5 Ways to Get into the Holiday Spirit in Downtown West Palm Beach
December 4th, 2025
From festive restaurant menus to ballet performances, this is your guide to exploring.
The holiday season is finally here, which means cooler weather, twinkling palm tree lights, and an iconic holiday sand tree dancing each night. This time of year also invites us to slow down, spend more time with family and friends, and take in the festive scenery. It’s the perfect time to shop, dine, and explore everything Downtown West Palm Beach has to offer, and we’re here to help you do it. If you’re looking to celebrate the season, here are five ways to get into the holiday spirit.
Visit Sandi The Holiday Sand Tree
Forget pine and fir trees, Downtown West Palm Beach has the world’s only 35-foot holiday tree made from 700 tons of sand, and her name is Sandi. She is sassy, she is iconic, and she even has her own social channels (@SandiTreeWPB) where she shares updates and holiday fun. Located on the Downtown Waterfront (100 N. Clematis Street), Sandi is the star of the annual “Holiday in Paradise” celebration, which kicks off on December 4th. Every evening, a spectacular, choreographed light-and-music show runs from 6-10 p.m., turning the Intracoastal into a dazzling tropical winter scene. On December 31st, The Great Lawn will be transformed into a New Year’s Celebration, and Sandi’s final night will feature live performances, a DJ, and a fireworks show, sponsored by the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority, to bring in the new year.
Take A Ride On A Ferris Wheel
Add a thrilling new perspective to your holiday light tour by taking a ride on the Ferris Wheel, also part of the “Holiday in Paradise” celebration. Located near Sandi, the Ferris wheel offers breathtaking views that span from the downtown skyline to the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate the season, enjoy the crisp winter air, and get a full 360-degree view of West Palm Beach’s festive transformation. Ferris wheel rides are available from 6-10 p.m. through December 30th and from 6 p.m. to midnight on December 31st. Rides are $5 per person, per ride, and tickets can be purchased on site.
Explore the Winter Wonderland at The Ben Hotel
For a dose of holiday cheer, head to The Ben, Autograph Collection, Downtown West Palm Beach’s signature hotel. The hotel’s Winter Wonderland is here until January 4, 2026. This year’s expanded 50-by-66-foot real ice rink is surrounded by charming Aspen-style chalets offering retail pop-ups, s’mores, and a full holiday bar. Visitors can also explore the debut of the community-driven Holiday Tree Forest, created in partnership with local nonprofits. The calendar is packed with weekly-themed fun, including Live Music Saturdays and Santa Sundays. The event is free to explore for non-skaters and ticketed for skaters. To purchase tickets, visit TheBenEvents.com.
Catch A Holiday Performance At The Kravis Center
Elevate your holiday spirit with a cultural performance at the world-class Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Throughout December, the Kravis Center hosts a diverse calendar of seasonal spectacles. From December 5-7, catch a performance of The Nutcracker Ballet. There are also choir performances, including the Handel and Hayden Society’s Messiah, and to see young dancers in action, there’s the Nutcracker: Land of Sweets performed by the Palm Beach Atlantic University Preparatory Program in Dance. The Younger Singers of the Palm Beaches will also present Winter Tapestry 2025: Songs of Joy, Light, and Hope, a concert featuring music from Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa traditions.
Enjoy a Seasonal Dish (or Sip) At A Downtown Restaurant
Downtown West Palm Beach’s culinary scene gets a festive makeover during the holidays, and many local restaurants and bars feature seasonal menus. For the 21+ crowd, Juicy Cocktail Bar presents Sippin’ Santa, a curated holiday cocktail menu in a festive atmosphere. Johan’s Joe joins the celebration with its 3rd Annual Julbord event series, offering holiday dishes and seasonal treats that bring a cozy winter flavor to the tropics. On New Year’s Eve, Lynora’s offers a Feast of Seven Fishes, which honors the Italian-American Christmas Eve tradition by serving a party-sized platter of seafood. Reservations are required, and seats are limited. For a night out with the family, The Hilton West Palm Beach offers Jingle & Mingle Holiday Bar, an all-ages event that features hot chocolate, apple cider, and s’mores.
To explore more holiday happenings and specials, visit DowntownWPB.com/Holidays