Writer: Jerrica DuBois
2 min read December 2022 — With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, there is something to be said for taking a moment to have some fun. Despite the not-so holiday-ish weather of the region, Greater Fort Lauderdale has several festive activities for the entire family to enjoy and Invest: has put together a few of the region’s favorites.
Winterfest Boat Parade
Touted as one of the top 10 parades in the world, the Winterfest Boat Parade has been an annual tradition in Fort Lauderdale since 1970. More than 100 boats, from 20 feet long to huge megayachts, are decorated with lights and ornaments and cruise the 12-mile parade route along the New River and Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach. More than 1 million people come to check out the boats during Winterfest, making it the largest live event in Florida and the seventh largest one-day spectator event in the country.
Learn more here.
Symphony in Lights
Symphony in Lights features lights dancing to festive holiday tunes every hour on the hour from 6-11pm through December 31. The event is free to the public as well as free parking at Gulfstream Park Village, where you can also enjoy shopping and dining in between the show times. The display features over 250,000 LED lights and appearances from Santa Claus.
Learn more here.
Holiday Market Bazaar
Having trouble Christmas shopping? Find one-of-a-kind gifts from local businesses and micro-vendors every Sunday through December 18. The bazaar features a rotation of weekly vendors, themed photo opportunities, live entertainment and pop-up experiences. There will also be lots of food vendors, including Buzybites, Mediterranean Delight and Sweets by Ester.
Learn more here.
Winter Wonderland
Plantation’s Winter Wonderland features dozens of decorated trees and a train display for a festive holiday event that is free to the public. Winter Wonderland is open from 10am-noon and 1-430pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through December 31, and also includes an on-site holiday gift shop.
Learn more here.
Garden of Lights
Davie shines extra bright during the holidays with its Garden of Lights display. The walkways of Flamingo Gardens are adorned with lights and decorations for the season, and live music will also be featured every night of the event. Among the performers are the Broward College Jazz Ensemble, the Youth Allstars Orchestra and pianist Barbara Gomulka. Entry for the evening event is included with regular fees for the attraction during the day.
Learn more here.
Winter Festival
Bring the whole family to the Winter Festival in the City of Margate. The free event includes real “Florida Style” snow, rides for the children, arts and crafts activities, a live band, a craft fair, food vendors and photo ops with Santa — but bring your own camera. Also, please be advised that Margate Boulevard (from US 441/SR 7 to NW 58th Avenue) will be closed from approximately 2-11pm for the event.
Learn more here.
Boogie Wonderland
This one is just for grown ups. Boogie Wonderland: A Silent Disco Experience will be presented by the City of Fort Lauderdale Beach Improvement District. Three DJs will be spinning a mix of classic disco, old-school hip-hop and favorite Top 40 Hits from the ’90s to today. Guests can rock out to one channel for the evening or change it up as the mood hits. Reserved seating and food and drinks to purchase will be available on-site. The event also features an after party that will be hosted by Rock Bar.
Learn more here.
