Updated September 29, 2026. Christmas calendars across the Treasure Coast are still being published. Port St. Lucie has confirmed its Festival of Lights date; some other pages still describe 2025. Check the organizer before you drive to an event.
The region's recurring choices include waterfront boat parades, downtown tree lightings, public light displays, and McKee Botanical Garden's ticketed Jungle Lights. Pick the format you want first, then check the current calendar for its date and price.
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Quick list
2026 planning notes
- Confirmed: Port St. Lucie Festival of Lights, December 5, 2026
- Boat-parade dates: verify the year on the organizer's page
- McKee Jungle Lights: watch for 2026 ticket dates and prices
- Fort Pierce and Sebastian: check city calendars for new listings
Port St. Lucie Festival of Lights: December 5
The City of Port St. Lucie lists Festival of Lights for Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 2 to 10 p.m. at the MIDFLORIDA Event Center. The parade is scheduled for 6 p.m., followed by the tree lighting and fireworks. Carnival rides, food, and vendors may add costs.
The city also runs PSLinLights at locations around town. Its main page contains a mixture of current event links and older display details, so use the updated 2026 map and hours when they are posted.
Choose a boat parade after its date is confirmed
The Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast organizes boat parades in Martin County, St. Lucie County, and Vero Beach. Its current page lists December 5, 12, and 6 respectively, without a year next to those dates. Do not treat them as confirmed 2026 dates until the association publishes the season's route and schedule.
A public waterfront spot can make for a low-cost evening. Check the route map first: a long parade route does not guarantee a good view from every park.
Local tip
Use the article for evergreen ideas and the newsletter for what is happening right now.
That combination gives you the best shot at finding something that fits the season, your schedule, and what is actually open or active this week.
Garden lights and downtown traditions
McKee Botanical Garden's Jungle Lights is a ticketed evening walk in Vero Beach. Its main event page still includes 2025-season dates and prices. Check the garden's calendar for its 2026 release before booking.
Fort Pierce's Sights & Sounds on Second, Stuart's Christmas on Main Street, and Sebastian's waterfront parade are recurring local traditions. Their past-season listings are useful for learning what an event is like, but they are not this year's schedule.
Make the night easier
For a parade, arrive before the posted start time and check the route and parking guidance. For a garden light show, look at entry times and ticket rules. If rain is forecast, check the organizer's update before leaving home.
FAQ
Common questions
Which Christmas event already has a 2026 date?
Port St. Lucie's Festival of Lights is listed for Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 2 to 10 p.m.
Are the 2026 boat parade dates final?
The association's current page shows day and month but does not label the year. Confirm the 2026 dates and routes before making plans.
Is Jungle Lights free?
No. McKee Botanical Garden sells tickets; its 2026 dates and prices should be checked on the garden's event page.
Sources
Reference links
Written by
Derek Brumby
We publish Treasure Coast guides for residents, newcomers, and weekend planners. Our goal is to combine local context, linked source material, and ongoing page updates so a reader can act on the guide instead of just skim it.
Derek Brumby is the sole author and editor. On The Treasure Coast is owned and published by Brumby LLC.
Research and updates
Last verified September 29, 2026
This guide was written and edited by Derek Brumby using linked local and official sources, then reviewed for Treasure Coast planning context.