Holiday Happenings in The Palm Beaches: Festive Events, Coastal Celebrations and Seasonal Getaways

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Nov 09, 2026, 10:03 ET

Seasonal highlights include the world's only 35-foot holiday sand tree, South Florida's only outdoor real-ice skating rink and illuminated boat parades along the Intracoastal Waterway

Editor's note: See corresponding photos for editorial use here.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Traditions take on a distinctly coastal character in The Palm Beaches, where year-round warm weather and genuine hospitality set the stage for a festive season. From Jupiter to Boca Raton, the destination's 39 cities and towns make a holiday getaway feel refreshingly different, thanks to its sunny setting and abundant opportunities to enjoy the holidays outdoors.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS: SPECIAL STAYS, TREE LIGHTINGS & NEW TRADITIONS

Winter Wonderland at The Ben – West Palm Beach (Nov. 1, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027)
The Ben, Autograph Collection, brings back South Florida's only real outdoor ice-skating rink. Overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway in downtown West Palm Beach, this year Winter Wonderland features an expanded rink, a festive holiday village, themed cocktails, seasonal treats and holiday retail daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Guests can also book The Ben's "Stay, Skate & Celebrate" package, which includes an exclusive Marriott Bonvoy member rate, four complimentary skating admissions, a hot chocolate welcome amenity, and a complimentary room upgrade and late checkout based on availability.

CityPlace's Season of Glow – West Palm Beach (Nov. 14–Dec. 31)
CityPlace located in Downtown West Palm Beach will transform into a festive holiday destination with Season of Glow, a six-week celebration featuring the debut of the new Discovery Tree presented by Florida Power & Light Company and a property-wide lighting display by internationally renowned Blachere Illumination. Visitors can enjoy daily snowfall shows, Santa's Workshop, live and cultural performances, outdoor holiday movie nights and seasonal dining and shopping throughout CityPlace. The celebration kicks off Nov. 14 with a community-wide event featuring the season's first snowfall and tree lighting, live entertainment, a preview of The Nutcracker by Ballet Palm Beach, holiday harmonies from The Sensational A Cappella Group, special appearances by Santa and more.

ILUMINA: A Tropical Garden Lantern Festival – West Palm Beach (select nights Nov. 18, 2026–Jan. 17, 2027)
Mounts Botanical Garden transforms into a glowing tropical paradise with more than 500 handcrafted silk lanterns inspired by plants, wildlife and centuries-old lantern-making traditions. Suitable for all ages, the after-dark experience pairs the color and imagination of a lantern festival with South Florida's lush natural setting.

Zoo Lights Returns to Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society – West Palm Beach (select nights Nov. 20, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027)
This year, Zoo Lights takes visitors on a three-part illuminated journey through a traditional holiday experience, a polar dreamscape and bioluminescent pathways. A towering Christmas tree, immersive projections, menorah lightings during Hanukkah, crafts and photos with Santa add to the after-hours experience.

Harbourside Place Annual Holiday Tree Lighting – Jupiter (Nov. 28, 2026)
Starting at 5 p.m. at the outdoor amphitheater, enjoy a festive market, live music performances and plenty of holiday cheer. Gather around for the official tree lighting at 6:30 p.m., followed by more live performances and a special electric violinist to close out the evening.

Holiday Tree Lighting at Mizner Park and Boca Jolly Days – Boca Raton (Nov. 21–Dec. 31, 2026)
The City of Boca Raton kicks off its season-long Boca Jolly Days celebration with a free event on Nov. 21 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Mizner Park Amphitheater. The festivities will feature live music, a holiday market, crafts, food and drinks, photos with Santa and a 7:30 p.m. tree-lighting ceremony, when 50,000 LED lights will illuminate 75 palm trees throughout the park.

100-Foot Christmas Tree and Yuletide Street Fair – Delray Beach (Dec. 2026)
A beloved Delray Beach holiday tradition returns for its 33rd year, bringing festive cheer with the iconic 100-foot Christmas tree. Festivities kick off Dec. 1 with live musical performances, seasonal treats, handmade crafts and holiday shopping from more than 60 vendors. Visitors can even step inside the towering tree and explore the Holiday Village, complete with ice skating, a carousel, miniature golf and Santa's House on select dates throughout the season.

Holiday in Paradise Tree Lighting, Sandi's Music and Light Shows, and Ferris Wheel Rides – West Palm Beach (Dec. 3–31, 2026)
The West Palm Beach waterfront takes center stage this season. On Dec. 3 watch Sandi, the world's only 35-foot, 700-ton holiday sand tree, lights up during a free, family-friendly celebration with live entertainment and seasonal festivities. Nightly synchronized music-and-light shows continue throughout the month, culminating in a special New Year's Eve celebration from 8 p.m. to midnight with a fireworks display over the Intracoastal. Rides on the Ferris Wheel are available for the month of December from 6-10 p.m.

Holiday Performances at the Kravis Center – West Palm Beach (2026–27 Season)
The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts welcomes the holiday season with a festive lineup of performances, including Ballet Palm Beach's 25th anniversary production of The Nutcracker (Dec. 4-6), Disney's The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert Live to Film (Dec. 12-13), the Broadway production of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical (Dec. 22-27), and the Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert (Jan. 1).

Tree Lighting in Boynton Beach – Boynton Beach (Dec. 5, 2026)
Boynton Beach celebrates the holidays with a Grinch and Whoville-themed Holiday Tree Lighting from 4 to 10 p.m. at Centennial Park & Amphitheater. The expanded celebration includes live performances, children's activities, a holiday market, festive photo opportunities and a drone show.

The Royal Poinciana Surfboard Tree – Palm Beach (Dec. 4–Jan. 4)
Don't miss the unveiling of Palm Beach's iconic surfboard tree! Each year, a creative powerhouse from the worlds of art, design, or fashion puts their unique spin on this holiday centerpiece. See the reveal and toast the season with curated beats, bites and libations in December. Check the official webpage for additional details as they become available.

Holidays at the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center – Belle Glade (Dec. 6 and 12, 2026)
The Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center brings holiday cheer to Belle Glade with a festive lineup of seasonal entertainment, including the Christmas Cantata Extravaganza on Dec. 6, featuring local church choirs, musicians and community performers, and Three Redneck Tenors: CHRISTMAS Spec-Tac-YULE-Ar! on Dec. 12, blending holiday classics, comedy and musical fun.

29th Holiday Home Tour at Flamingo Park and Sunshine Park – West Palm Beach (Dec. 6, 2026)
The festive holiday tradition returns from 4 to 8 p.m., featuring nine beautifully decorated historic homes across Flamingo Park and Sunshine Park. Guests will also enjoy savory bites and refreshments from local restaurants.

Luminary Nights at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse – Jupiter (Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19, 2026)
The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum debuts Luminary Nights, a new holiday celebration featuring illuminated displays, glowing pathways, an interactive light installation at the historic banyan tree and a tunnel of lights leading toward the Lighthouse. Across four evenings, guests can shop from local artisans and enjoy live performances beneath the Palm Pavilion, a Family Fun Zone with holiday crafts and a letter-to-Santa station, seasonal food and refreshments, a hot chocolate station and more.

38th Annual Old Northwood Historic District Holiday Home Tour – West Palm Beach (Dec. 12, 2026)
Explore the Old Northwood Historic District and its architecture during its 38th Annual Holiday Home Tour and enjoy live musicians, a holiday vendor market, raffle prizes, wine, beer and small bites from local restaurants and caterers served in tour homes, plus a holiday toy drive. VIP ticket holders can enjoy an exclusive pre-tour party with cocktails and catered hors d'oeuvres, along with expedited access to the homes.

Gumbo Limbo Aglow! – Boca Raton (Dec. 12, 19, 26, 2026, and Jan 2, 2027)
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center invites guests to explore its glowing outdoor aquariums on Dec. 12, 19 and 26, 2026, and Jan. 2, 2027, from 6 to 8 p.m. Each Saturday evening includes holiday refreshments, crafts, yard games and photos with Luna the sea turtle mascot.

HANUKKAH CELEBRATIONS

Hanukkah at CityPlace – West Palm Beach (Dec. 11, 2026)
Celebrate Hanukkah with Palm Beach Synagogue West at CityPlace, and enjoy live music, menorah lighting, latkes and donuts from 4 to 6 p.m.

Hanukkah Festival and Menorah Lighting – Delray Beach (Dec. 14, 2026)
Celebrate the Festival of Lights on Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. in Old School Square with the annual menorah lighting.

Hanukkah Party and Candle Lighting at The Mall at Wellington Green – Wellington (Dec. 14, 2026)
Celebrate on Dec. 14 from 4 to 6 p.m. with festive Hanukkah activities, a candle lighting ceremony and family-friendly fun in partnership with Chabad of Wellington.

KWANZAA CELEBRATIONS

Kwanzaa Celebration – Delray Beach (Dec. 26, 2026)
The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum hosts a Kwanzaa Celebration on Dec. 26 from 2 to 5 p.m., featuring live music, gift-making, storytelling, and art activities for the whole family.

Kwanzaa Dance and Drums Performance at CityPlace – West Palm Beach (Dec. 26, 2026)
Afrique Ngozi Dance & Drums brings to CityPlace an immersive family-friendly cultural celebration that explores the seven principles that make up Kwanzaa.

PARADES ON LAND AND SEA

54th Annual Holiday Street Parade – Boca Raton (Dec. 2, 2026)
The 54th Annual Holiday Street Parade returns from 7:30 to 9 p.m. with a "Boca by the Beach" theme, bringing decorated floats and community groups, music, lights and dancing to the streets of Boca Raton.

32nd Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade – North Palm Beach to Jupiter (Dec. 5, 2026)
Festively decorated vessels follow a traveling fireworks display north along the Intracoastal Waterway, beginning in North Palm Beach and culminating with a grand finale at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. The parade begins at 6 p.m.

Boynton Beach Holiday Boat Parade – Lantana to Delray Beach (Dec. 11, 2026)
A flotilla of illuminated boats travels south from Lantana through Boynton Beach toward Delray Beach. The official viewing location at Boynton Harbor Marina features holiday music, children's activities, food and beverages and a visit from Santa.

Boat Parade of the Greater Palm Beaches – Singer Island to North Palm Beach (Dec. 12, 2026)
The second annual parade brings decorated boats, twinkling lights and fireworks to the Intracoastal Waterway, with Santa making a special appearance aboard the Grand Marshal Boat. The event also supports the Little Smiles Annual Holiday Toy Drive.

Atlantic Avenue Holiday Parade – Delray Beach (Dec. 12, 2026)
More than 70 floats, marching bands, dance teams and community groups will fill downtown Delray Beach with holiday cheer from 6 to 9 p.m. The parade follows Atlantic Avenue from the Intracoastal Bridge to NW Fifth Avenue.

CULINARY MOMENTS AND HOTEL SPECIALS

Harbourside Ski Lodge at Wyndham Grand – Jupiter (Nov. 20, 2026–Jan. 2, 2027)
The Harbourside Ski Lodge returns to Wyndham Grand Jupiter, bringing the charm of an alpine retreat to the Jupiter waterfront. This festive holiday pop-up bar features seasonal cocktails, light bites, live entertainment and weekly events, offering a cozy setting for holiday gatherings and celebrations throughout the season.

Beachside Igloos at The Singer Oceanfront Resort – Singer Island (Nov. 26–29, 2026)
Beach igloos return to The Singer Oceanfront Resort for a one-of-a-kind oceanfront dining experience over Thanksgiving weekend. Gather friends and family and settle into your private beachfront dome, complete with a personal fire pit perfect for roasting marshmallows and Adirondack chairs for relaxing by the fire. Each igloo accommodates up to six guests inside, making it the perfect setting for a cozy evening by the ocean.

Thanksgiving Pies at maman – West Palm Beach (Pickup Nov. 21–25, 2026)
The café is accepting preorders for its holiday pies, including classic pecan, pumpkin with whipped mascarpone and Martha Stewart's cinnamon-swirl apple pie. Preorders close Nov. 22, with pickup available Nov. 21-25.

Thanksgiving at The Belgrove's Society 48 – West Palm Beach (Nov. 26, 2026)
Celebrate Thanksgiving with an elevated holiday feast at The Belgrove Resort & Spa's Society 48. Guests can enjoy a gourmet menu featuring locally inspired flavors, live entertainment and a Bloody Mary and mimosa bar, followed by a hands-on floral arranging experience at The Floral Atelier, where guests can create a custom arrangement to take home.

Thanksgiving and Holiday Private Dining at Le Colonial Delray Beach – Delray Beach (Nov. 26, 2026 and season-long)
Le Colonial Delray celebrates Thanksgiving for the first time with a three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menu centered on Hanoi Roasted Duck, served with Vietnamese-inspired appetizers, shareable sides and a five-spice pumpkin dessert. Throughout the holiday season, Le Colonial offers a range of indoor and outdoor private dining options and customizable menus for groups of 12 to 80.

Thanksgiving at TULĀ at Amrit Ocean Resort – Singer Island (Nov. 26, 2026)
TULĀ at Amrit Ocean Resort will serve a three-course, family-style Thanksgiving feast from 5 to 10 p.m., featuring maple and brown sugar-brined turkey with traditional holiday sides, a vegetarian entrée option and pumpkin pie with sea-salted caramel gelato. A chef-prepared take-home feast for eight to 10 guests is also available with pre-orders due Nov. 17.

Jingle & Mingle Holiday Bar at Hilton West Palm Beach – West Palm Beach (beginning Nov. 27)
Get into the holiday spirit at Jingle & Mingle, an outdoor bar experience filled with cozy fire pits, twinkling lights, and spirited fun for all ages, open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 27 through the season.

Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival – Throughout The Palm Beaches (Dec. 10–13, 2026)
The Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival returns Dec. 10 to 13, 2026, with chef-driven dinners, tastings and special culinary events at restaurants and hotels throughout The Palm Beaches. The multiday celebration brings together acclaimed chefs, creative menus and thoughtfully paired wines.

Holiday Stays, Dining and Festivities at PGA National Resort – Palm Beach Gardens (December 2026)
PGA National Resort celebrates the season with festive programming, special holiday dining and seasonal getaway packages. Guests and visitors can enjoy the resort's second annual Ugly Sweater Christmas Party on Dec. 18, which features a live DJ, seasonal cocktails and dancing. On Dec. 24, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" at The MKT features Christmas cookies, candy, hot cocoa and wine. Holiday dining continues Dec. 24 and 25 at The Butcher's Club, recommended by the MICHELIN Guide, with tableside-carved prime rib alongside its à la carte menu. Christmas at Honeybelle presents Florida-inspired seasonal dishes including slow-roasted prime rib, pan-seared dorade and white-chocolate mousse. Guests can also take advantage of special holiday offers, including decorated holiday suites, spa experiences and savings on extended stays.

Art of Pairing: Holiday Sip & Paint at The Belgrove – West Palm Beach (Dec. 17, 2026)
Celebrate the season with an evening of wine, food and creativity at The Belgrove. Guests will enjoy a curated wine flight paired with a mini charcuterie tasting before taking part in a guided holiday landscape painting class. Each guest will take home their own festive creation.

Wellness Sunday Holiday Market at The Belgrove – West Palm Beach (Dec. 20, 2026)
Take a break from the holiday hustle with a morning of wellness, shopping and relaxation at The Belgrove. Browse local vendors offering jewelry, fashion and lifestyle finds while enjoying a juice bar, wellness bites, yoga and immersive sound healing.

New Year's Eve at KYMA – West Palm Beach (Dec. 31, 2026)
Ring in the New Year with an elevated Greek dining experience at KYMA West Palm Beach, featuring two prix-fixe dinner seatings. Guests attending the later seating will also enjoy access to KYMA's exclusive rooftop New Year's Eve celebration.

For more holiday events and seasonal inspiration, visit ThePalmBeaches.com.

About Discover The Palm Beaches

Discover The Palm Beaches is the destination marketing organization for the collection of 39 cities and towns known as The Palm Beaches in Southeast Florida, stretching from Boca Raton to Jupiter. Tasked with growing visitation and the local tourism economy, the organization works year-round to bring travelers to Palm Beach County. The Palm Beaches have a rich history as America's First Resort Destination®, where genuine hospitality is a way of life among a vibrant and welcoming blend of people, cultures and coastal towns. Tourism is among the county's major industries, generating an annual economic impact of $11.6 billion and supporting nearly 95,000 local jobs. For more information about The Palm Beaches, visit www.ThePalmBeaches.com or follow on social media on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, X, Threads, Pinterest and LinkedIn.