Southern Florida transforms into a festive tropical playground every December, offering beachfront holiday lights, waterfront concerts, illuminated boat parades, and some of the most exciting New Year’s Eve celebrations in the country. From Miami Beach to Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and the Palm Beaches, the region thrives on its unique blend of coastal beauty and holiday cheer.
1. Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights – Lummus Park, South Beach
Location: Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Every December, Lummus Park transforms into a glowing seaside wonderland. Palm trees shimmer with lights, seasonal art installations brighten the beachfront, and musical performances bring holiday cheer to Ocean Drive. Visitors can enjoy festive photo stations, food vendors, and nightly holiday programming leading up to Christmas.
Why go:
- A signature Miami-style tropical Christmas
- Perfect for families and visitors staying near South Beach
- Walkable from beachfront hotels and restaurants
Website for event & updates:
Miami Beach Holiday Calendar: Events – City of Miami Beach
2. Fort Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade – Intracoastal Waterway
Location: Fort Lauderdale Beach & Intracoastal
Known as “The Greatest Show on H2O,” the Winterfest Boat Parade is a South Florida holiday icon. Hundreds of thousands gather along the Intracoastal and Fort Lauderdale Beach to watch elaborately decorated boats — from luxury yachts to barges — float by in a dazzling procession of lights.
Highlights:
- Live music, themed floats, and celebrity participants
- Beach bars and waterfront restaurants host viewing parties
- Ideal for families and couples
Website for parade info:
Winterfest Boat Parade Official Site: https://winterfestparade.com
3. Hollywood Beach Broadwalk Holiday Concert Series
Location: Hollywood Beach Broadwalk
Hollywood’s oceanfront Broadwalk becomes a hub of seaside holiday activity in December. Palm-lined paths host live Christmas concerts, artisan pop-up markets, festive kids’ activities, and seasonal food vendors. Visitors can stroll the Broadwalk while enjoying beachfront views and holiday performances.
Perfect for:
- Families
- Visitors staying near Hollywood Beach
- Those seeking casual, nightly entertainment
Website for events & Broadwalk schedule:
Hollywood Beach Events Page: https://www.hollywoodfl.org
4. Delray Beach Holiday Sand Tree – Delray Municipal Beach
Location: Atlantic Avenue & A1A, Delray Beach
Delray Beach is home to one of the region’s most unique Christmas displays — the Holiday Sand Tree, a massive sculpted tree created entirely from sand. December brings nightly light shows, kids’ workshops, holiday markets, and oceanfront gatherings around this stunning work of art.
Why it’s special:
- A signature South Florida holiday attraction
- Family-friendly and free to the public
- Steps from Atlantic Avenue’s restaurants and nightlife
Website for event & Delray holiday listings:
Delray Beach Holiday Guide: https://www.downtowndelraybeach.com
5. New Year’s Eve in Miami Beach – South Beach Fireworks & Street Fest
Location: Ocean Drive, South Beach
Miami Beach hosts one of the most energetic New Year’s Eve celebrations on the East Coast. Ocean Drive becomes a massive open-street festival featuring DJs, live performers, beachfront dining, and spectacular midnight fireworks over the Atlantic.
What to expect:
- Free public fireworks
- Rooftop parties, luxury hotel galas & celebrity DJ events
- A high-energy crowd and vibrant nightlife atmosphere
Great for visitors seeking a glamorous or party-forward New Year’s Eve.
6. Fort Lauderdale Beach New Year’s Spectacular – Las Olas Oceanside Park
Location: Las Olas & A1A, Fort Lauderdale Beach
Fort Lauderdale’s New Year’s Spectacular is a beach-adjacent celebration perfect for families and couples wanting a relaxed but festive environment. Expect live bands, a kids’ zone, gourmet food trucks, and a midnight fireworks show over the shoreline.
Why people love it:
- More laid-back than Miami Beach
- Family-friendly entertainment
- Close to beachfront hotels and dining
7. West Palm Beach Clematis by Night NYE Celebration – Waterfront Commons
Location: Downtown West Palm Beach waterfront
West Palm Beach offers a breezy, scenic New Year’s Eve celebration right along the Intracoastal. Visitors enjoy live music, food vendors, and a waterfront fireworks finale. Many pair the event with nearby dining and bars on Clematis Street.
Best for:
- Those wanting a festive but not overwhelming NYE
- Families seeking early evening entertainment
- Visitors exploring Palm Beach & Singer Island
8. Key Biscayne New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Crandon Park
Location: Crandon Park Beach, Key Biscayne
For a quieter, postcard-perfect New Year’s Eve, Crandon Park offers a peaceful beachfront setting with a gentle crowd and beautiful views of fireworks lighting up the Atlantic horizon. Families bring blankets and picnics to enjoy a serene countdown.
Why choose it:
- No massive crowds
- Scenic natural beach environment
- Perfect for families or couples wanting a calm NYE
Final Thoughts
Southern Florida’s coastal cities offer some of the most memorable Christmas and New Year’s events in the country — from illuminated boat parades and sand-carved holiday trees to iconic South Beach fireworks and family-friendly waterfront celebrations. Whether you prefer a high-energy festival or a peaceful beach-side countdown, the region delivers endless ways to celebrate the season.
Websites for Event Planning & Holiday Schedules
Here are four reliable sites to explore holiday calendars, updates, and tickets:
- Miami Beach Events: Events – City of Miami Beach
- Winterfest Boat Parade: https://winterfestparade.com
- Hollywood Beach Events: https://www.hollywoodfl.org
- Delray Beach Holiday Guide: https://www.downtowndelraybeach.com