Here's your perfect guide to holiday fun in Lauderdale Lakes! Find all the top festive activities and events with us. Whether you're rediscovering your city or visiting for the first time, this guide reveals the best of Lauderdale Lakes's holidays.
Popular Events: One highlight of the season is the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade, where beautifully illuminated boats glide along the waterways, creating a magical spectacle. Additionally, the beach lights up with vibrant displays and festive activities for families—this is the essence of Light Up the Beach. And the WONDERLAND experience is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering an enchanting winter atmosphere perfect for visitors of all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Lauderdale Lakes
- Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade (Fort Lauderdale)
- WONDERLAND (Fort Lauderdale)
- Light Up the Beach (Fort Lauderdale)
- Christmas on Las Olas (Fort Lauderdale)
- Riptide Music Festival (Fort Lauderdale)
- Bonnet House Museum & Gardens Holiday Soirée (Fort Lauderdale)
- Namaste Indian Festival (Pompano Beach)
- The Nutcracker (Fort Lauderdale)
- Menorah Lighting Celebration (Fort Lauderdale)
- Holiday Magic – Whimsical Wonderland (Fort Lauderdale)
See these and even more events listed below!
Lauderdale Lakes Holiday Light Displays
Light Up the Beach
What to Expect:
Illumination of over 50,000 holiday lights along the beachfront.
Description:
Light Up the Beach is a spectacular holiday event featuring over 50,000 holiday lights along Fort Lauderdale's picturesque beachfront. The event includes performances by the Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds and a kids zone with Santa, inflatables, and slides. The highlight is the return of "Olas," the larger-than-life 20-foot beach snowman at A1A and Las Olas Boulevard.
Where: Fort Lauderdale | More Info: Light Up the Beach
Hollywood Beach Candy Cane Parade
What to Expect:
Longest-running holiday parade with lighted floats and vehicles.
Description:
The Hollywood Beach Candy Cane Parade is one of the longest-running holiday parades in the country, featuring dozens of lighted floats and vehicles along the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. The parade begins at Missouri Street and heads south to Harrison Street, entertaining thousands of spectators with creative displays from civic, non-profit, and children’s groups.
Where: Hollywood | More Info: Hollywood Beach Candy Cane Parade
Symphony in Lights
What to Expect:
Synchronized holiday lights display with live music and Santa visits.
Description:
Gulfstream Park Village's Symphony in Lights features over 250,000 LED lights, a 10-minute light show every hour, and festive decorations including a new Christmas tree and regal Santa chair. The event also includes live music from the Valerie Tyson 8-piece band and DJ Chris Cruz, along with visits from Santa Claus.
Where: Hallandale Beach | More Info: Symphony in Lights
Lauderdale Lakes Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas-by-the-Sea
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with seaside-themed gifts and crafts.
Description:
Christmas-by-the-Sea is a festive holiday event in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, featuring holiday and seaside-themed gifts, crafts, and activities.
Where: Lauderdale-By-The-Sea | More Info: Christmas-by-the-Sea
Lauderdale Lakes Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade
What to Expect:
12-mile boat parade with elaborate decorations and entertainment.
Description:
The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is a spectacular holiday event featuring beautifully decorated boats of all sizes, including private boats, giant showboats, and corporate megayachts. The parade travels 12 miles along the New River in Fort Lauderdale, Intracoastal Waterway, and Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach, showcasing hundreds of thousands of lights, music, entertainment, decorations, celebrities, and more.
Where: Fort Lauderdale | More Info: Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade
WONDERLAND
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly ice-skating rink and diverse holiday activities.
Description:
Fort Lauderdale Beach transforms into a vibrant holiday hub with Las Olas Oceanside Park hosting an array of sights, sounds, and activities, including holiday markets, strolling characters, live music, dance performances, visits with Santa, and holiday movies.
Where: Fort Lauderdale | More Info: WONDERLAND
Christmas on Las Olas
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with live performances and local business participation.
Description:
The 62nd Christmas on Las Olas is a free community event celebrating Fort Lauderdale's urban holiday season with live performances by over 30 local schools and organizations, featuring local businesses and festive activities.
Where: Fort Lauderdale | More Info: Christmas on Las Olas
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens Holiday Soirée
What to Expect:
Live entertainment and festive decorations.
Description:
The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens presents the Holiday Soirée, a festive evening featuring a beautifully lit house and grounds, live entertainment, and a full bar. The event includes catered dining and special appearances by fantastical characters from the storybook "POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance."
Where: Fort Lauderdale | More Info: Bonnet House Museum & Gardens Holiday Soirée
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with professional dancers and local children.
Description:
Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida presents a critically acclaimed production of "The Nutcracker," featuring Tchaikovsky's iconic score and masterful choreography by Vladimir Issaev. The performance showcases the extraordinary talent of professional dancers and the joyful participation of local children, creating a heartwarming holiday masterpiece.
Where: Fort Lauderdale | More Info: The Nutcracker
Holiday Magic – Whimsical Wonderland
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday celebration with live entertainment and festive decorations.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens with Whimsical Wonderland, featuring live entertainment, a scavenger hunt, and storybook readings. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the beautifully lit house and gardens, adorned with festive decorations and live music.
Where: Fort Lauderdale | More Info: Holiday Magic – Whimsical Wonderland
Christmas Near The Beach
What to Expect:
Variety show with outdoor market and food trucks.
Description:
Join us for a variety show, Outdoor Market, Food Trucks, and a visit with Santa at ArtsPark Young Circle in downtown Hollywood.
Where: Hollywood | More Info: Christmas Near The Beach
The Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
St. Lucie Ballet presents The Nutcracker, a classic ballet featuring Clara's adventures, battles with the Rat King, and visits to the Land of Snow and Sweets. All ages are welcome to witness the performances by students, pre-professionals, and professional dancers.
Where: Sunrise | More Info: The Nutcracker Ballet
Lauderdale Lakes Other Holiday Activities
Riptide Music Festival
What to Expect:
Luxury festival experience with interactive activities and live performances.
Description:
Riptide Music Festival is a vibrant two-day event at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, featuring a diverse lineup of music, interactive experiences, and luxury amenities. Enjoy daily giveaways, opportunities for ticket upgrades, and indulge in refreshing drinks at the Twin Peaks Patio. Explore the Ford Beach House for the latest offerings from Ford and experience the ultimate in festival luxury at the Spirit Airlines two-story container lounge.
Where: Fort Lauderdale | More Info: Riptide Music Festival
Namaste Indian Festival
What to Expect:
Immersive cultural experience with diverse Indian music, dance, and cuisine.
Description:
The Namaste Indian Festival is a vibrant celebration of Indian culture in South Florida, featuring live music and dance performances, workshops on ancient instruments, diverse food stalls, and a grand bazaar showcasing various Indian states.
Where: Pompano Beach | More Info: Namaste Indian Festival
Menorah Lighting Celebration
What to Expect:
Traditional menorah lighting and live music.
Description:
Join us for the Menorah Lighting Celebration at Las Olas Oceanside Park, featuring traditional menorah lighting, live music, and delicious customary treats.
Where: Fort Lauderdale | More Info: Menorah Lighting Celebration
Holiday Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community celebration with Santa, activities, and toy donations.
Description:
The 1st Annual Rusch Park Holiday Tree Lighting is a festive event sponsored by SacTown Real Estate and Precision Orthodontics. Kids can send letters to the North Pole, enjoy activities, and sip hot cocoa while the tree is lit. Santa will make a special visit for photos, and toy donations are accepted for the NICU and PICU at a local hospital.
Where: Sunrise | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting
Kwanzaa Ujamaa
What to Expect:
Emphasis on cooperative economics and Afrocentric cultural celebrations.
Description:
Celebrate Kwanzaa Ujamaa at Bass Park in Fort Lauderdale, focusing on cooperative economics and Afrocentric cultural activities.
Where: Fort Lauderdale | More Info: Kwanzaa Ujamaa
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Lauderhill (2 miles)
- Plantation (3 miles)
- North Lauderdale (4 miles)
- Tamarac (4 miles)
- Oakland Park (5 miles)
- Fort Lauderdale (5 miles)
- Margate (5 miles)
- Coconut Creek (6 miles)
- Sunrise (6 miles)
- Pompano Beach (7 miles)
- Davie (7 miles)
- Coral Springs (8 miles)
- Cooper City (9 miles)
- Dania Beach (9 miles)
- Parkland (10 miles)
- West Hollywood (10 miles)
- Pembroke Pines (11 miles)
- Hollywood (11 miles)
- Miramar (12 miles)
- Deerfield Beach (12 miles)
- Weston (13 miles)
- Boca Del Mar (13 miles)
- Hallandale Beach (13 miles)
- Norland (15 miles)
- Aventura (15 miles)
- Miami Gardens (16 miles)
- Carol City (16 miles)
- Sunny Isles Beach (16 miles)
- North Miami Beach (16 miles)
- Country Club (17 miles)
- Golden Glades (18 miles)
- Miami Lakes (19 miles)
- North Miami (19 miles)
- West Little River (21 miles)
- Hialeah (22 miles)
- Hialeah Gardens (22 miles)
- Delray Beach (22 miles)
- Allapattah (24 miles)
- Doral (26 miles)
- Boynton Beach (26 miles)
- Miami Beach (26 miles)
- Miami (27 miles)
- Fountainebleau (29 miles)
- Flagami (29 miles)
- Westchester (29 miles)
- Coral Terrace (30 miles)
- Sweetwater (30 miles)
- Tamiami (31 miles)
- University Park (31 miles)
- Coral Gables (31 miles)
- Coconut Grove (32 miles)
- Lake Worth Corridor (32 miles)
- Greenacres City (32 miles)
- Lake Worth Beach (32 miles)
- Palm Springs (33 miles)
- Kendale Lakes (34 miles)
- Wellington (34 miles)
- Kendall (34 miles)
- Kendall West (35 miles)
- The Crossings (36 miles)
- The Hammocks (37 miles)
- Royal Palm Beach (37 miles)
- Palmetto Bay (38 miles)
- West Palm Beach (39 miles)
- South Miami Heights (41 miles)
- Richmond West (41 miles)
- Cutler Ridge (41 miles)
- Cutler Bay (41 miles)
- Riviera Beach (43 miles)
- The Acreage (44 miles)