This holiday season, trade your winter boots and scarves for flip-flops and sunglasses. Stash that snow shovel and unearth a sand pail. There's no better place to experience a Florida-style Christmas than in Delray Beach. This "Village by the Sea" is a lively community on Florida's East Coast with miles of shoreline and crystal waters.

Located between Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, Delray Beach is an idyllic backdrop for a month-long celebration of festive activities. Chat up Santa Claus over pancakes, glide around an outdoor ice rink and admire a 100-foot-tall Christmas tree. Ring in the New Year at a family-friendly celebration in downtown.

In between the festivities, steal away to the beach, where strolls along the shoreline are sure to eliminate any holiday stress. Don't forget to snap a photo as you bask in the sun; it will create the perfect holiday greeting card that will be the envy of your friends.

Delight in a healthy dose of holiday cheer in Delray Beach.


Bright Beginnings

Kick off the holiday with bright lights and good times at the 15th annual lighting of the towering Christmas tree in Old School Square. At the Dec. 4 celebration, gather around the 100-foot-tall tree and watch as thousands of twinkling lights illuminate downtown.

For the first time ever, the tree will use energy-efficient bulbs. "Green" sponsor Florida Power & Light has replaced 15,500 decorative bulbs with LED lights that use six times less energy and shine brighter. The tree will remain lit through the beginning of the New Year.

At the tree lighting, step inside the branches and see animated elf scenes and model train displays. You can mingle with Santa Claus, ride the holiday carousel and take a spin around the ice rink.

The same evening, listen to live holiday entertainment from 6 to 10 p.m. at Art and Jazz on the Avenue.

While on Atlantic Avenue, which features an array of boutiques and bistros, indulge with culinary delights such as Chilean Sea Bass with Saffron Bouillabaisse at the elegant City Oyster. Linger over coffee and key lime pie at a sidewalk table at 32 East; people-watching will keep you entertained.

Fun Continues

The holiday spirit carries on with Kids' Day at the Tree at Old School Square on Dec. 13. The free celebration features live entertainment, children's activities, visits with Santa and outdoor skating. As the sun begins to set, grab a spot along Atlantic Avenue to watch the holiday parade.

If you haven't finished your holiday shopping, pop over to the Pineapple Grove Arts District, which is just off Atlantic Avenue. Pick up a handcrafted gift from Conversation Pieces or a one-of-a-kind sculpture from the gallery Spotted on 2nd Gallery. Don't miss The Beached Boat Co.. While the shoppers in the family comb the shelves at the Florida-inspired store, their tired counterparts can relax outside in Adirondack chairs beneath a Banyan tree.

On Saturday, Dec. 20, the Delray Beach Marriott will welcome a special guest to breakfast: Santa Claus. Reserve a $10 ticket to secure your meeting with the man in red at the scenic hotel, which overlooks sandy beaches.

After breakfast, kick off your flip-flops and head to the beach. With two miles of public beachfront, Delray Beach offers a variety of water sports and boating activities. For the adventurous, grab a surfboard and catch waves. Walk the nature trail and boardwalk at Atlantic Dunes Park. Scout out the Sandoway House Nature Center. Or, relax beneath a cabana and shrug off any lingering stress.

For dinner, grab a table at Boston's on the Beach, a laidback restaurant with gorgeous ocean views and a cool breeze. Feast on a Big Boston cheeseburger served with piping hot French fries or try the crisp Back Bay Cobb Salad.

The Perfect Ending

As the holiday season draws to a close, make plans to mark the passage from the old year to the new at Delray Beach's First Night 2009, a family-oriented New Year's Eve party that features more than 75 performances and activities. There will be crafts and games, parades and food on Dec. 31 from 4 p.m. until midnight on Atlantic Avenue.

Purchase advance tickets for $10, or pay $15 on event day (children under 3 free).

Clearly, there's no reason to lose the holiday spirit simply because you're shoveling sand, not snow. This year, let the warmth of the season envelop you in Delray Beach, a small community with tons of holiday cheer.

See more of Delray Beach. Watch the video.

To plan your own getaway to Delray Beach, call 561-279-1380 or visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com.

A third-generation Floridian and travel enthusiast, Jenny Lee Allen grew up exploring the state by land and sea. She plans to spend Christmas Day on the beach with her family.