The 2024 holidays are here, and Palm Beach and West Palm Beach are ready to dazzle you with festive lights, exciting events, and seasonal traditions. Whether you’re a local or visiting, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season in this vibrant coastal paradise. From magical light displays to ice skating under the palms, here’s a roundup of the top activities to enjoy in our area this 2024 holiday season!
Holiday Breakdown of Our Top Picks by Category
Tree and Light Displays:
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- Sandi the Holiday Sand Tree: Visit Santa and see the spectacular sand tree at West Palm Beach’s holiday event.
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- Zoo Lights at the Palm Beach Zoo: Festive light displays light up the Palm Beach Zoo.
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- Bonus Idea: Sneak over to The Breakers one evening to see the stunning holiday lights and two towering Christmas trees in the front lobby.
Santa Sightings:
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- CityPlace Snowfall & Santa: Meet Santa every weekend at CityPlace, while enjoying the snowfall!
Holiday Magic Feels:
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- Winter Wonderland at The Ben: South Florida’s first outdoor ice skating rink, adorned with holiday decorations and magical photo ops.
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- CityPlace Snowfall & Santa: Meet Santa every weekend at CityPlace, while enjoying the snowfall!
Adults Only Ideas:
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- Zoo Lights Adult Nights: Enjoy an adults-only night (December 5 or 12) at the Palm Beach Zoo with craft cocktails and a festive dinner.
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- Flagler Museum Evening Tour: Experience the holiday magic at Whitehall with a 16-foot tree and Gilded Age holiday decorations from December 19 through 23. (Kids are welcome, but may be a fun night out for adults.) Afterward, consider sneaking over to The Breakers to grab a drink at The HMF Bar and to see the stunning holiday lights and two towering Christmas trees in the front lobby.
Kid Friendly Picks:
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- CityPlace Snowfall & Santa: Experience real snow in Florida and take photos with Santa every weekend.
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- Zoo Lights: The entire family can enjoy the Palm Beach Zoo’s twinkling lights, meet Santa, and even decorate cookies.
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- Screen on the Green: Watch kid friendly movies under the stars on December 13, complete with a live llama and a chance to meet Santa.
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- Cirque Dreams Holidaze: A family-friendly acrobatic performance with a holiday theme from December 19 through 24.
From snowfalls and holiday lights to festive performances and family fun, Palm Beach and West Palm Beach have something for everyone this holiday season. Whether you’re looking to hit the ice, see a spectacular light display, or enjoy an evening at the ballet, you’ll find it all right here. So, grab your holiday spirit and make this 2024 season one to remember!
OnGoing Events of the Season
Sandi The Holiday Tree (free)
A truly unique holiday tradition, Sandi the Holiday Sand Tree in West Palm Beach is a must-see! Standing 35-feet tall and crafted from over 700 tons of sand, this one-of-a-kind Christmas tree is decorated with colorful lights, ornaments, and whimsical touches. As evening falls, Sandi lights up in a stunning display, coupled with music—perfect for family photos and soaking in the holiday cheer.
Winter Wonderland at The Ben (tickets available for purchase)
South Florida’s first outdoor ice-skating rink at The Ben Hotel in West Palm Beach offers a tropical take on winter fun. Running from November 2, 2024 to March 1, 2025, Winter Wonderland features a charming rink, festive decorations, and cozy chalets serving food and drinks. Suitable for both kids and adults, it’s a unique experience to skate under the stars and holiday lights.
Nightly Snowfall & Santa at CityPlace (free)
While snow is rare in Florida, CityPlace brings the magic of winter to life with three nightly snowfalls from November 9, 2024 to December 31, 2024. Snow falls at 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm, and 8:30 pm—perfect for a festive photo op! Plus, Santa will be on site every Friday through Sunday from November 9, 2024 to December 24, 2024 to greet children, take photos, and spread holiday cheer. Grab your mittens and get ready for some Florida-style snow!
Zoo Lights at the Palm Beach Zoo (tickets available for purchase)
Experience a holiday wonderland at the Palm Beach Zoo when Zoo Lights transforms the Zoo into a glittering holiday spectacle from November 23, 2024 to January 5, 2025. Enjoy enchanting light displays, meet Santa, decorate cookies, roast s’mores, and even catch a glimpse of the animals as they roam under the twinkling lights. For adults, the Zoo also offers two exclusive “Adult Nights” on December 5, 2024 and December 12, 2024, featuring craft cocktails and festive dinner options.
Special One-Time Holiday Events
Worth Avenue Tree Lighting (free)
Join in the magic of the season at the Worth Avenue Christmas Tree Lighting on December 3, 2024. The event kicks off with a parade featuring Santa and his elves, followed by the grand tree lighting at 6:25 pm. Worth Avenue comes alive with twinkling lights, creating the perfect holiday ambiance for a stroll down one of Palm Beach’s most iconic streets.
Screen on the Green: Holiday Double Feature (free)
Head downtown to Screen on the Green for a cozy outdoor movie night on December 13, 2024. Watch two kid-friendly cartoon favorites, The Emperor’s New Groove and Kronk’s New Groove, under the stars from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This family-friendly event features festive prizes, live llamas, and even a chance to meet Santa!
Tour the Flagler Museum at Christmastime (tickets available for purchase)
Step back in time and explore the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, a National Historic Landmark that offers a glimpse into the Gilded Age of Palm Beach. The museum’s Christmas season is extra special, with the first floor of Whitehall transformed with holiday decorations like a 16-foot Christmas tree. The Flagler Museum hosts a tree lighting ceremony on December 1, 2024, which features music, performances, and a visit from Santa Claus. The Flagler Museum also hosts night tours December 19, 2024 through December 23, 2024, which give you a rare chance to see the Flagler Museum with its light fixtures on at dark.
Holiday Shows at the Kravis Center (tickets available for purchase)
- The Nutcracker – Ballet Palm Beach brings the holiday tradition of The Nutcracker to the Kravis Center from December 6, 2024 to December 8, 2024.
- Cirque Dreams Holidaze – The contemporary circus also puts on a holiday twist with Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Kravis Center from December 19, 2024 to December 24, 2024. This critically acclaimed show combines Broadway-style musical theater with acrobatic feats, colorful costumes, and holiday magic—perfect for the whole family. ta every weekend at CityPlace, while enjoying the snowfall!
