Fort Lauderdale is Kicking Off the Holiday Season Tonight With a Free Christmas Celebration
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in South Florida! And if you’re looking for something fun to do tonight, Fort Lauderdale is kicking off the holiday season with a free Christmas celebration.
On Thursday, November 5, the City of Fort Lauderdale and Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale are hosting Light Up Lauderdale, a festive evening filled with holiday lights, live music, children’s activities, and a special visit from Santa Claus.
And the best part? It’s completely free to attend!
What to Expect at Light Up Lauderdale
The celebration takes place at Esplanade Park in downtown Fort Lauderdale from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
The event marks the beginning of Light Up Lauderdale, a 10 week celebration featuring sparkling holiday lights along the scenic New River.
Guests can look forward to live holiday musical performances, children’s crafts, a kids’ activity zone, and an appearance by Santa Claus.
One of the highlights of the evening is the official lighting ceremony, scheduled for 6:30 PM.
And if you’re looking for a way to spread a little extra holiday cheer, organizers are also collecting new, unwrapped toys for children ages 3 to 12 as part of the John & Elizabeth’s Toy Drive.
When and Where is Light Up Lauderdale?
Here’s everything you need to know before heading out tonight.
Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Lighting Ceremony: 6:30 PM
Location: Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Admission: Free and open to the public
Parking: there are several nearby parking garages where paid parking is available. Be sure to give yourself a little extra time to find parking before the festivities begin.
Whether you’re planning a little evening outing with friends, looking for something fun to do with the family, or simply ready to get into the Christmas spirit, this is a fun way to kick off the holiday season.
For additional details and updates, visit the official Light Up Lauderdale event page.
