See Sandi Tree Light Up for the First Time this Season

Published on December 02, 2024

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December 2, 2024

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Meredith Westheimer
Phone: (561) 213-8192
Email:meredithw@themooreagency.com

Contact: Diane G. Papadakos, Director of Communications 
Phone: (561) 822-1411 (TTY: 800-955-8771)
Email:dpapadakos@wpb.org

 

*** MEDIA ALERT ***

See Sandi Light Up for the First Time this Season
During the Annual Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting

The City of West Palm Beach will start the holidays with Sandi’s first synchronized light and music shows, Ferris wheel rides, live music, a holiday boutique, and more!

WHO:            West Palm Beach City Commissioners

Residents and visitors of all ages

Santa and Mrs. Claus

Sandi, the world’s only 35-foot-tall, 700-ton holiday sand tree

Ferris, a 50-foot Ferris wheel

Harmony, the head of a happy herd of llamas and Sandi’s latest character

 

WHAT: West Palm Beach City officials will lead a large and excited crowd through a countdown to mark the start of Holiday in Paradise Presented by FPL. Sandi will light up for the first time this season with the flip of an oversized switch from the NewDay USA Stage. Sandi’s friends and fans are invited to enjoy the magic and memories that take place for thousands of families.

About this year’s Holiday in Paradise:

The City of West Palm Beach is preparing for a harmonious Holiday in Paradise Presented by FPL. At the center of the month-long celebration is Sandi, the world’s only 35-foot, 700-ton holiday sand tree, and Ferris, a 50-foot Ferris wheel. The annual celebration also features 100 tons of accompanying sand sculptures, the Be Good Ship Lollipop — featuring a giant pirate ship and a 50-ton sand bar where kids can play, daily things to see and do, and lots of free and affordable entertainment. Sandi, Ferris, and all activities will debut on the Great Lawn during the Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting.

While traveling during the off-season, Sandi met Harmony, the leader of a Happy Herd of Llamas, who inspired the theme. Harmony’s herd is aptly named: NOdrama Llama, NOprob Llama, Llamaste, Fa-la-la-la-Llama, LlAmour, LlAmazing, Llama Mia, and Dolly Llama. The harmonious crew will be included in sand sculptures and photo opps in Sandi Land. Sandi’s usual cast of characters will also return, including Hope, Merry the Mermaid, and Duke.

Festive holiday activities during Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting include:

  • Sandi’s debut with a dynamic light and music show

  • Rides on Ferris are available from 6 – 10 p.m. for $5 per person per ride plus taxes and fees, and rules and restrictions apply.

  • Be Good Ship Lollipop — featuring a giant pirate ship and a 50-ton sand bar where kids can play

  • A live llama on-site for petting and photo opportunities

  • Photos with Santa

  • Live music by Uncle Morty’s Rhythm Cream on the NewDay USA Stage — a 10-piece cover band performing R&B, soul and rock.

  • Strolling entertainment, such as stilt walkers

  • Magician

  • An airbrush artist and face painters with festive designs

  • Lawn games

  • Holiday Boutique (taking place until 9 p.m.)

  • An ornament workshop to make your own ornament using sand from Sandi and other elements. Prior registration is not required.

  • And much more!

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 | From 6 – 10 p.m.

(Sandi and Ferris run until 10 p.m.; live music, Santa visits and Holiday boutique end at 9 p.m.; there will be two shows during the lighting, and then continuous shows from 9 p.m. – 10 p.m.)

 

WHERE: Great Lawn: 100 N. Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

 

WHY: HIP was recognized in 2021 as the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice for “Best Public Holiday Lights Display.” Since her debut in 2012, Sandi has received numerous international and regional awards and accolades, including “Best New Event” and “Best Event within an Existing Festival” by the International Festivals and Events Association, “Most Innovative Project” by the Florida Festivals and Events Association and a Henry Award from VISIT FLORIDA.  Sandi has been featured in/on The Huffington Post, Thrillist, CNN, Martha Stewart, Travel + Leisure and The Ellen Show. She also has her own closely followed social media accounts @Sanditreewpb.

For more information about Holiday in Paradise or other City of West Palm Beach events, visit www.wpb.org/Events, call (561) 822-1515 (TTY: 800-955-8771), or follow the City of West Palm Beach on social media: Facebook @CityOfWPB, Instagram @TheCityOfWPB, and X (formerly known as Twitter) @TheCityOfWPB. To keep up with the City’s event news, follow @eventswpb on Instagram and Facebook. To stay up-to-date with the star of the show herself, follow Sandi @Sanditreewpb.

  

PHOTO / VIDEO OPS: Sandi, the world’s only 35-foot-tall, 700-ton holiday sand tree, and her synchronized music and light show, Ferris the 50-foot Ferris wheel, Be Good Ship Lollipop — a giant pirate ship and a 50-ton sand bar, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a live llama for petting, a local holiday boutique, attendees of all ages (smiling, dancing, laughing), food and drink vendors, kids playing, and more.

 

MEDIA CONTACTS: Meredith Westheimer | meredithw@themooreagency.com | (561) 213-8192; and Stephanie Carrillo | stephaniec@themooreagency.com | (786) 294-5127.

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Holiday in Paradise sponsors and partners to date include: Presented by Florida Power & Light Company, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center, NewDay USA, The Palm Beaches, Florida Blue, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, 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, West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, Downtown West Palm Beach, Visit Palm Beach, Best Western Palm Beach Lakes, Hawthorne Suites by Wyndham West Palm Beach, WPB Magazine, Hilton Garden Inn at the Outlets, The Palm Beach Post, The Ben West Palm and Lion Country Safari.

Collaborators to date include Historic Northwest Neighborhood’s Winter in Paradise, Nights in Northwood Village and Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach.

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 seamlessly blends the business advantages available in the region with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working, making it an exceptional destination for both residents and professionals alike. 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, X (formerly known as Twitter), and/or LinkedIn. To keep up with the City’s event news, follow @eventswpb on Instagram and Facebook.

Media and the public should also keep the upcoming Holiday in Paradise dates on their radar for family-friendly holiday fun:

  • West Palm Beach GreenMarket | Every Saturday, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | FREE on the Great Lawn

    The West Palm Beach GreenMarket is “Seasoned to Perfection” and celebrating 30 seasons of success! The famed market, named the “Best Farmers Market” in the U.S. by USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice for three years in a row (in 2021, 2022 and 2023), has opened as the largest market in its history with 130+ vendors. Vendors sell various products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, coffees and teas, flowers and plants, homemade specialty items, desserts and treats and so much more. Be sure to grab some daytime photos with Sandi while you shop the latest goods.

  • Ferris wheel | Rides on Ferris are available daily from 6 – 10 p.m. | Great Lawn | $5 per person per ride plus taxes and fees. Rules and restrictions apply (see wpb.org/holiday for more info).

  • Sandi and Santa’s Annual Pancake Breakfast | Sunday, Dec. 8 | Two seatings will be available at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. | Tickets are now available here or by visiting wpb.org/holiday. Tickets are $17 per person, plus taxes and fees. The event includes private access to Santa and Mrs. Claus and the only daytime ride on Ferris.

  • Clematis by Night on the NewDay USA Stage featuring The Bobby Rodriguez Orchestra (18-piece Jazz Big Band) | Thursday, Dec. 12, from 6 – 9 p.m. | FREE on the Great Lawn

    In 1981, Bobby Rodriguez formed an 18-piece all-star Jazz Big Band and has performed across South Florida ever since. This versatile Big Band plays various music, including swing, bebop, Latin, and pop. Bobby loves to sing songs from the Great American Song Book.

  • Screen on the Green | Friday, Dec. 13, from 7 – 10 p.m. | Double feature | FREE on the Great Lawn

    The Emperor's New Groove (G) Arrogant young Emperor Kuzco is transformed into a llama by his power-hungry advisor — the devious diva Yzma. Stranded in the jungle, Kuzco's only chance to get back home and reclaim the high life rests with a good-hearted peasant named Pacha. Together, they must return Kuzco to the throne before Yzma tracks them down and finishes him off.

    Kronk's New Groove (G) In this sequel to The Emperor's New Groove, former meddler Kronk has turned over a new leaf and now runs a bustling pizza parlor in an Incan village. When Kronk hears that his judgmental father, Papi, plans to visit, he scrambles to raise money to impress him. And, just when it seems he might succeed, Kronk's evil former employer, Yzm, appears, intending to draw him back into her crooked ways.

  • Sunday on the Waterfront on the NewDay USA Stage featuring the Aloha Islanders Tropical Holiday Spectacular| Sunday, Dec. 15, 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.

  • Soul in the City Jazz Experience | Wednesday, Dec. 18, from 7 – 9 p.m. featuring The Lady Ella Show | General admission tickets start at $30 at the Lake Pavilion | For info, visit here or wpb.org/jazz

    A native of Charleston, West Virginia, Nicci Canada, was destined to sing. Born into a family of vocalists, she has been surrounded by music her entire life. She uniquely connects with listeners, using her voice as a canvas to showcase the truths of the heart and soul. Her warm, sultry vocals are reminiscent of artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Nina Simone.

  • Clematis by Night on the NewDay USA Stage featuring KRUSH Party Band (Motown, R&B & Dance) | Thursday, Dec. 19, from 6 – 9 p.m. | FREE on the Great Lawn

    KRUSH Party Band is a professional entertainment powerhouse. KRUSH Band performs top hits in various genres, including Motown, R&B, classic dance, disco hits, classic dance rock, and much more!

  • NOTE: NO CLEMATIS BY NIGHT ON THURSDAY, DEC. 26 | Sandi and Ferris will still operate on the normal schedule. 

  • New Year’s Eve | Tuesday, 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. This is the only day Sandi and Ferris will operate past 10 p.m.

 

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