Holiday magic in West Palm Beach starts not with snow — but with sand.
Starting Monday, November 3, 850 tons of sand will roll into the West Palm Beach Waterfront, kicking off the annual construction of Sandi the Sand Tree, the 35-foot, 700-ton holiday icon that anchors the city’s Holiday in Paradise celebration.
Over several days, 8–10 massive trucks per day will deliver the mountain of sand onto the Great Lawn at 100 N. Clematis Street, where crews will begin sculpting Sandi and her smaller sand companions. Of the total sand, 700 tons will become Sandi herself, while 100 tons will form four other sand sculptures spread along the waterfront.
🏗️ From Sand to Spectacle
Sculpting officially begins Monday, November 17, and the full transformation (from the start on November 3) takes about one month — just in time for the Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting on Thursday, December 4 from 6:00 to 10:00 pm, when Sandi and her dazzling cousin Ferris will illuminate the night sky for the first time this season.
♻️ Sandi Goes 100% Sustainable
For the first time ever, Sandi’s sand is fully recycled — all 850 tons have been used in previous years’ displays and are returning to the waterfront for a greener, more sustainable holiday build.
🎶 2025 Theme: “Symphony of Lights”
This year’s theme, Symphony of Lights, celebrates Sandi’s dynamic music-and-light shows — an annual spectacle that draws visitors from across South Florida. The display will once again synchronize lights, color, and sound to create a magical experience for families and visitors nightly through December.
🌟 A Nationally Acclaimed Holiday Event
Holiday in Paradise isn’t just a local favorite — it’s earned national acclaim, including recognition as one of USA TODAY’s 10Best holiday light displays. Since debuting in 2012, Sandi has also captured attention from CNN, Martha Stewart, Travel + Leisure, and The Ellen Show — and she’s even picked up multiple awards from Visit Florida and the International Festivals and Events Association.
🎄 Save the Date
📅 Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting
🕕 Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
📍 West Palm Beach Waterfront
Witness the moment Sandi lights up for the first time this year — and enjoy live music, food, and family-friendly fun as Holiday in Paradise 2025 officially begins.
If you miss the Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting event, you will have more opportunities to see Sandi, as Sandi will be lighting up the night until Wednesday, December 31.
