Holiday in Paradise to Again Star Sandi Tree and Include Ferris Wheel

October 30, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:       
Meredith Westheimer
Phone: (561) 213-8192
Email: [email protected]

Diane G. Papadakos
Phone: (561) 822-1411 (TTY: 800-955-8771)
Email: [email protected]

Holiday in Paradise to Again Star Sandi Tree and Include Ferris Wheel
West Palm Beach’s Sandi, the world’s only 700-ton holiday sand tree, and Ferris, to debut with a pirate theme on Thursday, Nov. 30, from 6 – 10 p.m.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – 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 tons of free entertainment, 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 (100 N. Clematis St.) on Thursday, Nov. 30, from 6 – 10 p.m.

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.

“We love celebrating the holidays in West Palm Beach,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “Our unique and tropical celebration has become a well-loved tradition for locals and visitors, as well as attracting international attention and recognition. I hope everyone plans to come downtown and experience the magic of Holiday in Paradise.”

Starting on the night of the tree lighting, Sandi and the surrounding area will feature synchronized nightly music and light shows through Sunday, Dec. 31 from 6 – 10 p.m. (shows will be extended on New Year’s Eve through midnight). Shows start on the quarter hour except during special events. Rides on Ferris will be available during the same time for $5 per person per ride plus taxes and fees, and rules and restrictions apply (see wpb.org/events for more info).

Sandi fans should save the date for the following special events:

• Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting | Thursday, Nov. 30, from 6 – 10 p.m. | FREE on the Great Lawn

  The celebration will feature music by The Music Machine on the NewDay USA Stage and include FREE and special entertainment, including fun-loving pirates, strolling entertainment, photos with Santa, and much more. A holiday shopping bazaar will take place in the Lake Pavilion. Of note: music, activities, and the bazaar take place until 9 p.m.; Sandi shows and rides on Ferris take place until 10 p.m.

• Screen on the Green | Friday, Dec. 8 from 6:30 – 10 p.m. | Holiday-themed double feature | FREE on the Great Lawn
  

  About Muppet Treasure Island (G): 

  The Muppet Christmas Carol is a retelling of the classic Dickens tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, miser extraordinaire. He is held accountable for his dastardly ways during night-time visitations by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. 

• Soul in the City Jazz Experience – Guitarist and Producer Adam Hawley | Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 7 – 9 p.m. | Lake Pavilion (101 S. Flagler Drive) | $25 – $31.25 per person

  Soul in the City Jazz Experience is an intimate and unforgettable jazz experience overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Drinks are available for purchase.

  Guitarist and Producer Adam Hawley has burst onto the contemporary jazz scene as a celebrated and innovative artist, composer and band leader. Hawley will perform a dynamic combination of unique holiday arrangements and original contemporary jazz selections. and some of your favorites from Stevie Wonder, Demi Lovato, Gap Band, Chris Brown, John Legend, and more.

• Sandi and Santa’s Annual Pancake Breakfast | Saturday, Dec. 16 | Seatings will be available on the hour from 9 – 11 a.m. | Tickets will soon be available at wpb.org/events. Tickets are $17 per person, plus taxes and fees. The event includes private access to Santa and Mrs. Claus, the only daytime ride on Ferris, and a splash of pirates and mermaids.

• Sunday on the Waterfront featuring the Aloha Islanders Tropical Holiday Spectacular| Sunday, Dec. 17 from 4 – 7 p.m. | FREE on the Great Lawn

  The annual vibrant, high-energy, and authentic Polynesian show is popular with guests of all ages and is consistently the most popular Sunday on the Waterfront show annually. The Islanders take the audience on a journey through Polynesia using pulsating drums, beautiful hula dancers, and exciting Samoan fire knife dancers to make guests feel truly transported. The event will also feature the annual conch-blowing contest.

• New Year’s Eve | Sunday, Dec. 31 from 6 p.m. – midnight | Ring in the New Year in style with Sandi, Ferris, and friends with extra music and light shows.

“The forecast for the City of West Palm Beach is sand – and lots of it,” said Mary Pinak, community events manager for the City of West Palm Beach. “The holidays in downtown West Palm Beach are truly magical and unique. We are grateful for the opportunity to create extraordinary events that will serve as the backdrop for special memories. We know this year will bring an added layer of fun with Pauly and crew.”

Sand for Holiday in Paradise will start to arrive by the truckload on Wednesday, Nov. 1. The days-long delivery will disperse 850 tons of sand on the Great Lawn. Sandi will take the bulk of the sand, and 100 tons will be used to construct other sand sculptures along the waterfront. In total, it takes about one month to ensure Sandi is ready for her big debut.

Holiday in Paradise sponsors and partners to date include: Florida Power & Light, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center, Dunkin’, Land Rover Palm Beach, Discover The Palm Beaches, NewDay USA, 97.9 WRMF, SUNNY 107.9, New Country 103.1, X 102.3, PARTY 96.3, News Talk 850 WFTL, FOX Sports 640 AM, WPBF 25 News, West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority, Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office, The Inscription West Palm Beach, The Ben, Autograph Collection, Visit Palm Beach, Best Western Palm Beach Lakes, Hawthorne Suites by Wyndham West Palm Beach, WPB Magazine, Hilton Palm Beach Airport, Hilton Garden Inn, West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, The Palm Beach Post and Cox Science Center and Aquarium. Collaborators to date include Historic Northwest Neighborhood, Northwood Village and Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach.

Parking is available in the City of West Palm Beach’s public garages, which are the Clematis, Banyan, City Center, Sapodilla and Evernia garages. The Banyan and Evernia garages are closest to the events. Those interested in arriving by boat can also take advantage of the City’s free public docks. The Clematis Street Dock is the closest dock to the events.

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.

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About the City of West Palm Beach:  
The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic City located on the Atlantic coast of Florida. With a rich history, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region, and the central City of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing, waterfront City that offers the business advantages available in the region, combined with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit us on our official website, or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and/or Linked-in.

All events are subject to change. Attendees should check the City’s website, wpb.org/events, to confirm the most up-to-date information.