Get ready for the holiday season in Fort Lauderdale!

We’ve already checked out what’s going on in Memphis this holiday season, but if you’re learning to fly at our Florida flight school, you’ll want to know what the holiday season in Fort Lauderdale has in store for you!

You may not associate the sunny climes of Florida with the Christmas traditions of snow, reindeer, and chestnuts roasting on an open fire, but a Floridian Christmas is an experience in itself waiting to be enjoyed. So prepare for the holiday season in Fort Lauderdale, Sunshine-State Style!

Polar Express: An IMAX 3D Experience: December 1 through December 14

It wouldn’t be the holidays without a festive movie or two, and this year, you can begin with the magical Polar Express in a fantastic IMAX 3D experience! Head to the AutoNation IMAX 3D Theater at the Museum of Discovery and Science, and climb aboard to enjoy this beautiful Christmas tale like never before.

Christmas-by-the-Sea: December 6

Christmas-by-the-Sea returns to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea for yet another evening of fun-filled, festive, family celebrations! See Santa arrive at Anglin’s Square before gathering round for the lighting of the Christmas tree. Then, with your Christmas spirit well and truly renewed, it’s time for some festive entertainment and a stroll around the Yuletide Market (now even bigger for 2017!).

Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade: December 9

The holiday season in Fort Lauderdale wouldn’t be the same without the Winterfest Boat Parade! Join 1 million other spectators for the Greatest Show on H2O as a procession of illuminated boats make their way down the Intracoastal Waterway. Whether you’re watching from the Grandstand or elsewhere, prepare for a party you’ll remember for a lifetime!

Chinese Lantern Festival: Until January 15

For an entirely different kind of light show, head on over to Central Broward Regional Park for the Chinese Lantern Festival. New for 2017, this incredible event promises over 800 handcrafted Chinese lanterns that will leave you amazed and in awe, as well as live entertainment, authentic Chinese cuisine, and gifts created by Chinese artisans!

Downtown Countdown New Year’s Eve Celebrations: December 31 

One of the largest New Year’s celebrations in the South East, the Downtown Countdown will end the holiday season in Fort Lauderdale (and 2017) on a high! As the streets fill with revelers, get ready for the moment the lighted ball drops at midnight, signalling a brand new year and a reason to celebrate! And if you can’t stay up that late? An early ball lighting countdown takes place at 7pm, so there’s no reason to miss out.

So who needs freezing temperatures and Christmas sweaters? The holiday season in Fort Lauderdale is a totally unique festive experience, and with so much going on in this fantastic city this year, it’s going to be one to remember.