Christmas in Palm Beach looks a little different than it does up north. Instead of snow-covered streets, you'll find palm trees wrapped in lights, waterfront celebrations, decorated boats, and some of the most beautiful holiday displays in South Florida.
Whether you live in Jupiter, are spending the holidays in Palm Beach, or are visiting the area for the first time, there are several Christmas traditions worth putting on your calendar.
From the famous Surfboard Christmas Tree at The Royal Poinciana Plaza to ice skating overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, here are 10 of the best Christmas and holiday experiences in Palm Beach and West Palm Beach for 2026.
1. The Royal Poinciana Plaza Surfboard Christmas Tree
Location: 340 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach
One of Palm Beach's most recognizable holiday traditions is the Surfboard Christmas Tree at The Royal Poinciana Plaza.
Rather than a traditional evergreen tree, this unique installation features surfboards arranged into a towering Christmas tree. Each year, a different artist or luxury designer helps create a new interpretation.
Past collaborations have included Loewe, Iris Apfel, Thom Browne, and other well-known designers.
The tree is a perfect reflection of Palm Beach's style: creative, coastal, and a little unexpected.
While you're there, stroll through the plaza's beautifully landscaped courtyards, explore the boutiques, and enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants.
2026 dates: The Surfboard Tree is an annual holiday tradition, but the official 2026 unveiling date has not yet been announced.
My tip: Visit toward sunset, when you can enjoy the plaza during daylight and stay to see the holiday decorations illuminated.
Visit The Royal Poinciana Plaza
2. Worth Avenue Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Shopping
Location: Worth Avenue, Palm Beach
Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2026
Time: 6:10–8:00 p.m.
Few places capture the elegance of Christmas in Palm Beach quite like Worth Avenue.
During the holidays, the iconic shopping district transforms with twinkling lights, beautifully decorated storefronts, and an impressive Christmas tree.
The annual Holidays on Worth celebration is one of the island's most anticipated events.
For 2026, Santa and his elves are scheduled to begin the holiday parade at 6:10 p.m., followed by the Christmas tree lighting at approximately 6:25 p.m.
Even if you miss the official lighting, walking along Worth Avenue during December is an experience in itself.
Explore the charming vias, admire the decorated storefronts, and stop for dinner or a drink.
My tip: Arrive early for the tree lighting because parking can be challenging. If you're visiting another evening, combine a walk along Worth Avenue with dinner on the island.
3. Christmas Decorations at The Breakers Palm Beach
Location: 1 South County Road, Palm Beach
If you appreciate beautiful Christmas decorations, The Breakers is one of the most impressive places to experience the holidays in Palm Beach.
The historic oceanfront resort is known for its elaborate seasonal displays.
Thousands of white lights illuminate the majestic palm trees lining the entrance. Inside, towering Christmas trees, elegant ornaments, ribbons, and festive decorations transform the already beautiful hotel.
The resort's holiday installations typically begin immediately after Thanksgiving.
The Breakers also offers special holiday dining experiences, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations.
For those looking for an especially memorable holiday experience, consider making a dining reservation and enjoying the resort's seasonal atmosphere.
My tip: The entrance lined with illuminated palm trees is particularly beautiful in the evening. If you're not staying at the resort, confirm current visitor access and dining reservations before going.
Explore Holiday Celebrations at The Breakers
4. Sandi, the Famous Sand Christmas Tree in West Palm Beach
Location: Great Lawn, 100 N. Clematis Street, West Palm Beach
Tree Lighting: Thursday, December 3, 2026
Time: 6:00–10:00 p.m.
Where else can you celebrate Christmas with a massive Christmas tree made entirely of sand?
Sandi is one of West Palm Beach's most popular holiday attractions.
Each year, the city creates an enormous Christmas tree sculpture from sand along the downtown waterfront.
The display is part of West Palm Beach's annual Holiday in Paradise celebration.
Visitors can enjoy colorful light shows synchronized to holiday music, waterfront activities, and seasonal entertainment.
Sandi's nightly music and light shows are scheduled from December 3 through December 30, with special programming on New Year's Eve.
The waterfront celebration also includes Ferris wheel rides, giving visitors a view of the illuminated downtown area.
Cost: Sandi's light shows are free. Ferris wheel rides require a separate ticket.
My tip: Make an evening of it. Have dinner along Clematis Street, walk down to the waterfront, and stay for the light show.
West Palm Beach Holiday in Paradise Events
5. Ice Skating at The Ben Hotel's Winter Wonderland
Location: 251 N. Narcissus Avenue, West Palm Beach
Dates: November 4, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Ice skating in Florida? Yes, and it's real ice!
The Ben Hotel in downtown West Palm Beach is bringing back its Winter Wonderland experience for the 2026 holiday season.
Located near the Intracoastal Waterway, the outdoor ice-skating rink offers a surprisingly authentic winter activity in the middle of South Florida.
The expanded rink provides more space for skating, while the surrounding holiday decorations, seasonal food and drinks, and festive atmosphere make this a fun outing for couples, families, and groups of friends.
Even if you don't want to skate, the holiday market and Winter Tree Forest offer another reason to stop by.
My tip: This is a great activity to combine with Sandi's holiday light show. Both attractions are located in downtown West Palm Beach, making it easy to enjoy them during the same evening.
Ice skating requires tickets, so I recommend checking availability and reserving in advance.
6. Christmas at the Flagler Museum
Location: One Whitehall Way, Palm Beach
Holiday Evening Tours: December 18–23, 26 and 27, 2026
For a more traditional and historic Christmas experience, visit the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum.
The museum, located inside Flagler's magnificent Gilded Age estate known as Whitehall, celebrates the holidays with elaborate Christmas decorations and special seasonal programming.
One of the highlights is the enormous Christmas tree displayed inside the Grand Hall.
The museum's Holiday Evening Tours offer visitors an opportunity to explore the decorated estate while learning about Christmas traditions during the Gilded Age.
For 2026, the evening tours will also feature special floral installations inspired by HBO's The Gilded Age.
Expect beautiful decorations, holiday music, historic architecture, and a glimpse into how Christmas was celebrated in Palm Beach more than a century ago.
My tip: This is one of the best holiday experiences for visitors who appreciate architecture, history, and the distinctive character of Palm Beach.
Advance tickets are recommended for the special evening tours.
7. Nightly Snowfall at CityPlace in West Palm Beach
Location: 700 S. Rosemary Avenue, West Palm Beach
Dates: November 14 – December 31, 2026
Snowfall Times: 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.
If you're looking for a little winter atmosphere without leaving Florida, head to CityPlace in downtown West Palm Beach.
The shopping and dining district celebrates the season with elaborate holiday decorations, illuminated walkways, festive music, and nightly artificial snowfall.
Children especially enjoy watching the snow fall against a backdrop of decorated palm trees.
CityPlace also offers holiday shopping, restaurants, seasonal entertainment, and opportunities to visit Santa during select dates.
It's an easy destination for an evening out because everything is within walking distance.
My tip: Plan dinner around one of the scheduled snowfall times. The evening lights make the experience especially festive.
Snowfall is weather permitting.
8. Zoo Lights at the Palm Beach Zoo
Location: 1301 Summit Boulevard, West Palm Beach
Dates: November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027, on select nights
The Palm Beach Zoo transforms into an illuminated holiday experience during its annual Zoo Lights celebration.
For 2026, the event is called Zoo Lights: Magic in the Wild.
Visitors walk through beautifully illuminated pathways featuring themed light displays, colorful installations, and holiday decorations.
This year's event includes three distinct experiences: traditional holiday celebrations, a polar-inspired wonderland, and a glowing bioluminescent pathway.
Additional activities include opportunities for Santa photos, holiday crafts, seasonal treats, and interactive experiences.
It's a wonderful way to experience the zoo in an entirely different setting.
My tip: Purchase tickets in advance and check the schedule carefully because Zoo Lights is offered on select evenings.
Palm Beach Zoo Lights Tickets & Schedule
9. The Nutcracker at the Kravis Center
Location: 701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach
Dates: December 4–6, 2026
For those who enjoy traditional Christmas performances, Ballet Palm Beach's production of The Nutcracker is a wonderful holiday outing.
Presented at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, this classic ballet follows Marie's journey through a magical world filled with dancing snowflakes, toy soldiers, and the Land of Sweets.
The production features beautiful costumes, elaborate sets, and Tchaikovsky's familiar holiday music.
It's a great option for a special December afternoon or evening.
My tip: Combine the performance with dinner at one of the nearby downtown West Palm Beach restaurants.
The Nutcracker at the Kravis Center
10. Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade: A Christmas Tradition on the Water
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Time: Begins at 6:00 p.m. in North Palm Beach
Route: North Palm Beach to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse
One of my favorite holiday traditions in the Northern Palm Beaches is the annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade.
Instead of decorated floats traveling down a street, dozens of boats covered in Christmas lights make their way north along the Intracoastal Waterway.
The parade features festive decorations, music, creative holiday themes, and a traveling fireworks display.
The boats begin in North Palm Beach and continue toward the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, where the parade is expected to arrive around 8 p.m.
As someone who lives on the water and enjoys boating in Jupiter, this is exactly the kind of holiday tradition that makes living in South Florida special.
You can enjoy the parade from designated waterfront viewing areas, local restaurants, or a boat positioned safely outside the parade route.
I've written a separate guide with viewing locations, expected bridge openings, and helpful tips for anyone planning to attend.
Read My Complete Jupiter Holiday Boat Parade 2026 Guide
How to Spend a Perfect Christmas Evening in Palm Beach
If you're visiting Palm Beach for just one evening during the holidays, here's an easy way to experience several highlights.
Start at The Royal Poinciana Plaza.
Walk through the beautifully landscaped courtyards, enjoy the seasonal decorations, and see the Surfboard Christmas Tree once it's on display.
Head to Worth Avenue.
Enjoy the holiday lights, beautifully decorated storefronts, and charming courtyards. Stop for a drink or dinner.
Finish with a drive past The Breakers.
The illuminated palm trees and elegant decorations create one of the island's most recognizable Christmas scenes.
If you're spending another evening in West Palm Beach, combine ice skating at The Ben with Sandi's waterfront light show.
It's a great way to experience two very different sides of Christmas in the Palm Beaches.
What Makes Christmas in Palm Beach Different?
One of the things I enjoy most about living in this area is how many holiday traditions take advantage of our beautiful weather and waterfront setting.
You can spend the afternoon at the beach, enjoy dinner outside, walk along Worth Avenue beneath illuminated palm trees, or watch a Christmas boat parade from the water.
For people visiting from the Northeast, it's often a completely different experience from the holidays they're accustomed to.
As someone who grew up in Boston and has lived in the Jupiter area for many years, I appreciate both versions of the holiday season.
And while I still enjoy traditional Christmas decorations and winter activities, there is something special about celebrating the holidays in South Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas in Palm Beach 2026
What are the best Christmas things to do in Palm Beach, Florida?
Some of the most popular holiday experiences include the Worth Avenue Christmas tree lighting, The Royal Poinciana Plaza Surfboard Tree, holiday decorations at The Breakers, and Christmas tours at the Flagler Museum.
Across the bridge in West Palm Beach, Sandi's sand Christmas tree, Winter Wonderland at The Ben, and nightly snowfall at CityPlace are also worth visiting.
When is the Worth Avenue Christmas tree lighting in 2026?
The Worth Avenue Christmas tree lighting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 1, 2026. Santa's parade begins at 6:10 p.m., with the tree lighting scheduled for approximately 6:25 p.m.
Where is the Surfboard Christmas Tree in Palm Beach?
The Surfboard Christmas Tree is located at The Royal Poinciana Plaza at 340 Royal Poinciana Way in Palm Beach. The installation typically appears during the holiday season, although the exact 2026 unveiling date has not yet been announced.
Where can you see Christmas lights in West Palm Beach?
Popular destinations include Sandi's holiday light show along the downtown waterfront, CityPlace, the Palm Beach Zoo's Zoo Lights celebration, and The Ben's Winter Wonderland.
Is there ice skating in West Palm Beach for Christmas 2026?
Yes. The Ben Hotel is hosting an outdoor real-ice skating experience from November 4, 2026, through January 3, 2027. Advance reservations are recommended.
Is Sandi's Christmas tree in West Palm Beach free?
Yes. Sandi's nightly music and light shows are free to attend. Certain additional attractions, including Ferris wheel rides, require separate tickets.
Can you visit The Breakers to see the Christmas decorations?
The Breakers is famous for its holiday decorations and offers seasonal dining experiences. Visitors who are not staying at the hotel should confirm current access policies before arriving. Dining reservations may be required.
What are the best Christmas activities for families in Palm Beach County?
Popular choices include CityPlace snowfall, Sandi's Christmas light show, Zoo Lights, ice skating at The Ben, and the Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade.
Is December a good time to visit Palm Beach, Florida?
December is a wonderful time to visit Palm Beach. The weather is generally comfortable for outdoor dining, shopping, boating, and exploring the area's beaches and waterfront communities.
It's also the beginning of the busy winter season, when seasonal residents and visitors return to South Florida.
Related Reading
If you're visiting the Palm Beaches for the holidays or considering making the area your home, you may also enjoy:
Moving to Jupiter, Florida from the Northeast: What to Know First
Jupiter Holiday Boat Parade 2026: When, Where to Watch & What to Expect
Thinking About Buying a Home in Jupiter? A Local's Guide
Ready to Buy or Sell in Jupiter and The Palm Beaches?
Whether you are buying or selling a home in Jupiter, Tequesta, or the Northern Palm Beaches, I would be happy to help you understand your options and create a strategy that fits your goals.
I've been a local real estate agent for over 15 years, helping buyers and sellers navigate the area's waterfront properties, luxury homes, and golf course communities.
Call or text Kristin Wallace at 781-771-5400 or email Kristin to get started.
