Light Up MLK Nov. 28, a Hanukkah celebration Dec. 6, the lighted Holiday Boat Parade Dec. 11 and Donuts with Santa Dec. 12. Pompano Beach's 2026 season.
Last checked Oct. 10, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Events come from the City of Pompano Beach ‘Tis the Season lineup, its events calendar and the fall 2026 Parks and Recreation guide (PDF).
Pompano Beach’s holiday season runs from Light Up MLK on Saturday, Nov. 28, to Christmas, under the city’s “‘Tis the Season” banner. The brightest show is on the water: the Holiday Boat Parade on Friday, Dec. 11, when the city expects more than 50 lighted boats on the Intracoastal. The Yuletide on Atlantic parade and the Old Town tree lighting have their own page: Christmas parade and tree lighting.
Who to call
- Parks and Recreation (Santa events): 954-786-4111
- Cultural Affairs (Light Up MLK, Black Nativity): Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 W. Atlantic Blvd.
- Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce (boat parade): 954-941-2940
Light displays
| Display | When | Where | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Up MLK ceremonial lighting | 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28 | Annie Adderly Gillis Park, 601 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. | Free |
| Holiday Boat Parade, more than 50 lighted boats | Friday, Dec. 11; see times below | Intracoastal Waterway | Free to watch |
Light Up MLK is the city’s official start to the season: live performances, food, games, giveaways and the lighting of the MLK corridor, presented by the city’s Cultural Affairs Department. Admission is free; the city asks guests to register through Eventbrite from its Light Up MLK listing.
The Holiday Boat Parade, run by the Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce, is in its 64th year with the theme “A Party in the U.S.A.” The city’s listing gives the event as 7 to 9:30 p.m. but also says the parade begins at 6 p.m., so plan to be in place by 6. It will be livestreamed on the chamber’s Facebook and YouTube pages. The chamber’s VIP viewing party for 2026 is at The Cove in Deerfield Beach.
The 2026 route has not been published yet. For reference, the 2025 parade started at Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach, traveled north on the Intracoastal and ended at Hillsboro Boulevard; spectator bleachers were at Alsdorf Park, 2901 NE 14th St., and the NE 14th Street Causeway and Atlantic Boulevard bridges were locked open from about 6:15 p.m. until the boats passed, according to the city’s 2025 release. Expect similar bridge openings in 2026 and plan your drive around them.
Santa visits
- Donuts with Santa: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, 1801 NE 6th St. Donuts and pastries, a holiday game show and a visit from Santa. Tickets are $7 for everyone 3 and up and go on sale Nov. 2. Listing.
- Brunch with Santa at Galuppi’s, 1103 N. Federal Highway: ticketed family brunches on Sunday, Dec. 6 (Santa’s Workshop), Sunday, Dec. 13 (Polar Express), Sunday, Dec. 20 (pajama brunch with Santa) and Tuesday, Dec. 22 (Frozen), each 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a $50 deposit. Dates and links are on our brunch guide.
- Yuletide on Atlantic: Santa rides in the Thursday, Dec. 3, parade; times and route are on our parade page.
Hanukkah
Festival of Lights: A Hanukkah Celebration is 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Palm Aire Gazebo, 623 Oaks Drive. The free city event honors Hanukkah’s traditions and its message of hope. Listing.
More holiday events
| Event | When | Where | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Nativity, gospel stage show | Nov. 27-29 | Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 W. Atlantic Blvd. | $55 |
| Deck the Halls dance, ages 13 and up with developmental disabilities, ugly sweater contest | 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 | Emma Lou Olson Civic Center | Free |
| Music Under the Stars: Happy Daze, oldies band | 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18 | Great Lawn, Atlantic Boulevard at Pompano Beach Boulevard | Free |
| Old Town Backyard Jam: Indigo Dreamers | 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18 | Behind Bailey Contemporary Arts, 41 NE 1st St. | Free |
Black Nativity showtimes and the holiday markets are on our Thanksgiving and holiday shopping pages. Sources: ‘Tis the Season, Music Under the Stars and Backyard Jam.
Neighborhood light displays: the city does not publish a list of decorated homes or streets. If your street puts on a show, tell us through our contact page.
What this means for you
- The boat parade on Friday, Dec. 11, closes two Intracoastal bridges for part of the evening if it follows the 2025 plan.
- Buy Donuts with Santa tickets on Nov. 2; every person 3 and up needs one.
- Light Up MLK and the Hanukkah celebration are free.
Related: New Year’s Eve in Pompano Beach, Christmas parade and tree lighting and things to do this month.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade in 2026?
The city’s listing gives Friday, Dec. 11, 2026, with more than 50 lighted boats on the Intracoastal Waterway. It lists the event as 7 to 9:30 p.m. and also says the parade begins at 6 p.m., so arrive by 6.
Where can I see Santa in Pompano Beach?
Donuts with Santa is 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, 1801 NE 6th St. Tickets are $7 for everyone 3 and up and go on sale Nov. 2. Santa also rides in the Yuletide on Atlantic parade on Dec. 3.
Is there a menorah lighting or Hanukkah event in Pompano Beach?
The city’s free Festival of Lights: A Hanukkah Celebration is 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Palm Aire Gazebo, 623 Oaks Drive.
What is Light Up MLK?
A free holiday lighting on the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard corridor, 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at Annie Adderly Gillis Park, with live performances, food, games and giveaways.
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