It’s pouring events in Fort Lauderdale and we have a juicy roundup for you to make the most of the holidays. With a baker’s dozen of tree lightings, holiday décor, and Nutcracker ballet events around town, we have you and the family sorted for fun things to do this holiday season. 

And New Year’s Eve is right around the corner, so we curated a list of the best cruises, parties, and family-friendly celebrations in and around Fort Lauderdale as well.

With the weather so nice and air so cheery, a nice holiday concert, movie under the stars, or other holiday-themed performances will fit right into your December. 

Read on to see our complete list of Things to Do this Holiday Season, Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Fort Lauderdale:

Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale - December Events at a Glance

Special: Christmas 2021 Events

• Holiday Lighting and Décor
• Nutcracker Performances Around Fort Lauderdale
• More Holiday Events

Special: New Year’s Eve 2022 Events

December 2021: Fort Lauderdale In-person Events

• Toys & Turntables: December 10
• Pine & Palm Holiday Market: December 10-11
• Elf - The Musical: December 10-11
• Village People Ft. Original Lead Singer Victor Willis: December 11
• Holly Dolly Christmas Tribute: December 11
• North Pole Pajama Party: December 11 & 18
• Creativity Exploration - Miniature Book Making: December 11
• Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest^® Boat Parade: December 11
• Boat Parade 2021 Viewing Party: December 11
• Miami Yoga Festival: December 12
• Caribbean Food & Rum Festival: December 12
• Darlene Love - Love for the Holidays: December 12
• Holiday Lights Cruise: December 15
• Jingle & Flamingle: December 16-19
• Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular: December 16
• A Christmas Carol - The Shakespeare Sound Company: December 17
• Garden Of Lights: December 17-23 & 26-30
• A Tom Jones Christmas Tribute: December 18
• Fort Lauderdale Jingle Bell Jog: December 18
• Y100 Jingle Ball: December 19
• 15th Annual 13.1 Fort Lauderdale by LIFE TIME: December 19
• Sips, Sounds, & Splats: December 19
• Doggie Day Off from School Camp: December 20
• Jonathan Antoine’s Christmasland Live: December 21
• Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer - The Musical: December 22
• A Bee Gees Christmas Tribute at The Parker: December 22
• Cirque Dreams Holidaze: December 26-27
• Shen Yun – A Heavenly Gift: December 28-30
• State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine - Cinderella: December 29
• Events at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: December 7, 8, 10 & 27

December 2021: Fort Lauderdale Virtual Events

• Sea Turtle Season Wrap-up (recorded version available on YouTube): December 2
• Broward College Symphonic Band - Holiday Concert: December 18
  
  

Special: Christmas 2021 Events in Fort Lauderdale

Holiday Lighting and Décor

There’s no better time to tour the city than when it lights up for the holidays. See below for a curation of the best winter wonderlands, holiday décor, and lit Christmas trees around Fort Lauderdale to stay in the holiday spirit all month long:

• Light Up Sistrunk, December 3-31. Historic Sistrunk Boulevard turns into a grand ol’ block party. Kickstarting their holiday wonderland, the one-of-a-kind celebration will feature a kids’ zone, photos with Santa, bouncy houses, live entertainment, a health fair, gourmet food trucks, and a giant holiday tree.
• Light Up Carter Park, December 11 Through the Holidays. This holiday tree lighting ceremony will feature loads of fun for the family with bounce houses, train rides, face painters, holiday crafts, giveaways, and live performances by local artists. The free event will conclude with tree-lighting.
• 36th Annual Winter Wonderland Display, December 1-30. With over 45 different-themed Christmas trees, this indoor winter wonderland can be enjoyed by the entire family, all month long, at the Plantation Historical Museum.
• Holiday Magic at the Bonnet House Museum, December 8-10. For three magical nights, the legendary house and gardens will be lit and sparkling. During the celebration, all holiday-themed decorations such as wreaths, centerpieces, and trees will be on display for sale. There will also be nightly libations and live music.
• Home for the Holidays at the Historic Stranahan House Museum, December 8 & 18-23. On the 8th, Broward County’s oldest historic home will be hosting a special evening, complete with cocktails, cookies, delicious eats, and Santa. From the 18th through 23rd, the museum will be decked up in Victorian-era decorations, with costumed docents explaining how some holiday traditions started and how the pioneers celebrated Christmas in early Fort Lauderdale.
• Symphony of Lights, Throughout December. With over 250,000 LED lights dancing to the beat at the top of the hour, every hour from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., this free outdoor light show at the Gulfstream Park Village is a must-see with the family.
• Light Up Lauderdale, Throughout December. This month-long celebration features sparkling holiday lights along the banks of the New River. Head out to Esplanade Park to see their dazzling Christmas tree and jive to some holiday music.
• Light Up the Beach, Throughout December. So, you wanna see a snowman? Head out to the Las Olas Oceanside Park to catch a family-friendly holiday display of 50,000 lights and a 20-foot beach snowman called “Olas.”

Nutcracker Performances Around Fort Lauderdale

It won’t quite feel like the holidays without watching one Nutcracker performance, will it? Here’s a roundup of where you can expect to catch the musical in Fort Lauderdale this December:

• Nutcrackers & Sweets, December 9-12. Kicking off with an open-air, evening screening of the “Nutcracker and the Four Realms,” this weekend fest will feature holiday-themed day events such as visits from Santa, a classic jazz concert, land of sweets inflatables, a holiday hits concert, fun beachside fitness sessions, and much more.
• The Nutcracker - Smart Stage Matinee Series, December 9-10. Highly recommended for kids in the 4th-12th grades, this magical performance will take place at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center.
• George Balanchine's Nutcracker, December 10-12. This dazzling rendition of the classic show will be brought to life by over 100 dancers, of the Miami City Ballet, performing to a live orchestra.
• The Nutcracker, December 17-19. Under the artistic direction of Vladimir Issaev, this critically-acclaimed classic ballet will be playing three days in a row at the Parker Playhouse.
• The Nutcracker at Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center, December 19. This highly gripping performance of The Nutcracker will be performed by the Florida Classical Ballet at the Rose & Alfred Arts Center.

More Holiday Events

• Christmas Near the Beach, December 11. This community holiday tradition will take place at the Arts Park @ Young Circle, complete with carolers, holiday music, a Santa visit, tasty treats, and a 40-foot Christmas tree.
• Holiday Parade, December 15. With the theme “Lights, Cameras, Selfies!” this free, holiday parade will start at Coral Springs Drive and end at City Hall.
• Jeff Grainger’s Night of Sinatra @ LOOP, December 24. Ring in Christmas with a classic Sinatra night performed by Jeff Grainger and The Hoboken 11 Big Band. It’s the closest thing you’ll experience to the legend himself.
• Peter Mayer’s “Stars and Promises” Tour, December 25. If you’re looking for a legit Christmas concert, then grab yourself a spot at this widely-acclaimed tour. The singer, songwriter and guitarist has 25 albums to his credit and has played as lead guitarist for Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer band.
  
  

Special: New Year’s Eve 2022 Events in Fort Lauderdale

There’s a lot happening for New Year’s Eve around town, and here’s how you can make the most of the 31st:

• Speakeasy Fort Lauderdale NYE Party Cruise. Love a roaring 20s theme? Then this speakeasy-style party aboard the Caprice Yacht is for you. Dress up for this themed party featuring live DJs, a premium open bar, buffet dinner, and a good view of the fireworks.
• Pier Pressure Moonlight 2022 Cruise. Enjoy this VIP cruise across the Intercoastal with three decks to mingle, live hip-hop and house DJs, a full dinner, a truly open bar, festive party favors, and more.
• Beach Club X Winter Wonderland Celebration. Get your glam on to enjoy this frosty winter wonderland that will take over the 7th-floor pool deck at the Beach Club in Hallandale Beach.
• New Year’s Eve Champagne Soiree at the Conrad. With a premium open bar, special hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet five-course dinner, live entertainment, and party favors, this elegant evening will be a family-friendly affair at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach.
• Toast Under the Stars 2022. With a contest and prizes for ‘Best Dressed’ & ‘Best Dancer,’ this suave party will take place on the Skyline Terrace at The Riverside Hotel.
• Golden Ticket to Bahia Mar's Hightide Rooftop Pool. Celebrating their grand reopening along with New Year’s Eve, expect double the fun at this dance party with a live DJ, an open bar, and Champagne Toast.
• Cheers To You, 2022! at The Wharf Fort Lauderdale. This family-friendly soiree at The Wharf will come complete with live music, eats, cocktails, and good times that you can share with your leashed dog even.
• Blue Martini Fort Lauderdale New Year's Eve 2022. This stylish party with a live DJ will keep its guests entertained all night long.
• NYE Champagnie Ball. This 2020s themed Gatsby ball/gala in Hollywood will be a black-tie event with 50% proceeds going to charity for mental health.
• New Cheers Eve at Cooper's Hawk Winery. Get ready to pop the bubbly to 2022 and raise a toast at this glam evening hosted by Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant. Highlight of the evening will be a gourmet, multi-course dinner paired perfectly with wine from the in-house wine club.
• Nostalgia: New Year’s the Old Way. With Soca, Reggae and Dancehall playing all night, this is the best way to begin the New Year on a soulful note in Hollywood.
• Noon Year’s Eve at MODS. The kids will love you for taking them to this mid-day celebration at the Museum of Discovery and Science, complete with immersive activities, music, dancing, and of course, science.
• The Goodnicks @ LOOP. This New Year’s Eve concert by the beach has it all – great music, laser lights, a ball drop, and an artisanal market plus kids’ club if you drop by early.
  
  

December 2021: In-Person Events in Fort Lauderdale

Events at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: December 7, 8, 10 & 27

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood

This December, the Hard Rock Hotel has quite a show up its sleeve:

December 7th: The Sports Illustrated Awards 2021 take over the hotel & casino on the 7th, with a lively awards ceremony hosted by DJ Khaled & Cari Champion.

December 8th: “Comedy 4 A Cause” night with Comedian Brian Regan will start a laugh riot to support “Neighbors 4 Neighbors” - a nationally recognized nonprofit connecting those in need with those who can help.

December 10th: Old Dominion, one of the hottest breaking bands out of Nashville, will be rocking the venue on the 10th with their clever lyrics and infectious sound that continues hitting gold since 2014.

December 27th: Roll into Jim Gaffigan’s ‘The Fun Tour!’ on the 27th. The three-time Grammy-nominated comedian, actor, writer, producer, and Emmy-winning performer is best known for his unique brand of humor, largely revolving around his observations on life.

For the full schedule of acts and events, go here.

Toys & Turntables: December 10

Sistrunk Marketplace, 115 NW 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale

It’s 12 hours of nonstop holiday music for a mission! Bring along a toy to donate and join some of the top DJs in town to rock holiday jams plus meet Santa. Those looking for a little extra motivation will find it in the ‘drinks specials’ that will spillover after 10 p.m.  

Pine & Palm Holiday Market: December 10-11

Coral Springs Museum of Art, 2855A Coral Springs Dr, Coral Springs

Sip, shop, celebrate, make art, and give a little while you’re at it! On the 10th, the museum is hosting a FUNdraiser featuring a happy hour and plenty of art-making stations – from wreath making to gift wrapping, ornament decoration, and more – so you can pick up some handy skills for the holidays along the evening. 

On the 11th, walk by to enjoy light bites, sweet treats, first dibs on sale items, free giveaways, music, more art-making, and lots of other fun activities at this weekend public market.

Elf - The Musical: December 10-11

Amaturo Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 581 W Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale

With songs by Tony Award nominees, this modern-day take on the holiday classic will have you following Buddy - a young orphan who makes it to the North Pole but comes back to New York City to help everyone remember the true meaning of Christmas. The perfect pick to get you started on the holiday musicals scene this season.

Village People with Original Lead Singer Victor Willis: December 11

Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker Playhouse, 707 NE 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale

It’s time to break out your dancing shoes and sing along to “Y-M-C-A!” The original lead singer of “Village People” is back performing smash hits from the group that have made their way into people’s hearts and lives over the past four decades. These undisputed Kings of Disco will be performing “Hot Cop,” “Macho Man,” “Can’t Stop the Music,” “Go West,” and more iconic hits at the neoclassical theater.

Holly Dolly Christmas Tribute: December 11

Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center, 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr Blvd, Davie

If you’re a fan of Dolly and Kenny, then you won’t want to miss this Christmas Tribute to the two legends of country music. Featuring tribute performers Becca Braxxon and Tim Sells, expect a heartwarming evening that will feature all your favorite holiday songs, and then some. The show is expected to be full of surprises and will conclude with picture time with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

North Pole Pajama Party: December 11 & 18

Museum of Discovery and Science, 401 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale

Take a shortcut to the North Pole as you land at this pajama party at MODS. Come dressed as an elf or simply in your pajamas to enjoy this fun Saturday morning. The celebration comes complete with a holiday science show, a tropical “snowball” throwing station, make-and-take snow globes, build your own snowman session, holiday storytime, a special screening of The Polar Express, and lots more.

Creativity Exploration - Miniature Book Making: December 11

NSU Art Museum, 1 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale

After months of being held online, you can now enjoy this creative therapeutic session in-person at the NSU Art Museum. Inspired by the artwork of Margarita Cano, this afternoon workshop will have you creating a book using simple stitching techniques. The book will be designed to piece together your life journey with the help of simple images. 

Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest^® Boat Parade: December 11

Las Olas Promenade Park, 300 Las Olas Circle, Fort Lauderdale

It’s a holiday tradition you won’t want to miss! Boats of all shapes and sizes will go cruising along the river and Intracoastal, decked up in their finest holiday attire, lights, and shimmer. Sporting the theme “50 Years of Hard Rockin’ Fun” this year, the 12-mile parade is a complete sensory feast with iconic rock images, music, and décor. Kids and adults of all ages are welcome. Get more info on the outdoor viewing areas here. 

Boat Parade 2021 Viewing Party: December 11

Riverside Hotel Fort Lauderdale, 620 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale

Make your own stunning memories of the Winterfest Boat Parade from 4 unique viewing areas at the Riverside Hotel. Dine at Wild Sea Las Olas, Golden Lyon Vintage Pub, or Preston’s Wine & Martini Lounge before the parade starts. Once you’ve had your fill of the parade, head over to the 3-hour open bar to grab your favorite holiday cocktails.

Miami Yoga Festival: December 12

Village at Gulfstream Park, 901 S Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach

Get flowing and glowing as you attend South Florida’s Premiere Yoga Festival. With 25+ yoga classes and workshops, a kids’ zone, kirtan, and vendor village, you’re sure to find your tribe at this Yoga Fun Day fest. There will also be live music, a healing zone, artists ally, vegan & plant-based vendors for a wholistic experience.

Caribbean Food & Rum Festival: December 12

Hollywood ArtsPark, 1 N Young Circle, Hollywood

Come and celebrate Caribbean American heritage with some lip-smacking food and island-style entertainment. With a variety of cuisines to choose from, your tastebuds will get a tour of the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti, Trinidad & Tobago closer home. There will also be plenty of delicious rum and spirits from the islands to indulge in. Live Reggae performances and a KidsVille make it the perfect weekend treat for the entire family to enjoy.

Darlene Love - Love for the Holidays: December 12

Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker, 707 NE 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale

Grammy Award Winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Darlene Love will be live in concert at The Parker for the holidays. Join the queen of rock and roll as she takes you down memory lane with smash hits such as "(Today I Met) The Boy I'm Gonna Marry," "He's a Rebel," and her signature song, "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)." You won’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime holiday performance by the diva.

Holiday Lights Cruise: December 15

Laura Ward Riverwalk Plaza, 420 Southeast 6th Ave, Fort Lauderdale

Skip town for a relaxing holiday evening aboard the Water Taxi. Cruising the dazzling waterways of Fort Lauderdale, this scenic tour is your front row ticket to basking in the holiday glow of beautifully decorated homes and businesses lining Fort Lauderdale’s waterways. An open bar and snacks station complete the wholesome experience.

Jingle & Flamingle: December 16-19

Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale

Celebrate the holidays in true Florida style at this beachside soiree. The four-day celebration kicks off with an open-air screening of the “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” There will also be a holiday market, Santa driving in on a Shasta RV, a Christmas song flash mob, a holiday toy drive, yoga with Lisa, jazz-y Christmas concerts, and much more. Check out the full schedule here.

Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular: December 16

The Center, 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs

Bringing you one of the best cirques acts in town, The Coral Springs Center for performing arts welcomes you and the family this holiday season. The all-new production will feature a world-renowned cast performing gravity-defying acts on some of the greatest holiday hits of all time. The VIP experience will further feature a red-carpet entry, premium seating, pre-show meet-and-greet, digital photography, and Cirque Musica merchandise.

A Christmas Carol - The Shakespeare Sound Company: December 17

History Fort Lauderdale, 231 SW Second Ave, Fort Lauderdale

Go live a moment of history as The Shakespeare Sound Company brings to life a classic. Experience “A Christmas Carol” with the help of this multimedia performance company that is known for its spectacular revival of classic pieces.

Garden Of Lights: December 17-23 & 26-30

Flamingo Gardens, 3750 S. Flamingo Rd, Davie

Thousands of lights, nightly musical performances, and visits with Santa are set to take over this exotic botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary for the holidays. These after-hour tours will make that out-of-town trip absolutely worth it, as you enjoy a variety of performances each night, grab your favorite holiday treats from Flamingo Café, and experience a different side to the garden.

A Tom Jones Christmas Tribute: December 18

Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St, Aventura

Tom Jones fans – it doesn’t get better than this! Dave La Fame, the best Tom Jones tribute artist in the world will be performing live at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Complete with stage props and costume changes, bring along the family to experience the energy and glamor of the 70s and 80s on this nostalgic night.

Fort Lauderdale Jingle Bell Jog: December 18

Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale

This annual running event goes all out to honor the holiday season. Each and every participant gets a Santa Suit costume and a pair of Jingle Bells to tie to their shoes. Complete with mistletoe, eggnog, reindeers, and elves, this beachside run even features holiday-themed medals for its winners.

Y100 Jingle Ball: December 19

FLA Live Arena, 1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise

With an all-star lineup, Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station will be putting forward a show to remember. Get your tickets early to catch world-class acts such as Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, Black Eyed Peas, Dixie D’Amelio, and more performing live at this holiday concert.

15th Annual 13.1 Run Fort Lauderdale by LIFE TIME: December 19

Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale

Those looking for more serious competition will find their match in this 13.1 Fort Lauderdale half-marathon, Relay, and 5K. The half marathon and 5K circles around some of the most scenic routes in Fort Lauderdale and along the A1A. Find more information on the 13.1 main event here, the relay race here, and the quick-n-dirty 5K here. Finish to get a seashell-themed medal.

Sips, Sounds, & Splats: December 19

South Side Cultural Arts Center, 701 S. Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale

This free, adult wine and art social is just what the doctor ordered for a fun winter weekend. The last one in its series, this early evening affair will feature a wine pairing demo, an art presentation, and live music. There will also be a take-home canvas for $10 and a cash bar for those looking to unwind with a sundowner.

Doggie Day Off from School Camp: December 20

Humane Society of Broward County, 2070 Griffin Rd, Fort Lauderdale

Take your little ones to the coolest kids’ camp in town this holiday season. At Doggie Day Off, your kids will enjoy taking care of shelter animals, making toys and treats, learning more about their animal friends, and getting to savor a pizza lunch with special dessert. Also, those who feel ready to be pet parents could also consider taking one of these adorable animals home.

Jonathan Antoine’s Christmasland Live: December 21

The Parker, 707 NE 8th St, Fort Lauderdale

With his new holiday collection just out, catch the world’s #1 best-selling tenor of today, live in concert at The Parker. The 2012 Britain’s Got Talent contender and trained classical English tenor is equally appreciated by classical and pop music fans worldwide.

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer - The Musical: December 22

Au-Rene Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale

As Christmas approaches, there’s no better excuse to round up friends and family and indulge in a holiday tradition. With a deep and valuable lesson of “what makes you different can be what makes you special,” this fun musical scores high on entertainment as Santa Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, and, of course, Rudolph take audiences on a magical ride.

A Bee Gees Christmas Tribute at The Parker: December 22

Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker, 707 NE 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale

This tribute concert will have you on your toes and “staying alive” throughout the evening. Reserve a spot to be transported back in time, as you are treated to a mashup of the Bee Gees’ original hits and holiday favorites.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze: December 26-27

Au-Rene Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale 

This spectacular holiday extravaganza is set to present a Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary cirque artistry that can be enjoyed by the entire family. The critically-acclaimed presentation will follow holiday storybook characters, as they go on an elaborate winter wonderland adventure.

Shen Yun – A Heavenly Gift: December 28-30

Au-Rene Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale

Step into the whimsical storytelling of ancient China, where you get to explore a rich cultural heritage via this classical Chinese dance, ballet and orchestra presentation.

State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine - Cinderella: December 29

Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker, 707 NE 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale

With the magic of fairy tales and the holidays rolled into one, this visually arresting ballet will be performed by 55 of Ukraine's finest performers. The two-act performance will feature music by Sergei Prokofiev and a Vladimir Vasiliev choreography to enthrall audiences of all ages.

December 2021: Virtual Events in Fort Lauderdale

Sea Turtle Season Wrap-up (recorded version available on YouTube): December 2

Part of their ‘Distinguished Speaker Series’ at the Museum of Discovery and Science, this virtual discussion will feature Derek Burkholder talking about sea turtle season, its challenges, and probable solutions. Burkholder is a Ph.D., director of the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program and Marine Environmental Education Center, plus research scientist at the Guy Harvey Research Institute & Save Our Seas Shark Research Center.

Broward College Symphonic Band - Holiday Concert: December 18

This free virtual concert will be streamed live on the 18th for a cause. Enjoy a variety of holiday-themed compositions performed by the Percussion Ensemble, Brass Choir, Woodwind Choir, and Wind Ensemble under the direction of Neil E. Jenkins. To show your support for the performers, you can even choose to donate to the college’s student scholarships program here.
 

What are your plans for the holidays? We’d love to hear about them on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter. Let’s be friends! 

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