It's beginning to look a lot like the holidays around Palm Beach County, even if the weather is still a toasty 80 degrees. Floridians favor the warm sunshine all year and offer no complaints about donning sundresses, sandals, and Santa-designed swim shorts as they saunter down Worth Avenue and check off their holiday shopping lists. If you are fortunate enough to call Palm Beach home, or if you are here just taking a reprieve from the blistery northeastern weather, be sure to attend these seven heartwarming holiday events.


The Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade

While standing in freezing cold temperature watching inflatable Peanut characters float through Times Square is a memorable experience, watching decorated vessels cruise down the Intracoastal while inhaling the salt-infused air is a soul-soothing spectacle. The 24th annual Palm Beach Boat Parade takes place Saturday, December 1st at 6 p.m. Lighted boats are often adorned with holiday characters and journey from North Palm Beach up to Jupiter. The event benefits Toys for Tots and Little Smiles.


Delray Beach Christmas Tree Lighting

Although each municipality in Palm Beach County hosts its own Christmas tree lighting ceremony and festivities, Delray Beach 100-foot Christmas Tree Lighting is one not to miss. The event takes place at Old School Park on Thursday, November 29th at 7:15 p.m. Once the tree is lit, Santa joins spectators for pictures, ice-skating, miniature golf, carousel rides, hot chocolate, and more.


Holiday Movie Night at Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse

Outdoor movie in December? In Jupiter, the answer is always yes. Grab your beach chairs or blankets and enjoy a special showing of the movie "White Christmas" on the lawn beside the Jupiter Lighthouse. Hosted by the Lighthouse Luminary Circle, the cost is only $5 per person and benefits the Lighthouse. Food and beverage options will be available for purchase, and the museum gift shop will also be open so patrons can shop too!


Christmas with the Chimps

A cageless zoo experience, Lion Country Safari in West Palm Beach will showcase its annual "Christmas with the Chimps" event on December 20th at 10:30 a.m. This is the only time guests are able to get out of their vehicles and observe the chimps as they receive special Christmas gifts from Santa Claus. With admission, guests are privy to this exciting experience, which benefits the chimpanzees. Other popular attractions at the park include zebras, rhinoceroses, giraffes, impalas, lions, and other African animals. After the drive-through excursion, patrons spend the afternoon enjoying the themed rides, feeding the giraffes, and touring the educational exhibits.


The Nutcracker Ballet

The Eissey Theater in Palm Beach Gardens will present the Dance Theater of Florida's full showcase of the Nutcracker, a story that sojourns Clara's magical dream to "The Sweet Land." Featuring highly accoladed dancers, the Nutcracker shows at 7 p.m. on December 15th and 2 p.m. on December 16th. Ticket prices begin at $22.

Snowfall on the Square

The only type of snow Floridians will brave is fake snow. Each night, Florida sweet snow gently falls at City Place in West Palm Beach. The snow occurs at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. each night, with an additional session at 8 p.m. on Thursday-Sunday. The white fluff is a beautiful backdrop to the decorated Christmas tree, lighted palm trees, and well-positioned poinsettias.


Ugly Christmas Sweater Bar Crawl

City Place also hosts an "Ugly Christmas Sweater Crawl" on December 8th from 2 p.m until 8 p.m. Sporting the tackiest threads, participants will visit various bars throughout City Place. Tickets are $15 each and include four drinks. On December 15th during the same time frame, Harbourside Place in Jupiter will also host an ugly sweater pub crawl. Both of these spirited events benefit Toys for Tots.

If you are unable to attend any or all of the aforementioned events while in Florida this holiday season, try to at least take time to soak in the sunshine, play a round of golf, walk along the white sand beach, build a snowman sandcastle, and -- of course -- be sure to take plenty of pictures in your Santa-themed hawaiian shirt and send to your relatives up north. And if you, or your relatives, would like to exchange snow shovels for sand shovels, contact a NV real estate professional to preview available properties. Happy holidays!

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