5 Local Holiday Happenings

Five festive ways to get into the spirit of the season right here in Broward County

Winterfest parades its beau- tifully illuminated boats of all sizes through Broward’s famed waterways
Winterfest parades its beau- tifully illuminated boats of all sizes through Broward’s famed waterways.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s Winterfest Boat Parade 

Get ready for the kind of holiday event that only South Florida can offer. A beloved tradition since it first sailed Laudy’s waterways in 1971, the fifty-first Winterfest Boat Parade will take place December 10 with the theme “Neon Nightlife Under the Sea.” This 12-mile floating block party (with more than a million spectators along the routefrom Fort Lauderdale’s New River and Intracoastal Water- ways to Lake Santa Barbara

in Pompano Beach) showcases boats decorated and sponsored by national and local businesses as well as individuals, families, groups, and charities—all forthe delight of the community. Don’t miss the floating stages featuring Miss Florida USA, Miss Florida Teen USA, and other celebs. “We are looking forward to having the largest number of private entries in history,” says Lisa Scott-Founds, president and CEO of Winterfest. “The parade is a time for families and our community to celebrate to- gether, whether they’re watching online from home, applauding from their balconies, or being cheered on while sailing through the parade themselves.” 

Las Olas Oceanside Park is transformed this holiday season into a wonderland filled with exciting experiences and larger-than-life vignettes
Las Olas Oceanside Park is transformed this holiday season into a wonderland filled with exciting experiences and larger-than-life vignettes.

The LOOP’s Wonderland & Friday Night Soundwaves 

A winter wonderland awaits as Fort Lauderdale Beach transforms into a hub of holiday activity December 9-18. Throughout the 10-day celebration, locals and visitors of all ages will be treated to a festive array of sights, sounds, special activities, and per- formances, including holiday market vendors, strolling characters, live music and dance performances, visits with Santa, holiday movies, and more. 

Stranahan House offers Victorian Christmas Tours
Stranahan House offers Victorian Christmas Tours.

Stranahan House

Laudy’s Stranahan House Museum will be decking the halls, the walls, and more in full Victorian-era splendor. “This is a favorite holiday tradition,” says Christine Yates, president of the Stranahan House board of directors. “The Victorian Christmas Tours are magical and take us back to the holidays in another era. The decor is truly breathtaking.”

The house itself will be festively festooned to capture the grandeur and glamour of a traditional Victorian Christmas, while tour guides in period costumes (think: fabulous gowns and natty waistcoats) narrate the origins of many holiday traditions and demonstrate how pioneers celebrated Christmas. For the shoppers in your crew, the museum’s gift shop will feature a treasure trove of unique locally created and commemorative items, perfect for every person on your holiday gift list. Hour-long tours are available December 16-18 and December 23. 

Sights and sounds of the season abound at Gulfstream Park
Sights and sounds of the season abound at Gulfstream Park.

Gulfstream Park’s Symphony in Lights  

Ring in the holidays at Gulfstream Park Village. Every night through December 31, families can stroll the grounds to peep the stunning seasonal light display, all set to the sounds

of holiday favorites and popular music. Don’t miss the 10-minute light show that takes place at the top of every hour from 6 to 11 p.m. 

Holiday Magic at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Holiday Magic at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens.

Holiday Magic at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

The historic and whimsical 35-acre subtropical estate and historic house museum located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale will feature five nights of holiday magic this month. The house and grounds will be lit up and sparkling. (And if you want to go from inspo to installation in your own home, all the trees, wreaths, and centerpieces throughout the house will be for sale.) Stop by for a self-guided tour of the house during this rare nighttime opportunity and be greeted by characters from the award-winning storybook and upcoming musical, POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance, created and directed by Broadway Director and Cirque Dreams Founder Neil Goldberg. For the kids in your life (or the kid in you), Santa Claus will be in attendance each night and will be available for photo opportunities. 

Events on Tap:

• Holiday Magic Soirée: December 2 

• Holiday Magic Whimsical Wonderland: December 3

• Holiday Magic Evening Experiences: December 7-9 

• Holiday Arrangement Classes with Victoria Park Flower Studio: December 7-8 

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