Boca Jolly Days, a series of winter holiday festivities, kicks off on Saturday, November 18 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Mizner Park Amphitheater (MPA), 590 Plaza Real, with the annual Tree Lighting, a FREE holiday happening, culminating with the City of Boca Raton’s and Mizner Park’s annual tree lighting ceremony.
“BOCA JOLLY DAYS” KICKS OFF ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 FROM 5 P.M. TO 9 P.M. WITH TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Live Music, Vendor Marketplace, Photos with Santa & More
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA (November 9, 2023) – Boca Jolly Days, a series of winter holiday festivities, kicks off on Saturday, November 18 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Mizner Park Amphitheater (MPA), 590 Plaza Real, with the annual Tree Lighting, a FREE holiday happening, culminating with the City of Boca Raton’s and Mizner Park’s annual tree lighting ceremony.
Festivities will include live music on the Mizner Amphitheater stage; a holiday vendor marketplace; lighting displays throughout Mizner Park; food trucks; kids craft area; and free photos with Santa Claus.
The evening will feature the ceremonial lighting of the City’s tree led by Mayor Scott Singer and City Council at 7:15 p.m., that will illuminate simultaneously with Mizner Park’s 30-foot “Merry Magenta” tree at the south end of the center and all of the holiday lights and displays, to bring vibrant flamingos and an under-the-sea theme throughout Downtown Boca.
Frolic with vibrant flamingos, become a part of a holiday postcard, or dive in with glittering sea creatures while strolling through Mizner Park this holiday season. From manatees to elves and so much more, these impressive lighting displays from the City of Boca Raton will light up the night through January 1, 2024.
Visit the City of Boca Raton’s nearly 30’ “Seas-and-Greetings” tree at the neighboring Sanborn Square, standing out with ocean-themed ornaments, dynamic lights and three-foot-tall star fish.
“This year’s holiday season in Boca Raton brings cheer throughout Downtown Boca with special events and displays throughout the area,” said Amy DiNorscio, Amphitheater and Community Events Manager for the City of Boca Raton. “We encourage all visitors to share their photos with us, tagging @citybocaraton and #LoveBocaRaton.”
Throughout Mizner Park, 50,000 LED lights will adorn 75 palm trees; poles will be laced with garland; lights and four wreaths (each 60” in diameter) will be placed throughout the center; garland will be swooped throughout the gazebos and the valet parking station – all of which will be decorated with lights and holiday trimmings.
Your favorite Mizner Park restaurants will be open with special seating options offering great views of the holiday décor and lights. Please contact the restaurants directly for more information.
The event is sponsored by the City of Boca Raton, Mizner Park, and WPBF-TV.
Other holiday events and happenings, presented by the City of Boca Raton, include:
MERRY IN MIZNER | Nov. 18 – Jan. 1 | Nightly
Mizner Park
Take a stroll through Mizner Park and take in the beauty of our holiday light displays. Frolic with vibrant flamingos or venture under the sea in the heart of Downtown Boca Raton.
ORNAMENT NATURALLY | Sat., Dec. 2 | 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.; or 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
Create ornaments and decorations with holiday themes from shells, sea beans, pinecones, and craft supplies. Materials are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. Advanced reservations required.
Ages: 7+
Cost: Residents and Members $12, Others $15
GUMBO LIMBO AGLOW! | Sat., Dec. 3, 8, 15, 22 | 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
Experience a special evening visit to our “glowing” outdoor aquariums. Enjoy holiday refreshments, yard games, and a festive photo with our mascot Luna. Advanced reservations are required.
Ages: 7+
Cost: Residents and Members $15, Others $19
HOLIDAY PARADE | Wed., Dec. 6 | 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Holiday Parade
Federal Highway & SE 5th Street to the MPA
A city tradition since 1970, the City’s annual Holiday Parade is sure to astound with music, dancing, lights and more. This year’s theme is Holidays on the Silver Screen. Interested in participating? Visit the City of Boca Raton’s website to complete an application by Tuesday, November 3, 2023.
DECK THE HOUSE | Fri., Dec. 8 – Fri., Dec. 15
This season, share in the holiday cheer and spirit by entering the City of Boca Holiday Home & Business Decorating Contest. Participants will be highlighted in the Holiday Decorating Contest Tour for the community to enjoy. Entrees only considered from the city limits and the Boca Raton Greater Beach and Park District. Register online starting October 1.
SEASON OF LIGHTS MUSIC SERIES | Dec. 8, 15, 22 & 22 | 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
South End of Mizner Park
Get into the holiday spirit with live music by outstanding local performing artists around the Mizner Park tree.
Fri, Dec 8: Morgan Minsk
Fri, Dec 15: Holden Amory
Fri, Dec 22: Teddy Sings
Fri, Dec 29: TBD
MERRY IN MIZNER: STUFF-A-PLUSH | Sun., Dec. 10 | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
South Gazebo, Mizner Park
Stop by Mizner Park to take home your own winter critter complete with birth certificate, wishing star and on-site stuffing. Limited to the first 200 attendees.
HOLIDAY ROUND ROBIN | Sat., Dec 10 | 9 p.m. – 11 p.m.
The Racquet Center
Stop by The Racquet Center to enjoy a mixed doubles round robin style play, and refreshments to follow!
Ages: 18+
Cost: Residents $25, Non-Residents $31.25
CREATING HOLIDAY CARDS | Tues., Dec. 12 | 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Downtown Library
Create your own cards to take home and participate in a Cricut Maker 3 demonstration. Library card is required for registration.
MERRY IN MIZNER: MEET THE GRINCH | Tues., Dec. 12 | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
North Gazebo, Mizner Park
As cuddly as a cactus and as charming as an eel, don’t miss out on a free photo with the green legend in Mizner Park.
WINTER ART MAKE-AND-TAKE | Fri., Dec. 15 | 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Downtown and Spanish River Libraries
Join the fun! Stop by for our family winter art-making activities to make-and-take home something special. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Details
Ages: 5 – 8
HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE | Sat., Dec. 16 | 6:30 p.m.
Public Viewing at Red Reef Park, Silver Palm Park & Wildflower Park
The 49th Annual Holiday Boat Parade on Saturday, December 16 will begin at 6:30 p.m. and light up the waterways beginning at C-15 Canal, traveling south, with the primary public viewing and activities at Red Reef Park, and additional public viewing locations at Silver Palm Park and Wildflower Park. For more information or to enter the parade, visit www.myboca.us/communityevents.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TENNIS MIXER | Sun., Dec. 17 | 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Boca Raton Tennis Center
Stop by the Boca Raton Tennis Center for a fun Tennis Mixer. Round robin style play. Mixed doubles. For levels 3.5 – 4.5.
DO YOU WANT TO PAINT A SNOWMAN? | Wed, Dec 27 | 11am, 1pm and 3pm
Sugar Sand Park Community Center
Bring some holiday cheer to SSPCC. We’ll provide the supplies; you paint a snowperson to be displayed in our hallway “gallery” through January 14, 2024. 1 hour sessions. Adult supervision required. Pre-Registration recommended.
Ages: 5+
Cost: Residents $10; Non-Residents $12.50. One adult free with each paid child, each additional adult: $3
BUILD AN EDIBLE HOLIDAY HOUSE | Fri., Dec. 29 |11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Sugar Sand Park Community Center
Make your own edible Holiday House! We’ll host two 60-minute sessions, with plenty of goodies to build and decorate your house. Pre-registration and adult supervision required. All supplies included.
Ages: 5+
Cost: Residents $10; Non-Residents $12.50. One free adult with each paid child. Each additional adult $3
NOON YEAR’S EVE PARTY | Sun., Dec. 31 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sugar Sand Park Community Center
Kids get to ring in the New Year with DJ, dancing, games, crafts, activities, a juice toast at noon and a ball drop. Adult supervision required. Pre-register by Dec 30.
Ages: 4-9
For additional Boca Jolly Days events and for details on City happenings, visit www.myboca.us/CommunityEvents.
About Boca Raton:
The City of Boca Raton boasts five miles of gorgeous beaches, 48 parks, and 1,650 acres of recreational space, attracting residents and visitors year-round. The City’s Recreation Services Department hosts a full calendar of free community events at select parks and the Mizner Park Amphitheater.
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