BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2025) — The City of Boca Raton opens its holiday event season this weekend with a full night of music, snow flurries, food vendors, and the ceremonial tree lighting at the Mizner Park Amphitheater. The free event runs Saturday, Nov. 22, from 6 to 10 p.m. at 590 Plaza Real and traditionally draws one of the largest crowds of the year.

City officials let us know about the schedule, road closures, parking options, and new features added for 2025. Plaza Real East and West — the interior streets inside Mizner Park — will close to vehicle traffic starting at noon to make room for staging, equipment, and the expected foot traffic.

The holiday celebration begins at 6 p.m. The opening hour includes live music, snow flurries, roaming holiday characters, a craft station, a holiday market, and food and drinks for purchase. Santa will be available for selfies throughout the night, and families can find him inside the Boca Raton Museum of Art from 6 to 10 p.m.

The ceremonial tree lighting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on the Amphitheater stage, led by Mayor Scott Singer. When the switch flips, more than 50,000 LED lights strung around 75 palm trees throughout Mizner Park will illuminate at once, along with several 2D holiday displays installed for photo opportunities.

A new feature this year is a live-streamed LED screen positioned near the “Pink Tree” at the south end of Mizner Park, close to the Yard House. The city says it will display both the tree lighting and the performances happening on stage for anyone gathered on the south side of the plaza.

Live music fills most of the program. Kazual performs from 6:15 to 7:20 p.m., followed by A Very Diva Christmas with sets from 8 to 8:45 p.m. and again from 8:55 to 9:40 p.m. The playlist ranges from holiday classics to Top 40 songs.

According to the city, the event continues rain or shine. Restrooms will be open at the amphitheater, and staff in red “EVENT STAFF” shirts will be stationed throughout the venue for questions or assistance.

Parking will be available at several city lots: City Hall (201 W. Palmetto Park Road), Building Administration (200 NW 2nd Avenue), the Downtown Public Library (400 NW 2nd Avenue), and the public lot at 300 NW 2nd Avenue. Limited spaces will also be open in Mizner Park’s garages, and on-street metered parking is available across downtown.

The city encourages attendees to consider BocaConnect, the on-demand shuttle service operating in and around Downtown Boca. Rides can be booked through the app and are either free or low-cost depending on the route.

Bike racks are available at City Hall and inside Mizner Park. Officials recommend reflective clothing or reflective strips on bikes. For those walking, the city reminds visitors to look and listen before crossing nearby train tracks, especially during peak arrival and departure times.

Electric vehicle charging stations will be open at City Hall and the Downtown Library. With crowds expected, the city advises everyone to leave early, plan ahead, and give themselves extra time to park and walk into the venue.

The event map and additional details are available on the city’s website.

If you’re planning to eat before or after your visit, check out our Mizner Park Dining & Parking Guide for an easy breakdown of where to park and what to expect.

More information is available on the city’s website.