Lighting of the tree at the 2023 Holiday in Paradise. [Photo by Scott Wiseman via the City of West Palm Beach]
The City of West Palm Beach is gearing up for a harmonious holiday season with its annual Holiday in Paradise celebration, presented by FPL. The centerpiece of the event, Sandi, the world’s only 35-foot, 700-ton holiday sand tree, makes its debut at the Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6 to 10 p.m.
The lighting ceremony will include a dynamic light and music show that features this year’s theme, “Sandi Shares Harmony,” which draws inspiration from Sandi’s newest friend, Harmony, the leader of a joyful group known as the Happy Herd of Llamas. During the off-season, Sandi traveled and encountered Harmony.
Harmony’s Happy Herd features eight llamas with fitting names: NOdrama Llama, NOprob Llama, Llamaste, Fa-la-la-la-Llama, LlAmour, LlAmazing, Llama Mia and Dolly Llama. The harmonious herd will be intricately sculpted at the base of Sandi and along the Waterfront, alongside four additional 25-ton sand sculptures. Sandi’s usual cast of characters — Hope, Merry the Mermaid and Duke — also return.
Ferris, a 50-foot Ferris wheel, also returns, offering a sky-high view of Sandi. In addition, the celebration features 100 tons of intricately crafted sand sculptures, including the Be Good Ship Lollipop, a giant pirate-themed sand sculpture, and a 50-ton sand bar where children can play. The festivities are filled with daily activities and entertainment.
“Downtown West Palm Beach is a destination for holiday magic, with Holiday in Paradise’s Sandi taking center stage as one of the most unique holiday offerings in the world,” Mayor Keith A. James said.
Starting Dec. 5, Sandi’s magical light shows run nightly from 6 to 10 through Dec. 30 and from 6 to midnight New Year’s Eve. The shows start every quarter-hour.
“Holiday in Paradise is all about having fun and coming together as a community,” said Mary Pinak, the community events manager for West Palm Beach. “When people visit our beautiful Waterfront and enjoy Sandi, Ferris, and all our other activities, we want them to be in the moment, making memories with their friends and family.”
Rides on Ferris are $5 plus taxes and fees. For more information, including rules and special event details, visit wpb.org/events.
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