# Christmas parades and tree lightings in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, 2026

> We found five Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Miami and Fort Lauderdale with 2026 dates: one parade and four tree lightings and lighting nights, four free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.

- Last checked: 2026-10-29
- 5 parades and tree lightings with 2026 dates
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## Christmas parades

- **Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade** at New River, Stranahan House to the Broward Center, Downtown Fort Lauderdale. When: Sat, Dec 12, 2026. Time: 6–8:30pm; non-motorized boats pre-show at 5:30pm. Price: Not listed; paid viewing areas are sold on the parade site. Lit-up boats head east along the New River from Stranahan House. This is the 55th year. Official page: https://winterfestparade.com/events/the-seminole-hard-rock-winterfest-boat-parade (checked 2026-10-29)

## Tree lightings and lighting nights

- **Light Up Lauderdale** at Esplanade Park, Riverwalk, Downtown Fort Lauderdale. When: Thu, Nov 5, 2026. Time: 5:30–8:30pm; lighting at 6:30pm. Price: Free. Kicks off ten weeks of lights along the New River, with a kids’ zone, crafts and a visit from Santa. Official page: https://www.parks.fortlauderdale.gov/special-events/special-events/light-up-the-holidays (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Light Up the Beach** at Las Olas Oceanside Park, Fort Lauderdale Beach. When: Thu, Nov 19, 2026. Time: 5:30–8:30pm; lighting at 6:30pm. Price: Free. More than 50,000 lights on the beachfront and Olas, the 20-foot beach snowman at A1A and Las Olas. Kids’ zone with Santa and inflatables. Official page: https://www.parks.fortlauderdale.gov/special-events/special-events/light-up-the-holidays (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Coral Gables Christmas Tree Lighting** at Merrick Park, in front of City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables. When: Fri, Dec 4, 2026. Time: Show 5:30pm; Santa lights the tree at 7pm. Price: Free; VIP family tickets for Coral Gables residents. Christmas Park opens that night with carnival games, crafts and food vendors. The playground closes briefly during the lighting. Official page: https://flcoralgablesweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?FMID=175971250&Module=PST (checked 2026-10-29)
- **Light Up Sistrunk** at Sistrunk Boulevard between NW 9th and 11th Avenues, Fort Lauderdale. When: Fri, Dec 4, 2026. Time: 5–8pm; tree lighting at 7pm. Price: Free. A giant tree, live bands, a free toy giveaway and a kids’ zone with Santa and bounce houses. Official page: https://www.parks.fortlauderdale.gov/special-events/special-events/light-up-the-holidays (checked 2026-10-29)

## About this list
- Published by Littles Weekly (https://littlesweekly.com/). Free weekly lists for kids ages 0–6, city by city.
- How we choose and check listings, and how to send a correction: https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/ (corrections: hello@littlesweekly.com).
- Sponsored spots are labeled on the HTML pages and are not part of this editorial list.
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## FAQ

### When is the Christmas parade in Miami and Fort Lauderdale in 2026?
Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade: Sat, Dec 12, 2026, 6–8:30pm; non-motorized boats pre-show at 5:30pm (Downtown Fort Lauderdale).

### When is the Christmas tree lighting in Miami and Fort Lauderdale?
Light Up Lauderdale at Esplanade Park, Riverwalk: Thu, Nov 5, 2026, 5:30–8:30pm; lighting at 6:30pm. Light Up the Beach at Las Olas Oceanside Park: Thu, Nov 19, 2026, 5:30–8:30pm; lighting at 6:30pm. Coral Gables Christmas Tree Lighting at Merrick Park, in front of City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way: Fri, Dec 4, 2026, Show 5:30pm; Santa lights the tree at 7pm. Light Up Sistrunk at Sistrunk Boulevard between NW 9th and 11th Avenues: Fri, Dec 4, 2026, 5–8pm; tree lighting at 7pm.

### Are Christmas parades and tree lightings in Miami and Fort Lauderdale free?
Four of the five we list are free to watch: Light Up Lauderdale, Light Up the Beach, Coral Gables Christmas Tree Lighting and Light Up Sistrunk. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.

### Which are best for little kids?
Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.

### How do you check these parades and tree lightings?
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 29, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. [How we choose and check](https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/).