Catch the Grinch & Buddy the Elf at Dania Beach Light Up the Night 2026
Light Up the Night kicks off the holiday season in Broward
If you’re lining up a hire Santa for your holiday party date later this season, Saturday, November 14 is a free night to see how we work a Broward crowd — at the City of Dania Beach’s annual holiday kickoff, Dania After Dark – Light Up the Night.
We’re Miami Superhero. We’re bringing characters to City Hall that night. Not a house party. A lawn, a tree lighting, and a lot of kids who just want a photo. Our Santa isn’t on this one. The Grinch, Buddy the Elf, and Bluey and Bingo in Christmas outfits are.
It’s 5 to 9 p.m. at 100 W Dania Beach Blvd. Free admission. If you live in Dania, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, or you’re coming down Federal, this is the easy first holiday night of the year — no ticket, no guesswork on the city’s hours.
Meet Our Characters at Light Up the Night
We’ll be there during the event. We’re not posting a meet-and-greet clock, because city nights move. Look for us on the grounds while the tree, the rink, and the vendors are running.
The life-like Grinch is the one people stop for. Prosthetic face, not a felt mask. He photographs next to the firefighters, next to the tree, next to whoever’s brave enough to stand that close. Kids who know the movie will either run at him or hide behind a parent. Both happen. That’s the bit.
Buddy the Elf is the other adult-size holiday face. Loud, yellow tights, the whole bit. He works a line better than a character who only poses. If your kid’s too small for the Grinch, start with Buddy.
Bluey and Bingo in Christmas outfits are for the toddlers who don’t care about the Grinch yet. Short photos. Don’t wait until 8:45 if that’s who you came for — little ones melt, and we’re gone when the event is.
Event Details
- Saturday, November 14, 2026
- 5 to 9 p.m.
- Free admission
- Dania Beach City Hall, 100 W Dania Beach Blvd, Dania Beach, FL 33004
- Ceremonial Christmas tree lighting, drone show, ice skating rink, competitions, face painting, food vendors
The city runs the night. Hours and the lawn can shift — they say so on their own page. Confirm on the City of Dania Beach Light Up the Night page before you leave the house.
Parking, Shuttle and the BSO Fire Rescue Toy Drive
Free parking and a free shuttle run from the Dania Beach Casino northwest parking lot, 301 E Dania Beach Blvd. Enter from Fronton Blvd. The shuttle runs 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Don’t circle City Hall at 5:05 looking for a space on the grass. Use the casino lot.
BSO Fire Rescue is collecting for their toy drive at the City Hall entrance. Bring a new, unwrapped toy. That’s the city’s ask, not ours. We’ll be on the grounds. They’ll be at the door.
Bring the Holiday Characters to Your Own Party
A city kickoff is one night. If you want the same faces in a living room, an office, or a clubhouse, that’s a booking. For company parties, start with Christmas party entertainment. For birthdays and mixed holiday hours, our full lineup of party characters is the rest of the roster.
Those two photos are from our past holiday events — not from this Dania Beach night. We don’t have Santa on the City Hall lawn for Light Up the Night. If you want him at your house or your office, say so when you call.
December Saturdays go first. If you already know your date, get a free quote before the weekend you wanted is gone. Dade (786) 220-5686. Broward (954) 239-7244. Palm Beach (561) 293-3535. Ask for Sean.
FAQ
Is Light Up the Night free? Yes. The City of Dania Beach lists free admission for Saturday, November 14, 2026, 5 to 9 p.m.
When and where is it? Dania Beach City Hall, 100 W Dania Beach Blvd, Dania Beach, FL 33004. Saturday, November 14, 2026, 5 to 9 p.m.
Where do I park? Free parking and a free shuttle from the Dania Beach Casino northwest parking lot, 301 E Dania Beach Blvd (enter from Fronton Blvd). Shuttle 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.
