Christmas Events on the Treasure Coast

Looking for the best Christmas events on the Treasure Coast for 2026? From twinkling boat parades to magical light displays, Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties (plus nearby Jupiter when it fits the family calendar) transform into a winter wonderland with those mild Florida temps we love.

Whether you’re chasing holiday cheer with the kids or checking off your Florida Christmas bucket list, this guide gathers family-friendly festivals, tree lightings, theater, markets, boat parades, and must-see lights—with confirmed dates where we have them, and clear “coming soon” notes where organizers are still locking things in. Bookmark it, share it with your mama friends, and verify details before you head out.

Tip: Event pages and calendars often keep the same URLs year to year—bookmark the organizer links below and re-check closer to the date for tickets, rain plans, and any last-minute changes.

Holiday calendar at a glance

Quick skim by date – details below in each section. Verify with organizers.

Coming soon: Fairgrounds FOL Heathcote PSL in Lights Tara Jupiter tree lighting farms Lyric/TCB Nutcracker more Santa

Christmas Festivals & Tree Lightings

Kick off the season with glowing trees, music, and downtown cheer across the Treasure Coast.

Vero Beach Tree Lighting

• When: Saturday, November 21, 2026
• Where: Pocahontas Park, Vero Beach
• Details: Vero’s annual tree lighting at Pocahontas Park—an easy, festive kickoff for Indian River families.
• Why go: Classic park-side cheer and a great excuse to start the season early with the kids.

Christmas on Main / Stuart Tree Lighting

• When: Friday, November 27, 2026 · 4–7 p.m.
• Where: Downtown Stuart
• Details: Annual Stuart Christmas tree lighting with festive downtown energy—perfect for kicking off the season with the family.
• Info:stuartmainstreet.org
• Why go: Quaint, walkable downtown vibes—grab dinner nearby after the lights go on.

Jensen Beach Tree Lighting

• When: Wednesday, December 3, 2026 · 6:30 p.m.
• Where: Jensen Beach
• Details: Jensen Beach community tree lighting—plan for an evening out with holiday atmosphere.
• Why go: Local, low-key, and lovely—easy for Martin County families.

Tradition Tree Lighting

• When: Friday, December 4, 2026 · 5–9 p.m.
• Where: Tradition (Port St. Lucie)
• Details: Community tree lighting in Tradition—an easy family evening with holiday atmosphere.
• Info:traditionfl.com
• Why go: Neighborhood-friendly outing without a long drive across the coast.

Stuart Christmas Parade

• When: Friday, December 4, 2026 · 7 p.m.
• Where: Stuart (see parade site for route/viewing tips)
• Details: Classic Stuart Christmas parade—bring the kids, claim a curb early, and enjoy the floats and holiday spirit.
• Info:stuartchristmasparade.com
• Why go: One of those “we do this every year” traditions families look forward to.

Port St. Lucie Festival of Lights

• When: Saturday, December 5, 2026 · 2–10 p.m.
• Where: MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center, Port St. Lucie
• Details: Big PSL holiday celebration—plan for an afternoon-into-evening outing with the whole crew.
• Info: Visit St. Lucie / City of Port St. Lucie (visitstlucie.com · cityofpsl.com)
• Why go: Scale + energy—great when you want one big night that feels like “the PSL Christmas event.

Sebastian Christmas Parade

• When: Saturday, December 5, 2026
• Where: Sebastian
• Details: Sebastian’s Christmas parade—bring the kids, find a spot along the route, and enjoy small-town holiday spirit.
• Why go: Classic Sebastian cheer—easy to pair with Selfies with Santa earlier in the season.

Vero Beach Christmas Parade

• When: Saturday, December 5, 2026 · 6 p.m.
• Where: Vero Beach (see parade site for route/viewing tips)
• Details: Vero Beach Christmas parade—floats, lights, and holiday spirit downtown.
• Info:verobeachchristmasparade.org
• Why go: A can’t-miss Indian River tradition—claim your curb early.

Sights & Sounds on Second + Tree Lighting

• When: Sunday, December 6, 2026
• Where: Downtown Fort Pierce
• Details: Downtown Fort Pierce holiday celebration with tree lighting—stroll the waterfront and soak up the lights and music.
• Info:mainstreetfortpierce.org
• Why go: Waterfront downtown charm—easy to pair with dinner or a walk after.

JTAA Jupiter/Tequesta Christmas Parade

• When: Sunday, December 13, 2026 1 p.m.
• Where: Jupiter / Tequesta
• Details: 50th annual JTAA Jupiter/Tequesta Christmas Parade—afternoon parade energy for families willing to hop south of the Treasure Coast.
• Why go: Milestone year! Worth the short drive when the calendar allows.

Noche Buena

• When: Friday, December 18, 2026
• Where: Port St. Lucie (City of PSL)
• Details: City of Port St. Lucie’s Noche Buena celebration—watch City of PSL channels for location, times, and lineup as details firm up.
• Info: City of Port St. Lucie
• Why go: A warm, community-centered holiday gathering later in the season.

Coming soon / check back

These favorites usually return—dates TBA for 2026; verify with organizers:

• Jupiter Town tree lighting / Snow Place
• Fairgrounds Festival of Lights (St. Lucie County Fairgrounds, Fort Pierce)—also listed under Must-See Lights
• Other city tree lightings and downtown holiday kicks as calendars post

Christmas on the Farm

Farm Christmas outings are a Treasure Coast favorite—lights, animals, hot cocoa, and photo ops under the Florida night sky.

Coming soon / check back

Most farm Christmas events are still locking in 2026 dates. We’ll update as organizers announce. Until then, check back and verify with:

• Local farm Christmas / “Christmas on the farm” weekends (Indiantown, Port St. Lucie, Jupiter Farms, Hobe Sound, and nearby)
• Ticketed evening light walks, Santa visits, and holiday farm festivals as they post

Tip: Follow your favorite farms on Instagram and watch the Treasure Coast Mom local event calendar so you don’t miss early ticket drops.

Holiday Theater Shows

Live holiday theater is perfect for date night or a special outing with older kids.

A.C.T. Studio Theatre — Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)

• When: December 3–13, 2026
• Where: Stuart
• Details: Festive stage comedy for the season—check A.C.T. Studio Theatre for showtimes, tickets, and age recommendations.
• Why go: Local theater energy without leaving the Treasure Coast.

Ballet Vero Beach — The Nutcracker

• When: December 10–13, 2026
• Where: Riverside Theatre, Vero Beach
• Details: Ballet Vero Beach’s Nutcracker at Riverside—check the company and theatre for showtimes and tickets.
• Why go: A magical holiday ballet night in Vero—dress up and make a memory.

Coming soon / check back

• Lyric Theatre / Treasure Coast Ballet Nutcracker — dates TBA; verify with the Lyric and Treasure Coast Ballet
• Other holiday concerts and ballet performances as venues publish schedules

Markets, Bazaars & Fundraising Events

Shop local, support good causes, and find handmade gifts—holiday markets buzz across Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River.

Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast — Festival of Giving

• When: November 13–21, 2026
• Where: Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast
• Details: CMTC’s Festival of Giving—a season of giving and family fun at the museum. Family Night with Santa is November 17 (see Meet Santa below).
• Why go: Support a Treasure Coast favorite while the kids play and explore.

Vero Holiday Art & Craft Expo

• When: November 21–22, 2026
• Where: Indian River County Fairgrounds
• Details: Holiday art and craft expo—handmade gifts, local makers, and festive browsing.
• Why go: Perfect for knocking out unique gifts without the big-box scramble.

Holiday Food Fest

• When: Saturday, December 12, 2026
• Where: Clover Park
• Details: Holiday Food Fest at Clover Park—food, festive vibes, and a fun family outing.
• Why go: Eat your way through the holidays with the crew.

Coming soon / check back

More 2026 market and bazaar dates are still rolling in. Check back for:

• Tradition / iL Mercato-style holiday bazaars
• Farm markets and craft fairs
• Nonprofit fundraisers (pets, community centers, and more)

We’ll add confirmed dates as they’re announced. Until then, scan downtown Main Street calendars and chamber event pages.

Dazzling Boat Parades

Nothing says Florida Christmas like lit-up boats on the waterways—grab a waterfront spot and a light jacket!

Martin County Christmas Boat Parade

• When: Saturday, December 5, 2026 · 6 p.m.
• Where: Martin County waterways (Manatee Pocket toward downtown Stuart / Roosevelt Bridge area—confirm viewing spots with organizers)
• Presented by: Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast (MIATC)
• Details: Decorated boats lighting up the Intracoastal—free to watch from public viewing areas.
• Info:miatc.org — reconfirm the year on the MIATC site before you go
• Why go: Pure Treasure Coast magic—blankets, cheers, and twinkling boats.

Vero Beach Christmas Boat Parade

• When: Sunday, December 6, 2026
• Where: Vero Beach / Indian River waterways (confirm viewing spots with organizers)
• Presented by: Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast (MIATC)
• Details: Lit-up boats on the water—another free Florida Christmas classic.
• Info:miatc.org — reconfirm the year on the MIATC site before you go
• Why go: Waterfront sparkle in Vero—pack snacks and claim a spot early.

St. Lucie Christmas Boat Parade

• When: Saturday, December 12, 2026
• Where: St. Lucie waterways (confirm viewing spots with organizers)
• Presented by: Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast (MIATC)
• Details: Decorated boats lighting up St. Lucie waters—free to watch from public viewing areas.
• Info:miatc.org — reconfirm the year on the MIATC site before you go
• Why go: Round out boat-parade season with St. Lucie’s night on the water.

Must-See Christmas Lights

Drive-thru, stroll, or wander glowing displays—these are the coast’s top twinklers when dates are confirmed.

McKee Jungle Lights

• When: November 29, 2026 – January 2, 2027 · 6–9 p.m.
• Closed: December 24, December 25, December 31, and January 1
• Where: McKee Botanical Garden, Vero Beach
• Details: Immersive garden light experience—one of Indian River’s signature holiday outings. Check mckeegarden.org for tickets and any Santa/special nights.
• Why go: Lush, magical, and uniquely “not generic strip-mall lights”—worth the trip to Vero.

WinterGreen Night Lights at the ELC

• When: December 11–12, 2026
• Where: Environmental Learning Center (ELC), Vero Beach
• Details: WinterGreen Night Lights at the ELC—glowing evenings by the lagoon. Check the ELC for tickets, hours, and any special programming.
• Why go: Nature + lights = a uniquely Vero holiday outing.

Coming soon / check back

Dates TBA for 2026verify with organizers before you go:

• Fairgrounds Festival of Lights (drive-thru / fairgrounds experience)
• Heathcote Botanical Gardens Garden of Lights (Fort Pierce)
• PSLinLights (window / dates TBA)
• Christmas at Tara Plantation (Vero Beach area)
• City light walks and waterfront synchronized displays tied to downtown festivals

Meet Santa Claus

Ho-ho-home for the holidays—Santa pops up all over the Treasure Coast.

Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast — Family Night with Santa

• When: Monday, November 17, 2026
• Where: Childrens Museum of the Treasure Coast (during Festival of Giving, Nov 13–21)
• Details: Family Night with Santa at CMTC—part of the Festival of Giving season at the museum.
• Why go: Santa + museum playtime—easy win for little ones.

Sebastian Selfies with Santa

• When: Thursday, November 19, 2026
• Where: Sebastian
• Details: Selfies with Santa in Sebastian—snap that holiday photo before the Christmas parade later in the season.
• Why go: Low-pressure Santa visit and a cute photo for the cards or grandparents.

Coming soon / check back

More Santa meetups for 2026 are still being scheduled. Typical spots to watch (dates TBA):

• Pancakes / brunch with Santa events
• Downtown festivals and tree lightings (often include Santa photo lines)
• Light displays (McKee, Heathcote, Fairgrounds, and similar) on select nights
• Retail favorites (e.g., Bass Pro–style Santa experiences) as they announce hours

Tip: Many Santa visits are free with event admission or a small activity fee—confirm when dates drop.

Related Guides & Tips

• Local event calendar — stay updated on Treasure Coast happenings
• Holiday train rides near Florida — choo-choo cheer a drive away
• Kid-friendly New Year’s activities on the Treasure Coast 2027 — keep the celebration going after Christmas

What’s your favorite Treasure Coast Christmas tradition? Drop it in the comments—we love hearing from our community mamas! Share this guide to spread the joy, and tag us in your festive pics @treasurecoastmom.

Events subject to change — verify with organizers.Last updated: September 6, 2026.