Although Florida winters are a little warmer than the rest of the country, Fort Lauderdale doesn’t let that stop it from embracing the holiday spirit. For many, the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year and many nonprofits and neighborhoods take pride in making our world a prettier place during the holiday season. So if you are looking for some holiday cheer or missing your “white Christmas,” then look no further than some Fort Lauderdale holiday spots.
Light Up Lauderdale: A 10-week celebration of glittering holiday lights and holiday garland presented by Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and the City of Fort Lauderdale. The celebration will kick off at Esplanade Park on Thursday, November 13th. This free holiday spectacular showcases the two and half mile brick Riverwalk pathway on both sides of the New River in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Light Up the Beach: On November 25th, join the City of Fort Lauderdale at A1A and Las Olas Boulevard as the world famous A1A comes alive with thousands of sparkling lights. Festivities include the illumination of a larger-than-life sailboat display, performance by the South Florida Chamber Ensemble, a kids zone, and a free holiday concert.
Christmas on Las Olas: Held on December 2nd, this event brings snow, sand snowmen, carolers, ice rinks and more to Las Olas Boulevard to kickoff the holiday shopping season. Once the festivities end, children (and adults) can use the Skate Las Olas Rink of the Riverside Lawn until after Christmas.
Historical Society: Experience what Christmas was like in the 1910’s at the New River Inn Museum of History. Adorned in holiday lights, wreaths and traditional Christmas trees and garland, the porch of the New River Inn Museum is that perfect place to snap your holiday photo. This season they are offering Twilight Tours, a Holiday Craft Fair, Winterfest Boat Parade Viewing Party and Holiday Light Boat Tour. Activities start on December 4th.
Light Up Sistrunk: On December 5th Light Up Sistrunk is celebrating eight years of serving the community with toys, health screenings and more. Event highlights include a giant tree lighting ceremony, photos with Santa, visits from local sports teams’ mascots, special entertainment, the toy giveaway and health fair, a kids zone with real snow, game trucks and more!
Winterfest Boat Parade – Fort Lauderdale hosts one of the largest holiday boat parades in the county. Save the date for December 13th and enjoy the lit up boats and music along the Riverwalk and Intracoastal.
Stranahan House: Participate in the Holiday River Tour. Decorated in Victorian Christmas theme, the evening tour includes costumed docents, live music, beautiful décor as well as a ride down the New River to see the holiday lights of the majestic Fort Lauderdale homes. Tours run from December 14-18and 20-23. Reservations are required. The House also hosts Cookies with Santa on December 14th; registration is required.
While there may not be snow this holiday season, get out and enjoy the wonderful weather that south Florida has to offer this time of year.
