Holiday in Paradise

This winter, celebrate a decade of a West Palm Beach icon: Sandi, the world's only 35-foot, 700-ton holiday sand tree.

As the star of the city's annual Holiday in Paradise campaign throughout December, Sandi attracts visitors near and far to marvel at one of The Palm Beaches' most-famous and beloved holiday traditions. Celebrate Sandi's 10th birthday at the Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting on Thursday, Dec. 2, from 6 to 10 p.m., where she'll be illuminated along with other sand sculptures for the first time this season.

Sandi Land

The West Palm Beach Great Lawn along the waterfront transforms into Sandi Land for the month of December, with Sandi being joined by a notable cast of supporting characters from over the years. Her dog, Duke, Merry the Mermaid and Hope the Flamingo will all join in the fun to mark the 10th anniversary.

After she makes her 2021 debut, her famed nightly music and light shows will run every 15 minutes from 6 to 9 p.m. through Dec. 30 (with some adjusted times during special events). Sandi shows will also run until midnight on New Year's Eve, giving revelers the chance to festively ring in 2022. The nearby fountain in Nancy M. Graham Centennial Square also dances in synchronized fashion during Sandi's shows.

Santa Sightings

Of course, Santa always comes down from the North Pole to get away from the cold and pay Sandi a visit. In keeping with the times, Santa and Mrs. Claus are tucked into a snow globe, where everyone can safely take pictures. Children and families can stand outside of the globe for photos and text their greetings and wishes to Santa.

Santa will be on-site at Sandi's tree lighting and 10th birthday celebration on Thursday, Dec. 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. Other appearances are scheduled for Friday, Dec. 10, from 6 to 9 p.m., and during Sandi's Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 18, from 9 a.m. to noon at the West Palm Beach GreenMarket.

More Holiday in Paradise Activities

Sandi sure draws a crowd, but look out for other entertainment to get you into the holiday spirit, including the nine-hole TEE-KI Time mini-golf course, available Thursdays through Sundays from 6 to 9 p.m. along Clematis Street (cost is $3 per person). On Friday, Dec. 10, from 6 to 10 p.m., join Sandi for a narrated storytime on the Great Lawn, followed by a showing of "The Santa Clause 2." And on Sunday, Dec. 19, from 4 to 7 p.m., the Aloha Islanders Tropical Holiday Spectacular will dazzle with a high-energy Polynesian hula music show on the waterfront.

How to Get to Sandi and Where to Park?

Sandi sits in the middle of downtown West Palm Beach’s Great Lawn, which is at the east end of lively Clematis Street and just west of scenic Flagler Drive. There are easy-to-use parking lots nearby, or park in city garages on Clematis Street, Banyan Boulevard and Evernia Street.

More to Do

Holiday in Paradise coincides with the ever-popular West Palm Beach GreenMarket, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. And best of all, the rest of downtown West Palm Beach and holiday-decorated Clematis Street are both a short walk from Sandi Land. For outstanding views of Palm Beach and Lake Worth Lagoon/the Intracoastal Waterway, go strolling along Flagler Drive.

Visit the Holiday in Paradise Website