It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in downtown West Palm Beach, and that means one thing: Sandi is coming back!
Starting Monday, November 9, 2026, crews began delivering 850 tons of sand to the Great Lawn along the West Palm Beach waterfront to build the city’s iconic 35-foot holiday sand tree. Of that, 700 tons will be used to create Sandi, while the remaining 150 tons will become four smaller sand sculptures along the waterfront. Sand sculptors are set to begin carving Monday, November 16, 2026.
Sandi Nominated for USA TODAY’s Best Holiday Lights
Sandi is also getting some national attention! West Palm Beach’s Holiday in Paradise celebration has once again been nominated for Best Public Holiday Lights Display in the 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards.
The annual waterfront celebration previously took the No. 1 spot in 2021, and now West Palm Beach is hoping to bring the title home again. The public can vote once per day through Monday, November 30, 2026, at 11:59 AM EST. Winners will be announced Thursday, December 3, 2026, at noon.
When Will Sandi Light Up in 2026?
Sandi will officially light up on Thursday, December 3, during the city’s annual Holiday in Paradise celebration, presented by FPL.
Here’s what to know:
- Tree Lighting: Thursday, December 3, 6–10 PM
- Location: Great Lawn, West Palm Beach Waterfront
- 2026 Theme: The Art of Holidays
- Nightly Light Shows: December 3–30, 6–10 PM, with extended shows until midnight on New Year’s Eve
- Admission: Free
This year’s celebration runs November 27 through December 31, 2026, bringing live performances, art installations and student showcases featuring Bak Middle School of the Arts to the waterfront.
Since debuting in 2012, Sandi has become one of West Palm Beach’s most recognizable holiday traditions, bringing a distinctly Florida twist to Christmas celebrations.
For more seasonal activities, check out our 2026 Palm Beach Holiday Events Guide.
