Boca Raton Holiday Guide 2026: Lights, Celebrations & Season in the Sunshine

By Rich Entel, The Entel Group | Backed by Compass
Published September 27, 2026 (Eastern Time; September 28 UTC) · Updated September 27, 2026

You don’t need snow to make the holidays feel special.

In Boca Raton, the season can start with a walk outside, continue with dinner with friends, and end beneath palm trees wrapped in lights. When family comes to town, there’s room on the calendar for holiday traditions and the everyday pleasures that brought you here.

Whether you live here year-round, return for the winter, or are considering making Boca home, this is your guide to the 2026 holiday season.

Your 2026 holiday calendar

All times are local. Follow the linked organizers for current details before heading out.

Start the season beneath the lights at Mizner Park

The City’s free Holiday Tree Lighting on November 21 is an easy place to start. The announced program includes live music, a holiday market, food and drinks for purchase, crafts, and opportunities for photos with Santa. The ceremonial lighting takes place at 7:30 p.m.

Make it an evening: plan an early dinner, leave time to park, and enjoy the lights together. Plaza Real East and West are scheduled to close to vehicles at 5 p.m. The City also notes that outside chairs are not permitted for this event.

Save an evening for the Holiday Street Parade

Boca’s 54th annual Holiday Street Parade returns December 2 with the theme “Boca by the Beach.” Decorated floats, music, dancers, and local groups will bring the holiday celebration downtown.

Check the route before choosing your viewing spot. The City anticipates changes because of roadwork on Federal Highway and has not yet finalized the route details on its event page. A pre-parade Boca Holiday Mile Run is also noted, with more information to come.

Put holiday music on the calendar

Holiday Pops with The Symphonia takes place December 5 at Mizner Park Amphitheater. The program features conductor John Devlin, the FAU Chamber Singers, and Schola Cantorum of Florida.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. performance. This is a ticketed concert; check the organizer’s booking page for available seats and current prices. For visiting family or an evening with friends, it’s a lovely reason to make plans beyond the usual dinner reservation.

A little holiday magic for the grandchildren

Merry in Mizner offers two especially easy ideas for a family outing. On December 8, Surf’s Up Santa will meet visitors at the giant Downtown Boca Adirondack chair from 6–8 p.m. Think holiday photos with a distinctly Florida feel.

On December 15, the Stuff-a-Plush activity begins at 6 p.m. at Mizner Park’s South Gazebo. It is free and limited to the first 200 attendees, so plan to arrive early.

Shop local at the December Night Market

The December 10 Night Market at Sanborn Square runs from 6–9 p.m. Local makers, artists, snacks, and treats make it an appealing stop for gift browsing or a casual evening outdoors.

Pair the market with dinner nearby and leave yourself time to wander. Sanborn Square is at 72 N. Federal Highway.

Celebrate Hanukkah in Boca Raton

Hanukkah begins at sundown on Friday, December 4, 2026, and ends at nightfall on Saturday, December 12.

If you are looking for a community menorah lighting, holiday meal, or family program, check directly with your synagogue or local organizer for its 2026 schedule and registration requirements. Public Boca-area Hanukkah event dates have not been verified for this edition of the guide.

For those welcoming family, this is also a good time to plan meals and gatherings early—especially when several generations are coming together.

Make a nearby holiday outing to Delray Beach

Just north of Boca, Delray Beach’s 100-foot Christmas Tree Lighting & Yuletide Festival is scheduled for December 1 at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Avenue. The event runs from 6–9 p.m., with the lighting at 7 p.m.

Make this a separate outing on your holiday calendar, with time for downtown browsing or dinner. Check the organizer’s page for activity details and allow extra time for parking.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve

Start with the people you want around the table, then choose the setting. A holiday at home, a restaurant meal, or a club celebration can each work beautifully—with a little planning.

When reserving, ask about holiday menus, seating times, deposits, cancellation policies, and children’s options. For private clubs, confirm guest privileges and reservation rules directly with the club.

The Boca Raton resort also advertises seasonal festivities, but its listed holiday events are exclusive to Club members and resort guests. Check eligibility and individual event details directly with the resort before planning around them. Resort holiday information.

Leave room for the Boca lifestyle

You don’t have to fill every day with an event. Make time for a morning walk, lunch outdoors, an afternoon with family, or a round of golf where you have playing access.

If you are visiting a private country club, confirm guest rules and activity reservations with your host. Holiday visits are also a useful chance to consider what you want from a home: space for visitors, an outdoor dining area, a simpler layout, or proximity to the places you use most.

The Entel Group Take

The holidays have a way of reminding us what we want more of: family nearby, friends around the table, and time to enjoy where we live.

For some people, Boca Raton is a winter escape. For others, one holiday visit starts a conversation about making it home.

If that conversation is on your mind, we can help you explore the communities and homes that fit the way you want to live. Start with our Boca West community guide, or contact The Entel Group to discuss your plans.

Come for the holidays. Imagine staying for the lifestyle.

The Entel Group | Backed by Compass
Private Club Access. Private Client Advisory. One expert. Every top club.
561-759-7777 · theentelgroup.com

Quick questions

When is Boca Raton’s 2026 holiday tree lighting?
Saturday, November 21, from 6–10 p.m. at Mizner Park Amphitheater. The lighting ceremony is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

When is the holiday street parade?
Wednesday, December 2, from 7:30–9 p.m. Check the City’s event page for the final route.

Are all these events free?
No. The City’s tree lighting is free, and Stuff-a-Plush is free with limited capacity. Holiday Pops is ticketed. Purchases, parking, meals, and individual activities may involve additional costs.

Can anyone attend holiday events at The Boca Raton resort?
The resort’s holiday page states that its listed events are exclusive to Club members and resort guests.

Event information checked September 27, 2026. Schedules, access rules, prices, and availability may change. Verify directly with each organizer; for private club activities, verify with club.