South Florida Local News
West Palm Beach invites residents and visitors to ring in the New Year with Sandi Ferris wheel rides and a spectacular fireworks show
West Palm Beach, Florida – West Palm Beach is gearing up for a dazzling New Year’s Eve celebration that promises fun, lights, music, and fireworks for residents and visitors of all ages. On Wednesday, December 31, 2025, the city will host the first-ever New Year’s Eve special event as part of Holiday in Paradise Presented by FPL, offering the public one last chance to enjoy two of the season’s most iconic attractions: Sandi, the world’s only 35-foot, 700-ton holiday sand tree, and Ferris, a 50-foot Ferris wheel. The festivities will run from 8 p.m. to midnight on the Great Lawn at 100 N. Clematis Street, culminating in a spectacular 15-minute fireworks display over the Intracoastal Waterway presented by the Downtown Development Authority in collaboration with the Flagler Museum.
Sandi, who has been delighting visitors since her debut in 2012, will light up the night with synchronized music and light shows that have won her numerous accolades. “Holiday in Paradise presented by FPL was recognized in 2021 as the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice for ‘Best Public Holiday Lights Display,’” organizers noted. Over the years, Sandi has received awards such as “Best New Event” and “Most Innovative Project” from prestigious industry associations, while also being featured in media outlets including CNN, Travel + Leisure, and The Ellen Show. Her vibrant presence on social media (@Sanditreewpb) has attracted a dedicated following eager to keep up with her seasonal adventures.
Guests attending the New Year’s Eve celebration can expect a full night of entertainment. Music will be a central feature, beginning with performances by On the Roxx, who will play hits spanning the 1960s to today. Later, DJ Reflex will take the stage to spin top tunes, ensuring a lively atmosphere leading up to the countdown. Ferris wheel rides will also be available for just $5 per person, providing a unique vantage point to take in Sandi’s brilliance and the approaching fireworks display.
Food and drinks will be available from a variety of local vendors, giving attendees the chance to enjoy a festive bite while exploring the event. For families and visitors of all ages, this marks the final opportunity of the season to experience the magic of Sandi and Ferris together. Event organizers emphasized that the night will be a celebration of community, joy, and the unique spirit of West Palm Beach during the holiday season.
Bob Swindell, president and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, praised the city’s ongoing commitment to creating memorable events. “We thank our many partners, investors and leaders at Broward County and our municipalities, who have been working with us to grow and diversify the economy,” he said. While Swindell’s remarks primarily reference economic development, the sentiment mirrors the collaborative effort behind Holiday in Paradise, which brings together sponsors, cultural organizations, and local businesses to deliver a world-class experience for residents and tourists alike.
The New Year’s Eve event is made possible through a combination of sponsors and collaborators, including Florida Power & Light Company, NewDay USA, the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority, Journey Church West Palm Beach, and The Palm Beaches, among many others. Local media partners such as 97.9 WRMF, SUNNY 107.9, New Country 103.1, and FOX Sports 640 AM will also help amplify the celebration. Additionally, hotels and attractions like The Ben West Palm, Hilton Garden Inn at the Outlets, and Chick-fil-A have contributed to making the evening accessible and enjoyable for attendees.
Visitors can expect ample photo and video opportunities throughout the evening, from capturing Sandi’s intricate sand structure illuminated against the night sky to riding Ferris and looking down on the Great Lawn and surrounding areas. As the countdown begins, the Intracoastal Waterway will serve as the backdrop for a dazzling fireworks display that organizers promise will leave attendees in awe. The 15-minute show is designed to complement the music and light performances, creating a cohesive and immersive holiday experience.
Holiday in Paradise has earned a reputation for excellence over the past decade, blending innovation, artistry, and community engagement. By offering a first-ever New Year’s Eve special event, the City of West Palm Beach continues that tradition, providing a safe, fun, and memorable way for residents and visitors to ring in 2026. For more information about the event, including schedules and additional details, the public is encouraged to visit www.wpb.org/Events or contact the City of West Palm Beach directly at (561) 822-1515. Social media followers can stay up to date via Facebook @CityOfWPB, Instagram @TheCityOfWPB, and X (formerly Twitter) @TheCityOfWPB, as well as Sandi’s own Instagram account @Sanditreewpb.
As the city prepares for the final night of Holiday in Paradise, excitement is building for an evening that combines tradition, innovation, and celebration. From the glittering lights of Sandi to the sweeping views atop Ferris, live music, and fireworks over the water, attendees can expect an unforgettable night that embodies the magic of West Palm Beach during the holiday season and ushers in the New Year in spectacular fashion.
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