10 Best Annual Family-Friendly Holiday Events in the Palm Beach County Area
In Palm Beach County, there is something for everyone. Immerse yourself in our wide and varied selection of holiday events to suit your many interests. There are lots of family-friendly events and festivities waiting for you to attend. Whether you’re looking to continue your favorite holiday traditions or embark on a new adventure, here’s a list of the best holiday events for family members of all ages to enjoy!
1. Sandi Land
Source: Holiday in Paradise
When: December 1st – 31st.
Where: Great Lawn, 100 N. Clematis St., West Palm Beach
Sandi, the world’s one and only 700-ton, 35-foot-tall sand tree in West Palm Beach, returns this holiday season. Sandi is located on the Great Lawn in downtown West Palm Beach, west of Flagler Drive, at the east end of Clematis Street. The Holiday in Paradise event runs through the entire month of December, from Thursday, December 1st to Saturday, December 31st.
Sandi’s synchronized music and light shows will run nightly on the quarter hour from 6 – 10 p.m. through the event. In sync with Sandi’s show, the dancing Centennial Fountain will be visible for families to enjoy.
In addition to Sandi, the event features a 65-foot Ferris wheel, that offers a spectacular aerial view of the festivities. Tickets are $5 per rider for a single ride or $20 per rider for unlimited rides.
2. Sandi and Santa’s Annual Pancake Breakfast
Source: City of West Palm Beach
When: December 17, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Lake Pavilion near the Great Lawn
The annual Sandi’s Pancake Breakfast takes place on December 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the West Palm Beach GreenMarket. Attendees can customize their breakfast with a choice of chocolate chips, whipped cream, and fruit. The breakfast sessions are 45 minutes long, with separate seating at 9, 10, and 11 a.m. In addition to a delicious pancake breakfast, guests will have private access to Santa and Mrs. Claus with an opportunity to capture some cherished Christmas memories.
3. The Famous Delray Beach Christmas Tree
Source: WPTV.com
When: Through January 1st, 2023
Where: 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444
Delray’s annual 100-foot-tall Christmas tree will be on display for all to enjoy through January 1st, 2023. The 100 Foot Christmas Tree was named “Best Tree in the State of Florida” by Travel + Leisure magazine.
In addition to the tree, downtown Delray will join in the fun with festive holiday window décor and a variety of events to spread the joy of the season. Now through January 1, 2023, you can take part in various Holiday Village activities, including the Holiday Carousel ($3 per ride), Photos with Santa ($12 takeaway photo), and ice skating ($3 for skating, which includes skate rental, and $3 for socks, which are required for skating).
4. Delray Beach Jingle Bell Jog 5K
Source: JingleBellJog.net
When: Saturday, December 17th, 2022
5K Start Time: 7:30 a.m.
Little Elf Dashes: 8:45 a.m.
Where: Anchor Park, 340 South Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach, FL 33483
The annual Delray Beach Jingle Bell Jog 5K is Saturday, December 17 at Anchor Park at 340 South Ocean Blvd, and offers a great active holiday activity for the whole family. All participants receive a Santa Suit Costume and a pair of Jingle Bells to tie to their shoes. After the 5K, children ages 3-10 are able to participate in a Little Elf Dash ranging from 100 to 400 meters, by age group. The 5K starts at 7:30 a.m., with Little Elf Dashes at 8:30 a.m.
5. Tropical Holiday Trees at Mounts
Source: Mounts.org
When: Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through December 3st
Where: Mounts Botanical Garden, 531 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33415.
Catch the Mounts Botanical Garden new exhibition, Tropical Holiday Trees at Mounts featuring three, 8–15-foot trees designed by the Mounts Horticulture Team. Bring the family for a stroll through the garden to view the trees displayed with hundreds of colorful bromeliads, orchids, and other tropical botanicals.
The exhibit runs through December 31 and is open during regular Garden hours (Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; last entry at 3 p.m.).
Tickets are available for purchase at the gate and include full Garden admission, or purchase tickets online in advance here.
6. Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society Zoo Lights
When: December 2-4, 9-11, 16-23, 26-30 & January 1st
Where: Palm Beach Zoo
Families and friends are invited to explore the Palm Beach Zoo for the annual Zoo Lights, held on select dates from now through January 1, 2023:
December 2-4, 9-11, 16-23*, 26-30 & January 1
As the zoo’s inhabitants sleep, guests walk through holiday theme displays lit by one million eco-friendly lights. The event runs from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and features a DJ holiday dance party, s’mores by the fire, seasonal treats, and photos with Santa (through December 23rd).
For more information about event tickets, please visit the Palm Beach Zoo website. You must purchase tickets ahead of time – they will not be available at the gate.
7. Lights for Hope
When: Weekends through January 1st from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: Okeeheelee Park 7715 Forest Hill Blvd West Palm Beach FL 33413
The 2022 Holiday Light Show presented by Lights 4 Hope features a drive-through holiday extravaganza with synchronized music and holiday characters. The event is being held this year at Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (except Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve) through January 1, 2023. For more information on show dates and hours, please visit the Lights 4 Hope website.
Tickets are required and proceeds benefit families in need as well as children spending the holidays in the hospital. To purchase advance tickets, please visit Eventbrite.
Event Pricing
- Standard car/truck (up to 8 people) $15
- Large Van/Small bus (up to 12 people) $25
- Large Bus (13 or more people) $35
8. The Wishing Tree Snowfall and Lightshow
When: Daily at 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 p.m.
Where: 700 S Rosemary Ave Suite 200, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Have a white Christmas at The Wishing Tree in The Square in West Palm Beach through December 31. No reservations are required, and the nightly snowfall and light shows at 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 p.m. are free.
9. Boat parade – Uniquely Florida
Source: MiamiOnTheCheap.com
When: December 16th at 7:30 p.m.
Where: 5212 Lake Osborne Dr., Lantana, FL, United States, Florida
Boat parades are uniquely Florida and this year’s shimmering parade on the water will get even the most “grinchy” member of the family in the spirit.
The Annual Lake Osborne Holiday Boat Parade is scheduled for December 16, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. from the Lakeside Anchor Inn. This event features a toy drive, fireworks, and a parade of lighted boats making a full circle around the lake.
For more event details, visit the Facebook event page.
10. Holiday Events and Meals at The Breakers
When: December 22-30
Where: The Breakers – One South County Road Palm Beach, FL 33480
The Breakers in Palm Beach offers several festive meals and events throughout the holiday season. During December 22-24, and 26-30 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., have Holiday Tea at HMF for $115 per person. In addition to a curated selection of teas, you can enjoy delicacies like warm buttermilk scones, handcrafted tea sandwiches, delicate pastries, and more.
Don’t want to cook a holiday meal this year? Celebrate in style with special 3-course prix fixe menus on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Lunch is from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and costs $195 per person and $75 for children under 12. Dinner is served from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and costs $225 per person and $75 for children 12 and under.
Happy Holidays from Sky Cove and Sky Cove South
There are a number of fun events and activities to enjoy in Palm Beach County this holiday season. From holiday music to a sand Christmas tree, and even a bit of “snowfall,” there is plenty to do with family and friends.
Make plans to visit one or all these holiday events and activities in Palm Beach County this year! If you are looking for a place to call home in West Palm Beach, explore the amazing community at Sky Cove South. We want to wish you along with your family and friends a safe and healthy holiday season this year!
Plan your visit today and find the home of your dreams in Palm Beach County. For more information or to schedule a virtual tour, contact us today!
