Fort Lauderdale December Holidays: Lights, Events & Fun

Magical December in Fort Lauderdale: Lights, Events & Fun

There’s a special kind of magic in Fort Lauderdale during December — where sunshine meets holiday sparkle and every corner comes alive with festive cheer. From families to couples and solo travelers, this sunny seaside city offers unforgettable holiday experiences for everyone.

✨ Holiday Tree Lightings Across the City

Fort Lauderdale kicks off the season with a brilliant lineup of tree lighting ceremonies and celebrations:

🌟 Light Up the Beach & Las Olas Oceanside Park – More than 50,000 holiday lights, live music, Santa, inflatables, and a festive kids zone along the beachfront. Wednesday, November 19th. (parks.fortlauderdale.gov)

🎁 Light Up the Galt Ocean Mile – Family-friendly celebration with live music, entertainment, food vendors, and a beautiful big tree lighting. Friday, December 5th.

🌳 Light Up Carter Park Holiday Tree – 40+ acres of wildlife, music, crafts, and train rides leading to a grand tree lighting. Friday, December 12th.

Many of these outdoor spaces are now equipped with heaters, so even if the evenings are chilly, you can stay warm while enjoying the lights and festivities.

🎅 Christmas on Las Olas — A Holiday Main Event

On Tuesday, December 2nd, Las Olas Boulevard transforms into a magical holiday wonderland at the 63rd Annual Christmas on Las Olas. The street is closed to cars and filled with:

✨ Snow Mountain sledding
⛸️ Outdoor ice skating
🎶 Live performances from local choirs and schools
⁠🎅 Santa meet-and-greets
⁠🎁 Over 60 festive vendors and seasonal treats

Sit outside at your favorite restaurant and dine by lit palm trees and giant Christmas trees — heaters keep you cozy if it’s cool. Many local bars and restaurants are also hosting toy drives, supporting local kids and families during the holiday season. (lasolasboulevard.com)

🌟 Holiday Boat Parades — Lights on the Water

One of South Florida’s most iconic winter traditions is the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, returning on Saturday, December 13th, 2025. Over 100 beautifully decorated boats sail along the New River and Intracoastal Waterway, creating one of the most magical nighttime holiday spectacles in the region — complete with music, lights, and joyful crowds. (winterfestparade.com)

Fort Lauderdale also features festive local parades, including Pompano Beach’s Yuletide on Atlantic Parade, where Atlantic Boulevard comes alive with seasonal energy, music, and Santa appearances.

🎉 Festive Nights, Ugly Sweater Parties & Neighborhood Vibes

Looking for a fun night out? Fort Lauderdale has Ugly Sweater Parties and themed events at local bars, like Riverfront Holiday Village Ugly Sweater Christmas Party at The Wharf Fort Lauderdale. Bring a friend, sip cocktails, and soak in the holiday cheer.

Neighborhood bars, restaurants, and even churches host toy drives and charity events, creating a warm and festive local vibe that makes the city feel like one big holiday community. Residents go all out decorating their homes in Pompano Beach, creating must-see displays along residential streets.

🌴 Drive the Magic — Holiday Lights on Hillboro Mile & Beyond

Take a scenic drive along Hillboro Mile, where palms and homes are adorned with sparkling lights — perfect for a magical evening cruise. Santa makes appearances throughout town, at beachside meet-ups, markets, and even holiday brunches, spreading cheer everywhere.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Holiday Fun

December in Fort Lauderdale is packed with activities for kids and families:

🌟 Holiday parades with marching bands and floats
🎁 Crafts, bounce houses, and free toy giveaways at tree lighting events
📸 Snow Mountain sledding and outdoor ice skating on Las Olas
🎅 Visits with Santa at markets, waterfront venues, and restaurants

With heaters at many outdoor events and cozy indoor attractions, everyone can enjoy the holiday magic comfortably.

🎄 A Holiday Season That Truly Shines

Whether you’re watching the Winterfest parade light up the water, strolling snowy-feeling streets on Las Olas, enjoying tree lightings with live music and festive vendors, or sipping hot cocoa beneath palm trees adorned in holiday lights, Fort Lauderdale in December is nothing short of magical.

It’s the perfect combination of tropical weather, seasonal spirit, and community cheer — a holiday experience like no other.

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