Sandi, Ferris, and Happy Herd of Llamas to bring message of harmony for the holidays
WEST PALM BEACH, FL — The City of West Palm Beach is preparing for a harmonious holiday season. This year’s Holiday in Paradise Presented by FPL theme is “Sandi Shares Harmony.” Sandi, the world’s only 35-foot, 700-ton holiday sand tree, will debut at the Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting with a dynamic light and music show on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6 – 10 p.m. While traveling during the off-season, Sandi met Harmony, the leader of a Happy Herd of Llamas, who inspired this year’s theme.
This destination is designed to be “Your Holiday Happy Place” — a favorite local spot to leave behind your worries and all of life’s potential stressors, whether that be personal, political, or beyond. Sandi’s magical shows will run nightly through New Year’s Eve, so there will be lots of opportunity to soak up some holiday cheer. Ferris, our 50-foot Ferris wheel, will also return this year to the delight of all those who enjoy seeing Sandi’s shows from a sky-high view. The annual celebration also features 100-tons worth 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 do and see, and lots of free and affordable entertainment.
“Downtown West Palm Beach is a destination for holiday magic, with Holiday in Paradise’s Sandi taking center stage as one of the most unique holiday offerings in the world,” said Mayor Keith A. James. “It is truly a ‘must see’ celebration. I encourage locals and visitors alike to make Sandiland ‘Your Holiday Happy Place’ this year!”
Harmony, Sandi’s newest friend, will be joined by a Happy Herd of eight Llamas aptly named: NOdrama Llama, NOprob Llama, Llamaste, Fa-la-la-la-Llama, LlAmour, LlAmazing, Llama Mia, and Dolly Llama. The harmonious crew will be sculpted at the base of Sandi and along the Waterfront, where the four 25-ton smaller sand sculptures are displayed. Sandi’s usual cast of characters will also return, including Hope, Merry the Mermaid and Duke.
“Holiday in Paradise is all about having fun and coming together as a community,” said Mary Pinak, community events manager for the City of West Palm Beach. “When people visit our beautiful Waterfront and enjoy Sandi, Ferris and all our other activities, we want them to be in the moment, making memories with their friends and family. Holiday in Paradise this year is a NOdrama Llama zone — come one, come all to enjoy a harmonious holiday season!”
Starting on the night of the tree lighting, Sandi and the surrounding area will feature synchronized nightly music and light shows through Tuesday, 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 on the NewDay USA Stage | Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6 – 10 p.m. | FREE on the Great Lawn
The celebration will feature music by Uncle Morty’s Rhythm Cream (R&B/Soul/Rock/Cover)and include FREE and special entertainment, including strolling entertainment, photos with Santa, and much more. A holiday shopping bazaar featuring local artisans will occur in the Lake Pavilion. Of note: music, activities, and the bazaar take place until 9 p.m.; Sandi shows and rides on Ferris continue until 10 p.m.
- 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 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 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 – 9 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. The Lady Ella Show | General admission tickets start at $30 at the Lake Pavilion | For info, visit hereor 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.
Sand for Holiday in Paradise will start arriving by the truckload on Tuesday, Nov. 5. 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. Sand sculpting will start on Monday, Nov. 18. 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, NewDay USA, Discover the Palm Beaches, Florida Blue, 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 Community Redevelopment Agency, West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority, Visit Palm Beach, Best Western Palm Beach Lakes, Hawthorne Suites by Wyndham West Palm Beach, WPB Magazine, Hilton Garden Inn WPB I95 Outlets, The Palm Beach Post, and Lion Country Safari.
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 nearest dock to the events.
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.