The biggest holiday events in Palm Beach County in 2026 are the West Palm Beach tree lighting on Thursday, December 3, a packed Saturday, December 5 (Palm Beach Gardens and Boynton Beach tree lightings plus the Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade), and the Boynton Beach Holiday Boat Parade on Friday, December 11. If you want to host your own neighborhood, HOA or church holiday party, pick a night that doesn't clash with these and book your games 3 to 4 weeks ahead. Here are the dates, then a simple plan for your own party.
Palm Beach County holiday events for 2026 (dates confirmed)
These dates come from each city's or organizer's own website, checked on October 15, 2026. All of these events are free to watch.
- West Palm Beach Holiday in Paradise Tree Lighting: Thursday, December 3, 6 to 10 PM, at the Waterfront Commons and Meyer Amphitheatre (100 N. Clematis Street). This is the night the famous sand tree, Sandi, lights up for the season.
- Palm Beach Gardens Tree Lighting: Saturday, December 5, 4 to 8 PM, with the tree lit at 5:45 PM, at Gardens North County District Park.
- Boynton Beach 55th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting: Saturday, December 5, 4 to 10 PM, at Centennial Park and Amphitheater (120 E. Ocean Avenue).
- Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade (32nd year): Saturday, December 5. Boats leave North Palm Beach at 6 PM and reach Jupiter around 8 PM, led by a traveling fireworks show. Popular viewing spots include Bert Winters Park, Juno Park, Sawfish Bay Park and Lighthouse Park.
- Boynton Beach Holiday Boat Parade: Friday, December 11, 6 to 9 PM. The official watch spot is Boynton Harbor Marina (735 Casa Loma Boulevard).
Other favorites, like the Wellington and Lake Worth Beach holiday parades, usually happen in mid-December. Their 2026 dates were not posted yet when we wrote this, so check the city websites before you plan around them.
Why December 5 is the night to skip
Three of the biggest events land on the same Saturday. Roads near the parks and the waterfront get busy, and many of your neighbors will already have plans. If you are planning an HOA holiday party, a church Christmas event or a neighborhood block party, you will usually get more people on a different night.
Good options are Friday, December 4, Saturday, December 12, or Saturday, December 19. Palm Beach County schools start winter break on Monday, December 21, so the weekend before the break is a happy time for a party. Some families travel once the break starts.
How to plan your own holiday party in 5 steps
1. Pick a date that skips the big events
Look at the list above and choose a night that doesn't clash. An afternoon party from 2 to 5 PM also works well, since the parades and tree lightings start in the evening.
2. Book your spot and get approval
For a block party or HOA event, ask your HOA or city about street, clubhouse or park rules first. Churches and schools should reserve the field, hall or gym. Many city parks rent covered pavilions, which give you shade and a rain backup.
3. Choose 3 or 4 holiday games
Games keep kids busy and give parents a reason to stay. Our Crazy Games FL holiday games are our own equipment, built for groups:
- Snowball Fight (from $349): two teams toss soft snowballs over inflatable bunkers. All the fun of a snowball fight, without the cold. Ages 4 and up.
- Giant Ornament & Spoon Race (from $299): teams race while balancing oversized ornaments on giant spoons. Ages 6 and up.
- Reindeer Hop Race (from $299): kids bounce on inflatable reindeer hoppers around the cones and tag the next teammate. Ages 4 and up.
- Milk & Cookie Toss (from $399): kids toss soft cookies into milk targets. Easy for the youngest guests.
- Candy Cane Run (from $399): a holiday relay with oversized candy canes, cones and course markers.
4. Plan lights, power and snacks
December sunset in Palm Beach County comes early, around 5:30 PM, so plan string lights for an evening party. Ask us about power needs when you book, so we can set up near an outlet or bring what you need. A popcorn or cotton candy machine makes it feel like a real holiday fair.
5. Book 3 to 4 weeks ahead
December weekends fill up fast for party rentals. Book your games 3 to 4 weeks before the party, and earlier for a big HOA or church event. Our guide on how far in advance to book has more tips.
Ideas for HOA, church and school holiday parties
HOA or block party: set up two or three games on the clubhouse lawn, add a snack station and run the games in short rounds so every kid gets a turn.
Church Christmas event: games work well before or after a program. The Milk & Cookie Toss and Reindeer Hop Race are easy for little ones, while older kids love the Snowball Fight.
School holiday party: see our full school winter carnival guide for a station plan.
Holiday party FAQ
When is the West Palm Beach tree lighting in 2026?
Thursday, December 3, 2026, from 6 to 10 PM at the Waterfront Commons and Meyer Amphitheatre, 100 N. Clematis Street. It is free.
When is the Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade in 2026?
Saturday, December 5, 2026. The boats leave North Palm Beach at 6 PM and reach Jupiter around 8 PM.
Can holiday games be set up indoors?
Yes. Our holiday games work indoors or outdoors, so a gym, fellowship hall or clubhouse is a great spot. Send us the room size and we'll tell you what fits.
What ages are the holiday games for?
Snowball Fight, Reindeer Hop Race, Candy Cane Run and Milk & Cookie Toss are designed for ages 4 and up. The Giant Ornament & Spoon Race is designed for ages 6 and up. Adults can play too.
Do you deliver to my city?
We serve Palm Beach, Martin, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Our order minimum is $350. Delivery, setup and pickup are free within 15 miles of West Palm Beach, with a delivery fee farther out. See our areas we serve.
Plan your holiday party with Crazy Games FL
Enjoy the tree lightings and boat parades, then bring the fun home to your own street, church or school on a night that's all yours. See all of our holiday games, then book online or call Crazy Games FL at 877-963-8368 to hold your December date.