Holiday light shows and another boat parade

The Top 10 family events scheduled for the weekend:

1. Zoo Lights

More than half a million bright, animal-shaped lights and tree lights will debut at Zoo Miami on Friday night. There also will be hot chocolate and cookies, yuletide carolers, carousel rides and photos with Santa. 7-10 p.m. nightly through Dec. 30 (except for Dec. 24-25) at 1 Zoo Blvd., 12400 SW 152 St., Miami. $7.95-$9.95 plus tax.

2. Live Like Bella Nights of Lights kickoff

Celebrate the opening of the Live Like Bella Nights of Lights on Friday night with holiday music by the Greater Miami Youth Symphony. $5. 7 p.m. at the Banyan Bowl, 11000 S. Red Road, Miami.

3. Margate Winter Festival

Enjoy free holiday fun Friday night with a 3D Holiday Light Show, piles of snow, kiddie rides, entertainment and photos with Santa from 6 to 10 p.m. at the corner of Margate Boulevard and State Road 7 in Margate.

4. The Polar Express

The free event includes train rides, snow and a showing of the Polar Express movie. Refreshments will be available for purchase. 5 p.m. Friday. Movie begins at 6:30 p.m. Mizner Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton.

5. Piles Of Smiles Snow Day

On Saturday, kids ages 4-12 can delight in snow, a giant slide, winter games, make & takes, strolling winter characters, holiday activities, a sock skating rink (bring clean dry socks) and food trucks at Sugar Sand Park. Child admission is $15. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 300 S. Military Trail in Boca Raton.

6. Breakfast With Santa

Families can get a hot breakfast buffet, animal encounters, crafts, rides on the Wildlife Carousel and photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Palm Beach Zoo on Saturday and Sunday. Reservations required. 8-11 a.m. $7.95 to $26.95. 1301 Summit Blvd. in West Palm Beach.

7. Santa's Little Helpers

Children in Broward can ride the Catabella Express train to visit Santa at Flamingo Gardens in Davie on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They can also enjoy snow and holiday crafts, pass out treats to the animals with Mrs. Claus at 3 p.m., and enjoy the Garden of Lights show from 5 to 8 p.m. Adult admission is $19.95; ages 3-11 is $12.95.

8. The Nutcracker

The Arts Ballet Theatre presents the The Nutcracker at the Parker Playhouse this weekend. 707 NE 8th St. in Fort Lauderdale. $3-$7.20.

Or take in the Miami City Ballet presentation Saturday through Dec. 24 at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. $25-$50.

9. Santa’s Winter Wonderland and Grinchmas Holiday Parade

Bike Giveaway noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, plus a Grinch and Who costume contest with cash prizes. A parade follows through downtown Lake Worth starting at 6 p.m. from the corner of Lucerne and Federal Highway.

10. Boca Raton’s 40th Annual Holiday Boat Parade

Decorated boats travel the Intracoastal Waterway on Saturday night from the C-15 Canal at the Boca/ Delray border starting at 6:30 p.m.