Pembroke Pines Christmas tree lighting and SnowFest 2026

Last checked Oct. 9, 2026. This page is updated each year. Sources: the City of Pembroke Pines SnowFest page, special events page and 2025 SnowFest listing. Special Events office: 954-392-2116.

Pembroke Pines lights its city Christmas tree at SnowFest, the Recreation and Cultural Arts Department’s holiday festival, on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Charles F. Dodge City Center, 601 City Center Way. Santa and city officials count down the tree lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. The event is for Pembroke Pines residents only, and tickets are free.

The city does not hold a Christmas parade on its 2026 special events list; SnowFest is its main holiday event.

What this means for you

• Mark Saturday, Dec. 5: festival 4 to 8 p.m., tree lighting 6:30 p.m.
• Free tickets for residents become available Nov. 10; pickup places and times are still to be announced.
• In 2025 every ticket was handed out before the event, so pick yours up early.
• No pets.

SnowFest 2026

From the city’s SnowFest page:

• Play in “tons of snow” and ride 10-foot dual snow slides.
• More than 400 singers and dancers on the holiday stage.
• Themed photo areas with Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves and other North Pole characters.
• An Ugly Sweater Contest with roaming judges.
• “Baking Spirits Bright,” a gingerbread house contest for six families, with prizes.
• Snow flurries during the evening.
• Free parking, free rides and free holiday activities. Concessions and food trucks sell food and drinks.

Tickets: available beginning Tuesday, Nov. 10, for Pembroke Pines residents only. The city says pickup locations and times are “coming soon.” For BooVille in October, the city required a valid driver’s license and a utility bill as proof of residency; check the SnowFest page for this event’s rules once they are posted.

We will add the pickup details here when the city publishes them.

Last year

At SnowFest 2025 on Saturday, Dec. 6, the city lit a 35-foot tree on the City Center plaza at 6:30 p.m., with more than 300 singers and dancers on stage. The event was free for residents, and the city reported that all tickets had been distributed before the day. Sponsors listed included Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and Florida Blue.

Getting there

The Charles F. Dodge City Center, 601 City Center Way, is the city’s government complex and the home of City Hall. The city says parking is free at SnowFest. For lane closures on nearby state roads, check 511 and our road construction page.

After the holidays

When the tree comes down, the city asks residents to use Broward County’s Chip-a-Tree program. Otherwise, cut a natural tree into pieces for your trash cart or put it out on your bulk pickup day; see trash and recycling. There is no trash collection on Christmas Day.

More holiday plans

Our things to do this month page is rebuilt on the first of each month, and the November edition will carry the SnowFest ticket details. For the weekend, see things to do this weekend.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Pembroke Pines tree lighting in 2026?

At SnowFest on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026. The event runs 4 to 8 p.m. at the Charles F. Dodge City Center, 601 City Center Way, and the tree lighting ceremony is at 6:30 p.m.

Does Pembroke Pines have a Christmas parade?

The city’s 2026 special events list does not include a Christmas parade. Its holiday event is SnowFest with the tree lighting.

Who can go to SnowFest in Pembroke Pines?

Pembroke Pines residents only. Tickets are free and become available Nov. 10; the city has not yet announced pickup locations and times.

Is there real snow at SnowFest?

The city says children can play in tons of snow and slide down 10-foot dual slides, with snow flurries during the event.