See Sandi Light Up for the First Time this Season at Annual Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting

The City of West Palm Beach will begin the holidays with Sandi’s first synchronized light and music shows, Ferris wheel rides, live music, a holiday boutique and more!

WHO:  West Palm Beach City Commissioners
Residents and visitors of all ages
Sandi, the world’s only 35-foot-tall, 700-ton holiday sand tree
Ferris Powered by Land Rover Palm Beach, a Ferris wheel   

WHAT: West Palm Beach City Officials will lead a large and excited crowd through a countdown to mark the start of Holiday in Paradise Presented by FPL officially! Once he flips the oversized switch from the NewDay USA Stage, Sandi will light up for the first time this season. Come catch the magic and memories that take place for thousands of families!

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023
From 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
(Sandi and Ferris run until 10 p.m.; live music, Santa visits and Holiday boutique end at 9 p.m.)

 WHERE: Great Lawn: 100 N. Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

WHY:  Holiday in Paradise was recognized in 2021 as the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice for “Best Public Holiday Lights Display” – and is currently in a competition to regain the top spot. To vote for Holiday in Paradise, featuring Sandi, visit here or wpb.org/events.

About this year’s Holiday in Paradise:

The City of West Palm Beach is preparing to say ‘ahoy’ to another season of Holiday in Paradise Presented by FPL. At the center of the month-long celebration are Sandi, the world’s only 700-ton holiday sand tree, and Ferris Powered by Land Rover Palm Beach. The Ferris wheel debuted as part of Sandi’s cast of characters last year. The annual celebration features free entertainment, including 100 tons of other sand sculptures, nightly music and light shows and daily things to see and do. This year’s extravaganza will “Treasure West Palm Beach” and feature a pirate theme. In celebration, the City is adding a new element – Paradise Island Presented by Dunkin’. The addition is a 50-ton sandbox with holiday- and pirate-themed activities. Sandi, Ferris, and all activities will debut on the Great Lawn during the Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting.

This year’s theme features a new character and chapter in Sandi’s annual story. While sailing the ocean sea on a pirate ship, Captain Pauly the Parrot sees the glittery lights of Sandi and Ferris from afar through his spyglass. His band of merry men send him to see what treasure awaits. When they all descend on Sandiland, they discover that the true riches of the holiday lie in celebrating with community, family, and friends.

Festive holiday activities during Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting include:

• Sandi’s first music and light show of the year begins at approximately 7 p.m.
• Ferris wheel rides are available from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. for $5 per person per ride plus taxes and fees, and rules and restrictions apply. For rules, visit www.wpb.org/rules.  
• Paradise Island, a giant 50-ton sandbox with holiday and pirate-themed activities.
• Live music on the NewDay USA Stage by local band, The Music Machine, featuring Top 40s, classic rock, hip hop, ’90s and other genres.
• Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance for children and families to visit, take photos and share Christmas wishes.
• Holiday boutique in the Lake Pavilion from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. will feature handmade and festive items.
• Kids games
• Roving entertainment

Since her debut in 2012, Sandi has received numerous international and regional awards and accolades, including “Best New Event” and “Best Event within an Existing Festival” by the International Festivals and Events Association, “Most Innovative Project” by the Florida Festivals and Events Association and a Henry Award from VISIT FLORIDA.  Sandi has been featured in/on The Huffington Post, Thrillist, CNN, Martha Stewart, Travel + Leisure, and The Ellen Show. She also has her own closely followed social media accounts @Sanditreewpb.

For more information about Holiday in Paradise or other City events, please visit wpb.org/events or follow the City’s events pages on Instagram and Facebook @eventswpb. For all City news, follow @CityofWPB on Facebook, and @TheCityofWPB on Instagram and Twitter.