Wellington FL Holiday Events 2026: Tree Lighting, Boat & Holiday Parade

Wellington Holiday Events 2026: Tree Lighting, Parades and Santa

Wellington's holiday season is packed with free events, from the tree lighting and Grand Menorah lighting at Town Center to the Holiday Boat Parade on Lake Wellington and the 42nd annual Wellington Holiday Parade on Forest Hill Blvd. Here's every confirmed 2026 holiday event in Wellington, with dates, times and where to go, plus Santa photo dates at The Mall at Wellington Green.

Wellington holiday events 2026 at a glance

Thu., Dec. 3: Holiday Cultural Celebration and Tree Lighting, Wellington Amphitheater, 5-9 p.m. (tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.)
Fri., Dec. 4: Grand Menorah Lighting, next to the Wellington Amphitheater, 5:30 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 5: Extraordinary Kids Holiday Fest, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Thu., Dec. 10: Thursday Nights in Wellington: Holiday Bizarre with 56 ACE
Sat., Dec. 12: Holiday Boat Parade on Lake Wellington, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 13: 42nd Wellington Holiday Parade, Forest Hill Blvd., 1:30 p.m.
Cost: The village events listed here are free to attend

Dates and times are from the Village of Wellington's events pages as of Nov. 6, 2026. Outdoor events can change for weather, so check the village website before you go.

Holiday Cultural Celebration and Tree Lighting: Dec. 3

The season kicks off on Thursday, Dec. 3, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater, 12100 Forest Hill Blvd. The village describes it as a celebration of holiday traditions across cultures, with food trucks, market vendors, holiday activities, a visit from Santa and a toy drive. The tree lighting is at 6:30 p.m. Entertainment is listed as the Wellington Jazz Band and Almost Carpenter, a Carpenters tribute. Free.

Grand Menorah Lighting: Dec. 4

On Friday, Dec. 4, at 5:30 p.m., the village lights the Grand Menorah next to the Wellington Amphitheater in Town Center to kick off Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. Free.

Extraordinary Kids Holiday Fest: Dec. 5

On Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wellington hosts an inclusive holiday celebration for children of all abilities and their families. The village lists photos with Santa, arts and crafts, bounce houses, food and games, face painting, a petting zoo, a trackless train, sensory stations and music by The Flyers. Free.

Thursday Nights holiday concert: Dec. 10

The village's Thursday Nights in Wellington series at the amphitheater has a holiday edition on Thursday, Dec. 10, featuring the band 56 ACE. The series continues Dec. 17 with Beyond the Beatles. For the full schedule, see our Wellington Amphitheater events guide.

Holiday Boat Parade: Dec. 12

On Saturday, Dec. 12, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., about 40 decorated boats "light up the lake" on Lake Wellington. Boats pass behind the Wellington Community Center around 6:30 p.m. The best viewing spot is the Town Center Promenade behind the community center at 12150 Forest Hill Blvd. The village says there will be food trucks and holiday market vendors, and it suggests bringing your own seating. Free.

42nd Wellington Holiday Parade: Dec. 13

Wellington's biggest holiday tradition steps off on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 1:30 p.m. The judged parade, with floats, marching bands, characters and dance troupes, travels along Forest Hill Blvd. from Wellington Trace to Ken Adams Way. It's hosted with the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County.

During the parade, a Holiday Park at the Wellington Amphitheater has performances by local school choirs, photos with Santa, arts and crafts vendors and activities. Free.

Tip: The parade runs along Forest Hill Blvd., so plan for traffic in that area and arrive early to find parking near Town Center and a good spot along the route.

Santa at The Mall at Wellington Green

According to the mall's events calendar, photos with Santa start Nov. 13, with Santa's arrival celebration on Nov. 14. There's a Sensory Santa visit on Dec. 6 for children with sensory needs, pet photos with Santa on Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, a Hanukkah celebration on Dec. 6 and Storytime with Mrs. Claus on Dec. 16. Photo packages can be reserved on the mall's website. See our Mall at Wellington Green guide for hours and the store directory.

Ways to give back

Wellington Holiday Food Drive: The village is collecting donations through Nov. 13 so no resident goes without a Thanksgiving meal.
Toy drive: The Holiday Cultural Celebration on Dec. 3 includes a toy drive.

More holiday fun nearby

Looking for more? Browse our Wellington events calendar, things to do with kids and Wellington restaurants for a holiday dinner out. The Winter Equestrian Festival starts right after the holidays, on Jan. 6, 2027.

What do you think?

What's your family's favorite Wellington holiday tradition: the tree lighting, the boat parade or the Holiday Parade? Tell us what you're most looking forward to this year.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Wellington tree lighting in 2026?

Wellington's Holiday Cultural Celebration and Tree Lighting is Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater, 12100 Forest Hill Blvd. The tree lighting is at 6:30 p.m. It's free.

When is the Wellington Holiday Parade in 2026?

The 42nd annual Wellington Holiday Parade is Sunday, Dec. 13, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. along Forest Hill Blvd. from Wellington Trace to Ken Adams Way, with a Holiday Park at the Wellington Amphitheater. It's free.

When is the Wellington Holiday Boat Parade?

The Holiday Boat Parade is Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Lake Wellington. Watch from the Town Center Promenade behind the Wellington Community Center, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd. Bring your own seating.

Is there a menorah lighting in Wellington?

Yes. The Grand Menorah Lighting is Friday, Dec. 4, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. next to the Wellington Amphitheater in Town Center.

When can you see Santa at The Mall at Wellington Green in 2026?

Photos with Santa start Nov. 13, 2026, according to the mall's events calendar, with a Sensory Santa visit on Dec. 6 and pet photos with Santa on Nov. 30 and Dec. 7.

Sources

Details on developments and schools can change. We update this guide as new information is announced. Spot something out of date? Send us a tip.

By Ben Siegel. Ben is a Wellington resident and entrepreneur who founded Wellington List to bring local news, guides and businesses together in one place. More about Ben · Our editorial standards