Vacation is here. You only have so much time to cram in as much happiness as possible before your vacation ends.
Granted, my Thanksgiving turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and pie platter will probably give me enough energy to run two marathons. But you need direction. It’s time to swap your hibernation-inducing amounts of protein, carbohydrates, and “healthy fats” for high-octane jet fuel and start looking for holiday happiness.
From boat parades to holiday lights, tree lightings, Santa appearances and festivals, there are literally dozens of great events happening around Palm Beach County.
It’s impossible to hit them all, but here are some proven hits.
1. Holiday Inn Paradise, West Palm Beach
Held throughout December, beginning with the Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting on November 30th, it is one of the area’s biggest hit holiday events. The kickoff will not only feature live music by The Music Machine, but will also take center stage with the world’s only 700-ton holiday sand tree. Thousands of lights synchronized to music bring this one-of-a-kind sand sculpture to life, heralding the start of the holiday. Can’t go that night? Don’t worry, Sandy will be rocking music and lights every night from 6pm to 10pm until December 31st.
A special Screen on the Green featuring “The Muppet Christmas Carol” will be held on December 8th, the annual Pancake Breakfast with Sandy and Santa on December 16th, and Aloha on December 17th. – Sunday on the Waterfront featuring Islanders Tropical Holiday Spectacular and more. more.
West Palm Beach Holiday in Paradise will be held from November 30th to December 31st at 100 N. Clematis St. in West Palm Beach. Information: wpb.org.
Other holiday events:30+ Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in Palm Beach County
2. Zoo lights at Palm Beach Zoo
Celebrating its fifth anniversary, the popular event once again transforms the zoo into a cascading canopy of more than 1 million holiday lights and animal sculptures. The centerpiece of the show is his 24-foot-tall animated RGB tree with choreographed lights in the center of the fountain plaza. The event, hosted by FPL SolarNow, will use solar energy and environmentally friendly lighting.
The event will be held from 5:30pm to 9pm on select nights through January 7th at 1301 Summit Boulevard in West Palm Beach. Prices vary by time and date. Adult prices range from $20 to $26. Children $15 to $21. Zoo members receive a $5 discount. Information: Palmbeachzoo.org/zoolights.
3. Winterfest, Wellington
Music icon, philanthropist, home renovator, and actor Vanilla Ice returns in this annual event that brings holiday fun to Western communities. Food stalls, multiple lounges for adults, a snow globe photo booth, holiday shopping opportunities, dance and music performances on two stages, a silent disco, an interactive Blizzard Beach for children and youth, and even a “Big A visit to the beach is also planned. Guy”, also known as Santa.
The event will be held on Friday, Dec. 8 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Village Park, 12100 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. The event is free. Information: Wellingtonfl.gov
4. Boynton Beach Holiday Boat Parade
This multi-municipal event is a partnership between the cities of Hypoluxo and Lantana, and the cities of Boynton Beach and Delray Beach. The annual parade features dozens of boats decorated with dazzling lights, holiday decorations and costumed captains and crews, from the Ocean Avenue Bridge in south Lantana to the Her C-15 in Delray Beach. Cruise slowly to the canal and illuminate the Intracoastal Waterway.
There are many restaurants and parks where you can watch the festive fleet, but the official monitoring location is the Boynton Harbor Marina, located at 735 Casa Loma Blvd.
Activities at the marina include music and a special visit from Santa. Two Georges serves food and drinks. We encourage you to bring any unwrapped toys to donate to Toys for Tots.
The event will be held from the Ocean Avenue Bridge in Lantana to the C-15 Canal in Delray Beach on Friday, Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m. Information: boyntonbeachcra.com
5. Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade and Toy Drive
In a large county like ours, we can’t afford just one boat parade. This is another one of many. The 29th Annual Parade and Toy Drive benefits Toys for Tots and Little Smiles. The event features all kinds of personal watercraft, from small boats and yachts to megayachts, decorated with millions of holiday lights to illuminate the waterways.
The best boat in the parade will receive a $500 cash prize and the fan favorite boat will receive a $500 cash prize. They will be judged on lighting, enthusiasm, and themed decoration. The procession will be led by the traveling Zamberi Fireworks Display, which travels the Intracoastal Waterway from North Palm Beach to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.
The event will be held on the Intracoastal Waterway from North Palm Beach to Jupiter Lighthouse on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. Information: marinepbc.org.
Are you the type of person who overdoes it on your days off? Who doesn’t want to end up with just his 5 holiday events? We’ve got you covered. Check out these five and 24 other things to do this season on his TGIF on Friday, November 24th.
Eddie Ritz is a journalist with The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. Please contact eritz@pbpost.com. Please support our journalism. Subscribe now.