The most wonderful time of the year is here once again. The holidays are an eventful time. Preparing food, buying gifts, decorating the house and planning family gatherings. With all the planning, we forget what the holidays really are about: spending time with those we love. South Florida offers plenty of local holiday events that are just a car ride away. Here is a list of free local holiday events taking place around South Florida.
Holiday Light Boat Tour
Location: The Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, 219 SW Second Ave., Fort Lauderdale
On Dec. 19, The Fort Lauderdale Historical Society will host a docent-led tour of the historic district. Perfect for the History enthusiast in your family! The tour will be followed by a private boat for a tour of the holiday lights along the New River and the Intracoastal waterway from 6-8 p.m. For more information, contact 954-463-4431 or info@flhc.org.
Holiday Family Fun Days
Location: Pompano Citi Centre, SW Corner of Copans and US1
On Dec. 1 to 20, The Pompano Citi Centre will have games, arts and crafts, face painting and photos with Santa from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays through Sundays. For more information, visit Pompanociticentre.com
Holiday Extravaganza
Location: Foster Park, 609 NW Sixth Ave., Hallandale Beach
On Dec. 20 Foster Park will host the Art in the Park Festival from 12 to 6 p.m. The festival will feature items and gift ideas for the holiday season. Perfect for those who don’t know what to get that special someone for Christmas. For more information, contact 754-204-5947 or visit hallandalebeachfl.gov
Annual South Florida Chanukah Festival
Location: Gulfstream Park & Casino, 901 S. Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach
On Dec. 22. Chabad of South Broward will host a performance by Avraham Fried. The performance will be followed by the lighting of Florida’s largest Menorah in Gulfstream Park at 7 p.m. Free Chanukah gelt and goodies for children, food and prizes. For more information, call 954-458-1877 or visit chabadsouthbroward.com
Embrace the Holidays at Southland Mall
Location: Southland Mall, U.S. 1 and S.W. 205th St., Miami
From Dec. 1 to 24. Southland Mall will offer photos with Santa at 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and 12 to 6p.m. Sundays.. No need to spend money on professional holiday greeting cards. For more information, contact 305-235-8880 or call mysouthlandmall.com
Disney’s “Frozen” Ice Palace
Location: Dolphin Mall, 11401 NW 12th St., Miami
From Dec. 1 to 24. Dolphin Mall will have special scenes from the movie “Frozen,” handprint craft, photos with Olaf on his ice throne featuring Santa Clause. This is every little girl’s dream! For more information, contact 305-445-7550.
Symphony of Lights
Location: Gulfstream Park, 901 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach
From Dec. 1 to 31 at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach the whole family can enjoy meet and greets with Santa and three lightings every hour from 6 to 11 p.m. For more information, call 954-454-7000 or visit gulfstreampark.com.
Rock’n Noonyear’s Eve
Location: Young at Art Children’s Museum, 751 SW 121st Ave., Davie
On Dec. 31. Members will receive free train rides at Young Art Museum from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, visit youngatartmuseum.org.
Dolphin Mall’s Magical Snowfall
Location: Dolphin Mall, 11401 NW 12th St., Miami.
From Dec. 1 to Jan. 4. Dolphin Mall will host Snow flurries on the Ramblas Plaza Thursday- Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. This event will feature magical wand giveaways for ages 12 and younger. For more information, visit shopdolphinmall.com
Don’t just stay home this holiday wrapping gifts and slaying over a hot stove cooking turkey. Florida offers many great local events all December long that are free of charge. Make this holiday season memorable by taking the entire family out for nights full of holiday cheer.
