Delray Beach Christmas Tree Lighting
Save the Date—December 3rd, 2024, 6PM - 9PM
The annual Christmas tree lighting in Delray Beach is a magical event that transforms the downtown area into a winter wonderland by the sea. Each year, the 100-foot Christmas tree, a beloved community tradition, is illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights, setting the festive mood for the holiday season. Families gather to enjoy live music, holiday treats, and a festive atmosphere as Santa makes a special appearance. This joyful celebration brings the Delray community together, marking the start of the holiday season in the heart of Pineapple Grove and the Gold Coast.
A Festive Holiday Tradition
Join in celebrating 31 years of Delray Beach’s iconic 100 Ft. Christmas Tree! I can’t wait to welcome the holiday season with everyone as we enjoy festivities, delicious food, musical performances, and unique holiday surprises that make this celebration so special.
Explore holiday shopping with over 60 vendors lining Atlantic Ave., Old School Square, and Pineapple Grove, and savor incredible bites from food trucks on Swinton Ave. The highlight? Watching Santa light up the tree and kick off the season in style!
Step into Delray Beach’s Holiday Village for a season full of festive fun and excitement! This charming winter wonderland offers a delightful array of activities, from strolling through the 100 Ft. Christmas Tree to spinning on the holiday carousel, each designed to bring holiday cheer to all ages. Here’s a preview of what to look forward to.
Festive Activities:
Carousel Rides – Take a whirl on the classic carousel. Price to be determined.
Mini Golf – Try your hand at holiday-themed mini golf. Price to be determined.
Ice Skating – Lace up your skates and glide into the holiday spirit. Price to be determined.
Ride All Day Wristband – Enjoy unlimited rides with a special wristband. Price to be determined.
Photos with Santa – Capture the magic with a keepsake photo at Santa’s House.
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While the tree may not be a natural evergreen, everything about it is steeped in the spirit of the season. The dedication of volunteers, the pride in building it, the first Christmases, and even the engagements that take place there are very real. The community bonds it creates and the family traditions it inspires are what make it special. So, is the tree real? Absolutely.
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Setting up the tree is a multi-phase process that begins in mid-October. The structure itself, along with the houses inside and around it, takes about 10 to 14 days to assemble. After that, staff and volunteers work to decorate the inside and each of the six houses with intricate details, a process that takes roughly a month to complete. Although the outside may look ready, the interior décor and finishing touches continue until early November.
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The tree’s frame is made of aluminum sections that, when stacked in rings, form the tree shape. Each ring is slightly smaller than the one below it, and they are stacked with the help of a crane. Once all rings are in place, the star is set at the top. Since 1993, this tree has become a Delray tradition, adorned each year with 18,000 ornaments and nearly 218,000 LED lights. It is free to walk through the tree and enjoy its beauty.
