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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.

Well, this looks like another fun film from Paramount Pictures, so you’d better hurry and register to get a free pass because seats are limited and they are first-come, first-served.  “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants” (G) When: Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2025, at 11 a.m. Where: AMC Sunset Place, 5701 Sunset Drive, South Miami Request …

Read More about Free screening of The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants South Miami, Dec. 13

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

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

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

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

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

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

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, Dec. 5

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. 5, 2025, features Solstice Reign, from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, features Wonderama, from 5 to 9 p.m. Where: Commons Park, 11600 Poinciana Blvd., Royal Palm Beach Cost: …

Read More about Free outdoor concerts in Royal Palm Beach, Dec. 5, 16, 19

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 Friday beach bonfire with music & night market, Lake Worth, Dec. 5

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

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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