For a typical holiday season, Palm Beach County residents can search for the best holiday lights and displays in their neighborhood, peruse our monthly calendar for different events and things to do, and scope out which restaurants are open to host a joyful Christmas feast. However, if you want to celebrate like true Floridian – […]
For a typical holiday season, Palm Beach County residents can search for the best holiday lights and displays in their neighborhood, peruse our monthly calendar for different events and things to do, and scope out which restaurants are open to host a joyful Christmas feast.
However, if you want to celebrate like true Floridian – sans snow, but full of fun – there are quite a few traditions that’ll make you say, “Only in Florida.”
Here are six “must-do” traditions that put the festive in Florida. Don’t forget to share your favorite Florida-based tradition below!
To sleigh or surf? Surfing Santas in Cocoa Beach
Surfing Santas is an annual Christmas Eve event that originated as a small family affair in Cocoa Beach.
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Now in its 15th year, people from all over travel to watch as ‘surfs up’ Santas shred waves and get in on the Christmas spirit. The event benefits non-profit organizations The Florida Surf Museum and Grind for Life.
When: December 24, 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.Where: 3 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa BeachAdmission: FreeNo snow? Snow problem. It is me, Sandi Tree!
Sandi, West Palm Beach’s 35-foot-tall, 700-ton tree of sand, is a “must-see” attraction on the city’s waterfront.
The iconic tree was lit during a Clematis by Night Holiday event on Dec. 5, featuring live music, photo opportunities with Santa and a llama.
Nightly lightshows with synchronized music will play nightly from 6-10 p.m. through New Year’s Eve, when the light show runs through midnight. The Ferris wheel will be available for $5 per person, per ride.
When: Now through December 30, 6 to 10 p.m., December 31, 6 to 12 a.m.Where: 100 N Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401Admission: Free, Ferris wheel $5Ooo ooo, ahh ahh! Marvel at Lion Country Safari’s Christmas with the Chimps
Lion Country Safari’s annual “Christmas with the Chimps” allows visitors to spend the holidays with chimpanzees as they unwrap their gifts.
Where: 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd, Loxahatchee, FL 33470
Admission: Adult (ages 10 & Older): $54.99 plus tax. Child (ages 3-9): $43.99 plus tax
Ice, ice baby! Winterfest with Vanilla Ice
Winterfest, an annual holiday party in Wellington, features philanthropist and artist “Vanilla Ice” as well as pet adoptions, live performances, shopping and vendors.
Where: Wellington Amphitheater, 12100 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington
Admission: Free
Set sail with Santa! Annual South Florida boat parades, a holiday staple
During the holiday season, annual parades bring out the most colorful, decked out boats to cruise around Palm Beach County.
Ice skating and fake winter wonderlands
Earlier this year, West Palm Beach’s The Ben Hotel debuted an outdoor skating rink – the first and only one in South Florida.
The ice on the rink is resurfaced every 90 minutes to help the attraction survive Florida’s warm climate.
When: Open Monday through Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., open weekends from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Expected to remain open through March 1.
Where: 251 N Narcissus Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Admission: $20 for adults, $10 for children under 12 for a 90-minute session
What’s your favorite Florida holiday tradition?
Let us know! Comment your favorite @pbpost and we’ll feature it in a round-up of The Post readers’ favorite Florida holiday traditions.
