The Fort Lauderdale area has 17 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Light Up Lauderdale in Fort Lauderdale on November 5 to Hoffman's Chocolates Winter Wonderland at Flamingo Gardens in Davie, which runs through December 30. 12 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Florida, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 17 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Fort Lauderdale for 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, Boca Raton, Davie and West Park
- First: Light Up Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale, November 5. Runs latest: Hoffman's Chocolates Winter Wonderland at Flamingo Gardens, Davie, through December 30
- Free: Light Up Lauderdale, Holiday Tree Lighting, Winterfest Family Fun Day, Celebrate National Cocoa Day: Holiday Hot Chocolate Take-and-Make Kit, Toddler Storytime: Winter Celebration, Holiday Card Making, Holiday Music Celebration, Light Up Carter Park, Christmas on Sistrunk: Polar Express Edition, Holiday Open House, Cookies and Cocoa Evening Storytime and Holiday Concert with Emily Kennedy
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Florida Christmas train rides page.
Fort Lauderdale Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 17 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, Boca Raton, Davie and West Park
- Season
- November 5 to December 30, 2026
- Free events
- 12
- Kinds of events
- tree lighting, story time with Mrs. Claus, holiday event and holiday story time
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Fort Lauderdale Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Light Up Lauderdale in Fort Lauderdale on November 5; the last runs to December 30. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Light Up LauderdaleFort Lauderdale · Nov 5
- Light Up the GaltFort Lauderdale · Nov 12
- Light Up the BeachFort Lauderdale · Nov 19
- Holiday Tree LightingBoca Raton · Nov 21
- Hoffman's Chocolates Winter Wonderland at Flamingo GardensDavie · Nov 21 to Dec 30
- Winterfest Family Fun DayFort Lauderdale · Nov 22
- Celebrate National Cocoa Day: Holiday Hot Chocolate Take-and-Make KitFort Lauderdale · Dec 1 to Dec 12
- Light Up SistrunkFort Lauderdale · Dec 3
- Toddler Storytime: Winter CelebrationFort Lauderdale · Dec 3
- Holiday Card MakingFort Lauderdale · Dec 4
- Holiday Music CelebrationFort Lauderdale · Dec 10
- Light Up Carter ParkFort Lauderdale · Dec 11
- Christmas on Sistrunk: Polar Express EditionFort Lauderdale · Dec 12
- Holiday Open HouseDania Beach · Dec 12
- Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat ParadeFort Lauderdale · Dec 12
- Cookies and Cocoa Evening StorytimeDania Beach · Dec 21
- Holiday Concert with Emily KennedyWest Park · Dec 23
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Fort Lauderdale? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
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That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
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See the full bookPage 1 of 8
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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Fort Lauderdale
12 confirmed events for kids in Fort Lauderdale, soonest first.
Fort Lauderdale: Light Up Lauderdale
Tree lightingFreeCity of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation · Fort Lauderdale
- Host
- City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
- When
- Thursday, November 5, 2026, 5:30 to 8:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Light Up Lauderdale opens the city's holiday season at Esplanade Park on Thursday, November 5, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale hosts the popular Get Lit event, which marks the start of Light Up Lauderdale, an annual ten week celebration of sparkling holiday lights along the banks of the New River.
The evening features live holiday musical performances, kids' crafts and a visit by Santa. The city's parks page also lists a Kids Zone and a lighting ceremony at 6:30 pm. Admission is free. Because the event is a Thursday evening outdoors beside the river, families can combine the crafts and Santa visit with a walk along the water to see the lights. The city's page covers the full Light Up the Holidays series, which continues with neighborhood lighting nights through December.
Parent tip: Plan for downtown parking near SW 2nd Street. The lighting ceremony is at 6:30 pm.
See dates and details from City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)Fort Lauderdale: Light Up the Galt
Tree lightingCity of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation · Fort Lauderdale
- Host
- City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- North Beach Restaurants and Shoppes, NE 33rd Ave and NE 33rd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
- When
- Thursday, November 12, 2026, 5:30 to 8:30 pm
- Cost
- Price not listed
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Light Up the Galt is one of the city's neighborhood holiday lighting nights, held on Thursday, November 12, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at the North Beach Restaurants and Shoppes at NE 33rd Avenue and NE 33rd Street. The tree lighting takes place at 6:30 pm.
For children, the city lists a letters to Santa station, make-and-take crafts, gingerbread photo opportunities and stilt walkers. Strolling characters including the Grinch, Cindy Lou, an Elf and Jovie walk the event from 6 to 8:30 pm, so there are plenty of chances for photos. The event is part of the Light Up the Holidays series on the city's Parks and Recreation site. A ticket price is not listed on the page, so check with the city if you need to confirm that it is free to attend.
Parent tip: Arrive before 6:30 pm for the tree lighting. Bring a letter for Santa if your child wants to mail one.
See dates and details from City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)Fort Lauderdale: Light Up the Beach
Tree lightingCity of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation · Fort Lauderdale
- Host
- City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- When
- Thursday, November 19, 2026, 5:30 to 8:30 pm
- Cost
- Price not listed
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Light Up the Beach brings the holiday lighting season to Las Olas Oceanside Park on Thursday, November 19, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. The lighting ceremony is at 6:30 pm.
The city's Parks and Recreation page lists a Kids Zone with Santa, inflatables and slides, so children have room to play while the evening gets going. The oceanside setting gives families a different backdrop from the city's other lighting nights. This event is one in a series of Light Up the Holidays evenings across Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods. The page does not list a ticket price, so confirm with the city if cost matters for your group. It is a weeknight event, so plan around dinner and bedtime for younger children.
Parent tip: Parking near the beach can fill up, so allow extra time before the 6:30 pm lighting.
See dates and details from City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)Fort Lauderdale: Winterfest Family Fun Day
Santa visitFreeMuseum of Discovery and Science · Fort Lauderdale
- Host
- Museum of Discovery and Science (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
- When
- Sunday, November 22, 2026, 10 am to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Winterfest Family Fun Day fills Esplanade Park on Sunday, November 22, from 10 am to 3 pm. The free celebration includes photos with Santa, a Teddy Bear Clinic from Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, cookie decorating with Publix, giant inflatable rides, face painting, community booths and food vendors.
There is a snow mountain to climb and play on, a Pet Rescue Row, a puppy kissing booth, free boat rides from the Water Taxi, a City of Fort Lauderdale Kids Zone and a new Highland Cows petting zoo. Music comes from School of Rock, and rides aboard the Catabella Express Train are part of the lineup. The Museum of Discovery and Science also offers hands-on activities in the park and free museum admission from 3 to 5 pm, which makes a good follow up for families.
Parent tip: Free museum admission starts at 3 pm, right after the park event ends.
See dates and details from Museum of Discovery and Science (opens in a new tab)Fort Lauderdale: Celebrate National Cocoa Day: Holiday Hot Chocolate Take-and-Make Kit
Holiday eventFreeBroward County Library · Fort Lauderdale
- Host
- Broward County Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Main Library, 2nd floor display table, 100 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- When
- Tue December 1, Wed December 2, Thu December 3, Fri December 4, Sat December 5, Mon December 7, Tue December 8, Wed December 9, Thu December 10, Fri December 11 and Sat December 12, 2026, 10 am to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Families and everyone
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Main Library in downtown Fort Lauderdale offers a Holiday Hot Chocolate Take-and-Make Kit as part of National Cocoa Day. Stop by the second floor display table and grab a kit to make at home while supplies last.
The library lists the pickup on most days from December 1 through December 12, between 10 am and 8 pm, and no registration is needed. The listing is open to families and everyone, so it works as a quick, free stop with children. The library notes that the kit includes milk and soy, so check the allergen note if your child has a food allergy. Because kits are limited, go earlier in the day if you can. The Main Library is on South Andrews Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale, close to Riverwalk, so you can pair a pickup with a visit to the library's children's area.
Parent tip: Kits contain milk and soy. Supplies are limited, so earlier in the day is safer.
See dates and details from Broward County Library (opens in a new tab)Fort Lauderdale: Light Up Sistrunk
Tree lightingCity of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation · Fort Lauderdale
- Host
- City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Sistrunk Boulevard between NW 9th and 11th Avenues, Sistrunk Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
- When
- Thursday, December 3, 2026, 5 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Price not listed; toy giveaway included
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Light Up Sistrunk takes over Sistrunk Boulevard between NW 9th and 11th Avenues on Thursday, December 3, from 5 to 8 pm. The tree lighting is at 7 pm.
The city lists a Kids Zone with Santa, bounce houses, slides and arts and crafts. A toy giveaway is part of the evening, and there is a teen area with a DJ so older siblings have something of their own to do. The event is part of the city's Light Up the Holidays series. The page does not say whether admission is free, so check with the city if you need to confirm. Because it is a street event on a weeknight, plan to walk in from nearby parking and bring a jacket for children if the evening cools off.
Parent tip: The tree lighting is at 7 pm, near the end of the event, so plan to stay if you want to see it.
See dates and details from City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)Fort Lauderdale: Toddler Storytime: Winter Celebration
Holiday story timeFreeBroward County Library · Fort Lauderdale
- Host
- Broward County Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Main Library, 2nd Floor Active Learning Center, 100 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- When
- Thursday, December 3, 2026, 11:30 am to noon
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Toddlers
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Main Library in downtown Fort Lauderdale hosts a Winter Celebration storytime for toddlers on Thursday, December 3, from 11:30 am to noon, in the 2nd Floor Active Learning Center. The listing is aimed at toddlers and runs for about half an hour, a good length for a young child.
The library also offers a Baby Lapsit with a winter celebration theme at 10:30 am the same morning for babies and infants, so families with more than one little one can attend both sessions in the same visit. The event page offers registration. Broward County Library programs are free, and the Main Library sits on South Andrews Avenue near the downtown courthouse and the Riverwalk, so it combines easily with a walk by the river. The page does not give more detail on the stories or songs.
Parent tip: Register on the event page. A baby lapsit with the same theme runs at 10:30 am.
See dates and details from Broward County Library (opens in a new tab)Fort Lauderdale: Holiday Card Making
Holiday craftsFreeBroward County Library · Fort Lauderdale
- Host
- Broward County Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Riverland Branch, 2710 W Davie Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
- When
- Friday, December 4, 2026, 3 to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Everyone
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Riverland Branch of Broward County Library hosts a holiday card making hour on Friday, December 4, from 3 to 4 pm. The library describes it simply as holiday card making time, and the event is listed for everyone, so children can join along with adults.
The event page offers registration and showed about 20 seats when checked, so a short sign up is a good idea if you plan to bring a group. Broward County Library programs are free. The timing, right after school on a Friday, suits school-age children who want a creative activity to start the weekend. The Riverland Branch is on West Davie Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. The page does not list supplies, so check with the branch if you want to bring your own materials.
Parent tip: Seats are limited, so register on the event page.
See dates and details from Broward County Library (opens in a new tab)Fort Lauderdale: Holiday Music Celebration
Holiday showFreeGalt Ocean Mile Reading Center (Broward County Library) · Fort Lauderdale
- Host
- Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center (Broward County Library) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center, 3403 Galt Ocean Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
- When
- Thursday, December 10, 2026, 1 to 2 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Kids, tweens, teens, families and adults
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center hosts a Holiday Music Celebration on Thursday, December 10, from 1 to 2 pm. Pianist Karen Evans plays, joined by guest violinist Salena. Ms. Evans is a Cleveland Institute of Music graduate, has accompanied local theater productions on piano and has given private lessons.
The Friends of the Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center sponsor the program, which welcomes kids, tweens, teens, grown-ups and whole families. You can sign up on the event page, which showed around 45 open seats when we looked. Because it is a weekday afternoon, it suits families with little ones who are home or on break. You will find the reading center on Galt Ocean Drive in Fort Lauderdale, close to the beach.
Parent tip: Sign up on the event page, because space is limited.
See dates and details from Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center (Broward County Library) (opens in a new tab)Fort Lauderdale: Light Up Carter Park
Tree lightingFreeCity of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation · Fort Lauderdale
- Host
- City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Carter Park, 1450 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
- When
- Friday, December 11, 2026, 5 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Light Up Carter Park is a free holiday evening at Carter Park on Friday, December 11, from 5 to 8 pm. The city's page lists bounce houses, train rides, face painters, holiday crafts and giveaways for children.
The tree lighting happens at the end of the event, though the exact time is not listed, so families who want to see it should plan to stay until closer to 8 pm. Santa is not mentioned on the city's page for this stop. The event closes out the city's Light Up the Holidays series for the year. It is a good low cost choice for a Friday night, with several activities for different ages in one place. Check the Parks and Recreation page on the day for any updates.
Parent tip: Santa is not listed for this event, so check the city page if a Santa visit matters to your family.
See dates and details from City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)Fort Lauderdale: Christmas on Sistrunk: Polar Express Edition
Story time with Mrs. ClausFreeBroward County Library · Fort Lauderdale
- Host
- Broward County Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 1:30 to 5:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The African American Research Library and Cultural Center holds a free afternoon of holiday fun themed around a train trip, from 1:30 to 5:30 pm on Saturday, December 12. It is a library party with a Polar Express theme, not an actual train ride.
Families can visit Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus and have a holiday picture taken. The program also offers science and technology activities kids can try, seasonal crafts, games, painted faces, giveaways, a cocoa station and live entertainment. Young readers can visit Wags and Tales with Lola and Chewy for a seasonal storytime led by the library's four legged helpers. According to the library, everyone is welcome, babies through adults. You can sign up on the event page, where many open spots remained when we looked.
Parent tip: Sign up in advance on the event page. The library is on Sistrunk Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale.
See dates and details from Broward County Library (opens in a new tab)Fort Lauderdale: Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
Holiday paradeWinterfest · Fort Lauderdale
- Host
- Winterfest (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Parade route along the Intracoastal Waterway and New River, Las Olas Blvd area, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 5:30 pm
- Cost
- Viewing area and VIP tickets sold; see site for public viewing spots
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Winterfest Boat Parade sends decorated boats of every size along a 12 mile waterway route in Fort Lauderdale. In 2026 it takes place on Saturday, December 12, with a preshow at 5:30 pm and the parade and fireworks at 6 pm. The organizers call it the traditional start of the South Florida holiday season.
You can watch from the official parade viewing area, which has general admission and VIP tickets, or look for spots along the route. Related Winterfest events include a free Family Fun Day on November 22 and a Storytime with Santa page, where Santa reads The Night Before Christmas on video.
Parent tip: Arrive early for a spot along the water, since the route draws large crowds. Check the viewing area page for ticket options.
See dates and details from Winterfest (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Dania Beach
2 confirmed events for kids in Dania Beach, soonest first.
Dania Beach: Holiday Open House
Holiday eventFreeFriends of the Dania Beach Paul DeMaio Library · Dania Beach
- Host
- Friends of the Dania Beach Paul DeMaio Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Dania Beach Paul DeMaio Branch, 1 Park Ave E, Dania Beach, FL 33004 (near Fort Lauderdale)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 1 to 3:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Kids, families and everyone
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Friends of the Dania Beach Paul DeMaio Library invite the public to a Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 12, from 1 to 3:30 pm. The library calls it a way to brighten your spirits for the holiday season, with music, food, drinks and desserts, and admission is free.
Families can also browse the library's book nook for stocking stuffers, which is a practical stop for parents shopping for a book lover. The event is listed for kids, families and everyone, so children are welcome along with adults. The event page offers registration, so sign up if you plan to bring a group. Dania Beach is just south of Fort Lauderdale. Because it is a library gathering and not a ticketed show, it is a low key way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Parent tip: Browse the book nook for stocking stuffers while you are there.
See dates and details from Friends of the Dania Beach Paul DeMaio Library (opens in a new tab)Dania Beach: Cookies and Cocoa Evening Storytime
Holiday story timeFreeBroward County Library · Dania Beach
- Host
- Broward County Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Dania Beach Paul DeMaio Branch, 1 Park Ave E, Dania Beach, FL 33004 (near Fort Lauderdale)
- When
- Monday, December 21, 2026, 6 to 7 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, kids and families
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Dania Beach Paul DeMaio Branch hosts Cookies and Cocoa Evening Storytime on Monday, December 21, from 6 to 7 pm. The library describes it as a cozy storytime for the whole family, and the event is listed for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, kids and families.
Because it takes place in the evening, it works for children who have school or daycare during the day, and it falls in the final week before Christmas. The event page offers registration with a limited number of seats, and about 30 spots were set when checked. Broward County Library programs are free. Dania Beach is just south of Fort Lauderdale, close to the airport and the beach, so the branch is an easy stop for families in the area.
Parent tip: Seats are limited to about 30, so register on the event page.
See dates and details from Broward County Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Boca Raton
1 confirmed event for kids in Boca Raton, soonest first.
Boca Raton: Holiday Tree Lighting
Tree lightingFreeCity of Boca Raton · Boca Raton
- Host
- City of Boca Raton (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432 (near Fort Lauderdale)
- When
- Saturday, November 21, 2026, 6 to 10 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The City of Boca Raton opens the season at the Mizner Park Amphitheater on Saturday, November 21, 2026. The celebration starts at 6 pm with live music, a craft station, a holiday market and food and drinks for sale. Santa is available for selfie style photos at the Boca Raton Art Museum from 6 to 10 pm.
The ceremonial tree lighting happens at 7:30 pm, when the city tree and the Mizner Park lighting display switch on together. The park is decorated with 50,000 LED lights on 75 palm trees, plus flat light displays that work well for photos. Three bands play on the stage between 6:20 and 9:50 pm.
Parent tip: Plaza Real East and West close to cars from 5 pm, so plan parking ahead. One unopened water bottle per person is allowed.
See dates and details from City of Boca Raton (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Davie
1 confirmed event for kids in Davie, soonest first.
Davie: Hoffman's Chocolates Winter Wonderland at Flamingo Gardens
Story time with Mrs. ClausFlamingo Gardens · Davie
- Host
- Flamingo Gardens (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Flamingo Gardens, 3750 S Flamingo Rd, Davie, FL 33330 (near Fort Lauderdale)
- When
- Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Wednesday, December 30, 2026 (nightly; closed Thanksgiving, Dec 24 and Dec 25; Santa nightly through Dec 23), 5:30 to 9:30 pm
- Cost
- Ages 12 and up $24, ages 3 to 11 $17, ages 0 to 2 free
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Winter Wonderland turns Flamingo Gardens in Davie into a nighttime holiday display from November 21 through December 30, open nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 pm. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and last admission is at 8:30 pm.
Children can meet Santa nightly through December 23 at Santa's Village, hear storytime with Mrs. Claus, and make holiday crafts. The gardens also feature new light displays, a 35 foot Christmas tree, a holiday tree lot, live holiday music each night on the Wray Lawn, s'mores and festive treats from the Flamingo Pond Cafe. Tickets are timed, so you pick an arrival time when you buy. Plan on 90 minutes to two hours. Animal exhibits and the tram are closed at night, and pets are not permitted.
Parent tip: Buy timed tickets online, since capacity is limited by parking. Stay on the lit paths because the animal exhibits are closed at night.
See dates and details from Flamingo Gardens (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in West Park
1 confirmed event for kids in West Park, soonest first.
West Park: Holiday Concert with Emily Kennedy
Holiday showFreeBroward County Library · West Park
- Host
- Broward County Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Carver Ranches Branch, 4735 SW 18th St, West Park, FL 33023 (near Fort Lauderdale)
- When
- Wednesday, December 23, 2026, 3 to 7 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Families and everyone
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Emily Kennedy, a trumpeter and composer, performs a holiday concert at the Carver Ranches Branch on Wednesday, December 23, with a 3 pm session and a 6 pm session. You must sign up to attend.
Families are invited to enjoy seasonal music, and the library says singing carols is welcome for the brave, with lyric sheets provided. Guests can also join in on instruments with the performers, drink hot cocoa and eat holiday cookies. If you like, you can make ornaments, or cards to send to servicemen, and the library recommends dressing up in a Santa or elf hat. Emily Kennedy is a trumpeter from South Florida who earned a music degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2023. The branch is in West Park, just southwest of Fort Lauderdale. About 100 people fit in each session.
Parent tip: Pick either the afternoon or evening session when you sign up. Costume hats like Santa or elf styles are encouraged.
See dates and details from Broward County Library (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our Florida Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Tallahassee, Pensacola, Gainesville, Sarasota, St. Petersburg and West Palm Beach. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonFort Lauderdale Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Fort Lauderdale in 2026?
We confirmed 17 Christmas events for kids in Fort Lauderdale for 2026 on each host’s own page: Light Up Lauderdale in Fort Lauderdale (November 5), Light Up the Galt in Fort Lauderdale (November 12), Light Up the Beach in Fort Lauderdale (November 19), Hoffman's Chocolates Winter Wonderland at Flamingo Gardens in Davie (November 21), Holiday Tree Lighting in Boca Raton (November 21), Winterfest Family Fun Day in Fort Lauderdale (November 22), Celebrate National Cocoa Day: Holiday Hot Chocolate Take-and-Make Kit in Fort Lauderdale (December 1), Light Up Sistrunk in Fort Lauderdale (December 3), Toddler Storytime: Winter Celebration in Fort Lauderdale (December 3), Holiday Card Making in Fort Lauderdale (December 4), Holiday Music Celebration in Fort Lauderdale (December 10), Light Up Carter Park in Fort Lauderdale (December 11), Christmas on Sistrunk: Polar Express Edition in Fort Lauderdale (December 12), Holiday Open House in Dania Beach (December 12), Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade in Fort Lauderdale (December 12), Cookies and Cocoa Evening Storytime in Dania Beach (December 21) and Holiday Concert with Emily Kennedy in West Park (December 23). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?
For families in and around Fort Lauderdale, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Light Up Lauderdale (Thu, Nov 5, 5:30 to 8:30 pm, free); Light Up the Galt (Thu, Nov 12, 5:30 to 8:30 pm, price not listed); Light Up the Beach (Thu, Nov 19, 5:30 to 8:30 pm, price not listed); Winterfest Family Fun Day (Sun, Nov 22, 10 am to 3 pm (free museum admission 3 to 5 pm), free); Celebrate National Cocoa Day: Holiday Hot Chocolate Take-and-Make Kit (Dec 1 to 12 (not Dec 6), 10 am to 8 pm, while supplies last, free); Light Up Sistrunk (Thu, Dec 3, 5 to 8 pm, price not listed; toy giveaway included); Toddler Storytime: Winter Celebration (Thu, Dec 3, 11:30 am to noon, free); Holiday Card Making (Fri, Dec 4, 3 to 4 pm, free); Holiday Music Celebration (Thu, Dec 10, 1 to 2 pm, free); Light Up Carter Park (Fri, Dec 11, 5 to 8 pm, free); Christmas on Sistrunk: Polar Express Edition (Sat, Dec 12, 1:30 to 5:30 pm, free); Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade (Sat, Dec 12, preshow 5:30 pm, parade 6 pm, viewing area and vip tickets sold; see site for public viewing spots). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Fort Lauderdale section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Dania Beach, Florida?
For families in and around Dania Beach, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday Open House (Sat, Dec 12, 1 to 3:30 pm, free); Cookies and Cocoa Evening Storytime (Mon, Dec 21, 6 to 7 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Dania Beach section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Boca Raton, Florida?
For families in and around Boca Raton, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday Tree Lighting (Sat, Nov 21, 6 to 10 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Boca Raton section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Davie, Florida?
For families in and around Davie, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Hoffman's Chocolates Winter Wonderland at Flamingo Gardens (Nightly, Nov 21 to Dec 30, 5:30 to 9:30 pm, ages 12 and up $24, ages 3 to 11 $17, ages 0 to 2 free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Davie section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in West Park, Florida?
For families in and around West Park, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday Concert with Emily Kennedy (Wed, Dec 23, 3 pm and 6 pm, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the West Park section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Fort Lauderdale?
Yes. 12 of the 17 events here are free: Light Up Lauderdale in Fort Lauderdale, Holiday Tree Lighting in Boca Raton, Winterfest Family Fun Day in Fort Lauderdale, Celebrate National Cocoa Day: Holiday Hot Chocolate Take-and-Make Kit in Fort Lauderdale, Toddler Storytime: Winter Celebration in Fort Lauderdale, Holiday Card Making in Fort Lauderdale, Holiday Music Celebration in Fort Lauderdale, Light Up Carter Park in Fort Lauderdale, Christmas on Sistrunk: Polar Express Edition in Fort Lauderdale, Holiday Open House in Dania Beach, Cookies and Cocoa Evening Storytime in Dania Beach and Holiday Concert with Emily Kennedy in West Park. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Fort Lauderdale this December?
Santa appears at Light Up Lauderdale in Fort Lauderdale (November 5), Light Up the Galt in Fort Lauderdale (November 12), Light Up the Beach in Fort Lauderdale (November 19), Hoffman's Chocolates Winter Wonderland at Flamingo Gardens in Davie (November 21), Holiday Tree Lighting in Boca Raton (November 21), Winterfest Family Fun Day in Fort Lauderdale (November 22), Light Up Sistrunk in Fort Lauderdale (December 3) and Christmas on Sistrunk: Polar Express Edition in Fort Lauderdale (December 12). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Fort Lauderdale?
Holiday story times on this page: Hoffman's Chocolates Winter Wonderland at Flamingo Gardens in Davie, Toddler Storytime: Winter Celebration in Fort Lauderdale, Christmas on Sistrunk: Polar Express Edition in Fort Lauderdale and Cookies and Cocoa Evening Storytime in Dania Beach. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Which Fort Lauderdale Christmas events are best for toddlers?
These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Toddler Storytime: Winter Celebration in Fort Lauderdale (Toddlers) and Cookies and Cocoa Evening Storytime in Dania Beach (Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, kids and families).
Are there kids' Christmas events in Fort Lauderdale on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: Hoffman's Chocolates Winter Wonderland at Flamingo Gardens in Davie (through December 30).
How much is Light Up Lauderdale in Fort Lauderdale?
Free. Light Up Lauderdale is on Thursday, November 5, 2026, 5:30 to 8:30 pm at Esplanade Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Light Up the Galt in Fort Lauderdale?
Price not listed. Light Up the Galt is on Thursday, November 12, 2026, 5:30 to 8:30 pm at North Beach Restaurants and Shoppes. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Light Up the Beach in Fort Lauderdale?
Price not listed. Light Up the Beach is on Thursday, November 19, 2026, 5:30 to 8:30 pm at Las Olas Oceanside Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Hoffman's Chocolates Winter Wonderland at Flamingo Gardens in Davie?
Ages 12 and up $24, ages 3 to 11 $17, ages 0 to 2 free. Hoffman's Chocolates Winter Wonderland at Flamingo Gardens is on Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Wednesday, December 30, 2026 (nightly; closed Thanksgiving, Dec 24 and Dec 25; Santa nightly through Dec 23), 5:30 to 9:30 pm at Flamingo Gardens. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Tree Lighting in Boca Raton?
Free. Holiday Tree Lighting is on Saturday, November 21, 2026, 6 to 10 pm at Mizner Park Amphitheater. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winterfest Family Fun Day in Fort Lauderdale?
Free. Winterfest Family Fun Day is on Sunday, November 22, 2026, 10 am to 3 pm at Esplanade Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Celebrate National Cocoa Day: Holiday Hot Chocolate Take-and-Make Kit in Fort Lauderdale?
Free. Celebrate National Cocoa Day: Holiday Hot Chocolate Take-and-Make Kit is on Tue December 1, Wed December 2, Thu December 3, Fri December 4, Sat December 5, Mon December 7, Tue December 8, Wed December 9, Thu December 10, Fri December 11 and Sat December 12, 2026, 10 am to 8 pm at Main Library, 2nd floor display table. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Light Up Sistrunk in Fort Lauderdale?
Price not listed; toy giveaway included. Light Up Sistrunk is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 5 to 8 pm at Sistrunk Boulevard between NW 9th and 11th Avenues. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Toddler Storytime: Winter Celebration in Fort Lauderdale?
Free. Toddler Storytime: Winter Celebration is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 11:30 am to noon at Main Library, 2nd Floor Active Learning Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Card Making in Fort Lauderdale?
Free. Holiday Card Making is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 3 to 4 pm at Riverland Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Music Celebration in Fort Lauderdale?
Free. Holiday Music Celebration is on Thursday, December 10, 2026, 1 to 2 pm at Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Light Up Carter Park in Fort Lauderdale?
Free. Light Up Carter Park is on Friday, December 11, 2026, 5 to 8 pm at Carter Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Christmas on Sistrunk: Polar Express Edition in Fort Lauderdale?
Free. Christmas on Sistrunk: Polar Express Edition is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 1:30 to 5:30 pm at African American Research Library and Cultural Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Open House in Dania Beach?
Free. Holiday Open House is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 1 to 3:30 pm at Dania Beach Paul DeMaio Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade in Fort Lauderdale?
Viewing area and VIP tickets sold; see site for public viewing spots. Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 5:30 pm at Parade route along the Intracoastal Waterway and New River. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Cookies and Cocoa Evening Storytime in Dania Beach?
Free. Cookies and Cocoa Evening Storytime is on Monday, December 21, 2026, 6 to 7 pm at Dania Beach Paul DeMaio Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Concert with Emily Kennedy in West Park?
Free, registration required. Holiday Concert with Emily Kennedy is on Wednesday, December 23, 2026, 3 to 7 pm at Carver Ranches Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Fort Lauderdale?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Fort Lauderdale Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
