🗓️ Your Comprehensive Guide to Palm Bay’s Four Major December Holiday Events
Palm Bay families can plan their holiday season with this guide to the city’s four major December events: the Tree Lighting, Holiday Light Parade, “Trucks, Treats & Eats,” and the free Christmas Extra
Dateline: Palm Bay, FL – The City of Palm Bay and local community organizations are presenting a full schedule of festive gatherings throughout December. These four major holiday events offer residents numerous opportunities to enjoy the season and participate in community life. Plan ahead with this guide to the celebrations.
🌟 Friday, December 5: Tree Lighting Ceremony
The holiday season officially begins with the annual Palm Bay Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Hall, located at 120 Malabar Road.
When: Friday, December 5, 2025, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
What to Expect: This family-friendly event features musical performances by local student groups, including the Odyssey Charter School Band and the Heritage High School Show Choir. Attendees can take pictures with Santa and enjoy festive crafts inside City Hall.
Give Back: The event supports the community through two initiatives. Refreshments will be available for purchase, with all proceeds dedicated to the United Way of Brevard. Additionally, those who bring an unwrapped toy donation for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation will receive a free light-up Christmas Tree wand.
🚛 Saturday, December 6: Holiday Light Parade
Palm Bay hosts what is widely regarded as the largest illuminated procession in the region with the 2025 City of Palm Bay Holiday Light Parade.
When: Saturday, December 6, 2025, starting at 6:00 PM.
The Route: The three-mile parade begins at the Eastern Florida State College campus. It travels north on San Filippo Drive, turns west onto Malabar Road, and finishes at Minton Road, directly in front of City Hall.
What to Expect: The parade will feature dozens of brightly lit floats, high school marching bands, cheer squads, and various motorized vehicles. Thousands of spectators are expected to line the route to see the dazzling spectacle as it ushers in the heart of the holiday season.
🍔 Friday, December 12: “Trucks, Treats & Eats”
For a fun, casual evening that mixes food trucks with local civic engagement, the City is holding “Trucks, Treats & Eats” at City Hall.
When: Friday, December 12, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Location: Palm Bay City Hall, 120 Malabar Road.
What to Expect: Residents can enjoy a wide array of dinner and dessert options from local food trucks. A live DJ will provide upbeat music. A unique feature of the event is the opportunity for families to get an up-close look at City operational vehicles, including fire trucks and public works equipment, fostering interaction between residents and City staff.
🎁 Saturday, December 20: Christmas Extravaganza
The season’s major community events conclude with the massive 17th Annual Family Christmas Extravaganza.
When: Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Location: Fred Poppe Regional Park, 1951 Malabar Road NW.
Free Fun: This gathering is the “Largest FREE Christmas Party on the Space Coast.” Everything is free to attendees, including hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, drinks, pony rides, inflatables, face painting, and photo booths with Santa.
Talent Contest: The event is host to the “Extravaganza’s Got Talent” competition, which offers a total prize pool of $3,000 for local performers. Performers must submit an audition video by December 10th to be considered.