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Fort Lauderdale is the perfect destination to embrace festive cheer while enjoying a warm winter with family and friends. From magical Santa sightings to glamorous New Year’s Eve celebrations, the city offers a vibrant lineup of events and festivities to make your season unforgettable.

Spot Santa in Sunny Fort Lauderdale!

This holiday season, Santa is trading the snow for sunshine with a visit to Greater Fort Lauderdale. From festive events to holiday parades, there are plenty of chances to catch a glimpse of him spreading cheer. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the season with Santa in our tropical paradise!

Holiday Fantasy of Lights

Get into the holiday spirit with a drive-through light display at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek. Load up the car and follow a route filled with glowing arches, oversized sculptures, and festive characters. Look to the sky—you might spot Santa and his reindeer! This magical event runs nightly from November 23 to January 4.

Meet Santa & Friends

Snap a photo with Santa himself at Las Olas Oceanside Park (The LOOP) in Fort Lauderdale on select dates: November 30, December 8, 20, 21, and 22. Plus, don’t miss special appearances from some of your favorite Christmas movie characters, including the Christmas Mermaid, on December 1, 14, 15, and 21. Check the schedule to catch all the festive fun!

Symphony in Lights

Experience the magic of 250,000 LED holiday lights dancing to music at Gulfstream Park Village in Hallandale Beach. This dazzling 10-minute show runs nightly from Nov. 30 to Dec. 31, every hour from 6 to 11 p.m. Don’t miss Santa, a breathtaking Christmas tree, and endless shopping delights!

Cookies With Santa

Get a festive photo with Santa at the Historic Stranahan House Museum on Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Your family can enjoy a five-minute photo session and take home a gourmet cookie. Admission is $45 for a family of four, with $5 for each additional person.

Light Up City Hall

Head to Plantation City Hall on Dec. 7 from 5 to 9 p.m. for a night of holiday lights, selfies with Santa, live music, ice skating, food trucks, crafts, and snow! Be there for the winner announcement of the “There’s No Snow Place Like Plantation” contest.

Ocean Way Holiday

Join Santa and his reindeer at the Main Beach parking lot in Deerfield Beach on Dec. 7 from 5 to 9 p.m. Enjoy interactive snow globes, ice skating, treats, holiday lights along Ocean Way, and live music to keep the holiday spirit alive.

Brunch with Santa

Celebrate the season with Santa at Galuppi’s in Pompano Beach the first three Sundays of December (Dec. 8, 15, and 22). Indulge in bottomless mimosas, omelet and waffle stations, seafood, prime rib, and more. Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate.

Garden of Lights

Stroll through a glowing wonderland at the Flamingo Gardens in Davie. From thousands of twinkling lights to snow and live entertainment, this magical evening event will brighten your holiday season.

Tamarac Holiday Celebrations

In Tamarac, celebrate with Santa on multiple occasions! Join the Holiday Tree Lighting at Carporella Park on Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m., with a Christmas tree, Hanukkah menorah, and Kwanzaa kinara lighting. Don’t miss the Winter Wonderland at Tamarac Park on Dec. 13, or bring your dog to Paws with Claus on Dec. 14 for photos with Santa at Gary B. Jones Park.

Santa on the Beach

Catch Santa spreading holiday cheer at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park on Dec. 19. Starting at 12:30 p.m., he’ll be giving away candy canes and posing for pictures with beachgoers at 1100 Seabreeze Blvd.

Where to Ring In The New Year in Greater Fort Lauderdale

Ready to ring in 2025 in style? Greater Fort Lauderdale has it all—from rooftop parties with stunning views to world-class dining. Planning a family night out? There are plenty of celebrations to make the night magical for all ages.

Hotel Soirées

Looking to ring in 2025 in style? Fort Lauderdale’s best hotels are hosting New Year’s Eve events you can’t miss! From neon parties to Havana-themed soirées, there’s something for everyone.

• Neon Nights at W Fort Lauderdale. Celebrate the new year with vibrant colors and energy at W Fort Lauderdale’s Neon Nights party. Enjoy a live DJ, cocktails, bites, and a midnight champagne toast in the stylish Living Room.
• Roaring ‘20s Party at Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach. Step back in time with a Gatsby-inspired evening at Sonesta’s New Year’s Eve 2025 Count Down – Roaring ’20s Extravaganza. Dance the night away, sip creative cocktails, and indulge in festive décor that channels the glitz of the 1920s.
• Havana Nights at B Ocean Resort. Experience a Cuban-inspired celebration at B Ocean Resort’s Havana Nights. Featuring bold tropical cocktails, vibrant music, and gourmet creations by Executive Chef Javier Carballo, this event promises a lively atmosphere that’ll keep you on the dance floor all night long.
• Classic Elegance at Riverside Hotel. For a timeless celebration, head to Las Olas Boulevard’s Riverside Hotel. Their Count Down Extravaganza offers live music, delicious food, and flowing drinks to keep the energy high as you toast to the new year.

Festive Eats & Dining

Looking for the perfect way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Greater Fort Lauderdale? From waterfront feasts to elegant dinners, the area offers incredible dining options to end the year in style.

• Shooters Waterfront invites you to a glamorous evening on the Intracoastal with a four-course dinner, live music, samba dancers, LED robots, and a midnight fireworks show. Don’t miss the chance to toast 2025 at this local favorite.
• For a more classic vibe, check out Anthony’s Runway 84. This iconic Italian supper club is throwing a Copacabana-inspired party with live music, a DJ, and a champagne-filled celebration. Reservations are a must for this unforgettable night.
• Over in Hollywood, Ovivi’s combines upscale dining with festive fun. Their New Year’s Eve package includes a three-course dinner, live entertainment, a midnight champagne toast, and more. A true culinary delight.
• Prefer a cozy neighborhood spot? The Katherine in downtown Fort Lauderdale offers delectable dishes paired with a complimentary glass of bubbly. Or, for a more luxurious experience, head to Daniel’s, a Florida Steakhouse, where a prix-fixe menu features indulgent options like Japanese A5 Wagyu filet.
• If beachside dining is your preference, Burlock Coast and Evelyn’s at the Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale deliver elegant, ingredient-focused menus. Evelyn’s highlights include delicacies like foie gras, truffle, and Ossetra caviar.
• For stunning ocean views, venture north to Oceans 234 in Deerfield Beach or Oceanic in Pompano Beach. Both spots promise fresh seafood, festive vibes, and memorable meals to cap off 2024.

Rooftop Revelries & Nightlife Vibes

Ring in the New Year with unforgettable celebrations across Greater Fort Lauderdale! Whether you’re looking for breathtaking rooftop views, vibrant nightlife, or luxurious party experiences, there’s something for everyone.

• Rooftop Parties with Stunning Views. Head to Pier 6 Rooftop in Pompano Beach for a New Year’s Eve celebration under the stars. With tiered ticket options, including open bar and bottle service packages, this soiree guarantees an evening of glam and excitement. If you’re in Fort Lauderdale, check out hotspots like Nubé at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, or Sparrow at the Dalmar Hotel, where you can enjoy chic vibes and stunning skyline views.
• Ultimate Entertainment at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Take the celebrations to the next level at the iconic Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. Choose from three incredible venues, each delivering high-energy entertainment. DAER Nightclub kicks off the night with Two Friends, an open bar, and an unforgettable party atmosphere, setting the tone for an incredible experience. The celebration continues at DAER Day Club, where exciting New Year’s vibes keep the energy alive. For those looking for a mix of live music and DJ performances, Roof Top Live delivers an electrifying atmosphere that lasts all night long.

Family-Friendly Fun

Looking for exciting ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve with the whole family? Fort Lauderdale offers two amazing events to kick off the new year, perfect for kids and adults alike!

• Downtown Countdown. Since 2011, the Orange Bowl and the City of Fort Lauderdale have hosted one of the Southeast’s biggest free New Year’s Eve street festivals. The Downtown Countdown features family fun like bounce houses, face painting, games, a petting zoo, and pony rides! Enjoy live music from a band covering top 40 hits and old-school favorites, and don’t miss the iconic ball drop at midnight.
• Noon Year’s Eve at the Museum of Discovery and Science. Perfect for families with little ones, this daytime event is included with museum admission and features activities, music, and science fun. The celebration ends with a ball drop at noon and dancing on a bubble wrap dance floor—sure to delight kids of all ages.

Final Thoughts

Escape to Fort Lauderdale’s warm winter wonderland, where holiday magic meets sunny paradise! Picture Santa on the beach, indulge in world-class dining, or dance your way into 2025 at a dazzling rooftop party. From festive family fun to chic celebrations, Greater Fort Lauderdale delivers unforgettable holiday vibes. So grab your loved ones, soak up the sunshine, and make this holiday season one to remember. Fort Lauderdale is calling—are you ready to celebrate?