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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

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

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

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

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

Celebrate the season Delray-style with festive Midday Holiday Cheer at Old School Square. Holi-Days events at Old School Square What’s in store: Downtown Delray’s First Friday Art Walk on Dec. 5, 2025, will feature Yuletide Carolers strolling around from 6 to 8 p.m., starting at the Cornell Art Museum. Each Tuesday and Wednesday in December, …

Read More about Holi-Days events at Old School Square, Delray Beach, through Dec. 23

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

The Boynton Beach Gold Coast Band will perform several seasonal concerts in 2025-26 at various venues. Tickets are $10 at the door; children under 12 get in free. Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at 3 p.m., Coral Lakes Theater, 12751 El Clair Ranch Road Program includes arrangements of your favorite Christmas and Hanukkah melodies, with   featured vocalist, …

Read More about $10 concert, Boynton Beach Gold Coast Band, Dec. 14

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

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

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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