The Loop to Transform Into a Festive Wonderland
Celebrate the holidays in sun-soaked style on Fort Lauderdale Beach. From Nov. 18 through Dec. 24, Las Olas Oceanside Park (aka The LOOP) will transform into a festive WONDERLAND, offering a vibrant mix of family-friendly activities, live entertainment and seasonal shopping steps from the shoreline. From iconic tribute performances and holiday movie screenings to local vendor markets, craft workshops and visits from beloved holiday characters, there’s something for everyone under the sun.
The season also brings special events such as the annual Light Up the Beach and Menorah Lighting, ensuring a magical holiday experience for all. Presented by the City of Fort Lauderdale Beach Business Improvement District, WONDERLAND promises to make this holiday season unforgettable.
WONDERLAND is presented by the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Beach Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with the City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Department and TheMKT at Las Olas Oceanside Park.
The LOOP’s full schedule of holiday events and experiences* includes the following:
*Performers' schedules, experiences and Santa visits are subject to change.
Monday, Nov. 18, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Light Up the Beach
The City of Fort Lauderdale’s Light Up the Beach takes center stage on Monday, Nov. 18, with the illumination of more than 50,000 holiday lights along the picturesque beachfront and the return of “Olas,” the wildly popular larger-than-life 20-foot beach snowman. Highlights include performances by the Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds, a kid’s zone with Santa, inflatables, slides and more.
The Ninth Annual Friday Night Sound Waves “Backstage Pass” Tribute Act Series
The ultimate backstage pass to iconic music under the stars! Join The LOOP for the Ninth Annual Friday Night Sound Waves “Backstage Pass” series, where iconic tribute acts will light up Las Olas Oceanside Park with legendary hits. Guests will groove into December as the soulful performances of Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston and Neil Diamond will set the tone for a festive and unforgettable season.
Attendees are invited to come early to enjoy various pre-concert games on the main lawn starting at 5 p.m., along with local artisan vendors and a rotation of food and drink vendors to sip, sup and shop before, during, and after the show. For a full listing of vendors and ticket options, visit https://theloopflb.com/events/categories/live-music/
Friday, Nov. 29, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. – Hotter Than July, Stevie Wonder Tribute
Kick off the holiday season with the legendary sounds of Stevie Wonder! This Thanksgiving weekend, celebrate with loved ones and groove to the soulful rhythms of “Superstition” and feel the love in “Isn’t She Lovely.” It’s a night of gratitude, music and joy to start the most wonderful time of the year.
Friday, Dec. 6, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. – Latraia Savage is Whitney Houston
Latraia Savage leads an unforgettable tribute to Whitney Houston with her stunning performance in Remembering Whitney. Backed by an exceptional six-piece band and vibrant dancers, Savage captures Whitney’s signature grace, power and style, captivatingly celebrating one of music’s most beloved voices.
Cost: Free. VIP Seats are available for $7.50 per person by clicking here.
Friday, Dec. 13, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. – Nearly Diamond, a Tribute to Neil Diamond
Nearly Diamond is a captivating tribute to the legendary Neil Diamond, led by the talented Jonathan Elgart. With a powerful voice and stage presence, Elgart channels the charisma and spirit of Neil Diamond, bringing to life the timeless hits that have made him a global icon. Backed by a seasoned band, this tribute delivers all the classics, including “Solitary Man,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” and “Cherry, Cherry” creating a show that transports audiences back to the magic of Diamond’s live performances.
Cost: Free. VIP Seats are available for $7.50 per person by clicking here.
Tuesday, Dec. 24, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. – Sinatra and Friends
Back by popular demand, Sinatra and Friends on Christmas Eve will be a night to remember, filled with classic Sinatra tunes and holiday hits. Featuring Jeff Grainger, backed by his six-piece band with Rat Pack buddies Sammy and Dean, guests will feel like they are back in the Swing Era. Bring the whole family and start a new Christmas Eve tradition. The concert is free to attend and welcomes all ages. A limited number of VIP Supper Club-style tables are available for purchase.
Cost: FREE open lawn seating or VIP Supper Club-style seating is available for purchase ($30-135).
A limited supply of chairs is available to rent for $7.50.
Time: Seating opens at 6 p.m.; Concert begins at 7 p.m.
For tickets and more information, please visit their website.
THE MKT at Las Olas Oceanside Park, Saturdays: from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays: from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sip, sup, stroll and shop small in a winter wonderland at The MKT at Las Olas Oceanside Park this holiday season! Discover artisan-made treasures perfect for gifting, homemade holiday bites for entertaining and festive fashions for
holiday soirées. The MKT will be transformed into a holiday village with extended weekend hours filled with local vendors, holiday music and themed photo sets to fill the social feed with the season’s joy.
Create magical moments with visits from beloved characters like Elf and Jovie, the Grinch and Cindy Lou, Nutcracker Balloon Artists and the whimsical Christmas Mermaid, who returns to spread her holiday cheer. Kids can drop off their letters to Santa and join in holiday workshops, where they can paint festive canvases and ceramics, decorate cookies, create jewelry, make holiday candle jars and more, each for a small fee. Don't miss the chance to catch Santa sightings for extra Christmas magic!
For a complete list of vendors, activities and weekly workshops click here.
Santa Sightings
Saturday, Nov. 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Santa
Sunday, Dec. 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Santa
Friday, Dec. 20, from 5 to 8 p.m. – Santa
Saturday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Santa, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – The Christmas Mermaid
Sunday, Dec. 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Santa
Holiday Characters
Sunday, Dec. 1, from 12 to 2 p.m. – Grinch and Cindy Lou
Saturday, Dec. 14, from 12 to 3 p.m. – Nutcracker balloon artists and stilt walkers
Sunday, Dec. 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Elf and Jovi
Saturday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – The Christmas Mermaid
Live Entertainment
Sunday, Dec. 1, from 12 to 1 p.m. – The Sweet Adelines, Acapella Holiday Music
Sunday, Dec. 8, from 12 to 3 p.m. – Ginetta Vendetta Holiday Jazz Duo
Saturday, Dec. 14, from 12 to 3 p.m. – Ginetta Vendetta Holiday Jazz Duo
Sunday, Dec. 15, from 12 to 3 p.m. – The Minx & The Maestro Holiday Jazz Duo
Saturday, Dec. 21, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Miss Tracy Sings Holiday Songs, Toddler Class & Sing a Long
Saturday, Dec. 21, from 12 to 3 p.m. – The Holidazed, Reggae Pop Holiday
Sunday, Dec. 22, from 12 to 3 p.m. – Christmas Karaoke with DJ Jason
FIT for The Holidays
Stay energized and stress-free this season with The LOOP’s weekly Saturday free yoga class and special pop-up workouts. Whether they’re looking to unwind or boost their holiday spirit, participants will enjoy these fun and rejuvenating sessions perfect for all fitness levels. Keep the holiday glow going at The LOOP all season long!
Saturday Morning Yoga with Lisa – Saturday, Dec 7, 14, 21, 28
Join The LOOP every Saturday from 9:45 to 11 a.m. for Yoga Flow for everyBody on the main lawn, led by renowned Yoga Educator Lisa Pumper and the Fort Lauderdale Beach Yoga team. This free, all-level yoga class offers a perfect blend of movement, ocean breeze and good vibes, complete with cool-down aromatherapy and a complimentary bottle of Smartwater for attendees. Don’t forget to bring a mat, towel, sunblock and friends! After class, explore The MKT or stroll over to the beautiful Fort Lauderdale Beach. Registration is required and tips are appreciated.
Cost: Free
Sunday, Dec. 15, 9:30 a.m. - Vinyasa with Nzingah
Experience a dynamic vinyasa flow yoga class sponsored by Fit Fort Lauderdale, which links breath with movement. This invigorating practice, led by a passionate instructor, builds strength, flexibility and inner peace. Suitable for all levels, the instructor’s guidance will take participants on a journey of self-discovery through movement. Join and experience the transformative power of vinyasa yoga.
Cost: Free
Movies by Moonlight – Season Screenings: “Disney’s A Christmas Carol in 3D” | Friday, Dec. 20, from 5 to 10 p.m.
Lights, laughter and holiday magic! Celebrate the season with Seasons Screenings at The LOOP’s special holiday edition of Movies by Moonlight. The LOOP is bringing the festive spirit to life with Disney's “A Christmas Carol” in 3D under the stars! The holiday fun kicks off at 5 p.m. with a visit from Santa, spreading cheer until 8 p.m., and live performances by the Yuletide Carolers to set the perfect holiday mood before the film begins. Guests can get cozy on the lawn with blankets, chairs and their favorite movie pals while the magic unfolds. Stroll through The MKT for holiday treats or grab a bite from Fort Lauderdale Beach’s local restaurants to create the perfect picnic. Limited seating is available, so come early to settle in.
Featured Film: “Disney’s A Christmas Carol in 3D” Rated PG
Synopsis: Though London awaits the joyful arrival of Christmas, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey) thinks it's all humbug, berating his faithful clerk and cheerful nephew for their view. Later, Scrooge encounters the ghost of his late business partner, who warns that three spirits will visit him that night. The ghosts take Scrooge on a journey through his past, present, and future, hoping to transform his bitterness.
Cost: Free and open to the public. Family and pet-friendly.
Visit with Santa: 5 to 8 p.m.
Yuletide Carolers: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Film Time: 8 p.m.
The LOOP’s WONDERLAND events are free and open to the public.
Optional VIP experiences are available for the Friday Night Sound Waves “Backstage Pass” Tribute Act Series starting at $7.50 per person.
Holiday gift-making workshops are available for a nominal fee.
Las Olas Oceanside Park: 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
The most convenient place to park to access the event is the Las Olas Beach Parking Garage. There, you can use the PayByPhone payment option, and parking can be extended from anywhere using the mobile PayByPhone app.
For details on all activities, registration, and ticket information, please visit theloopflb.com.