Delray Beach’s Towering Tradition!
You haven’t truly seen a Christmas tree until you’ve stood in the glow of Delray Beach’s 100-foot marvel. Forget twinkle lights on palm trees, this is holiday spectacle at full scale. On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, Old School Square will transform into a coastal North Pole, complete with music, ice skating, mini golf, and one very famous visitor in red.
The Star of the Show
At exactly 7:00 PM, the switch flips and the city’s skyline changes. The 100-Foot Christmas Tree Lighting has been a Delray Beach tradition for nearly three decades, drawing more than 40,000 people from across South Florida each year. Covered in thousands of twinkling lights and topped with a star big enough to rival anything at Rockefeller Center, it’s not just a tree it’s a community landmark dressed for the season.
But here’s the twist: you can actually go inside. The tree’s walk-through interior features whimsical, animated displays that nod to Delray Beach’s history, from its early pineapple groves to its beloved seaside charm. It’s the kind of local detail that makes this event more than just a photo op; it’s a love letter to the city itself.
Lights, Laughs, and Local Flavor
Once the lights are on, the party spills into the streets with a full-blown Yuletide Festival. Families lace up for the outdoor ice rink (yes, real ice even in Florida), kids ride the carousel, and local vendors dish out hot cocoa and seasonal treats that pair surprisingly well with 70-degree weather. Add in live music, twinkling storefronts, and Santa posing for photos before his sleigh gets beach sand in the runners, and you’ve got one of the most spirited nights on the South Florida calendar.
This event isn’t just about holiday magic, it’s about community. Volunteers, local businesses, and city staff work for months to pull it off, ensuring that Delray Beach shines a little brighter every December. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just in town for the weekend, the 100-Foot Christmas Tree Lighting is the kind of gathering that makes you feel right at home.
Plan your visit or explore more festive Florida happenings at https://guidetoflorida.com/festivals
