By: Mackenzie Barter, Madeline Cubas, Eliana Krasky, Layla Parson, Mia Rudich, Harper Souilliard & Dallas Tremellen
The holidays bring about a sense of joy that radiates throughout the hearts of those who embrace them. The Plantation City Hall Lighting Ceremony is a tradition that fills the soul in ways you can’t find everywhere, so why would anyone ever think of missing it? On the evening of December 6, that joy came to life as the Plantation community gathered at City Hall to celebrate the annual Light up City Hall ceremony. Families, friends, and neighbors filled the
grounds as festive lights illuminated the building and decor, officially marking the start of the holiday season in the city. From laughter echoing near ice skating area to music performed by local vocal groups, the event captured the warmth and togetherness that define the holidays, even after the lights were switched on and the night ended. Though the ceremony has already passed, its spirit continues to linger throughout Plantation. For many residents, Light Up City Hall isn’t just a one-night celebration; it’s a reminder of community, tradition, and the simple magic that makes the holiday season feel alive.
The Main Event: The Spectacular Lighting Ceremony
This lighting ceremony, held in celebration of all winter holidays, instantly immerses attendees in a festive mood. This wondrous tradition brings holiday cheer just from simply passing by. Some families cannot afford to have a big Christmas, for some of them this is all they get. This event allows kids and adults to enjoy the season without worrying and just enjoying the
event. Watching all the decorations light up at the same time looks simply magical. Kids stop playing around and view the spectacle in awe. Time stops for just a moment as the people soak it all in. This lighting ceremony, held in celebration of all winter holidays, instantly immerses attendees in a festive mood.
Get Crafty: Artisan Stands and Creative Fun
There were many productive and crafty opportunities to keep you and your family entertained. Many people enjoyed the experience of decorating cookies with their family and friends, along with simple but fun crafts of making frames! Frames consisted of popular winter animals or symbols reminiscent of winter. There were many booths where talented people were showing off and selling their very own handmade items. It was like being at a mini craft fair. Beautiful ornaments, holiday decor for households, jewelry, and more. You could also pay to decorate your own ornaments or more! Making your own designs and doing these with others is a great way to enjoy this holiday season!
Snowman Contest: Bringing Winter to Florida
On December 6, 2025, there was a community-hosted and local Snow Man competition at Plantation City Hall. Schools, city departments, groups, families, and individual people contended in this open-voting event. The prizes included gift cards and the title of City Hall’s best snowman creation. This contest was a fun and unique way to bring winter to Florida which cheered up many moods. As real snow was impossible to use, materials such as wood, Styrofoam, fabric, cotton balls, yarn, and others were used to make snow men. Each snowman was unique, and personalized to where they came from, for example: a construction company built a snowman out of wood, to show off their distinctive ability to build anything. There were also amusing and creative scenes put together by the people who made them. For example, there were karate scenes set up using snow men by a martial arts academy. Snow, or more so the lack of, might hinder one way to do something, but that doesn’t mean something’s impossible.
Winter Wonderland Activities: Skating and Snow
Some kids want to learn how to ice skate and they are not fortunate enough to be able to pursue this dream. Kids were screaming of happiness throughout the night! This event creates a bonding experience and memories for families to commemorate forever. Don’t worry if you do not have skates because they are provided for an affordable price. To add to the winter fun there was bubble snow around the park. Parents are seen enjoying the moments with their children or capturing pictures or videos for memories to look back on one day.
Joyful Sounds: Live Holiday Music Performances
Jolly melodies drifted from the stage, weaving a festive backdrop for the entire evening. Then performances from South Forida Jubilee Chorus, St. Gregory the Great Children’s Choir, Seminole Middle School Junior Thespian Troupe 88941, and even more throughout the night from 5:10pm – 8:15pm. Seminole Middle School’s Thespians sang a variety of Christmas musical hits. Such as Jingle Jingle Jingle, A Little Bit of You a Little Bit of Me from Frozen the musical, Oh Hanukkah, Let it go from Frozen the musical, and Never Fall in Love (With an Elf) from Elf the musical. These thespians brought so much life and whimsy to the stage captivating anyone in sight. Each performance brought a wave of joy and holiday cheer.
A Taste of the Holidays: Local Food Trucks
At City Hall for the Plantation Lighting Ceremony, there were many delightful food trucks parked, ready to serve the customers. The food trucks there were Gimme Grillin, The Hibachi Wagon, Kocoa: Fondue and Ice Cream, Mr. Burger, Mr. Lobster, Flavor House Grill, Tulum, and V’s Cakes. At Gimme Grillin there were these amazing chicken tenders with fries. As a drink there was this mango boba with strawberry popping pearls which added a nice sweetness to your meal. The Hibachi Wagon had a plate with delicious steak pieces with fried rice that made a nice juicy meal. Finally, for dessert, Kocoa: Fondue and Ice Cream had many different ice cream flavors to suit any taste pallet. Including milkshakes like classic vanilla and strawberry which made for a great dessert.
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