read More about $10 Klezmer Company Jazz Orchestra at The Norton, West Palm Beach, 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

Delray Beach offers a robust arts and entertainment vibe, including the popular First Friday Art Walk, which not only offers public art displays, murals, installations and open galleries, but also a variety of free music and pop-up performances. For December, join the fun at this event during the holiday edition. You won’t want to miss …

Read More about Free: First Friday ArtWalk, Cornell Art Museum & downtown Delray Beach, Dec. 5

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, Mandel Public Library, West Palm Beach

Whether you just want a selfie or you’ve got kids, pets or the whole family, the Downtown Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (BBCRA) is making it easy for you to grab that special memory. Each event will feature themed activities, live entertainment, complimentary offerings, and a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus.  Snapshots with Santa, from 4 …

Read More about Free: Snapshots with Santa, Downtown Boynton, Dec. 11, 18

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) Miami-Dade, …

Read More about Free pass to see ‘The Housemaid,’ in Miami, Dec. 9, 15

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

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

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

Boynton Beach is gearing up for the holidays and the future looks bright. Here’s what’s in store: Boynton Beach Holiday Parade When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, beginning at 4 p.m. and ending at 6 p.m.  Where: Downtown Boynton Beach on Federal Highway between Boynton Beach Boulevard and Woolbright Road. The parade is free for spectators.  …

Read More about Holiday parade in Boynton 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

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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