The City of West Palm Beach is preparing for a harmonious holiday season. This year’s Holiday in Paradise Presented by FPL theme is “Sandi Shares Harmony.” Sandi, the world’s only 35-foot, 700-ton holiday sand tree, will debut at the Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting with a dynamic light and music show on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6 – 10 p.m. While traveling during the off-season, Sandi met Harmony, the leader of a Happy Herd of Llamas, who inspired this year’s theme.

Starting on the night of the tree lighting, Sandi and the surrounding area will feature synchronized nightly music and light shows through Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 6 – 10 p.m. (shows will be extended on New Year’s Eve through midnight). Shows start on the quarter hour except during special events. Rides on Ferris will be available during the same time for $5 per person per ride plus taxes and fees, and rules and restrictions apply (see wpb.org/events for more info).

Special Event Schedule

Dec 5th: Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting on the NewDay USA Stage | Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6 – 10 p.m. | FREE on the Great Lawn The celebration will feature music by Uncle Morty’s Rhythm Cream (R&B/Soul/Rock/Cover) and include FREE and special entertainment, including strolling entertainment, photos with Santa, and much more. A holiday shopping bazaar featuring local artisans will occur in the Lake Pavilion. Of note: music, activities, and the bazaar take place until 9 p.m.; Sandi shows and rides on Ferris continue until 10 p.m.

Dec 8th: Sandi and Santa’s Annual Pancake Breakfast | Sunday, Dec. 8 | Two seatings will be available at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. | Tickets will soon be available at wpb.org/events. Tickets are $17 per person, plus taxes and fees. The event includes private access to Santa and Mrs. Claus and the only daytime ride on Ferris.

Dec 12th: Clematis by Night on the NewDay USA Stage featuring The Bobby Rodriguez Orchestra (18-piece Jazz Big Band) | Thursday, Dec. 12, from 6 – 9 p.m. | FREE on the Great Lawn In 1981, Bobby Rodriguez formed an 18-piece all-star Jazz Big Band and has performed across South Florida ever since. This versatile Big Band plays various music, including swing, bebop, Latin, and pop. Bobby loves to sing songs from the Great American Song Book.

Dec 13th: Screen on the Green | Friday, Dec. 13, from 7 – 9 p.m. | Double feature | FREE on the Great Lawn – The Emperor’s New Groove (G) Arrogant young Emperor Kuzco is transformed into a llama by his power-hungry advisor — the devious diva Yzma. Stranded in the jungle, Kuzco’s only chance to get back home and reclaim the high life rests with a good-hearted peasant named Pacha. Together, they must return Kuzco to the throne before Yzma tracks them down and finishes him off.

Kronk’s New Groove (G) In this sequel to “The Emperor’s New Groove,” former meddler Kronk has turned over a new leaf and now runs a bustling pizza parlor in an Incan village. When Kronk hears that his judgmental father, Papi, plans to visit, he scrambles to raise money to impress him. And, just when it seems he might succeed, Kronk’s evil former employer, Yzm, appears, intending to draw him back into her crooked ways.

Dec 15th: Sunday on the Waterfront on the NewDay USA Stage featuring the Aloha Islanders Tropical Holiday Spectacular| Sunday, Dec. 15, from 4 – 7 p.m. | FREE on the Great Lawn The annual vibrant, high-energy, and authentic Polynesian show is popular with guests of all ages and is consistently the most popular Sunday on the Waterfront show annually. The Islanders take the audience on a journey through Polynesia using pulsating drums, beautiful hula dancers, and exciting Samoan fire knife dancers to make guests feel truly transported. The event will also feature the annual conch-blowing contest

Dec 18th: Soul in the City Jazz Experience | Wednesday, Dec. 18, from 7 – 9 p.m. The Lady Ella Show | General admission tickets start at $30 at the Lake Pavilion | For info, visit here or wpb.org/jazz A native of Charleston, West Virginia, Nicci Canada, was destined to sing. Born into a family of vocalists, she has been surrounded by music her entire life. She uniquely connects with listeners, using her voice as a canvas to showcase the truths of the heart and soul. Her warm, sultry vocals are reminiscent of artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Nina Simone.

Dec 19th: Clematis by Night on the NewDay USA Stage featuring KRUSH Party Band (Motown/R&B/Dance) | Thursday, Dec. 19, from 6 – 9 p.m. | FREE on the Great Lawn KRUSH Party Band is a professional entertainment powerhouse. KRUSH Band performs top hits in various genres, including Motown, R&B, classic dance, disco hits, classic dance rock, and much more!

Dec 26th: NOTE: NO CLEMATIS BY NIGHT ON THURSDAY, DEC. 26 Sandi and Ferris will still operate on the normal schedule.

Dec 31st: New Year’s Eve | Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 6 p.m. – midnight Ring in the New Year in style with Sandi, Ferris, and friends with extra music and light shows.

PARKING: Available in the City of West Palm Beach’s public garages, which are the Clematis, Banyan, City Center, Sapodilla, and Evernia garages. The Banyan and Evernia garages are closest to the events. Those interested in arriving by boat can also take advantage of the City’s free public docks. The Clematis Street Dock is the nearest dock to the events.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the City of West Palm Beach