Events

Light Up the Holidays

Font Size: + -
Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Print

The City of Fort Lauderdale lights up the holidays with several, family-friendly events including Light Up Lauderdale, Light Up the Galt, Light Up the Beach, Light Up Sistrunk, the Menorah Lighting Celebration, and Light Up Carter Park. Ring in the season with dazzling light displays, holiday concerts, cozy delicious treats, a jolly family zone, and so much more! 

 

 

Light Up Lauderdale 

The holiday season officially kicks off as Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale hosts the popular “Get Lit” event that also marks the launch of Light Up Lauderdale – an annual 10-week celebration of sparkling holiday lights along the banks of the scenic New River. Join us for live holiday musical performances, kids’ crafts, a visit by Santa, and more!

 Activity  Time
 Kids Zone  5:30 - 8:30 PM
 Lighting Ceremony  6:30 PM
 TBA  7:00 - 8:30 PM

 

 

Light Up the Beach

Light Up the Beach takes center stage with the illumination of more than 50,000 holiday lights along our picturesque beachfront and the return of “Olas,” our wildly popular larger-than-life 20-foot beach snowman at A1A and Las Olas Boulevard. Highlights include performances by the Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds plus a kids zone with Santa, inflatables, slides, and more.

 Activity  Time
 Kids Zone  5:30 - 8:30 PM
 Lighting Ceremony  6:30 PM
 TBA  7:00 - 8:30 PM

 

 

Light Up the Galt

The magic of the holiday season comes to the Galt Ocean Mile as the North Beach Restaurants and Shoppes and the City of Fort Lauderdale present an enchanted evening of live music, entertainment, food, and a kids zone. A tree lighting ceremony takes place at 6:30 p.m.

  • Thursday, November 19, 2026
  • 5:30-8:30 PM
  • North Beach Restaurants and Shoppes, NE 33rd Ave & NE 33rd St
 Activity  Time
 Live Music on 33rd Street  5:30 - 8:30 PM
 Letters to Santa Station and Make & Take Crafts  5:30 - 8:30 PM
 Gingerbread Man and Gingerbread House Photos  5:30 - 8:30 PM
 Holiday Pop-Up Gift Market & Local Business Activities   5:30 - 8:30 PM
 Strolling Holiday Character - The Grinch & Cindy Lou; Elf and Jovie  6:00 - 8:30 PM
 Stilt Walker Nutcracker Balloon Artists  6:00 - 8:30 PM
 Lighting Ceremony  6:30 PM
 TBA  7:00 - 8:30 PM
 Live Holiday Music on 33rd Street 7:00 - 8:30 PM 

 

Light Up Sistrunk

Get ready for dancing in the streets at hottest holiday light up event in town with Light Up Sistrunk. This one-of-a-kind celebration features the lighting of a giant holiday tree, live bands, outstanding entertainment, a free toy giveaway, a health fair, food trucks, a kids zone complete with Santa, bounce houses, slides, and arts and crafts plus a teen area with a DJ, activities, and more. 

  • Thursday, December 3, 2026
  • 5 - 8 PM
  • Along Sistrunk Boulevard between NW 9th and 11th Avenues
 Activity  Time
 BAAG Toy Giveaway
 Sponsored by Black AIDS Advisory Group		  5:00 - 8:00 PM
 Kids Zone  5:00 - 8:00 PM
 Welcome & Invocation  5:00 - 5:15 PM
TBA  5:15 - 6:00 PM
 PLAY Fort Lauderdale After-School  6:00 - 6:55 PM
 Tree Lighting Ceremony  7:00 - 7:05 PM
TBA  7:05 - 8:00 PM

 

 

 

Light Up Carter Park

Enjoy holiday cheer and fun for the entire family! Highlights include live performances from local artists, bounce houses, train rides, face painters, holiday crafts, giveaways, and more. The free celebration culminates with the lighting of the Carter Park Holiday Tree!

 

 

 Menorah Lighting Celebration

Honor the first night of Hanukkah with us as we host the Menorah Lighting Celebration. Highlights include the traditional menorah lighting, music, and delicious customary treats.

 

 

Photos

Visit our Photo Albums page to see our complete gallery.

Video