There are so many amazing and COMPLETELY FREE things to do with your kids in Palm Beach County this weekend. Here are our picks for the best events. We've also included a few for next weekend so you can get a head start on planning.
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Where: Wellington
When: Dec. 8; 6 p.m.
What: Wellington's Christmas tree lighting kicks off the village's Winterfest, a massive holiday celebration that ends at 10 p.m. and is done in partnership with the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. Vanilla Ice is the headline performer, joined by local acts. The KVJ Show's Vanilla Ice Block Party joins with Winterfest this year, with organizers expecting an estimated 8,000 attendees. Read more HERE.
Where: West Palm Beach
When: Dec. 8; 6 p.m.
What: Watch two movies on the great lawn next to the waterfront in downtown West Palm Beach. The city will be showing Frozen followed by How the Grinch Stole Christmas. There will also be a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Read more HERE.
Where: Boynton Beach and Lantana
When: Dec. 8, beginning at 6 p.m.
What: Once again, Boynton Beach and Delray Beach are putting together a flotilla of brightly-decorated boats. The party begins at Boynton Harbor Marina at 6 p.m. with live music, and the parade starting at 6:30 p.m. Bring toys to donate to Toys for Tots. The parade begins at Lantana Bridge near Key Lime House and travels south along the Intracoastal Waterway to the C-15 canal in Delray Beach. Read more HERE.
UPDATE, DEC. 7: This outdoor event has been canceled because of concerns about inclement weather this weekend.
“Regrettably, we have to cancel this year’s Opera @ The Waterfront,” General Director Daniel Biaggi said in a statement released Thursday. “But with our mainstage productions underway, there is so much more to be excited about.”
Where: West Palm Beach
When: Dec. 9; 2 p.m.
What: Watch an opera next to the waterfront in downtown West Palm Beach. More than 150 musicians will perform an afternoon of live, free opera on the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway. Read more HERE.
Where: Wellington
When: Dec. 10; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Parade begins at 1:30 p.m.
What: The 34th Annual Wellington Holiday Parade will be held at Holiday Park at the Wellington Amphitheater. Read more HERE.
Here are some free events happening later this month. You know, busy parents can never plan too far ahead.
Where: Royal Palm Beach
When: Dec. 15; 7 p.m.
What: Watch the holiday classic movie, "A Christmas Carol" in Royal Palm's Commons Park. Remember to bring a chair. Read more HERE.
Where: Delray Beach
When: Dec. 16; 6:30 p.m.
What: A free holiday-themed movie night on the huge screen at Old School Square Pavilion, NE 1 Ave., Delray Beach. Donate a toy to The Milagro Center. Read more HERE.
Credit: Meg Roussos
Credit: Meg Roussos
Where: Lake Worth
When: Dec. 16; 6 p.m.
What: Lake Worth's Intergalactic Holiday parade begins at 414 Lake Ave. Read More HERE.
Where: Palm Beach
When: Dec. 16; 10:30 a.m.
What: Held in the society's children's library, the family storytime program is considered one of the county's best. All story times are thematic. Books, songs and rhymes address the program's educational theme. Read more about it HERE.
Here are some FREE events happening through the holidays.
Credit: Madeline Gray
Credit: Madeline Gray
Where: West Palm Beach
When: Beginning on Nov. 24 and continuing through Christmas Eve.
What: For the second year in a row, The Palm Beach Outlets will be offering FREE photos with Santa this holiday season. Each family will receive two free professional photos along with a digital download of a single image. One giveaway per family, per Christmas season. For more information, call Palm Beach Outlets at (561) 515-4400 or go online to www.palmbeachoutlets.com.
Where: West Palm Beach
When: Nightly through Dec. 31
What: The "snow" falls on CityPlace's plaza at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; and at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. It's not real snow, but it's as realistic as you can get in South Florida. And the nightly flurries are a huge hit with kids. Read more HERE.
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
Where: Greenacres
When: Nightly through Dec. 30; 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
What: The 27th Annual Winter Wonderland runs through Dec. 30 at Hoffman's Chocolates Factory, Shoppe, Ice Cream Parlour and Gardens at 5190 Lake Worth Road. The event features more than 125,000 LED lights, holiday displays, a giant Christmas tree, live entertainment, and photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The light display will be open nightly, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., through Dec. 30. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Admission is free. Read more HERE.
Where: West Palm Beach
When: Nightly through Dec. 31.
What: Sandi, the 600-ton sand tree is back in town for the winter in downtown West Palm Beach. Enjoy nightly music and light shows. Read more HERE.
Where: West Palm Beach
When: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What: The Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum, located at 300 North Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach, is FREE to all visitors. On Saturday, there is free parking across the street in the lot between 3rd and 4th street. Read more HERE.
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