Winter & Holiday Fun in South Florida 2023

Winter in a Sunny Wonderland! While the first snowflakes are falling up North, we are warm and sunny here in South Florida. December is a great time to get out and enjoy some of the winter and holiday fun South Florida has to offer. Winter break is an excellent time to check out the fantastic area we live in that we get to call home. Many of our favorite places to visit will be hosting fun holidays and winter-themed activities to keep the kids busy during the holiday season.

Cox Science Center and Aquarium has a full schedule of holiday events and activities planned so you can be merry and bright all season long!

Winter Wonderland Laser Lights and Bites  Guests of all ages can sing and dance along to holiday favorites during our outdoor Laser Concert spectacular. Explore outdoor exhibits, mini golf, and entertainment like never before with dazzling lights, science-themed activities, food trucks, and laser shows on our Cox Amphitheater stage. This year we are thrilled to have our guests experience our festive holiday lighting on the first 9-holes of our golf course, presented by FPLSolarNow! Fridays Dec. 16, 23 and 30th 6:00-9:00PM, Laser shows @ 7:00PM, 8:00PM. Admission to Laser Lights & Bites: $18.95 for adults, $16.95 for seniors, $14.95 for children, $15.95 for adult members, $11.95 for children members. Children under 3 FREE. Activities include facepainting, Santa photos on (Dec 16 and 23), Winter crafts, DIY Smores Station and more! For more information go to www.coxsciencecenter.org/Winter-Wonderland.

Noon Year’s Eve at Cox Science Center – Ring in the new yar on our 5-acre Science Trail when the clock strikes NOON! Live Science demos, musi and dancing, DIY confetti poppers and more. Families will toast to the new new year with dry ice apple cider.  For more information www.coxsciencecenter.org/noon-years-eve.

Holiday time means fun time at Schoolhouse Children’s Museum &  Learning Center. They have a calendar of  activities that are loaded with holiday and winter fun. Here are some highlights that are available for all ages.

Dec. 14th – Gingerbread Man Decorating

Dec. 15th – Holiday Music Circle with Mr. Noam

Dec.16th – Grinchmas

Dec. 20th- Hanukkah Celebration 

Dec. 21st – “Trixie the Holiday Pixie”
Dec. 23rd – The Night Before Christmas

Dec. 28th – Winter Wonderland

Dec. 29th – Kwanzaa Celebration

Dec. 30th- Happy New Year!

For more information and a complete calendar of events go to www.schoolhousemuseum.org.

Magic of McKee Festival of Lights Come celebrate the holiday season at McKee Botanical Garden during the Magic of McKee Festival of Lights on Thursday, December 15 through Saturday, December 17; Tuesday, December 20 through Friday, December 23; and Wednesday, December 28 through Friday, December 30, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM each night. The last admission ticket sold at 7:30 pm.

 Relive moments of holidays past as you marvel at McKee’s nostalgic large-scale train display (December 20-23 and December 28-30) and listen to the sounds of the 1924 Wurlitzer Band Organ (December 20-23). Intermittent snow flurries create a traditional holiday spirit in the Garden along with Santa, outdoor holiday movies, performances by local entertainers and special holiday treats from the Garden Café. Thousands of bright and colorful professionally installed lights will illuminate the Garden pathways along with lighted holiday displays and festive decorations.

Dates and times for the activities vary. Please check our website for a complete schedule as dates and times are subject to change. In addition, the Garden will host holiday-themed crafts from December 6-23 from 10 am to 12 pm (Tuesday through Friday).Note:  Off-site parking and shuttle buses are located at 146 Vista Royale Sq. (less than a mile south of McKee Botanical Garden).

Admission:  $15 Adults, $13 Seniors (65+)/Youth (13-17), $10 Children (2-12). McKee members and children under 2 free.  The Garden will close at 5:00 pm and will reopen at 6:00 pm for these special events. For a complete listing of dates and times of all the activities, please visit our website at www.mckeegarden.org.

20th Anniversary Season: Winter Tapestry

Young Singers of the Palm Beaches WINTER TAPESTRY has become a local holiday tradition! Join the Young Singers for a musical celebration, weaving together holiday favorites and new surprises. Enjoy entertaining performances, join in the holiday sing-along, be amazed as you hear the powerful George W. Mergens Memorial Organ, and spend the evening filled with joy! The concert features over 200 youngsters in grades 2 through 12 in a professionally produced show on the main stage of the Kravis Center. Bring your family and enjoy the songs of the season at Palm Beach’s favorite holiday show – Saturday, December 10, 2022 7:30 PM. $15-$60. Available through Kravis Center’s box office, by calling 561-832-7469, or online at www.kravis.org/winter-tapestry – Young Singers of the Palm Beaches www.yspb.org.

Santa’s Secret Workshops are back at Kids Need More Art!  Join KNMA to make gifts from the heART! Make a memorable holiday gift for someone special. All events include pizza. Register fee covers all supplies. For children ages 5-12. $30 per a child. For workshop dates and registration go to www.kidsneedmoreart.com.

However you decide to spend or celebrate the holidays and winter break, 

PB Parenting sends you warm seasons greetings and best wishes forthe New Year!