By Jennifer Susanne Sommers
Sotheby’s International Realty
Updated November 6, 2026
A 100-foot Christmas tree in Delray. Boats covered in lights on the Intracoastal. Real ice skating in West Palm Beach. And yes, we can still wear sandals.
This is your ultimate 2026 holiday guide to Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach and Palm Beach, expanded from my original Boca and Delray holiday bucket list. You’ll find tree lightings, street and boat parades, Hanukkah celebrations, markets, Santa visits, concerts, family outings and New Year’s fun, organized by city. I’ve also kept the local gift shops, drinks and dining ideas that fit these five cities.
Start with your town or plan a little holiday road trip. All times are Eastern. Dates run from November 2026 into January 2027 where noted. Events marked tentative or awaiting confirmation need another check before you make plans. Ticket prices and availability can change, and free admission does not necessarily include food, parking or every activity.
Choose your city: Boca Raton · Delray Beach · Boynton Beach · West Palm Beach · Palm Beach. This is a broad guide to the five cities, not a guarantee that every neighborhood, private-club or last-minute event is listed.
Boca Raton: tree lightings, markets and a very busy Santa
Start with the three big November nights: BRiC on November 19, Boca Center on November 20 and the city’s Mizner Park lighting on November 21. Then leave a few December evenings open for music, markets and Gumbo Limbo.
Tree lightings, parades and Merry in Mizner
November 19: Related Ross Holiday Lights at BRiC. Thursday, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Boca Raton Innovation Campus. This is the updated date, replacing November 21. The current event announcement confirms free general admission with an unwrapped toy donation, Santa, family activities, food trucks and a drone finale. VIP is listed at $60 adult/$16 child under 16; rain date November 20. The announcement gives 5000 T-Rex Avenue in its main description; confirm the entrance when registering. Updated event announcement and registration.
November 20: Holiday Kickoff at The Shops at Boca Center. 5:30–8 p.m., 5150 Town Center Circle. Santa, a tree lighting, music, LED robots, crafts and cookies. Santa photos require a $10 donation benefiting the Boca Raton Toy Drive; a general entry fee was not stated. Organizer details.
November 21: City Holiday Tree Lighting and holiday marketplace. 6–10 p.m., Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real; ceremonial lighting at 7:30 p.m. Free, with Santa photos, music, crafts and a holiday market. Interior Mizner roads close at 5 p.m. City details.
November 28: The Boca Raton Christmas Tree Lighting. 5:30–7 p.m., Harborside Front Courtyard. Reservations required and exclusive to Club members and resort guests. This is not a public walk-in event. Confirm eligibility and any charges directly with the resort. Resort festivities and 2026 annual guide.
December 2: 54th Annual Holiday Street Parade. 7:30–9 p.m., with the theme “Boca by the Beach.” The city anticipates route changes because of Federal Highway construction. Check the final route rather than relying on last year’s map. Details of the pre-parade Boca Holiday Mile Run are also pending. City parade updates.
December 5: Holiday POPS with The Symphonia. Mizner Park Amphitheater; doors and POPS Pop-Up at 6 p.m., concert at 7 p.m. Tickets are listed at $25–$60. The pre-show activities are included with a concert ticket, not a separate free public event. Concert details and official tickets.
December 8: Surf’s Up Santa. 6–8 p.m., the giant Downtown Boca Adirondack chair at Mizner Park. A Santa photo stop with a South Florida twist; the page does not state an admission charge. Merry in Mizner details.
December 13: FAU Tuba Christmas. 5–6 p.m., Mizner Park Amphitheater. Free, no ticket needed. Bring a chair or blanket. FAU details.
December 15: Stuff-A-Plush. Starts at 6 p.m., Mizner Park South Gazebo. The calendar runs to 8 p.m., but free supplies are limited to the first 200 attendees. Arrive early. City details.
Markets and local holiday shopping
December 10: Boca Raton Night Market. 6–9 p.m., Sanborn Square, 72 North Federal Highway. Makers, food, live music and art; purchases cost extra. An entry charge was not stated. City market details.
Boca Farmers Market: Sundays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., year-round at BRiC Lot H, 4950 Communication Avenue. Free on-site parking. Organizer details.
Boca Green Market: Sundays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., at 5th Ave Shops, 1954 NE Fifth Avenue. Free admission. This is a different market from BRiC, and the updated location replaces Royal Palm Place in the original guide. Organizer details.
Boca Center Friday Artisan Market: November 6, 13 and 20; December 4, 11 and 18, 5–10 p.m., in the courtyard between Rocco’s Tacos and Tap42. The calendar also lists Wags in Wonderland at DRIFT/Boca Raton Marriott on December 11, with time and price still to be posted. Boca Center calendar.
Santa visits, ballet and family activities
November 27–29: Boca Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker, West Boca. Olympic Heights Performing Arts Theater, 20101 Lyons Road, in the West Boca area outside the city limits. Friday 7:30 p.m.; Saturday 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. Ticketed, with prices by performance. The separate $12 Gingerbread Ball follows Saturday and Sunday matinees; children must attend with a parent. Ballet tickets and Gingerbread Ball.
November 6–December 24: Santa Photos at Town Center. Nordstrom Court, 6000 Glades Road. Hours vary by date; photo packages are available for purchase. Santa schedule.
November 22: Santa Paws. Pet photos, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Town Center’s Nordstrom Court. Reservations are not required; photos cost extra. Pet-photo details.
December 6: Caring Santa. Sensory-friendly visits, 9–10:30 a.m., Town Center’s Nordstrom Court. Reservations required; photos are available for purchase. Reservation details.
December 5–6: Ornaments Naturally. 10 a.m.–noon, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 North Ocean Boulevard. Ages 7+, with a registered adult for minors. $20 resident/$24 nonresident; preregister. Program details.
December 12, 19 and 26, plus January 2, 2027: Gumbo Limbo Aglow! 6–8 p.m., Gumbo Limbo. Aquariums, refreshments and family activities. December 12: $8 resident/$10 nonresident, $15 walk-in if available. Later dates: $10/$13, $20 walk-in. Under 2 free. Reserve ahead. Official program.
December 22: Winter Wonderland at the Chickee. Children’s Science Explorium, 300 South Military Trail. Ages 5–12; sessions 3:30–4:30 or 5–6 p.m. $10 resident/$12.50 nonresident includes one child and one adult; extra adult $3. Preregistration and parent participation required; no unregistered siblings. Program details.
December 22: Make It, Take It, Gift It. 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Sugar Sand Park Community Center, 300 South Military Trail. Ages 5+, $12 resident/$15 nonresident, with one adult included; extra adult $5. Last seating 1:30 p.m.; registration suggested. City calendar.
December 26: Cocoa and Canoes. 9–10:30 a.m., Gumbo Limbo, $24 resident/$30 nonresident. Paddlers must be 13+, moderately experienced and able to enter/exit without staff assistance. One child ages 7–12 may ride free between two registered paddlers, without paddling. Life jackets and preregistration required. Full requirements.
December 26: Jolly Jamboree. 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Sugar Sand Park Community Center. $10 per person; tickets at the front desk on event day. City calendar.
December 29: Do You Want to Paint a Snowman? 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Sugar Sand Park Community Center. Ages 5+, $10 resident/$12.50 nonresident includes one adult; extras $3. Last seating 1:30 p.m. City calendar.
December 31: Sugar Sand Noon Year’s Eve. 11 a.m.–1 p.m., ages 4–9. $12 resident/$15 nonresident includes one adult; extras $5. Register by December 30. Registration details.
Town Center holiday extras: a magician December 5, 12 and 19, noon–4 p.m.; complimentary cocoa December 5–6, 12–13 and 19–20; and its own Noon Year’s Eve December 31, 10 a.m.–noon. Check participation details and any charges. Mall holiday schedule.
Boca watch list: the original guide’s public Hanukkah festival associated with Chabad of Boca Raton and the Jewish Federation remains 2026 details to be announced. Town Center’s public menorah lighting, Mizner Park’s separate pink-tree display, and proposed library programs (Winter Make & Take December 4 and a Frozen movie night December 10) also need current confirmation. These should not be treated as booked dates.
Delray Beach: the 100-foot tree and back-to-back parade nights
Old School Square is the center of the holiday calendar, with Atlantic Avenue and the Intracoastal supplying the parade routes. December 11 and 12 make a good two-night plan, but the boats arrive in Delray later than their Lantana departure.
November 14: Delray Marketplace Holiday Happenings, West Delray. 3–6 p.m., 14851 Lyons Road, in the West Delray area outside the city limits. Free, with Santa, a train, crafts, music and tree lighting at dusk. Rain date November 15. Organizer details.
November 19–21: An Olde Fashioned Holiday Art & Craft Show. Vintage Gym at Old School Square, 51 North Swinton Avenue. Thursday 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Handmade gifts and seasonal crafts. The event announcement describes free entry; the DDA page confirms the schedule. DDA details.
December 1: 100-Foot Christmas Tree Lighting & Yuletide Street Fair. 6–9 p.m., Old School Square, 51 North Swinton Avenue; tree lighting at 7 p.m. The tree and Holiday Village continue through New Year’s Day, with daily hours still to be finalized. Check current activity prices rather than using last year’s carousel or skating fees. Venue details and city schedule.
December 3: Delray in White Holiday Dinner & Charity Toy Drive. 5–10 p.m., Old School Square. Wear white and bring dinner or arrange catering. Tables are $800–$3,000, advance registration only, with no individual tickets. Official booking details.
December 6: Chanukah Festival & Menorah Lighting. 6–9 p.m., Old School Square. Both the DDA and venue list December 6; some third-party listings differ, so check the official page again before going. Admission was not specified. Official event details.
December 10: Cocoa, Cookies & Crafts. 6–8 p.m., Old School Square. A family evening with seasonal treats and craft workshops. Check admission or activity fees with the organizer. Venue details.
December 11: Boynton Beach–Delray Holiday Boat Parade. The overall event runs 6–9 p.m., with boats leaving Lantana about 6:30 and arriving in Delray later. The DDA lists estimated bridge openings at George Bush Boulevard 7:45 p.m., Atlantic Avenue 8 p.m. and Linton Boulevard 8:15 p.m. Veterans Park is a public viewing option. Check current access and timing; restaurant viewing may require reservations. DDA route details.
December 12: Delray Beach Holiday Parade. 6–9 p.m., Atlantic Avenue from the Intracoastal Bridge to NW Fifth Avenue. The original guide calls it “Neon North Pole”; the verified 2026 city information supports the date, time and route, while that theme needs final confirmation. City event guide.
Delray Winter GreenMarket: Saturdays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., October 24, 2026–May 22, 2027, Old School Square. Check for citywide-event closures. CRA market details.
Delray Marketplace Music Fest, West Delray: Wednesdays, 6–8 p.m., through April 28, 2027, at the amphitheater near Burt & Max’s. Free; bring a chair or blanket. This is a seasonal music outing, not exclusively a Christmas program. Marketplace calendar.
Boynton Beach: lights on land and water
December 5: Holiday Tree Lighting and parade performances. 4–10 p.m., Centennial Park & Amphitheater, 120 East Ocean Avenue. The city’s 55th annual celebration brings a Grinch/Whoville theme, a holiday market, entertainment, children’s activities and a drone show. Parade performances are part of this event, rather than a separate downtown street parade. Admission and final parking details were not specified on the current city page. City holiday schedule.
December 11: Boynton Beach Holiday Boat Parade. Watch festivities run 6–9 p.m. at Boynton Harbor Marina, 735 Casa Loma Boulevard. Boats depart the Ocean Avenue Bridge in Lantana at approximately 6:30 p.m. and head south through Boynton toward Delray’s C-15 Canal. Expect music, Santa, children’s activities and food for purchase. Toy donations are encouraged. Downstream arrival times differ; check bridge, parking and viewing updates. Admission was not specified. Official parade details.
West Palm Beach: real ice, snowfall, Zoo Lights and Sandi
Season-long favorites
November 4–January 3, 2027: Winter Wonderland at The Ben. Real ice skating at 251 North Narcissus Avenue. The main event page lists Wednesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m., then daily beginning December 21. Skating is $30 plus tax for ages 12+, $15 plus tax for ages 4–11, with rentals included. Some ticket descriptions contain inconsistent redemption dates, so verify your exact session before buying. Official event and booking calendar.
November 14–December 31: CityPlace Nightly Snowfall. 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m., weather permitting, at CityPlace, 700 South Rosemary Avenue. An admission charge was not stated on the event page. Official snowfall schedule.
November 14–December 24: Santa’s Workshop at CityPlace. Selected dates, free and first come, first served; bring your own camera. Friday/Saturday hours are listed as 6–8 p.m. The organizer’s pages disagree on Sunday start times, so check your chosen date and workshop location rather than assuming nightly visits. Santa’s calendar.
November 14: CityPlace Season of Glow kickoff. The current holiday overview lists 5–9 p.m. with music, Santa and a Nutcracker preview. Its linked detail page contains a stale year, so confirm the final kickoff schedule before planning around it. Current holiday overview.
November 20–January 3, 2027: Zoo Lights. Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Boulevard, on selected nights. Opens at 5 p.m., normally ending at 9 p.m.; some peak dates run to 10. December 3, 10 and 17 are 21+ only. Closed December 24–25. Prices vary by date. December 6 includes a Federation Festival of Lights group night, and December 31’s Zoo Years Eve runs 5–9 p.m. with hourly countdowns. Zoo Lights details and dated calendar.
Holiday in Paradise and the waterfront
The city’s official holiday schedule is the place to check Sandi’s nightly program and weather changes.
December 3: Sandi Tree Lighting. 6–10 p.m., waterfront at 100 North Clematis Street. Free; concert, Santa activities and gift boutique conclude at 9 p.m.
December 3–30: Sandi’s light shows. Free, 6–10 p.m. The December 31 shows run 6 p.m.–midnight. Shows usually run every quarter-hour, with modified schedules on December 3, 10, 17 and 31.
Ferris wheel: same seasonal dates and hours, $5 per person per ride, sold on-site. Height and age restrictions apply.
December 4: Winter in Paradise. 6–9 p.m., Heart & Soul Park, 825 North Rosemary Avenue. Free lighting celebration and family activities.
December 27: Sandi’s Ice Cream Social. 6–10 p.m., Lake Pavilion/Great Lawn; ice cream service ends at 9. Ice cream and rides cost extra.
December 31: Sandi’s New Year’s Eve. 8 p.m.–midnight, Great Lawn. Free music and midnight fireworks.
Waterfront GreenMarket: Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Waterfront Commons, for seasonal shopping.
Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and neighborhood holiday outings
December 11: Chanukkah Celebration with Palm Beach Synagogue West. 4–6 p.m., CityPlace. Free, with music, menorah lighting and seasonal treats. Official details.
December 26: Afrique Ngozi Dance & Drums Kwanzaa Performance. 3:30–6:30 p.m., CityPlace. West African dance, drumming and Kwanzaa traditions; admission was not stated. Official details.
December 4: Tinsel, Tacky & Food Trucks. 6–9 p.m., Old Northwood clubhouse, 3510 Spruce Avenue. A holiday-themed food-truck evening; check food and drink costs. Neighborhood calendar.
December 12: 38th Annual Old Northwood Holiday Home Tour. 4–8 p.m.; VIP party 3–4:30 p.m. Homes, gardens, music, shopping and a toy drive in this historic neighborhood. Tickets required; check current general and VIP prices. Organizer and tickets.
West Palm Beach area: Lights 4 Hope at Okeeheelee Park
This is a nearby West Palm Beach-area outing in unincorporated Palm Beach County, not a downtown or city-limits event.
Tentative and weather permitting: the organizer lists drive-through lights November 27–29; December 4–6, 11–13, 18–23 and 25–27. Okeeheelee Park, 7715 Forest Hill Boulevard, near Micanopy Pavilion. Friday/Saturday 6–10 p.m.; Sundays and selected weekdays 6–9 p.m. Closed December 24. Standard vehicle, up to eight people: $25; larger vehicles $35–$45.
November 21–22 Family Fun Nights run 6–10 p.m., separate from the drive-through, with pricing to be announced. December 27 bike night starts at 6 p.m. with $15 advance tickets. Although the schedule lists 6–8, rider instructions require exit by 7:30; cars enter 8–9 p.m. Check the latest instructions before choosing a ticket. Official schedule, prices and directions.
Holiday performances at the Kravis Center
At 701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach. All shows below are ticketed; check the official performance page for current seats, fees, age rules and any showtime not listed here.
November 16, 7:30 p.m.: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas.
December 2, 7:30 p.m.: Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour.
December 3–4, 7:30 p.m.: Isaac Mizrahi: A Holiday Fruitcake, Rinker Playhouse, announced from $46 including fees. Kravis announcement.
December 4–6: Ballet Palm Beach’s The Nutcracker. Dreyfoos Hall. Friday 7 p.m.; Saturday 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets listed at $25–$135. Official performance schedule and tickets.
December 12, 7:30 p.m., and December 13, 2 p.m.: The Muppet Christmas Carol live-to-film concert, announced from $40.25. Presenter details.
December 15, 7:30 p.m.: Leslie Odom Jr.: The Christmas Tour.
December 17: The Tenors: Season of Hope. Confirm showtime and price.
December 19: Young Singers’ Winter Songbook. Confirm showtime and price.
December 22–27: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. Multiple performances; select the exact date and time.
December 28: A Drag Queen Christmas. Confirm showtime, ticket price and age restrictions.
Still unconfirmed: CityPlace’s separate New Year’s Eve music page retains a 2024 date. Use the confirmed Sandi celebration above rather than assuming that older CityPlace schedule applies to 2026.
Palm Beach: Worth Avenue, Whitehall and holiday nights out
On the island, the season brings Worth Avenue’s tree lighting, special evenings at Whitehall and a full lineup of holiday performances. Keep member-only museum programs separate from events with public tickets.
December 1: Holidays on Worth. 6:10–8 p.m. Santa’s parade starts on the 100 block of Worth Avenue at 6:10 p.m.; the tree lighting follows at 6:25 p.m. An admission charge was not stated on the association’s page. Worth Avenue details.
December 6: Flagler Museum Tree Lighting. 3–5 p.m., One Whitehall Way. This celebration is for Family/Dual museum members and above, rather than general public admission. Museum holiday programs.
December 18–23 and 26–27: Holiday Evening Tours at Whitehall. Departures at 6, 6:20, 6:40 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $65 adults/$35 children. Book your selected tour in advance. Official tours and tickets.
December 18–27: Fleurs de Villes: The Gilded Age. Holiday floral installations at Flagler Museum. Check museum admission, hours and holiday closures; the date range does not mean the museum is open on Christmas Day. Museum details.
Glazer Hall’s holiday calendar
All performances below are at 70 Royal Poinciana Way, Suite P70. Listed prices are published ticket prices; checkout fees and optional upgrades may be additional.
November 28, 7:30 p.m.: Jennifer Holliday: A Dreamgirls Holiday, $150–$175.
December 3, 8 p.m.: The Hot Sardines: Holiday Stomp, $110–$125.
December 10, 7:30 p.m.: Kenny G: The Miracles Holiday and Hits Tour, $225; VIP upgrades extra.
December 17, 7:30 p.m.: New York City Center Studio 5: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, a conversation and live performance, $165.
December 18, 7:30 p.m.: Anthony Nunziata: My Italian Christmas, $110 orchestra/$125 cabaret. Optional dinner is separate.
December 19, 7:30 p.m.: Storm Large: Holiday Ordeal, $95–$110, ages 18+ only.
December 20: Elf film screening, 10 a.m. sensory-friendly or 12:30 p.m. traditional, $20.
December 26, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.: Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland, $125; VIP extra.
Christmas and New Year dining at The Breakers
Reservations are required. The official holiday release lists the following 2026–27 programs; prices exclude tax and fees.
December 24–25: Flagler Steakhouse Christmas. Christmas Eve 4–9 p.m.; Christmas Day 11 a.m.–9 p.m. $245 adults/$100 children 12 and younger.
December 25: The Circle brunch, noon–3 p.m., $295 adults/$100 children 12 and younger. Ponce de Leon Ballroom feast, 2–6 p.m., $295 adults/$100 ages 4–12.
December 31: Flagler Steakhouse New Year’s Eve dinner, 5–10 p.m., $425 per person. HMF’s celebration, 8:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m., $1,300 per person, ages 21+.
January 1, 2027: The Circle New Year’s Day brunch, noon–3 p.m., $295 adults/$100 children 12 and younger.
Royal Poinciana Plaza Holiday Reveal: 2026 date awaiting confirmation. The original guide’s December 4, 6–8 p.m. listing is from the Plaza’s 2025 surfboard-tree reveal. Keep the Plaza on your holiday watch list, but do not plan around that date until a new announcement appears. Prior-year organizer listing.
Other island events still awaiting reliable 2026 details: Chanukah on/off Worth and The Colony’s Chanukah programs currently lead to prior-year schedules, and the Four Seasons New Year page contains an old-year reference. Those dates have not been carried into this guide.
Shop local: gifts from the original guide
A holiday outing is also a good excuse to pick up a hostess gift or finally finish that shopping list. These Boca Raton shops were all in the original guide. Confirm holiday hours, stock and wrapping options before making a special trip.
Lifestyles Giftware: Giftware and home accents at 284 Esplanade, Suite 52B, Royal Palm Place. Store details.
Regency Collection at Home: Gifts, home accessories and tabletop finds at 6590 West Rogers Circle, Suite 6. Showroom details.
Evelyn Rolleder Boutique: Women’s clothing and European sportswear at 209 East Palmetto Park Road. Boutique details.
Elegant Child: Children’s clothing, shoes, toys and books at 59 South Federal Highway. Shop details.
Drinks and dinner: make an evening of it
Make an evening of it with one of the original guide’s dining picks. These are places to check for a reservation, not confirmed 2026 holiday parties or promises of seasonal décor. Ask about special menus, holiday hours and any minimum spend.
Boca Raton: Novello Restaurant & Bar for an Italian dinner and drinks, or Chops Lobster Bar for a steak-and-seafood evening. The Boca Raton remains a private resort for Club members and resort guests, so its bars and restaurants are not public walk-in stops.
Delray Beach: Rosewater Rooftop by Akira Back at The Ray for a rooftop dinner or drink. Check reservations and venue rules for your chosen evening.
Before you go
Check the organizer’s link: weather, road closures, registration, prices and availability can change. All prices are in U.S. dollars.
Book timed and ticketed outings first: skating, Zoo Lights, ballet, museum tours and small family programs can have limited capacity.
Check age and access rules: Zoo Lights has specific 21+ nights; The Boca Raton is private; the Flagler tree-lighting celebration is for eligible members.
Plan for parade traffic: Boca’s street route is still subject to change, and the Boynton–Delray boat parade reaches each bridge at a different time.
Information reviewed November 6, 2026. Organizer links are included throughout. Secondary announcements, tentative schedules and unresolved details are labeled. Always confirm your specific outing before leaving home.
Thinking about making one of these neighborhoods home? Explore Boca Raton communities or the Delray Beach guide, or contact Jennifer Susanne Sommers at 561-888-3115 or [email protected].
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