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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.

Here’s a holiday celebration that has something for kids of all ages, from ice skating and Santa to the tree lighting, live performances and plenty of holiday activities, with food vendors on site. Tree Lighting and Menorah Presentation When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 What: Tree Lighting and Menorah presentation 6-9 p.m. Where: Village Courtyard, 226 …

Read More about Holiday Tree Lighting & Menorah Presentation, Palm Springs, Dec. 6

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

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, November, 2025, through February, 2026. What to take to the bonfire Pack your towels, beach chairs, coolers and s’mores kits to the …

Read More about Free beach bonfire & night market, Lake Worth

If you have a partner and dancing shoes and want to participate in the Que Bacano! Latin Dance Showcase, you will need to register in advance. However, even if you just want to watch on the sidelines and tap your toes under the table, you should still register since seating is limited. Admission is free and …

Read More about Free Latin Dance Showcase, West Palm Beach, Nov. 7

Residents and visitors are invited to watch as local boating enthusiasts “Light up the Lake” with a Holiday Boat Parade on Lake Wellington. The event will be featuring approximately 40 festive, decorated boats. Holiday Boat Parade When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, starts at 6:30 p.m. Where: Town Center Promenade, near Lakeside Market & Wellington Amphitheater, 12100 …

Read More about Wellington Holiday Boat Parade, Dec. 13

The City of Boynton Beach continues to offer a free concert series on the First Friday at 5 p.m., monthly in 2025. There will be food trucks and beverage vendors and activities for kids, plus an artisan market. First Friday @ 5 When: First Friday of each month, from 5 to 9 p.m. Where: Amphitheater, …

Read More about First Friday @ 5 concerts, vendors and more, Boynton Beach

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. You can stop for refreshments or visit the working artist studios in the downtown area to peruse, …

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

The 59th annual Holiday Parade will proceed as the sun sets and the streets of Lake Worth Beach will transform into a dazzling spectacle of twinkling lights and vibrant holiday cheer. Features decorated floats, local marching bands and community groups showcasing their holiday spirit. “Celebrating Toyland” When: Saturday, Dec. 13, from 6 to 9 p.m. …

Read More about City of Lake Worth Beach Holiday Parade, Dec. 13

Holiday events in Boynton Beach are free and open to the public, beginning with the evening tree lighting, followed by an afternoon parade the next day. Holiday Tree Lighting When: Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, from 5 to 9 p.m. Where: Centennial Park & Amphitheater, 120 E Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach Features: Holiday music, food vendors, …

Read More about Holidays in Boynton Beach include tree lighting, and more, Dec. 5

This year’s annual Wellington Holiday Parade the 41st event is presented by the Village of Wellington and in partnership with the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County. “Celebrating the Season Throughout the Years” When: Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. Parade Route: Starts near …

Read More about Wellington Holiday Parade, Dec. 14

The Boynton Beach Holiday Boat Parade will start at 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, with a watch area and festivities at Boynton Harbor Marina, 735 Casa Loma Blvd. The Boat Parade is hosted annually on the second Friday of December. The event features a variety of festively decorated boats and is a …

Read More about Boynton Beach Boat Parade with free watch areas

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