12/1 – 1/1
Wonderland at Las Olas Oceanside Park
WHEN: Various times
WHERE: Las Olas Oceanside Park
MORE INFO: theloopflb.com/events
This December, Las Olas Oceanside Park transforms into a festive wonderland again. The Friday Night Sound Waves Backstage Pass Series kicks off the holiday season and ends on a memorable Christmas Eve with a Sinatra dinner show.
On the 20th, families can gather for a screening of Disney’s A Christmas Carol in 3D at Holiday Movies by Moonlight, complete with nonalcoholic holiday drinks and festive crafts for kids. The holiday fun kicks off at 5pm with a visit from Santa, spreading cheer until 8pm, and live performances by the Yuletide Carolers to set the perfect holiday mood before the film begins. Guests can get cozy on the lawn with blankets, chairs and their favorite movie pals while the magic unfolds. The MKT will feature local vendors for gift shopping, holiday music and themed photo sets. Attendees can capture the magic of the season with photo ops alongside beloved holiday characters, including Elf and Jovie, the Grinch and Cindy Lou, the Nutcracker Balloon Artists and the Christmas Mermaid. Plus, catch Santa sightings on December 8, 20, 21 and 22.
Kids can drop off their letters to Santa and participate in various holiday gift workshops such as canvas and ceramics painting, cookie decorating, jewelry making and candle jar making.
12/3
Christmas on Las Olas
WHEN: 5–10pm
WHERE: Las Olas Boulevard
MORE INFO: lasolasboulevard.com
Kick off the holidays with the 62nd annual Christmas on Las Olas, where you can meet local businesspeople, sled down Snow Mountain and watch live performances from over 30 local schools and organizations.
12/3
23rd Annual Light Up Downtown
WHEN: 5:30pm
WHERE: The Plaza on Las Olas
MORE INFO: jackandjillcenter.org
Ring in the holiday season while giving back to the community with unlimited cocktails, canapés and festive live entertainment, including jugglers, stilt walkers and a visit from Santa. The adults-only event will finish with the magical lighting of a 30-foot Christmas tree. Proceeds from the event will benefit Jack & Jill Center.
12/6 – 12/12
Holiday Magic
WHEN: Various times
WHERE: Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
MORE INFO: bonnethouse.org
Bonnet House will transform into a radiant winter wonderland for this five-day celebration. The National Register of Historic Places home will be filled with twinkling lights, live holiday music and an array of festive activities that appeal to everyone.
12/7
Cookies with Santa
WHEN: 9am–4pm
WHERE: Historic Stranahan House Museum
MORE INFO: stranahanhouse.org
Get your Christmas pictures done this year by booking a five-minute family photo session with Santa Claus inside the Historic Stranahan House.
12/7
South Florida Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah
WHEN: 7:30pm
WHERE: The Parker
MORE INFO: parkerplayhouse.com
Enjoy the glorious sounds of Handel’s Messiah, including the iconic “Hallelujah Chorus.” The orchestra will also present a selection of popular holiday pops.
12/14 & 12/21
North Pole Pajama Party
WHEN: Various times
WHERE: Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
MORE INFO: bonnethouse.org
Bonnet House will transform into a radiant winter wonderland for this five-day celebration. The National Register of Historic Places home will be filled with twinkling lights, live holiday music and an array of festive activities that appeal to everyone.
12/14
The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
WHEN: 6:30–8:30pm
WHERE: From Stranahan House to Lake Santa Barbara
MORE INFO: winterfestparade.com
The 53rd annual Winterfest Boat Parade starts with a pre-show of nonmotorized vessels at 6pm.
Private boats, giant showboats and corporate megayachts will be adorned with hundreds of thousands of lights. There will also be music, entertainment, decorations, celebrities, musical groups, beauty queens and many other exciting entries.
12/14 & 12/21
Victorian Christmas Tours
WHEN: Various times
WHERE: Historic Stranahan House Museum
MORE INFO: stranahanhouse.org
Step back in time to the Victorian era while walking through the beautifully decorated museum. Learn how holiday traditions started and how Fort Lauderdale pioneers celebrated the season.
12/18 – 12/23
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
WHEN: Various times
WHERE: Broward Center for the Performing Arts
MORE INFO: browardcenter.org
The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heartwarming holiday classic that The New York Times hailed as “100 times better than any bedtime story.” Featuring the hit songs “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” this holiday musical will enchant adults and children alike.
12/20 – 12/22
The Nutcracker
WHEN: Various times
WHERE: Broward Center for the Performing Arts
MORE INFO: browardcenter.org
This delightful classical ballet set on Christmas Eve allows you to step into a world of wonder, where snowflakes, sugarplums and magical dolls come to life, all set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score.
12/26
Menorah Lighting Celebration
WHEN: 6pm
WHERE: Las Olas Oceanside Park
MORE INFO: theloopflb.com
Honor the first night of Hanukkah with a traditional menorah lighting, music and delicious customary treats.
