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Experience the Holiday in The Palm Beaches, Florida

Trade in the snowy and dreary winter wonderland for palm-tree lined paradise in America’s First Resort Destination. Not only does the destination have 47 miles/ 75 kilometers of pristine Atlantic Coast beaches, but it also has its fair share of holiday happenings like no other. Explore treasured and timeless experiences and special events this holiday season, sure to be merry and bright in proper Palm Beach style. Read on about this year’s holiday highlights below and explore holiday deals to make your holiday visit even more magical.

Unique Celebrations

The world’s only 35-foot, 700-ton holiday sand tree – West Palm Beach, FL 

Courtesy of City of West Palm Beach

Sandi Land, the City of West Palm Beach’s yearly holiday celebration turns 11 this year. Nightly music and light shows will run daily, with a special extended show on New Year’s Eve. Sandi Land takes place on the Great Lawn at 100 N. Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL, 33401. 

100-foot Christmas tree – Delray Beach, FL

Courtesy of Delray Beach DDA

The 100-foot Christmas Tree is a beloved annual spectacle that has taken place for the past 25+ years. From late November into the new year, Delray residents and visitors alike can head downtown to catch a glimpse of one of the most highly anticipated Christmas sights of the year. 

Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade – Palm Beach, FL

Courtesy of Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County

This year marks the 28th year of the annual flotilla of decorated boats motor in the Intracoastal Waterway. Presented by Compass, the parade will benefit two local nonprofits: Toys for Tots and Little Smiles. The parade features up to 80 holiday-themed boats that begin at Safe Harbor
North Palm Beach Marina and navigate their way north on the Intracoastal Waterway, ending at the iconic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. A panel of judges will evaluate each vessel based on lights, enthusiasm, and themed decor. Vessels entered in the parade are eligible to win up to $10,000
in cash and prizes. For more information, visit palmbeachboatparade.com 

Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society – Palm Beach, FL 

During Zoo Lights, visitors can walk through the 23-acres of illuminated walkways and themed displays. Using 1 million eco-friendly lights, the event sparkles with holiday splendor, and typically offers festive fun such as cookie decorating and more. Nightly attendance will be limited, and timed tickets will be required.

Holiday Hotels

The Breakers – Palm Beach, FL 

As a decades-long tradition, The Breakers Palm Beach will once again enchant guests with its visually captivating décor at one of Florida’s most iconic luxury resorts. After 11 months of extensive planning and preparation, the team spends six days decking the halls, from its majestic entry to its loggias and courtyards. Starting the day after Thanksgiving, the palm lights on the main drive are illuminated and decorating continues for the next week.

Holiday décor highlights:

  • Thousands of soft white lights wrap the 100 majestic royal palms and Canary Island date trees, lining the hotel’s 1,040 ft. main drive 
  • 170,000 twinkle lights, 8,000 ornaments, 12,000 feet of ribbon and 126 bows create an atmosphere of cheer and wonder
  • Two 18 ft. evergreen trees and a sculptural menorah illuminate the hotel lobby 
  • Flagler Steakhouse showcases a stunning 14 ft. tree in its lobby 
  • The Italian Restaurant features a whimsical 7.5 ft. nutcracker-inspired tree 
  • Holiday-themed events and activities entertain guests and families 

Holiday Dining Highlights

  • Celebrating the holidays Palm Beach style isn’t always palm trees and sand. The Breaker’s hosts a timeless Holiday Tea tradition, where attendees are invited to arrive in tea-time attire and enjoy holiday treats, such as handcrafted tea sandwiches, warm buttermilk scones with Devonshire cream, rose petal jam, fresh fruit preserves and delicate pastries, along with a curated selection of teas. Prices start at $85 per person (both adults and children). The event takes place from the hours of 1:30 PM-3:30 PM, through the December afternoons on the 19th, 21-24th, 26th, and 28th-30th. An array of cocktails are also available for purchase throughout the duration of the event.

The Brazilian Court Hotel  & Café Boulud — Palm Beach, FL 

Unlike the typical shiny high-rise found along the southern east coast, the landmark Brazilian Court is situated in a residential neighborhood on Palm Beach Island, seductively hidden amongst multi-million-dollar mansions and curtains of cascading bougainvillea. A boutique hotel built before the concept was even invented, The Brazilian Court has been the beloved “home away from home” for locals and visitors alike since its 1926 debut – its intimate setting and residential touches granting every guest a sense of belonging. 

Nestled in the heart of The Brazilian Court Hotel, Café Boulud Palm Beach, famed outpost of world-renowned Chef Daniel Boulud, invites guests to join in celebrating the most wonderful time of the year with festive feasts on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day brunch. With specially curated menus and exquisite cuisine prepared only the way that award-winning Café Boulud knows how, Palm Beach’s iconic Brazilian Court is an ideal holiday hotel for cuisine connoisseurs and anyone else looking to escape and celebrate in paradise. 

Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa – Riviera Beach, FL 

This holiday season, surround yourself with the scent of a life-size gingerbread house at the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa.  

The resort unveils its super sweet creation during its Annual Tree Lighting event, which takes place after Thanksgiving. In-house pastry chef adds a tropical twist to the culinary masterpiece, including interactive elements to allow guests to experience more than just the aroma of fresh gingerbread.

Last year, Chef Restivo and her team designed a life-size gingerbread beach shack, featuring a giant Christmas tree, surfboards, and a palm tree. The festive installation took more than 1,000 hours to complete, with 1,800 gumballs, 110 eggs, and more than 34 pounds of sugar.

Rising 21 stories above a beautiful stretch of palm-fringed sand, Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa is the only all-suite beachfront property in Palm Beach County. Each of its 193 suites offers spacious and stylish condo-style living in surroundings that are equally ideal for family vacations, romantic getaways, and business travel.