Winter festivals, fun with Santa, and dazzling light displays are part of the seasonal festivities in South Florida.
Many events are free. Some are inexpensive, or offered with deals & discounts. Please return to this feature as other events are added.
2022 Holiday Displays in Broward
Photo/Gulfstream Park Village
Photo Ops Festive places in South Florida for fun DIY photos
Symphony In Lights, free
November 12-December 31
Symphony in Lights features lights dancing to festive holiday tunes is on the hour from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. November 12-December 31, with free entry and free parking at Gulfstream Park Village, 954 454-7000, 901 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, FL. Gulfstream Park Village is a shopping, dining and entertainment plaza. Feature: Free Symphony In Lights display and holiday festivities in Hallandale
Winter Wonderland, free
November 19-December 31
Winter Wonderland exhibit 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. November 19 at Plantation Historical Museum, with free entry. The exhibit is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until December 31, with some exceptions. Plantation Historical Museum, 511 N. Fig Tree Lane, Plantation, FL, website, 954-797-2722. Entry is free, donations appreciated. Feature: Winter Wonderland display at Plantation Historical Museum
Holiday Trains Display, free
Exhibit of model trains with historic layouts, including scenes from 1950s and 1960s. It’s open December 3 – January 13 with trains running 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Southwest Regional Library, 954-357-6580, 16835 Sheridan Street, Southwest Ranches. Entry is free. Feature: Holiday Train Exhibit at library in Southwest Ranches
Garden of Lights
Flamingo Gardens in Davie offers Garden of Lights holiday display, December 16-23 & December 26-30, entry fees apply
Christmas in The Acres lights display, $10 per vehicle
Elaborate and impressive walk-up light show 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. November 25 – December 30, with some exceptions, is synchronized to favorite seasonal songs, weather permitting. Plantation Baptist Church, 11700 NW 28th Court, Plantation Acres. Tickets purchased via app are required. The fee is $10 per vehicle. Information is on the Facebook page. Feature: Christmas Lights In The Acres is a dazzling display in Plantation, $10 per vehicle
Holiday Display at Oasis Church in Pembroke Pines
Free with donations accepted and snacks for purchase. Light displays. Photo ops. Train rides.
6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Thursdays to Sundays December 1 – 18
- December 21-23
- drive-through December 24 & 25
The display is at Oasis Church, 12201 SW 14th St., Pembroke Pines.
Feature: ‘Christmas at The Oasis’ offers drive-up & walk-up holiday fun in Pembroke Pines
2022 parades, lighting festivities & other events in Broward
November 10
No event due to weather — Light Up Lauderdale on Riverwalk 6 p.m. November 10 at Esplanade Park, 400 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL with performances, Santa and vendors.
November 17
Light Up Galt 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. November 17 includes live entertainment, kids zone, Santa, food and drinks for purchase from restaurants and bars. Entertainment includes Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds. Beach community center, 3351 NE 33rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
November 19
Plantation Holiday Parade is 9 a.m. November 19, 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, FL.
Photo/Plantation Historical Museum
November 19-December 31
Winter Wonderland exhibit 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. November 19 at Plantation Historical Museum, with free entry. The exhibit is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until December 31, with some exceptions. Plantation Historical Museum, 511 N. Fig Tree Lane, Plantation, FL, website, 954-797-2722. Feature: Winter Wonderland display at Plantation Historical Museum
November 19-20
Holiday craft show and green fair 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. November 19 & 20, Rodeo fairgrounds, 4201 Rodeo Way, Davie, FL with entertainment and raffles. Parking is free.
November 20
Light Up MLK in Pompano is 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. November 20 at the park, 601 MLK Jr. Boulevard, Pompano, FL, with Santa, live music, and vendors.
November 22
Light Up Fort Lauderdale Beach 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. November 22 with over 50,000 lights and Olas an inflatable snowman, kids zone with Santa, Bobby Rodriguez Orchestra, inflatables, slides, pony rides. It’s at Las Olas Oceanside Park, A1A and Las Olas Boulevard.
November 25
Las Olas Oceanside Park holiday Wonderland festivities include
- Photo ops with Santa 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Peter Mayer and band, holiday show
- holiday market 5 p.m.
Entry is free. Lawn seating for show is free. Reserved seating and VIP is offered for $5 – $140.
Las Olas Oceanside Park is 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 33316. Fees for parking apply. Parking information is available online.
Parking in the area includes Las Olas Beach Parking Garage, 200 Las Olas Circle. Parking fees are usually $4 an hour.
November 29
Christmas on Las Olas is a free festive event with a winter wonderland vibe 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. November 29 on Las Olas Boulevard from Southeast Sixth Avenue to Southeast 11th Avenue. Performances include students from local schools. Ice skating. Snow mountain. Food is available for purchase. Some activities may require a fee. Christmas on Las Olas website.
December 1
Holiday Tree Lighting in Tamarac is 6 p.m. December 1, with Santa, entertainment and other fun. Includes Kinara for Kwanzaa. Menorah for Hanukkah. Fun for kids.
It’s at Tamarac community center, 8601 Commercial Boulevard, FL.
December 1
Floats, bands and Santa are featured in the Yuletide Parade at 6:30 p.m. December 1 in Pompano Beach, FL. The parade is on Atlantic Boulevard from Riverside Drive to Southeast 24th Avenue.
December 1
Holiday tree lighting in Dania 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. December 1 includes entertainment, photos with Santa, synthetic ice skating rink, face painting, food for purchase and other fun. It’s at Dania City Hall, 100 W. Dania Beach Boulevard, Dania Beach,
December 2
Light Up Sistrunk is 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. December 2 on Sistrunk Boulevard, Northwest 9th and Northwest 11th avenues. Event includes live entertainment, free toy giveaways, health fair, food vendors, kids zone with Santa, bounce houses, slides, and other fun. Event includes a teen area.
December 2
Holiday Village in Oakland with Santa, entertainment, snow slide, ice skating, vendors and other fun. Holiday Village is 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. December 2 & 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. December 3, 4000 N. Dixie Highway, Oakland Park 33334.
Entry is free. Feature: Holiday Village in Oakland Park
December 2
Holiday lighting festivities in Sunrise is 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. December 2 at 10610 W. Oakland Park Boulevard, Sunrise. Event includes live music, holiday decor and holiday tree.
December 3
Light Up Plantation City Hall is 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. December 3, 400 NW 73rd Avenue, Plantation, FL. Event includes performances, selfies with Santa, food trucks and other fun.
December 3
Hollywood candy cane parade with floats is 7 p.m. December 3 on Hollywood Beach Broadwalk,, Missouri Street to Harrison Street. An emcee is positioned at Hollywood Bandshell at Johnson Street. Entry is free. Beach parking fees apply, usually $3 to $4 per hour.
December 3
Ocean Way holiday event in Deerfield Beach. Includes live entertainment, photo ops with Santa and interactive snow globe. Entry is free. Parking fees apply. Beach parking lot, 149 SE 21st Ave. Feature: Ocean Way holiday fun in Deerfield
December 3
Vegan Block Party Winter Fest in Fort Lauderdale is 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. December 3 at Esplanade Park, 400 S.W. Second Street, Fort Lauderdale. Entry fees for Vegan Block Party online are $13.10 for adults, including tax and fee. Entry is free for kids 10 and younger. The events include entertainment and family fun. Food and drinks are offered for purchase from vendors.
December 3
Holiday Village in Oakland with Santa, entertainment, snow slide, ice skating, vendors and other fun. Holiday Village is 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. December 3, 4000 N. Dixie Highway, Oakland Park 33334.
Entry is free. Feature: Holiday Village in Oakland Park
December 3-4 & other dates
Free photo ops with Santa at Festival Marketplace, 2900 West Sample Road, Pompano Beach 33073, 954-979-4555
December 3 & 4 12 – 2pm
December 10 10 am to 2 pm
December 11 12 pm to 2 pm
December 17 & 18 12 pm to 2 pm
December 6
Kwanzaa event 6 p.m. December 6 at Dania City Hall, 100 W. Dania Beach Blvd., Dania 33004. Entry is free.
December 8
$5 – $10
Winter Extravaganza is 3 p.m. & 5 p.m. December 8 and includes food trucks, entertainment and the sisters from “Frozen” for photo ops.
Venue: Coconut Creek recreation center, 4455 Sol Press Boulevard, Coconut Creek. Prior registration is required. $5 for residents, $10 for non-residents.
Registration is online or via walk in @ Recreation complex or community center, 1100 Lyons Road. For information, dial 954-956-1580 or online.
December 8
Las Olas Oceanside Park holiday Wonderland festivities include
- Photo ops with Santa, Elf and Jovie 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- “Elf” movie 6:45 p.m.
- holiday market 5 p.m.
Entry is free. Bring blankets and portable seats. Some seats and picnic blankets are available to use. Attendees younger than 16 must be with parent or guardian.
Parking in the area includes Las Olas Beach Parking Garage, 200 Las Olas Circle. Parking fees are usually $4 an hour. Feature: Holiday fun for all at Las Olas Oceanside Park
Photo/Pompano Beach chamber of commerce
December 9
Pompano/Lighthouse Point/Deerfield Boat Parade is 7 p.m. to about 9 p.m. December 9 on the Intracoastal Waterway, from Lake Santa Barbara north to Sullivan Park,1633 Riverview Road, Pompano Beach, FL. Feature: Pompano-LHP-Deerfield holiday boat parade is a favorite holiday event
December 9
Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland is 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. December 9 at Tamarac Park, 7501 University Drive, Tamarac, FL. Festivities feature Santa, rides and entertainment.
Photo/Winterfest
December 9
Free live jazz and holiday music 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. December 9 at T.Y. Park in Hollywood. Feature: Free live music in Hollywood
December 10
Winterfest Boat Parade is 6:30 p.m. December 10 on The New River and Intracoastal Waterway. Feature: Winterfest Boat Parade in Fort Lauderdale
December 10
Free photo ops with Santa 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. December 10 and other dates at Festival Marketplace, 2900 West Sample Road, Pompano Beach 33073, 954-979-4555
Festival marketplace is offering activities for youngsters while supplies last 10 a.m. December 10, register online
December 11
Free photo ops with Santa 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. December 11 and other dates at Festival Marketplace, 2900 West Sample Road, Pompano Beach 33073, 954-979-4555
December 11
Free entry for Holly Jolly Hollywood festival 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. December 11 featuring food and gift vendors and other fun in the 1900 block of Hollywood Boulevard.
December 14
Santa in his water sleigh float on Middle River in Wilton Manors at 5 p.m. December 14, and spectators are welcome. Colohatchee Park Boat Ramp, 1975 NE 15th Ave, Wilton Manors, FL. Feature: Santa in his water sleigh float on river in Wilton Manors
December 14
Holiday Parade, Coral Springs
Holiday Parade in Coral Springs is 7 p.m. December 14 on Sample Road, between Coral Springs Drive and City Hall, 9500 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs FL. You’re welcome to bring lawn chairs or blankets and relax. Free parking is available at City Hall garage.
Pixabay
December 16
Winter Festival in Margate 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. December 16 at US 441 and Margate Boulevard. Event includes “Florida style” snow piles and snow slides, photo ops with Santa, inflatables, art vendors, local performers. Food and drinks available for purchase. Parking is free. Feature: Free entry for Margate Winter Festival
Photo/Flamingo Gardens
December 16-23 & December 26-30
Garden of Lights display at Flamingo Gardens in Davie. Included with regular entry fees of $14.95 – $21.95, or evening only for $12.95 to $15.95. Feature: Flamingo Gardens in Davie offers Garden of Lights holiday display with live music
December 16
Steelpan artist John Patti is featured at holiday festivities 5 p.m. – 10 pm. December 16 at Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E. Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale 33316 , Event includes free lawn seating or $20 for table seating for 4 people. Vendors are part of the fun and photos with Santa. Show is at 7 p.m. Information is online. Feature: Holiday fun for all at Las Olas Oceanside Park
December 17
Free workshops for DIY gifts with live entertainment 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. December 17 at Broward Library, 100 S. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, 954-357-7444
December 17
Breakfast with Santa for ages 5-12 is 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. December 17, with a fee of $7. Civic center is at 1801 NE Sixth Street, Pompano, FL. Information is online.
December 17
Free photo ops with Santa 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. December 17 and other dates at Festival Marketplace, 2900 West Sample Road, Pompano Beach 33073, 954-979-4555
December 17
Free outdoor film 7 p.m. December 17 “Muppet Christmas Carol” at Brion Park, 333 Tarpon Drive, Fort Lauderdale. RSVP is requested. Information and registration are online. Feature: Free outdoor floating films in Fort Lauderdale
December 17
Christmas Near The Beach is 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. December 17 with free entry. Entertainment, photos with Santa at his beach house, and vendors are featured at ArtsPark on Hollywood Boulevard and Federal Highway. Feature: Hollywood Christmas Near The Beach is free event
December 18
Gloria! Christmas Concert is 4 p.m. December 18 at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale, 401 SE 15th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale. Entry is free. Donations are appreciated.
December 18
Hanukkah Fair with rides & menorah lighting December 18 at Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Chanukkah Fair fees for children
- $25 for 3 and older
- $15 for 2 and younger
Entry is free for adults. Information is online.
Las Olas Oceanside Park is 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 33316. Fees for parking apply. Parking information is available online.
Parking in the area includes Las Olas Beach Parking Garage, 200 Las Olas Circle. Parking fees are usually $4 an hour.
December 18
Free photo ops with Santa 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. December 18 at Festival Marketplace, 2900 West Sample Road, Pompano Beach 33073, 954-979-4555
December 21
Las Olas Chabad Jewish Center, 1302 E. Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale presenting a vehicle parade 6 p.m. December 21 with a route that includes east on Las Olas Boulevard to A1A, north to Sunrise Boulevard, west to Federal Highway, south to Broward Boulevard, west to Northwest 7th Avenue, south to Southwest Second Street, to Las Olas Boulevard. Information is online.
December 22
Chanuka boat parade 4:30 p.m. December 22 in Fort Lauderdale. Information on route is not yet released. Event is presented by Las Olas Chabad Jewish Center, 1302 E. Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale, website
December 23
Historic Stranahan House offers its Victorian holiday display, with registration required. Fee is $30 and $25 for members, 335 SE 6th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale
954-524-4736, website
December 24
Festivities and show 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. December 24 featuring a Swing era vibe with Jeff Grainger and the Hoboken Band. Free lawn seating or VIP tables $20-$60. Event includes Santa 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. and show at 7 p.m. at Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E. Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale 33316, Information is online. Feature: Holiday fun for all at Las Olas Oceanside Park
Pixabay
December 26-31
Kwanzaa events online and at African American branch library in Fort Lauderdale, 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, 33311. Feature: Free Kwanzaa events in Fort Lauderdale
December 31
Downtown Fort Lauderdale New Year’s Eve event 4 p.m. – 1 a.m. December 31 with fun for kids and adults. Event is at Southwest Second Street and Southwest Fifth Avenue. Feature: Free New Year’s Eve fun with anchor drop in Fort Lauderdale
December 31
Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale is featuring a ball drop at 12 p.m. and festivities December 31, included with regular entry fees of $22 for ages 2-12, $27 for adults and $25 for seniors. $3 discount for Broward, Palm & Dade residents. Purchase tickets online.
December 31
New Year’s Eve festivities 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. at Gulfstream Park, 901 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale 33009. Entry is free. Food and drinks available for purchase. Includes laser show, music, DJ Mike Locke and 30 Vice. While at Gulfstream Park, see Free holiday Symphony In Lights display,
Miami on the Cheap is a member of 