Holiday in Paradise and Sandi Tree return to illuminate West Palm Beach

Holiday in Paradise includes Sandi the Sand Tree and Ferris along the Waterfront in downtown West Palm Beach. [Photo by Scott Wiseman via the City of West Palm Beach]

This month, the West Palm Beach Waterfront will once again glow as Holiday in Paradise transforms the city into a tropical winter wonderland. The centerpiece of the celebration, Sandi, the world’s only 35-foot, 700-ton holiday sand tree, will shine with the theme Symphony of Lights, accompanied by a month-long lineup of festivities.

The holiday season kicks off Thursday, Dec. 4, with the annual Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting from 6 to 10 p.m. on the Great Lawn at 100 N. Clematis Street. Sandi will be joined by her “cousin,” Ferris, a festive Ferris wheel offering nightly rides, and together they display a synchronized music and light shows each night through Dec. 31.

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Now in her twelfth year, Sandi the Sand Tree has become an icon of Palm Beach County’s holiday season. Sculpted from 100% recycled sand from previous years, she symbolizes both sustainability and creativity. 

“From the glow of Sandi on the waterfront to the joy of our neighborhood celebrations, West Palm Wonderland brings our entire city to life,” said Mayor Keith A. James. “It’s a season to reflect, connect, and celebrate all that makes West Palm Beach such a vibrant place to call home.”

The theme “West Palm Wonderland” also encompasses special events throughout the city including The Ben, CityPlace, Historic Northwest, and Northwood Village.

Each evening, from 6 to 10 p.m., Sandi’s light shows will display on the quarter-hour, with an extended Symphony of Lights show from 6:30 to 7 p.m. On New Year’s Eve, shows will continue through midnight. Ferris wheel rides cost $5 per person.

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Events throughout December include:

• Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting 

  Thursday, Dec. 4, 6–10 p.m.

  Kick off the season with live music from Sound Society, photos with Santa, and local artisan shopping in the Lake Pavilion.

  
  

• Winter in Paradise

  Saturday, Dec. 6, 5–9 p.m., Heart and Soul Park, Historic Northwest District

  This community celebration features live performances, roller skating, crafts, food, and even a “holiday firetruck with snow.”

  
  

• Sandi and Santa’s Annual Pancake Breakfast

  Sunday, Dec. 7, at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Lake Pavilion

  Tickets ($18) include breakfast, a private visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the only daytime ride on Ferris.

  
  

• Clematis by Night featuring Phoenix5

  Thursday, Dec. 11, 6–9 p.m.

  Enjoy an evening of funk, soul, rock, and reggae from one of Florida’s top live bands.

  
  

• Nights in Northwood Village

  Friday, Dec. 12, 6–9 p.m.

  Experience dazzling lights, artisan markets, and festive entertainment in one of West Palm’s most creative districts.

  
  

• Soul in the City at Sunset Lounge featuring Valerie Tyson

  Wednesday, Dec. 17, 7–9 p.m.

  Enjoy a soulful evening of jazz and R&B at the historic Sunset Lounge, recently revitalized as a hub for culture and music.

  
  

• Clematis by Night featuring ReaXtion Band

  Thursday, Dec. 18, 6–9 p.m.

  Local party favorites ReaXtion return to get the crowd moving with classic hits and dance tunes.

  
  

• Aloha Islanders Tropical Holiday Spectacular

  Sunday, Dec. 21, 4–7 p.m.

  A vibrant Polynesian show featuring hula dancers, drummers, and fire knife performers—plus the beloved conch-blowing contest.

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There will be no Clematis by Night on Dec. 25, as Sandi takes a well-deserved Christmas break.

For more details about Holiday in Paradise in West Palm Beach, visit wpb.org/holiday.