Theater and Comedy
Dec. 2–3
Jolly Old St. Nicholas
WHERE: The Broward Center
WHEN: 10am
HOW MUCH: $7.20
MORE INFORMATION: browardcenter.org
This Smart Stage Matinee Series work is an original tale aimed at elementary-aged children featuring Tuck and his father – along with Santa and his elves – preparing for Christmas while Mr. Grumpasaurus tries to wreck it all.
Dec. 11–22
Thank Yule for Being a Friend, A Golden Girls Holiday Musical Adventure
WHERE: Empire Stage, 1140 N Flagler Dr.
WHEN: Various evening and matinee times
HOW MUCH: $35 (the 12/11 preview performance is $22)
MORE INFORMATION: empirestage.com
It’s Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, only with Blanche, Rose, Dorothy and Sophia.
Dec. 13–29
A Christmas Story, the Musical
WHERE: The Broward Center
WHEN: Various evening and matinee times
HOW MUCH: $49 to $65
MORE INFORMATION: browardcenter.org
The classic Christmas film about the little boy who just wants a Red Rider BB gun is now a stage musical.
Dec. 17
Holidays with the Housewives
WHERE: Parker Playhouse
WHEN: 7:30pm
HOW MUCH: $37 to $87
MORE INFORMATION: parkerplayhouse.com
Celebrity housewives Dolores Catania (Celebrity Housewives of New Jersey), Ramona Singer (New York) and Kelly Dodd (Orange County) take the stage for an evening of, well, whatever it is that happens when they’re on television, one presumes.
Dec. 28
A Drag Queen Christmas: The Naughty Tour
WHERE: Parker Playhouse
WHEN: 8pm
HOW MUCH: $40.62 to $57.31
MORE INFORMATION: parkerplayhouse.com
Familiar faces from RuPaul’s Drag Race grace the Parker stage.
Music and Dance
Through dec. 15
Fort Lauderdale Christmas Pageant
WHERE: First Baptist Church, 301 E. Broward Blvd.
WHEN: Shows run Thursdays through Sundays: 7:30pm Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 7:30pm Saturdays, and 2pm only on Sundays
HOW MUCH: $16 to $63; varies by night
MORE INFORMATION: christmastickets.com
A Fort Lauderdale tradition returns with Christmas spectacle and Broadway-esque production values.
Dec. 3 & 8
Cirque Holidays
WHERE: The Broward Center
WHEN: 7:45pm (12/8), 2pm (12/8)
HOW MUCH: $50 to $75
MORE INFORMATION: browardcenter.org
Symphony of the Americas teams with Cirque de la Symphonie for an evening of circus artistry and acrobatics set to live seasonal music.
Dec. 8
The Hip-Hop Nutcracker
WHERE: The Broward Center
WHEN: 3 and 7:30pm
HOW MUCH: $29 to $59
MORE INFORMATION: browardcenter.org
It’s all the music and plot of the holiday classic – along with hip-hop choreography, a DJ and an appearance by rap legend MC Kurtis Blow.
Dec. 13–15
Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida: The Nutcracker
WHERE: Parker Playhouse
WHEN: 7:30pm (12/13), 1 and 7pm (12/14) and 3pm (12/15)
HOW MUCH: $21.50 to $41.50
MORE INFORMATION: parkerplayhouse.com
The company’s ballet master, Vladimir Issaev, directs and choreographs the classic.
Dec. 15
First Presbyterian Church Annual Christmas Concert
WHERE: First Presbyterian Church, 401 SE 15th Ave.
WHEN: 4pm
HOW MUCH: Free, though a $10 donation is suggested
MORE INFORMATION: firstpres.cc
The Cathedral Choir is joined by players from the Symphony of the Americas for an evening of traditional holiday music and some newer favorites.
Dec. 19
The Ten Tenors: Home for the Holidays
WHERE: Parker Playhouse
WHEN: 8pm
HOW MUCH: $37.50 to $57.50
MORE INFORMATION: parkerplayhouse.com
The Australian singing stars perform a selection of holiday favorites.
Dec. 21
Lindsey Stirling
WHERE: The Broward Center
WHEN: 8pm
HOW MUCH: $39.50-$89.50
MORE INFORMATION: browardcenter.org
The dance music artist/violinist/dancer brings her Warmer in the Winter Christmas Tour to town.
Dec. 22
Christmas Wonderland Holiday Spectacular
WHERE: The Broward Center
WHEN: 6pm
HOW MUCH: $35 to $75
MORE INFORMATION: browardcenter.org
All the favorite songs, Santa and his helpers, high-kicking chorus girls and more means a dazzling display of festive cheer.
Dec. 28
’70s New Year’s Soul Xplosion
WHERE: The Broward Center
WHEN: 6:30pm
HOW MUCH: $39.50 to $119.50
MORE INFORMATION: browardcenter.org
The Chi-lites featuring Marshall Thompson, Russell Thompkins Jr. and the New Stylistics, and Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes top the bill for this night of old-school soul.
Public and Community Events
Dec. 3
57th Annual Christmas on Las Olas
WHERE: Las Olas Boulevard
WHEN: 5 to 10pm
HOW MUCH: Free
MORE INFORMATION: lasolasboulevard.com/event/57th-annual-christmas-on-las-olas
Las Olas is closed to cars for the traditional beginning of the holiday season in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy food and drink, kids’ entertainment, music and more.
Dec. 4
Christmas-by-the-Sea
WHERE: Anglin’s Square, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
WHEN: 5 to 8:30pm
HOW MUCH: Free
MORE INFORMATION: discoverlbts.com/events
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea’s annual holiday shindig features live music, arts and crafts, plenty of food and drink and to top things off, Santa’s grand arrival.
Dec. 6
Light Up Sistrunk
WHERE: Sistrunk Boulevard from NW 9th Avenue to NW 11th Avenue.
WHEN: 5 to 9pm
HOW MUCH: Free
MORE INFORMATION: fortlauderdale.gov/departments/parks-recreation/special-events/light-up-the-holidays
Family fun and kids’ rides, music, food, drink and holiday cheer abound.
Dec. 20
Santa on the Beach
WHERE: Fort Lauderdale Beach, 1100 Seabreeze Blvd.
HOW MUCH: Free
WHEN: Motorcade begins at noon and arrives on the beach at about 12:45pm
MORE INFORMATION: fortlauderdale.gov/departments/parks-recreation/special-events/santa-on-the-beach
Snow? Never heard of it. Here, Santa gets sandy as he says hi and gives away candy on the beach.
Sports and Outdoors
Dec. 10
Florida Panthers/NBC6 Caravan of Joy Toy Drive
WHERE: The BB&T Center
WHEN: Before the Panthers’ 7pm game
HOW MUCH: Game tickets range from about $16 to $230
MORE INFORMATION: floridapanthers.com
Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the JetBlue tarmac outside the BB&T Center, then stay to watch the Panthers take on archrival Tampa Bay Lightning.
Dec. 14
The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
WHERE: The New River and Intracoastal from downtown Fort Lauderdale to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach
WHEN: 6:30 to 8:30pm
HOW MUCH: Free, with various paid VIP viewing areas
MORE INFORMATION: winterfestparade.com
It’s not the holidays in Fort Lauderdale until Santa and all his friends head up the Intracoastal.
Dec. 14
Light Up Carter Park
WHERE: Joseph C. Carter Park
WHEN: 3 to 7pm
HOW MUCH: Free
MORE INFORMATION: fortlauderdale.gov/departments/parks-recreation/special-events/light-up-the-holidays
Part fair, part holiday party – come out and enjoy music, food and fun for the family.
Dec. 15
6th Annual Fort Lauderdale Jingle Bell Jog
WHERE: Starts at D.C. Alexander Park
WHEN: 7:30 to 10am
HOW MUCH: $40 (adults), $25 (kids)
MORE INFORMATION: jinglebelljog.net/event-info-ft-lauderdale/
Run in the only 5k where you get a Santa suit and bells for your shoes. Kids aged 3 to 10 participate in the Santa’s Reindeer Romp Kids’ Elf Dash, with race distances divided up by age. And afterwards, all participants are invited to a festive party. Enjoy food and drink, kids’ entertainment, music and more.
Dec. 28
Kwanzaa Ujamaa
WHERE: Bass Park WHEN: 1 to 6pm
HOW MUCH: Free
MORE INFORMATION: fortlauderdale.gov/departments/parks-recreation/ special-events/kwanzaa-ujamaa
Celebrate Kwanzaa with family fun, food and crafts from local vendors.
Dec. 29
Chanukah Fair on Las Olas
WHERE: Huizenga Plaza
WHEN: noon to 5pm
HOW MUCH: Free entry
MORE INFORMATION: downtownjewish.com
Food, rides and games, music and a menorah lighting are all part of the fun.
Dec. 31
Downtown Countdown
WHERE: Esplanade Park and SW 2nd Street
WHEN: 3:30pm to 1am
HOW MUCH: Free
MORE INFORMATION: fortlauderdale.gov/departments/parks-recreation/special-events/downtown-countdown
The City of Fort Lauderdale and the Orange Bowl team up for an evening that starts with family-friendly events and a “kids’ New Year’s Eve countdown” at 7pm before shifting to the grownup street party.
Special Events
Through Dec. 22
The North Pole Pajama Party
WHERE: Museum of Discovery and Science
HOW MUCH: $20–$30
MORE INFORMATION: mods.org
Museum of Discovery and Science
Every weekend until the 22nd, wear your pajamas or elf costume while enjoying all Museum exhibits, a holiday science show, sip hot chocolate, concoct elf slime and decorate holiday ornaments. This also includes a journey to the North Pole in their IMAX theater.
Through Dec. 29
The Polar Express Train Ride
WHERE: Train departs Fort Lauderdale Brightline station
WHEN: Varied times throughout the day. Trains run on weekends up to the 29th; there are also trains on the 23rd and 24th. Weekday trains run from Miami Central.
HOW MUCH: $55 adult, $50 child (value); $65 and $60 (standard); $70 and $65 (peak)
MORE INFORMATION: ftlthepolarexpressride.com
Hop on the train for an immersive experience based on popular children’s book and film The Polar Express.
Through Dec. 31
The Holiday Fantasy of Lights
WHERE: Tradewinds Park
WHEN: 6 to 10pm
HOW MUCH: $18 per car, $40 per van or bus with 10 or more people; $12 per car on value nights (check website for value night dates).
MORE INFORMATION: holidaynightsdrivethru.com
One of Broward’s best traditions remains Tradewinds’ drive-through path of holiday lights and sights.
Dec. 7
Cookies with Santa
WHERE: The Stranahan House
WHEN: Through the day; by appointment only
HOW MUCH: $25 per child. Advance registration is required; call 954.524.4736.
MORE INFORMATION: tinyurl.com/stranahansanta19
Kids can meet Santa and get a cookie from TooJay’s Deli. Parents get a professionally done photo of their little one and Santa in beautifully decorated Stranahan House surroundings. (Each participant receives two emailed digital photos after the event.)
Dec. 7-8 & 11-13
Bonnet House Holiday Magic
WHERE: The Bonnet House
WHEN: 5:30 to 8:30pm
HOW MUCH: $20, $30 admission and two drink tickets, $5 for kids 6 to 12. (Kids 6 and younger admitted free.)
MORE INFORMATION: bonnethouse.org
Enjoy carolers, Christmas storytelling, Santa and his elves, a different local musical act every night – and of course, the splendidly decorated Bonnet House.
Dec. 8
Whimsical Wonderland – an Evening for Families
WHERE: The Bonnet House
WHEN: 5:30 to 8:30pm
HOW MUCH: $20, $30 admission and two drink tickets, $5 for kids 6 to 12. (Kids 6 and younger admitted free.)
MORE INFORMATION: bonnethouse.org
The Bonnet House’s usual holiday fare is given an extra family-friendly boost with face painting, arts and crafts and other fun kids’ activities.
Dec. 16–23
Victorian Christmas and Holiday River Tours
WHERE: The Stranahan House
WHEN: 7pm
HOW MUCH: $35
MORE INFORMATION: stranahanhouse.org/visit/victorian-christmas
The Stranahan House is all decked out for a 19th-century Christmas – right up to the costumed docents – and a boat awaits to take you on a tour of the festively lit houses along the New River.
