Christmas in Fort Lauderdale: Our top tips!
Ready for Christmas in Fort Lauderdale?
As anyone who flies at our Florida flight school will tell you, Christmas in Fort Lauderdale is like Christmas nowhere else. You won’t get snow or ice, but you will get fun, festivities, and plenty of Santas!
If you’re spending Christmas in Fort Lauderdale, particularly if you’re one of our international students who may be here for your first holiday season, check out our list of things to do – each one sure to make your Christmas extra special.
Holiday Fantasy of Lights
Where: Tradewinds Park
When: Nightly until January 1, 6pm-10pm
Fort Lauderdale quite literally lights up at Christmastime, and Tradewinds Park is no exception. This year sees a return of Fantasy of Lights after a short break, making this the 24th edition for Broward County. Visitors are invited to drive through three miles of incredible light displays and illuminated trees, and you’re bound to feel festive by the time you leave!
Garden of Lights
Where: Flamingo Gardens
When: Fridays-Sundays until 30 December, 5pm-8pm
Head along to the botanical gardens for a stunning yuletide display throughout the Arboretum and Wray Home. With thousands of lights twinkling away at this exclusive night-time event, you’ll see Flamingo Gardens from a whole new perspective. Visit Santa’s Snow Mound, have fun in an interactive snow globe, and enjoy the musical light show, sure to feature all your festive favorites.
Symphony of Lights
Where: Gulfstream Park
When: Nightly until December 31, 6pm-11pm
We did say things got bright during Christmas in Fort Lauderdale! Throughout December, the open-air shopping plaza of Gulfstream Park is alight with a magical display of lights which ‘dance’ to music every hour, on the hour. There’s a range of festive events going on throughout the month – you can even have your photo taken with Santa and your pets! It’s the perfect accompaniment to your Christmas shopping.
Water Taxi Holiday Lights Cruises
Where: Riverside Hotel Stop #1
When: Until December 31 (booking essential)
With all those beautiful lights, surely there’s no better way to enjoy them than aboard a water taxi! Jump aboard for a leisurely cruise along the Intracoastal and marvel at Fort Lauderdale in all its holiday colors. You could even extend the evening with dinner or drinks at the Riverside Hotel for something more special!
The Winterfest Boat Parade
Where: Along the New River, East to the Intracoastal Waterway and North to Lake Santa Barbara
When: December 15
Take part in the “Greatest Show on H2O” – the annual Winterfest Boat Parade! Undoubtedly one of the most significant events when it comes to Christmas in Fort Lauderdale, visitors come from all over the world to see boats of every shape and size, lit up for Christmas and making their way along the 12-mile parade route. If you can’t get a spot at the Grandstand Area, you’ll still see this holiday spectacle from bridges, balconies, and bays along the route!
Downtown Countdown
Where: SW 2nd Street and SW 5th Avenue
When: December 31
Come and see the ball drop at the annual Downtown Countdown, hosted by the Orange Bowl and the City of Fort Lauderdale! See out the old year and ring in the new at this fantastic celebration on New Year’s Eve. There are family activities in the afternoon, followed by a Kid’s Countdown at 7 pm so little ones don’t have to stay up late. Then the fun continues with live entertainment until 1 am!
With all this going on, there’s no doubt that your upcoming Christmas in Fort Lauderdale is sure to be fun-filled and one to remember. You may even bump into some of us from CTI Professional Flight Training!
