Fort Lauderdale’s Galt Ocean Mile area is an area of Fort Lauderdale that is still mostly undiscovered by tourism. It is a place where locals and half-locals (snowbirds) can enjoy strolling around the North Beach area, shopping, enjoying live entertainment or a nice dinner.

This year, on November 28th,  the City of Fort Lauderdale put together its first tree lighting celebration in the area called Light Up the Galt. In my 36 years of being a Fort Lauderdalian I had never heard of this celebration. Well it turns out it was the first one!  I went with my family and was glad to have been a part of this new annual celebration. The City of Fort Lauderdale did a great job and we had an absolutely fabulous time!

For the event 32nd Street and 33rd Street were closed. There were tables out in front of restaurants, bands playing and lots of people having a great time. Bokamper’s parking lot was the epicenter of festivities. The Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds was on stage, Santa was available for pictures, there were bounce houses for children, booths from local businesses and even a free hayride courtesy of the City of Fort Lauderdale.  After a brief introduction by Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis the tree was light and the festivities roared on.

Overall it was a wonderful evening and a great reason to explore the Galt, this hidden little corner of Fort Lauderdale that we locals love.