Patti Roth

Winter festivals, fun with Santa, and dazzling light displays are part of the seasonal festivities in South Florida. Broward County offers all kinds of events to celebrate Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and the New Year. Parades, festivals, concerts, family festivals, light displays and more abound from Coral Springs to Hallandale Beach, from Hollywood to Pembroke …

Several library branches in Broward are offering free holiday photo shoots and free photo ops. For photo shoots, libraries are using a green screen that offers different holiday and winter digital backdrops.  Usually a digital version of the photo is emailed to participants for free. Friends, family and props are permitted. No pets, please. If …

For a holiday treat, the Galleria in Fort Lauderdale features an assortment of performances from regional organizations.  Galleria mall is at 2414 East Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 33304. Entry and parking are free  In 2025,  entertainment includes   1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, December 6 Broward College Premier Jazz Combo  1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday, December …

Pose with Santa and savor a sundae at a free event in Broward.  Sundaes with Santa in 2025 is 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, December 20, outdoors at a park in Sunrise.  The venue is Village Art Plaza, 2260 NW 68th Avenue 33313.  Village Art Plaza features outdoor art displays.  Sign up for the …

Organizations in South Florida offer free food distribution for families needing help. Some sites provide drive-through pickups, while others offer doorstep deliveries for eligible participants. Eligibility requirements vary among different organizations. Some are open to everyone.  Food distributions are in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach. Often the organizations accept volunteers and donations. This list is …

Festive theme decorated trees and a Hanukkah display are featured at a free Winter Wonderland exhibit in Plantation.  The indoor exhibit at Plantation Historical Museum includes a mini train village, a gift shop and occasional extra festive events. Extra events feature Santa and live entertainment. In 2025 the display with about 40 trees  is open …

With the surf and ocean air offering delightful ambience, live bands offer free entertainment and lively events are featured at Las Olas Oceanside Park in Fort Lauderdale throughout the year. Featured Events Sound Waves The popular Friday Night Sound Waves free concerts are 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. through December. The schedule includes: Dec. 19: …

Watch family-friendly films for free outdoors at ArtsPark in Hollywood.  Movies are usually 8 p.m. Fridays, with occasional exceptions. It’s wise to verify the event is on prior to venturing out.  Films include: Friday, December 19: Polar Express  Friday, Jan. 8, 2026: How to Train Your Dragon Friday, Jan. 23: Superman (2025) Friday, Jan. 30: …

Holiday lights and decorations glisten at a display in Pembroke Pines.  The drive-by version is offered Mondays to Thursdays, and the weekends feature a walk in event with entertainment, photo ops, and a fun zone.  Oasis Church in Pembroke Pines hosts Christmas at the Oasis.  In 2025, the display and events are 6:30 p.m. to …

If you appreciate taking your own interesting holiday photos, South Florida offers some wonderful, whimsical, and festive displays. Adorable selfies. Pose with pals. Broward, Dade and greater Palm Beach offer lots of opportunities  for impressive Instagramable pictures. Plenty of places and events with holiday decor are free.   Snow in Dania Dania Pointe shopping and …

Going out to see holiday lights is an important part of the holiday season. In South Florida, many of those lights are on palm trees and not on evergreens, but that doesn’t make them any less desirable. Florida Christmas lights are still beautiful, and we also have beautiful weather in which to enjoy outdoor light …