The Treasure Coast has started to come alive with holiday celebrations, boat parades, and gatherings as we head into fall and winter. Many Treasure Coast events bring residents and visitors together for traditions, live music, and waterfront soires.
Whether you’re searching for family-friendly activities, shopping opportunities, or uniquely Florida celebrations on the water, the Treasure Coast delivers experiences that capture the spirit of the season. Here’s what’s happening across Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties before December 31st.
Martin County Events
Christmas on Main
🗓️ Date: November 28, 2025
📍 Location: 300 SW St Lucie Ave, Stuart
Stuart, Florida’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony brings downtown to life with holiday cheer. Stuart Main Street and The Historic Downtown Business Association present this family-friendly celebration centered around a 30-foot Christmas tree.
Face painting and children’s activities keep kids entertained throughout the evening. Santa arrives for photos with families. Food and craft vendors line the streets while live music fills the air.
Beer and wine are available for purchase. The Visiting Nurses Association provides cookies and hot chocolate. The tree lighting serves as the main event, officially launching the holiday season for Stuart residents.
Winter Stuart Stroll
🗓️ Date: December 4, 2025
📍 Location: Various Downtown Stuart Businesses
This anticipated shopping event invites attendees to explore Historic Downtown Stuart’s unique shops and restaurants. Stuart Main Street and The Historic Downtown Business Association host the evening stroll with light bites and beverages at participating locations.
Tickets cost $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Limited quantities are available. Attendees can enter to win one of four $100 shopping sprees.
Free shuttle service runs from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Registration begins at 4:30 PM at the mid-street seating plaza on Osceola Street.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at Kilwin’s Chocolates & Ice Cream, Gumbo Limbo Coastal Chic, Harbor Wear, Clam Shell Clothiers, April Daze, Radiant Outfitters, The Flagler of Stuart, and Gysea Cottage.
Hobe Sound Christmas Parade
🗓️ Date: December 6th, 2025
📍 Location: 8958 Southeast Bridge Road, Hobe Sound
The Hobe Sound community celebrates the holidays with its annual Christmas parade. Local organizations, schools, and businesses create floats and displays that process through town.
Details and participation information are available at www.hobesound.org/christmas-parade. This small-town parade offers intimate holiday charm for families seeking traditional celebrations.
Stuart Christmas Parade
🗓️ Date: December 5, 2025
📍 Location: SE Ocean Blvd, Stuart
This Martin County tradition dates back to 1960. Floats, bands, and community participants process along Ocean Boulevard in a spectacular display of lights and holiday spirit.
Spectators should arrive early to secure viewing spots. Many families set up lawn chairs along the route hours before the parade begins. Parking is limited, so utilizing public spots along Ocean Boulevard and nearby side streets is recommended.
Participants must arrive early; floats line up starting at 4:30 PM, with bands and walkers arriving by 5:30 PM. Food vendors open at 4:00 PM.
All floats and vehicles must feature at least 1,000 lights. Participants should hand candy directly to spectators rather than throwing it to prevent children from running into the street.
Smithfield Plaza serves as a drop-off location only, with no parking permitted. Some streets close the morning of the parade, so planning ahead is essential.
Martin County Christmas Boat Parade
🗓️ Date: December 6th, 2025
📍 Location: 201 Southwest Flagler Avenue, Stuart
Boats of all sizes showcase holiday decorations in this waterfront procession. The parade starts in the Manatee Pocket in Port Salerno and concludes near Flagler Park in Downtown Stuart.
Staging begins at Sandsprit Park at 6:00 PM. A Captain’s Meeting on December 12 at Chapman’s School of Seamanship allows participating vessels to review parade logistics before the main event.
Spectators enjoy views from various points along the route as decorated boats pass by with lights and festive displays. This unique celebration combines Stuart’s boating culture with holiday tradition.
Winterfest
🗓️ Date: December 12th, 2025
📍 Location: The Mansion at Tuckahoe, Indian Riverside Park, 1707 NE Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach
Martin County Parks & Recreation hosts this free evening celebration at The Mansion at Tuckahoe. Live entertainment, food vendors, games, and holiday spirit create an all-in-one festive experience for families.
The waterfront setting in Jensen Beach provides a magical backdrop for the evening. Attendees should bring festive attire and an appetite for food vendor offerings. This event is supported by the Children’s Services Council of Martin County.
Music At The Mansion
🗓️ Date: December 14th, 2025
📍 Location: The Mansion at Tuckahoe, Indian Riverside Park, 1707 NE Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach
Jupiter Rock Farm performs a free concert at The Mansion at Tuckahoe. This high-energy cover band delivers hits from the ’60s through the 2000s, blending classic rock, ’80s pop, modern country, Southern rock, funk, and Latin rhythm.
Food and beverages are available for purchase. Free games and activities keep kids entertained. The band has played venues across Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast, including the Kelsey Theater, Copper Blues, Terra Fermata, Harbourside, and Square Grouper.
Bonner Bar sponsors this event. No coolers are allowed. Families should bring blankets or chairs for comfortable seating with views of the Indian River Lagoon.
St. Lucie County Events
Fairgrounds Festival of Lights
🗓️ Date: November 27 – December 28th, 2025
📍 Location: 15601 West Midway Road, Fort Pierce
The St. Lucie County Fairgrounds debuts this new drive-thru holiday lights experience running from Thanksgiving through the end of December. A mile-long light trail leads to Santa’s Village, where families can visit a petting zoo, real reindeer, and a live animal nativity.
Santa appears Fridays through Sundays for free photo opportunities. Admission is $25 per car for advanced tickets (valid for up to eight passengers). Gate prices are $30. From Christmas Day through December 29, admission drops to $15 per car with gate prices at $20.
Funnel cakes, corn dogs, and hot chocolate are available for purchase. Advance ticket purchases save money and reduce wait times at the gate.
Sights & Sounds on Second Christmas Parade
🗓️ Date: December 7th, 2025
📍 Location: Downtown Fort Pierce
Main Street Fort Pierce, City of Fort Pierce, and the Sunrise Kiwanis present the 37th annual parade celebrating “Fort Pierce Through the Decades.” This downtown tradition starts at Tickle Tummy Hill on Second Street.
After the parade, the Christmas tree lighting transforms downtown into a magical scene. The brilliantly decorated tree comes to life with a display of lights.
Free parking is available at the City Parking Garage (Orange Ave & Depot Dr), County Parking Garage (2nd St & Boston Ave), and designated lots along Indian River Drive. Keep in mind, participants must submit applications before November 22.
St. Lucie County Christmas Boat Parade
🗓️ Date: December 13, 2025
📍 Location: 700 Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce
Decorated boats travel the St. Lucie River past the South Causeway Bridge to the Fort Pierce Inlet before looping back. Boaters from across the Treasure Coast participate in this festive tradition.
The Marine Industries Association hosts a Captain’s Meeting and Party where participants gather, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the parade. Event proceeds support workforce readiness initiatives.
This waterfront celebration brings together local businesses, boaters, and residents for a bright evening on the water.
Indian River County Events
Sebastian Clambake
🗓️ Date: November 7-9, 2025
📍 Location: Riverview Park, Sebastian
The Sebastian Clambake celebrates the community’s connection to the Indian River Lagoon with food, music, and family entertainment. This annual festival at Riverview Park showcases the waterway that has shaped local culture for generations.
Attendees enjoy steamed clams, linguine with clam sauce, clam strips, pizza, french fries, and sausage with peppers and onions. The menu offers variety beyond seafood for all tastes.
Live music fills the park throughout the day. A kids’ zone keeps younger guests entertained while craft vendors display local artwork and handmade goods. The lagoon serves as a scenic backdrop for the entire event.
The Sebastian Clambake Foundation, a non-profit founded in 2002, organizes this celebration. All proceeds support local non-profit programs and capital improvement projects. The foundation has granted over $1,000,000 to charity since its inception.
This “Lagoon Festival” designation highlights the Indian River Lagoon’s vital role in providing recreation, beauty, and sustenance to the region. The festival honors that heritage while supporting community causes.
Vero Beach Boat Show
🗓️ Date: November 22-23, 2025
📍 Location: 3001 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach
The Vero Beach Boat Show returns to Riverside Park twice yearly, offering spring and fall editions. This waterfront event showcases marine vessels, accessories, and services for boating enthusiasts and curious shoppers alike.
Standup paddleboards, jet skis, deck boats, pontoon boats, skiffs, and offshore fishing machines fill the display area. Local boat dealers answer questions and provide product details. Marine accessory vendors present the latest boating gear.
Finance and insurance representatives attend to assist with purchasing decisions. Food vendors provide refreshments throughout both days. Parking and admission remain free, making it accessible for families exploring boat ownership or marine hobbies.
The show sits just west of the Riverside Theater and southeast of the Barber Bridge, convenient to Downtown Vero Beach.
Downtown Vero Beach Tree Lighting Festival
🗓️ Date: November 22, 2025
📍 Location: Pocahontas Park, 14th Avenue
The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce hosts this annual celebration marking the beginning of the holiday season. Pocahontas Park transforms into a festive gathering space filled with family activities.
Kids’ crafts, bubbles, and “snow” play areas entertain younger attendees. Food trucks serve dinner options while families wait for the main event. Santa and Mrs. Claus pose for photos throughout the evening.
Live musical performances set the mood leading up to the tree lighting at dusk. After the tree illuminates, the community settles in for a holiday movie on the green. Attendees should bring blankets and chairs for comfortable viewing.
This free event brings Vero Beach residents together to kick off the holiday season with tradition and community spirit.
Vero Beach Holiday Art & Craft Expo
🗓️ Date: November 22-23, 2025
📍 Location: 7955 58th Ave, Vero Beach
More than 250 exhibitors fill the Indian River County Fairgrounds with handcrafted goods, artwork, and unique holiday gift options. This two-day expo draws crowds seeking alternatives to typical retail shopping.
Free admission and ample parking make the event accessible. Attendees browse booths featuring everything from jewelry and home décor to seasonal crafts and original art pieces.
The expo operates rain or shine. All exhibitors use pop-up canopy tents secured with weights to withstand coastal winds. Small, quiet generators are permitted for vendors requiring electricity.
Security remains on-site overnight between Saturday and Sunday. The event’s timing before the holidays provides ideal shopping opportunities for those seeking one-of-a-kind gifts.
The Flamingo – Jake Owen Foundation
🗓️ Date: November 14-16, 2025
📍 Location: Corporate Air Inc., Airport West Drive, Vero Beach
Country music star Jake Owen returns to his hometown each year for this three-day fundraising celebration. The weekend packs five distinct events benefiting the Jake Owen Foundation and local charities.
The Flamingo Comedy Jam features stand-up performances hosted by Ryan Parsons, with comedian Sheena Reagan and headliner Jamie Lissow delivering laughs throughout the evening.
The Flamingo Family Fun Run 3K welcomes runners of all ages and abilities. Awards recognize top finishers, the largest team, the top fundraiser, and best best-dressed flamingo. Participants receive race shirts, professional timing, post-race refreshments, and optional finisher medals.
The Flamingo Songwriter Splash showcases Nashville singer-songwriters in an intimate performance setting. This event serves as the main concert with Jake Owen alongside Leo33 Recording Artist Trey Pendley and Grammy-winning songwriter Kendell Marvel.
The Flamingo Fishing Classic challenges anglers targeting snook, trout, redfish, sheepshead, and snapper. First place wins $500, second place wins $250, and third place wins $100. All ages can compete.
The Jake Owen Foundation, established in 2010, has raised more than $8.5 million for children battling cancer and life-threatening illnesses. The nonprofit now benefits about 30 organizations, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Clubs, and Autism Speaks.
Recent events have also supported hurricane relief efforts for Vero Beach residents. Community members can participate or donate through www.jakeowenfoundation.org.
Vero Beach Christmas Parade
🗓️ Date: December 6, 2025
📍 Location: Ocean Drive, Vero Beach
This cherished tradition continues with community floats, marching bands, and festive displays traveling through town. The parade will be broadcast live on Facebook for those unable to attend in person.
Float entries can participate in the Christmas Can Castle Build, a food drive benefiting local charities. Judges evaluate entries on volume, artistic design, and theme. All canned goods go to charity after judging.
The Santa Scavenger Hunt invites children aged 3-12 to find Santa hidden in six local businesses. Families solve clues to locate Santa, with prizes awarded to winners. Selected participants may ride on the Sunrise Rotary Chuck Wagon during the parade.
Vero Beach Christmas Boat Parade
🗓️ Date: December 14, 2025
📍 Location: 2 Royal Palm Pointe, Vero Beach
Decorated boats navigate the Intracoastal Waterway in this annual floating celebration. Participants join from all boat types and sizes, creating a colorful procession of holiday lights and displays.
Staging begins in the Intracoastal Waterway north of the Merrill Barber Bridge. Boats proceed through the City of Vero Beach Marina channel, continue south to the Quail Valley channel, and loop back to the Intracoastal.
The parade continues south to Young’s Park channel before turning north to end near the Royal Palm Pointe dock. Spectators line the route at various waterfront locations to view the illuminated vessels.
A Captain’s Meeting precedes the parade for participating boat captains. The meeting covers logistics while offering drinks and hors d’oeuvres. The Marine Industries Association organizes this scenic holiday tradition.
