What/Who:
‘Tis the Sea-Sun! A winter wonderland awaits as Fort Lauderdale Beach transforms into a hub of holiday activities from Nov. 25 – Dec. 24, 2022. During “WONDERLAND,” locals and visitors of all ages will make lasting memories through an array of sights, sounds, and special events, including expanded holiday markets featuring strolling characters, live music, and visits with Santa, as well as holiday movies, Fit for the Holidays series and the introduction of Boogie Wonderland, a Silent Disco experience.
The official kickoff takes place Friday, Nov. 25, when singer, songwriter and guitarist Peter Mayer returns to Las Olas Oceanside Park for a stop on the 23rd anniversary of his widely acclaimed Christmas tour “Stars and Promises.” The series concludes with the reprisal of “Christmas Eve with Sinatra,” featuring Jeff Grainger as Sinatra, the Hoboken band, and a special appearance by Marilyn Monroe.
The LOOP’s full schedule of holiday events and experiences* includes the following:
*Performers’ Schedules and Experiences subject to change
LIVE MUSIC EXPERIENCES
FRIDAY NIGHT SOUND WAVES: PETER MAYER STARS & PROMISES TOUR | Friday, November 25, 5:00 – 10 pm.
Presented by the City of Fort Lauderdale Beach Business Improvement District (BBID)
- Details: As the only returning act of the Friday Night Sound Waves season, Peter Mayer, singer, songwriter, and guitarist, returns to Las Olas Oceanside Park for a stop on the 23rd anniversary of his widely acclaimed Christmas tour “Stars and Promises.” Mayer has released 25 albums, toured internationally with his own band, and has been the lead guitarist for Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer band for three decades. Since that first recording and tour in 1999, Mayer has released four additional Christmas albums. This year celebrates his 23rd year on the road with his world-class seven-piece band. The “Stars and Promises” concerts are engaging and memorable, with state-of-the-art sound and production. “Stars and Promises” brings its unique yuletide tradition to fans who have called this production “a Christmas show like no other!”
- Cost: FREE open lawn, reserved seating ($5-$10), and VIP packages ($80-$140) are available.
- Times: Holiday Market, 5 p.m.; Photos with Santa, 5:30 – 7 p.m.; the concert begins at 7 p.m.
- For more information, please visit: https://theloopflb.com/events/peter-mayer-band/
BOOGIE WONDERLAND: A Silent Disco Experience | Friday, December 9, 7 pm -11 p.m. – The event is for ages 21+
Presented by the City of Fort Lauderdale Beach Improvement District
- Details: Get those stockings filled and the sequins on; we’re Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree as The LOOP presents Boogie Wonderland: A Silent Disco experience. Plan your company holiday party or gather your friends for a silent night experience under the stars. Three DJs will be spinning a mix of classic disco, old-school hip-hop and favorite Top 40 Hits from the 90s to today. Pick one channel to tune in to or change it up with whatever hits your vibe. Reserved seating and food and drinks to purchase are available on-site.
- Cost: $15-$100
- For more information and tickets, please visit: https://theloopflb.com/events/categories/wonderland/
JOHN PATTI: A CALYP-SOUL CHRISTMAS | Friday, Dec. 16, 5 – 10 pm.
Presented by the City of Fort Lauderdale Beach Improvement District
- Details: A Calyp-SOUL Christmas kickstarts the holiday season, Island style, with exciting new takes on favorite Christmas classics. Steelpan artist John Patti combines the unmistakable sounds of the islands with jazz and soul music, creating unforgettable versions of Christmas classics. “Silent Night,” “I’ll be Home for Christmas,” and “Baby It’s Cold Outside” take on new life with smooth vocals, funky bass, and melodic steel drum. These energetic grooves and new arrangements create a fresh Christmas sound unlike any other. Patti is known for bringing the steel pan to the forefront of musical entertainment, expertly showcasing the instrument’s unique island flair and history. With credentials including performances with Janet Jackson, Al Jarreau, Arrested Development, Cheryl Crow, Les Paul, Jerry Jeff Walker, Air Supply, Paul Overstreet, Mac McAnally, and Jimmy Buffett, these world-class musicians are guaranteed to give an unforgettable night of music and entertainment.
- Cost: FREE open lawn seating or tickets are available for stage-front tables. $20 for 4 people.
- Times: Holiday Market, 5 – 10 p.m.; Photos with Santa, 7:45 – 8:45 p.m.; the concert begins at 7 p.m.
- For more information, please visit: https://theloopflb.com/events/john-patti-calyp-soul-christmas/
CHRISTMAS EVE WITH SINATRA | Saturday, December 24, 5:30 – 9:30 pm
Presented by the City of Fort Lauderdale Beach Improvement District
- Details: Back by popular demand, Christmas Eve with Sinatra will be a night to remember filled with classic Sinatra tunes and holiday hits. Featuring Jeff Grainger, the Hoboken Band, and special guest Marilyn Monroe, 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.
- Cost: FREE open lawn seating or supper club seating available is available for purchase ($20–60)
- Times: Seating opens at 5:30 p.m.; Visit with Santa 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.; Concert begins at 7 p.m.
For more information, please visit https://theloopflb.com/events/sinatra-christmas-eve/
HOLIDAY MOVIE NIGHTS
MOVIES BY MOONLIGHT HOLIDAY EDITION: “ELF” | Thursday, Dec. 8, 5 – 10 p.m.
Presented by the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Beach BID and in partnership with JOLLY TIME Pop Corn
- Details: Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and favorite movie dates to Movies by Moonlight: Holiday Edition on the main lawn at Las Olas Oceanside Park. Enjoy free samples of freshly popped popcorn courtesy of movie sponsor JOLLY TIME Pop Corn while they are in south Florida as part of the JOLLY TIME News Tour. Share your happy, feel-good stories with their field reporter for a chance to be featured on JOLLY TIME Social channels.
Food and drinks are available to purchase onsite; limited chairs and picnic blankets are available to borrow.
- Synopsis: Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York in full elf uniform, searching for his real father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results. (Rated PG)
- Cost: FREE and open to the public; Minors (under 16) must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
- Time: The holiday marketplace opens at 5 p.m.; Photos with Santa, Elf & Jovie 5:30 – 7 p.m.; the film begins at 6:45 p.m.
- For more information, please visit https://theloopflb.com/events/movies-by-moonlight-5/
MOVIES BY MOONLIGHT HOLIDAY EDITION: “A DOG NAMED CHRISTMAS”| Thursday, Dec. 15, 5 – 10 pm
Presented by the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Beach BID and benefiting the Broward County Animal Care Lunch Buddies & Adoption Program.
- Details: Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, favorite movie dates, and four-legged friends to Movies by Moonlight: Holiday Edition on the main lawn at Las Olas Oceanside Park. Come early to get in some holiday shopping at The LOOP’s vendor marketplace or catch a pick-up game of pickleball, corn hole, checkers and chess. Food and drinks are available to purchase onsite; limited chairs and picnic blankets are available to borrow. Minors (under 16) must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
- Synopsis: “A Dog Named Christmas” is a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie produced by Brent Shields and based on the novel by Greg Kincaid. The film stars Bruce Greenwood, Noel Fisher, and Tony Award nominee Linda Emond. This movie tells the tale of a developmentally challenged young man with a penchant for caring for animals in need. He sets out to convince his family – and their whole rural community – to participate in a local shelter’s inaugural “Adopt a Dog for Christmas Program.” (Rated PG)
- Cost: FREE and open to the public; Minors (under 16) must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
- Time: The holiday marketplace opens at 5 pm; Photos with Santa, the Grinch, and City Lou Who from 5:30 – 7:00 pm; the film begins at 6:45 pm.
- For more information, please visit: https://theloopflb.com/events/movies-by-moonlight-4/
FIT FOR THE HOLIDAYS
LET IT GLOW: A FULL MOON YOGA EXPERIENCE | Wednesday, Dec. 7, 5 – 10 p.m.
- Details: Join leading yoga educator Lisa Pumper for a very special Full Moon experience to set your intentions for the new year. This evening is intended to ignite your inner fire as you release stuck emotions, invigorate your radiant energy, and unleash your divine power to be liberated, unapologetically authentic, raw, and fully expressed.
- Cost: $18 – $25
- Time: Wellness Market opens at 5 p.m.; Photos with Santa, 5:30 – 7 p.m.; Yoga experience begins at 7 p.m.
- For more information and ticket, please visit: https://theloopflb.com/events/categories/wonderland/
WEEKEND MARKETS
LAS OLAS OCEANSIDE PARK FARMER’S MARKET | Saturday, Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10, 17 | 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Details: The Las Olas Oceanside Park Farmers, Antiques, and Artisan Market transforms into a holiday shopping market every Saturday from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Shop local and micro-vendors for your gift-giving and holiday party needs while experiencing the magic of the season and eclectic array of traditional market fare. Visitors will delight in a fine selection of fresh produce, cheese, baked items, plants, handmade goods, jewelry and more.
- Cost: Prices vary by vendor.
- For more information, please visit https://theloopflb.com/events/saturday-farmers-market-2022-11-12/
HOLIDAY BAZAAR MARKETPLACE | Sunday, Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 11, 18 | 10 am – 5 pm.
- Details: Shop small, shop local at the Las Olas Oceanside Park Holiday Market Bazaar every Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Find gifts for everyone on your holiday list while supporting area artisans and micro-vendors and experiencing the magic of the season. Visitors will delight in a fine selection of fresh produce, cheese, baked items, plants, handmade goods, jewelry and more.
- Cost: Prices vary by vendor.
- For more information, please visit: https://theloopflb.com/events/holiday-market-bazaar-2021-12-19/
MARKET APPEARANCES & ACTIVITIES
PHOTOS WITH SANTA & HOLIDAY CHARACTERS
Cost: Free
- Saturday, Nov. 26, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Santa & Elves
- Sunday, Nov. 27, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Santa & Nutcracker Balloon Artistry Stilt Walkers
- Saturday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Santa, Elsa & Kristof from Frozen
- Sunday, Dec. 11, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Photos with Santa
- Saturday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Photos with Santa
HOLIDAY MUSIC PERFORMANCES
- Ginetta Silva, Pocket Trumpet | Saturday, Dec. 10, 3 – 5 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 17, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
- South Florida Jubilee Ensemble| Sunday, Dec. 11, 1 – 2 p.m.
- Treble in Paradise Ensemble| Saturday, Dec. 17, 2 – 3 p.m.
MEET THE AUTHOR & BOOK SIGNING: LAURA DUKSTA – “I Love You More”
- Date: Sunday, Nov. 27 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Details: Personalized gifts available: New York Times best-selling author Laura Duksta’s book signing of “I Love You More,” a story about love from both the child’s and mother’s point of view.
- Cost: Free; book not included
MEET THE AUTHOR & BOOK SIGNING: CHRISTIANA LILLY – “100 Things to Do In Fort Lauderdale Before You Die”
- Date: Sunday, Dec. 11 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Details: Author Christiana Lilly leads readers through the city’s historic landmarks, dining gems, quirky shops, and culture scene that makes the city so special. Whether you’re a born-and-raised Fort Lauderdale resident, spend your winters here or are in town for the weekend, “100 Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale Before You Die” is a comprehensive guide to the Venice of America.
- Cost: Free; book not included
MEET THE AUTHOR & BOOK SIGNING: Jaroslav Vasicko – “Healed”
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 17; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Details: Inspired by real events and the Holy Spirit, “Healed” is one man’s journey of awakening, healing and transformation in 40 poems. This book allows you to see perspectives and experiences through poetry to inspire you in your struggles.
- Cost: Free, book not included
When: Friday, Nov. 25 – Saturday, Dec. 24
Where: Las Olas Oceanside Park: 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Cost: For details on all activities, registration, and ticket information, visit www.theloopflb.com.
About The LOOP
A cornerstone of activity, The LOOP (Las Olas Oceanside Park) is the central hub of the new $65 million, four-park system at the heart of Fort Lauderdale Beach. The public greenspaces, including the Intracoastal Promenade, Las Olas Beach Garage Sunset Terrace and DC Alexander Park aim to provide infinite experiences for everyone under the sun, and year-round activity in Fort Lauderdale’s oceanfront backyard. Through its four pillars “FAME,” The LOOP offers a variety of special events, activities, and uniquely local experiences for all, including holiday happenings, farmers markets, community workouts, and more. The LOOP also includes an interactive water feature/splash pad that both children and adults can enjoy. As part of its commitment to the environment, the City of Fort Lauderdale partnered with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission on dual-light fixtures that use amber lighting during sea turtle nesting season. The park’s artificial turf covering requires no watering. The LOOP is projected to generate $7.4 million in tourism dollars through recreation and events in 2022. For more information, visit theloopflb.com or contact info@theloopflb.com.
Follow The LOOP on Facebook at www.facebook.com/theloopflb and Instagram at www.instagram.com/theloopflb/.
