Delray Beach tree lands national holiday contest nod
Delray Beach’s 100-foot Christmas tree has been nominated for USA TODAY 10BEST’s “Best Holiday Tree Display,” putting the downtown holiday attraction on a national ballot against landmarks like Rockefeller Center. Public voting is open now and runs through Nov. 30, with winners announced Dec. 3.
Why it matters: - Delray Beach is competing for national holiday-season attention in a public vote that could elevate the city’s downtown tourism profile. - The nomination places the Delray Beach tree alongside some of the country’s best-known holiday displays, including the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and the National Christmas Tree.
What happened: - USA TODAY 10BEST named Delray Beach’s 100-foot Christmas tree one of 20 nominees for “Best Holiday Tree Display” in its Readers’ Choice Awards. - The ballot is open now, and public voting will run through Monday, Nov. 30 at 11:59 a.m. ET. - Winners will be announced Thursday, Dec. 3 at 12 p.m. ET. - The Delray Beach tree has been a downtown feature for more than 30 years. - The tree began in 1993 as a 50-foot tree purchased by the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority to help revive downtown. - The tree grew to 100 feet in 1995 for the city’s centennial, following the “100 feet for 100 years” idea.
The details: - Visitors can step inside the tree and view animated scenes from the history of the Village by the Sea. - The public can vote once every 24 hours. - Voting does not require registration. - The ballot link is here. - Delray Beach will open its 2026 holiday season on Tuesday, Dec. 1 with the 100-Foot Christmas Tree Lighting and Yuletide Festival at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave., from 6 to 9 p.m. - Santa will light the tree at 7 p.m. - Santa’s Holiday Village will include ice skating, a carousel, mini golf and visits with Santa. - Santa’s Holiday Village will stay open through New Year’s Day. - Event details are available here.
Between the lines: - The nomination extends Delray Beach’s streak of national recognition from USA TODAY 10BEST readers. - USA TODAY 10BEST readers named Delray Beach “Best Beach in Florida” in 2024, 2025 and 2026. - The repeat recognition suggests the city’s brand is resonating well beyond South Florida, especially around tourism-facing attractions and seasonal events.
What's next: - Delray Beach will keep promoting the tree through the end of the voting period and into the holiday kickoff on Dec. 1. - The city will learn whether the tree wins when USA TODAY 10BEST announces results on Dec. 3. - Residents and visitors can follow updates from Downtown Delray and Old School Square on social media and tag @10Best.
The bottom line: - Delray Beach’s holiday centerpiece is now in a national race, and the outcome depends on sustained public voting over the next several weeks.
Disclaimer: This article was produced by AGP Wire with the assistance of artificial intelligence based on original source content and has been refined to improve clarity, structure, and readability. This content is provided on an “as is” basis. While care has been taken in its preparation, it may contain inaccuracies or omissions, and readers should consult the original source and independently verify key information where appropriate. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, investment, or other professional advice.
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