So there’s not much of a nip in the air most days, but the holidays in Boca Raton can dazzle nonetheless.
There are plenty of local traditions to get the family in the holiday spirit. Give the season a tropical twist at the boat parade. See the lights in Downtown Boca. Take in a performance of The Nutcracker.
You won’t miss the snow a bit. Here are some favorite holiday happenings for the family:
HOLIDAY LIGHTING EXTRAVAGANZA
The city of Boca Raton holds its annual tree lighting, with a live ice sculpture demonstration, Santa Claus, a big pile of “snow,” food, kiddie rides and other activities. Mayor Susan Whelchel flips the switch to light the holiday tree. Bring a new unwrapped gift to donate to the Spirit of Giving network. 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 23 at Mizner Park Amphitheater.
THE NUTCRACKER
Boca Ballet Theatre presents its annual performance of the holiday classic. Show times are 7 p.m. Nov. 23, 2 and 8 p.m. Nov. 24 and 2 p.m. Nov. 25. Tickets are $35 for adults; $25 for kids 17 and under. Call 561-995-0709.
You can also catch the Miami City Ballet production Dec. 14-16 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale. Call 877-929-7010 or visit browardcenter.org.
HOLIDAY STREET PARADE
Entertainers and floats from organizations all over town cruise up Federal Highway in this annual parade. It runs from Southeast Eighth Street north to Mizner Park. Free. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Enjoy a pancake breakfast, train rides, a visit with Santa, crafts and more. 8:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 8, Boca Raton Children’s Museum, 498 Crawford Blvd. Admission is $10; free for infants. Reserve in advance at 561-368-6875.
BOCA RATON BOAT PARADE
This floating holiday tradition runs along the Intracoastal Waterway, beginning at the C-15 canal on the Delray Beach border. Bleacher viewing at Red Reef and Silver Palm Parks. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8.
KABBALAH FAMILY FUN CARNIVAL
The Kabbalah Center of Boca Raton presents a family celebration of Hanukkah, including astrology readings, a bounce house, face painting and more. Call 561-488-8826. 1 to 6 p.m. Dec. 9 at Mizner Park Amphitheater. Call 561-488-8826.
PICTURES WITH SANTA
Santa will be holding court at Town Center through Dec. 24. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Nov. 30; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday Dec. 1-23; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 21-22; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 24. Avoid the line and schedule an appointment online.
WORTH A DRIVE
Some other sights worth seeing around South Florida:
HOLIDAY FANTASY OF LIGHTS
Just a few minutes south, you can take a ride through a fabulous three-mile light display. It’s open 6 to 10 p.m. nightly through Jan. 5 at Tradewinds Park, 3600 W. Sample Rd., Coconut Creek. Admission is $13 a carload; $10 Monday-Wednesday.
WINTERFEST BOAT PARADE
This is the big one, which goes up the New River and Intracoastal Waterway from Fort Lauderdale to Pompano Beach. You can watch from any place you can find along the banks of the waterways. Or you can buy grandstand seats in advance at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Sunrise Boulevard and the Intracoastal. Grandstand tickets are $22 for adults; $18 for kids. Call 954-767-0686 or visit winterfestparade.com.
