Family Friendly Events for Christmas in South Florida

It’s that time of year again, as the holiday season kicks into high gear. With only weeks left before the "Big Day", now is a great time to squeeze in those last minute holiday festivities. With that in mind, here are some family-friendly Christmas events you and your loved ones can enjoy in the South Florida area.

South Florida Christmas Events

While the weather in Florida may not be conducive to some of the more traditional Christmas activities - think building snowmen, ice skating, and snowball fights - there are some fun things you can participate in that will help keep you in the "Christmas spirit". We list a few of our favorites below.

Santa's Enchanted Forest, Miami, Florida

Located in Miami, Santa's Enchanted Forest comes from humble beginnings. Nearly 32 years ago, it was nothing more than a simple walking fair. Today, visiting America's largest Christmas theme park has become an annual tradition for many South Floridians, as well as visitors from around the globe. Featuring over a million twinkling lights and 100+ Xmas-themed games, rides, and shows, Santa's Enchanted Forest plays host to over 100,000 visitors each year. In addition to the plethora of fun attractions, patrons can feast upon giant turkey legs, pizza, and a variety of sweet treats, including caramel apples and homemade candies. The park opens October 30 and runs through January 4th each year. For more information, visit Santa's Enchanted Forest.

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Holiday Fantasy of Lights, Broward County

Opening its gates Thanksgiving week each year, Broward County's "Holiday Fantasy of Lights" is a great, relaxing way to share time with the family, especially loved ones who have mobility issues or handicaps. Located at Tradewinds Park in Pompano Beach, Florida, the Holiday Fantasy of Lights features 3 miles of animated Christmas lights, themed for the holidays and designed to be enjoyed from the comfort of your car - think of it as a drive-thru light show. If this is your first time visiting the park, consider spending a few extra dollars and grabbing a pair of the 3-D glasses to enhance your experience. Also, be sure to tune into the special radio station advertised at the front of the park, which plays great holiday classics, sure to fill you with holiday cheer! 

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Lighted Boat Parade, Key West

While Key West may not be the first place you think of when it comes to Christmas festivities, the Schooner Wharf Bar and Galley Lighted Boat Parade - dubbed a tropical tribute by its creators - is a great Christmas event for families looking to unwind and "head south for the winter". Behind the scenes, the Lighted Boat Parade is a competition amongst local boaters and business owners to see who can design the most festive boat display. The winner walks away with nearly $25,000 in cash and prizes, which usually equates to some pretty creative holiday decorations. In addition to the aquatic parade, parents and children can enjoy a bevy of Christmas music performed by the Gerald Adams Elementary School Steel Your Heart Band, as well as the Doerfels - a group of brothers and sisters who sing holiday classics each year. For more information, including a list of vendors and other activities, check out their listing on the Schooner Wharf Bar website.

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Hoffman's Chocolate Winter Wonderland, Palm Beach

Nothing says "Christmas" more than a warm cup of hot chocolate on a chilly winter night, and that is the theme for the last family-friendly Christmas event on our list: Hoffman's Chocolate Winter Wonderland. Opening its doors in late November each year, the X-mas inspired event is the brainchild of Hoffman's Chocolate Shoppe, located in Greenacres, Florida. Just a few of the festive activities that will delight you and your children include their garden, which features whimsical animated holiday displays, fountains, live fish, and even an "It's a Small World" display. While the garden provides a great family photo opportunity, you may want to consider posing with the "Big Guy" himself: Old Saint Nick. He and Mrs. Clause are available for portraits and meet-and-greets every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until the day before Christmas Eve. After that, Santa has to depart to ensure all the good boys and girls get presents under their tree! Finally, how better to top things off than with a sweet treat? Chocolate is the namesake of this holiday festivity, so be sure to grab some goodies from the shop - they make great stocking stuffers and gifts. While you are at it, grab yourself a cup of their Mexican Hot Cocoa or Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate - you won't regret it! For more information, visit our page on Hoffman's Chocolates.