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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.

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. Note: There will not be a New Year’s Eve celebration on Dec. 31, 2025. Holiday Village When: Through Dec. 31, 2025. Where: Along Atlantic …

Read More about Delray Beach 100-ft. tree & Holiday Village open through Dec. 31

Lake Worth Beach’s free oceanside bonfires and night market are once again a great place to go when, especially when the temperature drops. The gatherings are held on the first and third Fridays, through February, 2026. What to take to the bonfire Pack your towels, beach chairs, coolers and s’mores kits to the Lake Worth …

Read More about Free Friday beach bonfire with music & night market, Lake Worth, Dec. 19

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. 19, 2025, features Wonderama, from 5 to 9 p.m. Where: Commons Park, 11600 Poinciana Blvd., Royal Palm Beach Cost: Admission is free; vendor prices vary CALENDAR To keep up with the …

Read More about Free outdoor concert in Royal Palm Beach, Dec. 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, with interactive map

Take advantage of this ongoing series of free concerts under the stars, with food trucks and vendors, plus pop-up family events scheduled in 2025. Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025 features entertainment by the cover band Vinyl Highway. CLICK HERE: For holiday happenings in Wellington! The amphitheater at Wellington Town Center has a capacity of 1,500 people. Plan to …

Read More about Holiday happenings, free concert & Lakeside Market in Wellington, Dec. 18

Gather your friends, family, blankets and chairs and head over to Canyon Amphitheater in Boynton Beach on the third Saturday of each month (except June-August) the Legends on the Lawn concert series. Legends on the Lawn is free! Just your top outdoor music concert series in a leisurely setting among friends. Legends on the Lawn …

Read More about Free monthly concert: Legends on the Lawn, Boynton Beach, Dec. 20

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 2025 Holiday Boat Parade, hosted by the Osborne Yacht Club (OYC), begins at The Hive Waterfront Restaurant & Tiki Bar in Lantana and will follow the entire perimeter of the lake. Viewing spots are available along Lake Osborne Drive, from Lantana Road to Lake Worth Road, John Prince Park, and the restaurants and parks …

Read More about Lake Osborne yacht club Holiday Boat Parade, Dec. 19, Lantana

CityPlace is offering a special holiday treat, free on the lawn from 6 to 9 p.m. King’s Academy Jazz Ensemble Catch the talented student musicians of the King’s Academy Jazz Ensemble live at CityPlace. When: Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. Where: 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach   To keep up with the latest news, …

Read More about Free: King’s Academy Jazz Ensemble live at CityPlace, Dec. 20

The holidays at CityPlace feature a world of wonder illuminated by nightly snowfalls and light shows, with lots to do and see for the whole family. Wrapped in Wonder When: Holiday festivities continue through Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. Where: CityPlace, 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach Featured activities (weather permitting) include the following: Snow …

Read More about CityPlace holiday events, West Palm Beach, now through Dec. 31

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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