Boca Raton · Events & Things to Do

Boca Center unveils holiday lineup with robot stilt walkers and shelter events

The Shops at Boca Center's 2026 holiday schedule starts Nov. 20 with a tree lighting and adds pet-friendly events benefiting Tri-County Animal Rescue.

Boca Raton news
Photo: Sun State News

The Shops at Boca Center has released its 2026 fall and holiday events schedule, running from late November through December. The lineup includes LED robot stilt walkers, interactive holiday skating performers and walking bubble elves, along with charity drives tied to local causes.

The season kicks off Friday, Nov. 20, with the Holiday Tree Lighting in the Center Courtyard from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event includes a community countdown, hot cocoa, seasonal treats and a visit from Santa Claus. Photos with Santa cost $10 per child, and all proceeds go to the Boca Raton Toy Drive, coordinated by the city’s six Rotary Clubs. Visitors are also asked to bring new, unwrapped toys for donation.

The center has partnered with Tri-County Animal Rescue, a no-kill shelter founded in Boca Raton in 1996. Its Paws and Presents gift-wrapping station will operate in the courtyard from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends from Nov. 28 through Dec. 20, with wrapping offered for a $5 donation per package.

Pet owners can attend the “Santa Paws” event on Friday, Dec. 11, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Drift in the Boca Raton Marriott. The gathering features holiday portraits for pets and fundraising for the shelter.

Wellness and live music are also on the calendar. An outdoor community yoga session is set for Sunday, Dec. 6, and The Gritty Groove Band will perform funk, soul and rock in the courtyard on Friday, Dec. 18.

This story is a summary based on reporting by Boca Raton Tribune. Read the original for full details.

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