Fort Lauderdale Light Up the Holidays
holiday_light_displays

Artistic rendering โ€“ Event may differ

Fort Lauderdale Light Up the Holidays

Fort Lauderdale sparkles with its 'Light Up the Holidays' celebration, a series of family-friendly events across the city. Experience dazzling light displays, live music from the Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds, and festive fun for all ages. Enjoy visits with Santa, kids' zones with crafts and inflatables, and special celebrations like the Menorah Lighting.

What to Expect

Multiple city-wide holiday light-up events

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE
  • Accessibility: https://www.parks.fortlauderdale.gov/parks/parks/ada-accessibility-information
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Other Christmas Events Near Fort Lauderdale

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families, couples, holiday enthusiasts

Vibe

Festive, cheerful, community-oriented

Energy Level

Low to medium

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Medium

Special Events & Promotions

  • Launch of Light Up Lauderdale - a 10-week celebration of holiday lights
  • Return of 'Olas,' a 20-foot beach snowman
  • Free toy giveaway at Light Up Sistrunk
  • Kids Zone with Santa, inflatables, and crafts at multiple events

Tags

holiday light displaysfamily friendlyfree eventSanta visitslive musiccommunity celebrationfestive foodholiday traditioninteractive displays

Featured Video

Location

Various Locations
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Event Details

Duration

Varies by event (typically 3 hours)

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

No

Featured Performers

  • Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds
  • Sensational Soul Dana'B Cultural Arts

Organizer

City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation

Food & Drink

Food and drink specials available at Light Up the Galt; food trucks at Light Up Sistrunk.

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early to secure good viewing spots for the lighting ceremonies, especially at popular locations like Esplanade Park and Las Olas Oceanside Park.
  • Check the specific schedule for each 'Light Up' event as dates, times, and activities vary across different locations.
  • Consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services, as parking may be limited, especially near beach and downtown areas.
  • Dress in light layers, as Florida evenings can still be warm, but bring a light jacket for comfort during outdoor concerts.
  • Take advantage of the kids' zones for younger attendees, offering a variety of entertainment from Santa meet-and-greets to inflatables.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main 'Light Up' events happening?

The main events include Light Up Lauderdale (Get Lit), Light Up the Beach, Light Up the Galt, Light Up Sistrunk, Light Up Carter Park, and the Menorah Lighting Celebration.

Are these events free to attend?

Yes, all the 'Light Up the Holidays' events are free to attend.

Can I bring my pet?

Generally, pets are not allowed at these city events, with the exception of service animals.

Where can I find photos from past events?

You can view photo albums from previous years' events on the City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation website.

What kind of entertainment can I expect?

Expect a variety of entertainment including live music from the Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds, DJs, cultural performances, and activities for children.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Nov 2, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

Follow us for updates and more events!