Patti Roth

 The Plantation Holiday Parade is a festive event that residents look forward to every year. The parade in 2025 is 9 a.m. Saturday, November 22, with a route from Northwest 46th Avenue and Broward Boulevard, west to Northwest 69th Avenue, Northwest Fourth Street to Plantation City Hall, 400 NW 73rd Avenue, Plantation. Bleachers are offered …

Thousands of lights &  Olas the beach snowman are featured at  Light Up  The Beach on A1A and Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. The festivities in 2025 are 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 19, at Las Olas Oceanside Park.  The Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds band will perform at 7 p.m. The event …

For a fun Florida approach to holiday lights, embark on an excursion on the Water Taxi in Fort Lauderdale.  This is a fairly pricey and popular holiday activity. Water Taxi  holiday lights tours in 2025 are in December and January with decorated vessels navigating The Intracoastal Waterway. The tour is a peek at the decorated waterfront …

If you’d like entertainment and activities  with your shopping and dining excursions, Dania Pointe plaza in Dania Beach offers free events for kids and adults. Dania Pointe is a popular plaza with trendy shops, restaurants, Dania Improv, Puttshack and Regal theaters. Some of the venues offer Happy Hour deals. Free events & activities at Dania …

Organizations in South Florida offer free food distribution for families needing help. Some sites provide drive-through pickups, while others offer doorstep deliveries for eligible participants. Eligibility requirements vary among different organizations. Some are open to everyone.  Restaurants and food businesses are offering free food and discounts for recipients of SNAP benefits while access to that …

Flamingo Gardens in Davie glitters during the holidays with its lights display. Winter Wonderland Lights and decorations are poised among the tree-lined walkways of the attraction. Live music enhances the ambiance. Winter Wonderland in 2025 is 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. November 22 to December 30, except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission is …

It’s free to play outdoor Bingo at a park in Sunrise. Participants receive a game packet for about nine games, while supplies last.  The events in 2025 are usually third Sundays, and entry is free. Games are at 6 p.m. and participation is limited. The event includes entertainment and prizes. The venue is Village Art …

For a fun, unique and inexpensive activity in north Broward, hop aboard a little railroad.  The teeny train runs on tracks around a pond at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek. Train rides offered third weekends Functioning model locomotives offer rides 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the third full weekend of each month, weather permitting. It’s …

Festive theme decorated trees and a Hanukkah display are featured at a free Winter Wonderland exhibit in Plantation.  The indoor exhibit at Plantation Historical Museum includes a train village, a gift shop and occasional extra festive events. Extra events feature Santa and live entertainment. In 2025 the display is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. …

See works of art indoors and outdoors and shop wares from artisan vendors during the popular Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk. The free event typically takes place 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. third Saturdays on Hollywood Boulevard and Harrison Street. The events usually include live music by regional bands and entertainment featuring a  magician. Downtown Hollywood is …

Shop for fresh produce, prepared foods, vintage treasures, art, decor and other items from South Florida vendors, farmers and artisans at the many farmers’ markets and vendor fairs in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. The South Florida farmers markets and vendor fairs often include opportunities for extra fun and entertainment like yoga, live music, …