Illustration of Santa in a knitted red suit in a wooden armchair as two small children show him paper lists by a fireplace (Light Up Lauderdale (Get Lit))

Light Up Lauderdale (Get Lit)

Visitors gather along the New River to celebrate the lighting of seasonal displays and attend the annual lighting ceremony. The celebration features live holiday musical performances, crafts, and a dedicated Kids Zone. Families can also stop by to enjoy a special visit from Santa.

Map It Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

Website / Tickets

parks.fortlauderdale.gov

When

Hours

Kickoff: 5:30-8:30 PM; Kids Zone: 5:30 - 8:30 PM; Lighting Ceremony: 6:30 PM.

Ages

All ages

Accessibility

Event information is available in alternate formats by calling (954) 828-4755 or emailing strategiccommunications@fortlauderdale.gov.

Going?

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Esplanade Park · 400 SW 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and family-friendly

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Get there before the lighting ceremony so you're on the Riverwalk when the holiday lights along the New River come on.
  • Bring younger children to the Kids Zone, which runs all evening, and look out for the kids' crafts and the visit from Santa.
  • Stay after the lighting ceremony, because live holiday music and entertainment carry on through the rest of the evening.
  • Come back to walk the Riverwalk later in the season, because the lights along the New River stay up for the full 10 weeks.

Links & Contact

Run by Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale

Website / Tickets Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens at the kickoff?

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale hosts the "Get Lit" night. There's live holiday music, kids' crafts, a visit from Santa, a Kids Zone and the lighting ceremony.

Is it good for kids?

Yes. The Kids Zone runs all evening, and there are crafts and a visit from Santa.

How long do the lights stay up?

The kickoff launches Light Up Lauderdale, a 10-week celebration of holiday lights along the New River.

Are there other light-up events in Fort Lauderdale?

Yes. The city also holds Light Up the Galt, Light Up the Beach, Light Up Sistrunk, a Menorah Lighting Celebration and Light Up Carter Park.

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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