The most wonderful time of the year has arrived, bringing fun festivities, magic and music, and plenty of cheer to South Florida. While the holidays are not nearly the same in the Palm Beaches as they are in the north, there is something special about a warmer version. Here is a look at the activities and events occurring this holiday season that will ensure your December is merry and bright.
1. Watch CityPlace Nightly Snowfalls
Let it snow…every day! Watch CityPlace transform into a tropical wonderland with nightly “snowfalls” in the Plaza. This West Palm Beach tradition will continue at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, and at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, until Dec. 31. An incredible light show on the 40-foot tall Christmas tree only adds to the holiday magic. CityPlace’s 1,300 square foot synthetic ice rink will be open daily for skating, too!
2. Explore Mounts Botanical Garden of Lights
Mounts Botanical in West Palm will once again twinkle in the night sky this holiday season. You can witness thousands of jewel-toned lights illuminate lush tropical foliage, giant trees, and unique architecture along a path throughout various gardens. The “Garden of Lights” will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 13-15, 19-23, and 26-29. It is a magical event for joyous visitors of every age!
3. Gaze at Christmas Lights in the Palm Beach Zoo
Zoo Lights! Wild Nights! is sure to become a Florida family holiday tradition. For the first time, the Palm Beach Zoo will be aglow with over one million eco-friendly lights to embrace the holidays. Every evening from 6 to 10 p.m. until Dec. 23, the zoo will be illuminated with creative light displays. The event also features photo ops with Santa, special animal encounters, and Mrs. Claus’s kitchen cookie decorating. This wild holiday celebration should not be missed!
4. Cruise Through the Heights of Jupiter
Residents in the Heights of Jupiter know a thing or two about getting in the holiday spirit. In this neighborhood, cars wind up and down 26 themed streets to view Christmas light displays. The centerpiece of the neighborhood is a handmade “Flying Santa,” where a mechanical arm allows Santa and his 8 reindeer to soar in the air. The decorations in The Heights are indisputably clever. Each year this neighborhood outdoes itself!
5. Wander Hoffman’s Chocolates Winter Wonderland
It would not be winter in Palm Beach County without Hoffman’s Chocolates Annual Winter Wonderland in Greenacres. Now through Dec. 30 from 6 to 10 p.m., guests can enjoy nightly shows with more than 125,000 LED lights, holiday displays, a 12-foot Christmas tree, live entertainment, photos with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, and so much more. There will also be a 2,400 square foot outdoor synthetic ice skating rink. On Dec. 26, there will also be a special Menorah Lighting Ceremony. Winter Wonderland is one of the most popular events of the season in Palm Beach County, welcoming more than 77,000 guests last year!
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6. Board Brightline’s The Polar Express Train Ride
All aboard! Relive the magic of the classic motion picture, The Polar Express, with your loved ones on the Brightline train. While the Polar Express Train Ride originates and ends at the Fort Lauderdale station, enthusiasts from West Palm Beach can take a 30-minute “sleigh ride” to conveniently access Fort Lauderdale; the magic extends from door to door. Here, passengers are whisked away for an immersive trip to meet Santa – just like in the film. Each Brightline ticket includes incredible entertainment, drinks and snacks, and a keepsake sleigh bell. On board, your hosts will work their way through the car to punch your golden ticket while dancing chefs serve delicious hot chocolate and a cookie. Santa and his elves even board the train to greet passengers with the first gift of Christmas. The dress code is, of course, pajamas! This is an unforgettable day trip that the whole family can enjoy.
7. Visit Santa in the Enchanted Garden Photo Set
Looking for somewhere magical to see Santa this December? Stop by the Gardens Mall now through Dec. 20 to get a photo with Old Saint Nick before he takes off in his sleigh! Guests can receive professional photo packages at the Mall’s Grand Court, which has been transformed into the Enchanted Garden for the holidays. Naughty and nice children alike are welcome!
8. Watch Miami City Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Step into the dream of a little girl and meet toy soldiers, fight a Mouse King, and befriend the Sugar Plum Fairy in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Miami City Ballet’s graceful ballerinas, dazzling stage effects, and a magnificent live orchestra will take you on a magical adventure through a winter wonderland. The company’s rendition of this classic performance will capture the imagination of the entire family. Your holiday season is incomplete without this cherished tradition at the Kravis Center. For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
9. Rock out at Y100 Jingle Ball 2019
Do not miss the holiday season’s fifth annual music event! The Jingle Ball holiday concert features the year’s top artists performing their #1 hits. The series of nationwide concerts are a globally recogized phenomenon. This year’s all-star lineup at the BB&T Center in Sunrise features artists such as the Jonas Brothers, Khalid, Ozuna, Niall Horan, CNCO, AJ Mitchell, Why Don't We, and Zara Larsson. Join passionate fans and experience the magic of Jingle Ball this year. For further details and ticket information, click here.
10. Enjoy Downtown at the Gardens
Guests of Cobb Theatres can now see their favorite classic holiday movies on the big screen! Flashback Cinema is a program that brings timeless Hollywood favorites back to the theatre screen each week, and this December it features films such as The Polar Express, Home Alone, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, It’s a Wonderful Life, and more. Movies are shown every week on Sundays and Wednesdays. While you are at Downtown at the Gardens, be sure to watch the dazzling holiday light display in Centre Court from 6 to 9 p.m.
11. Test Your Knowledge at the Reindeer Games Trivia Night
Calling all Jeopardy! fanatics and trivia champs: the City of West Palm Beach welcomes you to enjoy a fun-filled evening of holiday-themed trivia downtown on the Waterfront. There will be prizes for those who know the most random facts about the holiday season. Trivia is from 7 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 19.
12. Dine at The Breakers Palm Beach
This iconic oceanfront resort enchants its guests with captivating décor, incredible dining experiences, and a lineup of festive activities throughout the holiday season. All is merry and bright at The Breakers, which is adorned with vibrant colors, thousands of soft white lights, 18-foot evergreen trees, and a menorah in honor of the season. To celebrate, The Breakers is serving afternoon tea with a twist. Enjoy a vast selection of teas, delicious tea sandwiches, warm buttermilk scones, and light pastries. The annual event will occur on Dec. 20, 21, 23, 26, 27, 28 and 30 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Celebrate the holidays in South Florida! For more information on the Florida lifestyle and the finest homes in Palm Beach County, contact a Tauber Real Estate Services specialist today at 561-626-4633.