Patti Roth

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 …

For an interesting twist on nightlife activities, register for evening nature walks at Broward parks.  Some parks occasionally offer night hikes in forests, prairies, on shorelines and other intriguing outdoor spaces. On the tour, you’ll savor distinctive nocturnal sights, scents and sounds of evenings in the wild. It’s a nice idea for a romantic date, …

See works of art indoors and outdoors and shop wares from artisan vendors during the popular Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk. The free event typically takes place 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. third Saturdays on Hollywood Boulevard and Harrison Street. The events usually include live music by regional bands and entertainment featuring a  magician. Downtown Hollywood is …

The Margate Winter Festival in 2025 is 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, December 19, with free entry. Snow is featured. The  festival includes: Florida-style sledding. Photos with Santa. Live music. Kids’ activities. Food vendors. Craft fair. Event venue is the Margate Sports Complex, 1695 Banks Road, Margate, FL 33063.  Parking is free. More free …

Wilton Manors is planning several holiday events for 2025. Holiday lighting Holiday lighting is 6:30 p.m. Thursday, December 4, at Flippen Park, 2109 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors 33305. The event features lighting a tree, menorah and kinara. Live music and food vendors are included, plus activities for kids. Santa on his water sleigh Santa and …

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: 8 p.m. Friday, December 5: Smurfs 8 p.m. Friday, December 12: Frozen II 8 p.m. Friday, December 19: Polar Express  Feel free …

Happy Hanukkah! Broward County organizations have planned a number of public events to celebrate Hanukkah this year. The Jewish holiday in 2025 will be celebrated December 14 – 21. Hanukkah celebrates both a military victory and a miracle. The holiday commemorates the victory of the Maccabees, a Jewish army, over the Syrian-Greek army, which enabled …

Old Town in Pompano Beach is the venue for free Backyard Jam events featuring local and regional bands. The events are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. select third Fridays and entry is free. Entertainment  includes: December 19. More Better Band January 16. JP Soars and the Red Hots February 20. Acoustic Fingers March 20. Revibe …

For an entertaining evening out, Pembroke Pines is hosting Beats & Bites featuring favorite hits from different decades and food trucks.  Regional bands perform at the events and entry is free.  Beats & Bites events are 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in 2025, including: November 20. Juanabe, throwback to the 1980s. December 18. Valerie Tyson …

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 …