The Best Holiday Events in Fort Lauderdale

As the seasons shift and the calendar winds down, Fort Lauderdale becomes a playground of festive delight. Whether you're embracing fall with tropical flair or indulging in winter luxury under the palms, this sun-soaked city knows how to celebrate the holidays in style. From Halloween thrills to iconic parades on the water, here's your curated guide to the best holiday events in Fort Lauderdale, Florida—perfect for families, couples, snowbirds, and anyone seeking seasonal sophistication.

A refined twist on terror awaits thrill-seekers at The Haunt, South Florida's largest Halloween attraction. This immersive experience begins with chef-curated small bites, cocktails, and live music in a stylish open-air environment. From there, brace yourself for an unforgettable trek through 500,000 square feet of tormented forest trails—each with a narrative edge: Florida Man, Psycho Path, Camp Carnage, and La Bruja's Graveyard. Designed for adults, it's the perfect haunted escape for those who crave entertainment with a particular Halloween ambiance.

October 18 and December 7, South Florida Diving Headquarters, Pompano Beach
For the bold and the briny, the South Florida Diving Headquarters hosts annual holiday scuba dives. For Halloween, divers participate in an underwater costume contest and a pumpkin-carving challenge while also traversing a spooky wreck submerged beneath the waves.

In December, Scuba Santa pays divers a visit as they explore a reef and local boat wrecks. The highlight is a chance to score a one-of-a-kind underwater photo op with Santa—a tailor-made holiday card for the Scuba enthusiast.

October 18 and 19, Las Olas Boulevard
Held along the iconic Las Olas Boulevard, the nationally recognized Las Olas Art Fair is a juried art show that transforms the heart of Fort Lauderdale into an open-air gallery. The boulevard's blend of high-end boutiques and world-class dining creates a refined backdrop for collectors and casual shoppers alike. Meet celebrated artists, commission custom pieces, and enjoy a curated art experience within walking distance of waterfront condos and luxury residences.

October 25, Fort Lauderdale Beach
Blending tropical vibes with traditional fall fun, the 5th Annual Pumpkins & Palm Trees Festival brings hayrides and harvest-themed activities to the beach. Hosted at The LOOP (Las Olas Oceanside Park), this free event features:

• Pumpkin-themed photo ops
• Carnival games with prizes
• A Trick-or-Treat Trail
• Balloon artistry
• A student pie-baking competition
• Toddler playland maze
• Live music
• Pumpkin Ferris Wheel

It's a charming way for the entire family to ring in autumn with sea breezes and sand beneath your feet.

October 29 to November 2, seven locations including Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, 17th Street Yacht Basin, and Pier Sixty-Six Marina and Pier Sixty-Six South
Not quite a holiday festival, but a signature South Florida event in its own right, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the world's largest in-water boat show and a must-attend for yachting enthusiasts, discerning buyers, and those wanting to immerse themselves in Fort Lauderdale's luxury boating culture.

Spanning nearly 90 acres, it features:

•  1,300+ vessels, from superyachts to center consoles
• On-deck brand activations
• Marine technology showcases
• Luxury lifestyle products, fine jewelry, and more

This five-day event extends well beyond the basic boat show and serves as a luxury lifestyle showcase, attracting over 100,000 attendees and top-tier clientele from around the globe.

November and December, Las Olas Boulevard
During the holiday season, Las Olas Boulevard twinkles with festive lights and window displays. It's one of the region's best spots for finding designer gifts, one-of-a-kind art, gourmet fare, and luxury accessories. Make a day of it by dining al fresco and toasting the season with a glass of wine under the palms. In addition to the daily seasonal shopping, Las Olas Boulevard plays host to a number of holiday events, including:

• Winterfest Family Fun Day (November 23): A precursor to the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade with live entertainment, games and activities for kids, and giveaways.
  
  
• 63rd Annual Christmas on Las Olas (December 2): The Boulevard's official holiday season kickoff includes sledding on Snow Mountain, live performances from local schools, and plenty of holiday magic.

December 14, parade starts at Stranahan House, travels along the New River in Fort Lauderdale to the Intracoastal Waterway ending in Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach
Fort Lauderdale's crown jewel and revered as "The Best Show on H2O," the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is a dazzling spectacle of lights, music, and holiday spirit. Over 100 boats, from mega-yachts to family cruisers, parade along a 12-mile route down the Intracoastal Waterway, adorned in elaborate lights and décor.

Notable highlights:

• More than 1 million viewers annually
• Named a top 20 parade in the world by the International Festival and Events Association
• Estimated $50M+ in annual economic impact

Reserved grandstand seating, VIP viewing parties, and private yacht charters make Winterfest a truly exclusive experience.

Fort Lauderdale's holiday season offers a unique blend of sun, sophistication, and seasonal celebration. Whether you're carving pumpkins by the beach, sipping champagne at the boat show, or marveling at illuminated yachts gliding through the Intracoastal, this city delivers a truly elevated holiday experience. And for those fortunate enough to call Fort Lauderdale home—or dream of doing so—these events offer a taste of the lifestyle that awaits.

If you're interested in a more permanent move or ready to upgrade your current local lifestyle, and want to learn more about the area's current luxury home market, contact the We Can Help Network today to start your Fort Lauderdale real estate journey.