Fort Lauderdale Beach and our neighboring areas just beyond offer many opportunities to see Santa, whether for a timeless holiday photo, a play date with your pet, or for a special meal in a life-size gingerbread house.
Pack up your family and friends and plan your visit with the big man himself, up and down Fort Lauderdale Beach.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA
November 17 - December 24
Santa Claus is coming town!
The man in red makes his grand arrival at his South Florida home home at The Galleria Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, November 17, where he will be available for visits and photos throughout the holiday season in front of Macy’s.
Photo packages are available through Christmas Eve on Monday, December 24.
View Santa's Hours & Reindeer Feeding Times
The Galleria welcomes your four-legged friends for photos with Santa!
Photos can be taken at the Santa Set near Macy’s.
November 19 – 20 • 5pm – 8pm
November 27 – 28 • 5pm – 8pm
December 5 • 5pm – 8pm
Reservations are required; call 954-564-1036.
Children with special needs and their families are invited to experience the time-honored tradition of photos* with Santa Claus during this sensory-friendly, wheelchair accessible event on Sun., December 2 from 11am – 1pm •
*Photo packages are available starting at $24.99 with a portion of the proceeds benefiting ARC Broward.
Reserve your time with Santa
Christmas on Las Olas
Tuesday, November 27
Tuesday November 27th Las Olas Boulevard will celebrate its 56th year creating holiday magic in downtown Fort Lauderdale! Christmas on Las Olas is a timeless tradition and a wonderful kick-off to the holiday season that can be enjoyed by all ages. The event runs from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. between S.E. 6th Avenue and S.E. 11th Avenue, and is free and open to the public. Local choirs from schools and churches fill the air with the sounds of the holidays while crowds fill their bellies with sips and sweets! View Details
Dogs, Beaches & Brews with Santa
Friday, November 30
Following the monthly Dog, Beaches & Brews gathering on Fort Lauderdale Beach, pets and their people will welcome a special visit from Santa Claus during the after party at The Parrot Lounge.
From 7:30 to 9:30 those attending are welcome to take photos (using your own phone) with your pups for a $5 donation to benefit Everglades Angels Dog Rescue. View Event Details
Holiday Magic at Bonnet House
November 30 - December 7
On November 30, 2018 Bonnet House Museum & Garden's kicks off the season at the annual Holiday Soiree as part of their new Holiday Magic week long program, December 1 - December 7. Featuring decorated trees and wreaths donated by local artists, and available for purchase to benefit the organization, evenings will something exciting for adults and kids alike, from Santa and his elves, to strolling carolers, to Christmas story telling and more. View Event Details
Putting on the Ritz
December 1 - December 24
The tradition continues December 1, with the The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale's annual life-size Gingerbread House Unveiling . Hosted from 6pm - 8 pm in the resort's lobby, guests will enjoy complimentary Santa Snacks and live music while touring the house made from over 1,000 lbs of dough.
Purchase a $20 Ritz-Carlton Lion to benefit SOS Children's Village and receive a complimentary photo with Santa Claus, and all children joining in on the festivities will enjoy a complimentary meal at Burlock Coast with the purchase of any adult entree.
For those looking for a more intimate experience in the Gingerbread House and some one-on-one time with the Big Man, up to 6 guests can reserve the Holly Jolly: Gingerbread Dining Experience from December 2 - 23rd. Priced at $899 for breakfast and brunch, and $999 for dinner, the 2.5 hour experience includes a family style meal and drinks catered by Burlock Coast, and a visit and photos with Santa. Reservations are required. Call (954) 302-6425. View Details
The Polar Express
Select Dates December 1 - December 31
Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on The Polar Express™ for a magical one-hour trip to meet Santa. Once on board, your car hosts will work their way through the coach and punch your golden ticket before hot chocolate and a delicious cookie are served by dancing chefs. Passengers then read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. View Date & Ticket Information
Jungle Bell Jog
Saturday, December 15
What's better than running into Santa on the Beach? Running with 1,000 menu, women, children and dogs dressed up like Santa in the annual Jingle Bell Jog on Fort Lauderdale Beach. A signature South Florida holiday event, and fun for the whole family, all registered runners will receive a Santa suit costume, featuring a hat, beard, jacket, pants and a belt; and of course Jingle Bells to attach to your running shoes! Register today!
Santa on the Beach
Wednesday, December 19
Santa makes his annual pilgrimage to Fort Lauderdale Beach for fun photos in the sand with children of all ages and candy cane giveaway. Arriving by motorcade, Santa will begin his Santa on the Beach journey from Police Headquarters at noon, travel down Las Olas Boulevard, and will make it to his final destination at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park (1100 Seabreeze Boulevard) at 12:45. View Santa's Route.