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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.

Visitors to the city’s Holiday in Paradise annual celebration can once again enjoy a free Polynesian show at the West Palm Beach waterfront, with a high energy show for all ages. Aloha Islanders Tropical Holiday Spectacular When: Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. Where: Waterfront Commons, NewDay USA Stage on the Waterfront …

Read More about Free: Aloha Islanders Tropical Holiday Spectacular, West Palm Beach, Dec. 21

Here’s a holiday treat: Take the kids to a musical stage show to see this traditional tale by Hans Christian Andersen. Players from the Atlantic Coast Theatre for Youth bring the story to life. Plus, this inviting 155-seat theatre gives each audience member a close-up view.  THE SNOW QUEEN When: Sunday, Dec 21, 2025: Two …

Read More about See ‘The Snow Queen’ on stage at the Willow Theatre, Boca Raton, Dec. 21

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

Each week, the Norton Museum of Art presents a new experience, with an eclectic mix of live performances, film screenings, workshops, tours, and more. Every Friday there’s something new to do and see, plus a showcase of up-and-coming and established performers. In essence, this afterhours weekly discounted event has something for all ages and it’s …

Read More about $10 Art After Dark at The Norton, West Palm Beach, Fridays: Always something new!

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

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 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

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

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

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

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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