South Florida lights up each December with celebrations that blend coastal style and holiday cheer. Below are the signature events and local favorites that define the season—from waterfront trees to small-town gatherings that remind us why community still matters.

Main Attractions

Bayfront Park Tree Lighting — Miami

Downtown Miami’s iconic celebration at Bayfront Park features live entertainment, food trucks, and one of Florida’s tallest Christmas trees overlooking Biscayne Bay.

Official Site

Light Up Lauderdale — Fort Lauderdale

Riverwalk’s “Get Lit” celebration includes a tree lighting, live bands, and kids’ crafts under the palm-lined New River—Fort Lauderdale’s signature kickoff to the holidays.

Event Details

Holiday in Paradise — West Palm Beach

The world’s only 35-foot sand tree lights up the waterfront nightly with music, projection shows, and a Ferris wheel experience unique to South Florida.

Official Page

Hidden Gems Worth Exploring

Palmetto Bay Tree Lighting

A 40-foot tree, snow flurries, and family entertainment give this event a true “small-town holiday” feel inside Miami-Dade County.

See Schedule

Esplanade at Aventura Tree Lighting

A modern celebration among upscale dining and retail spaces. Santa appearances, live DJ, and giveaways make it perfect for families and shoppers alike.

Event Info

Light Up Cooper City

Memorial Park’s annual neighborhood lighting ceremony brings cookies, cocoa, and music under the stars. A great reminder that local connection still defines Broward County’s charm.

Official Post

El Sur de Florida se ilumina cada diciembre con celebraciones que mezclan el estilo costero con la alegría navideña. Aquí encontrarás los eventos principales y los tesoros ocultos que vale la pena visitar con tu familia o tus clientes.

Eventos Principales

• Bayfront Park (Miami): música, luces y ambiente frente al mar.
• Light Up Lauderdale (Fort Lauderdale): desfile de luces y actividades familiares en Riverwalk.
• Holiday in Paradise (West Palm Beach): el famoso árbol de arena “Sandi”.

Tesoros Ocultos

• Palmetto Bay: nieve artificial, comida y entretenimiento local.
• Aventura Esplanade: música, regalos y ambiente familiar.
• Cooper City: evento comunitario con luces y chocolate caliente.