Holiday Spirit at Clubhouse II: Finding Warmth and Connection in Fort Lauderdale’s Gay Bathhouse

The phrase “holiday spirit” gets thrown around a lot, and it means different things to different people. For some, it conjures warm memories of family gatherings, comfort food, generosity, and gratitude. Others may hear it and feel a pang—because holidays can amplify loneliness, remind us of lost loved ones, or highlight the gap between what we’re “supposed” to feel and our actual experience. Then there are those who find themselves somewhere in between, juggling a mix of joy, nostalgia, and the stress of living in a fast‑paced world that sometimes treats December like a race.

In recent years, I’ve noticed that the way people talk about “holiday spirit” has shifted. You’ll still hear the classic sentiments—peace, love, giving—but there’s also a growing honesty about how complicated this season can be. Not everyone feels swept up in cheer just because December rolls around. Shopping lists and social obligations can drown out the quieter, more introspective parts of the season. And yet, underneath all the noise, most of us are still craving the same thing: a sense of connection, a place where we belong, and a reminder that we’re seen and valued just as we are.

That’s where a place like Clubhouse II fits in. We’re not a mall Santa setup or a Norman Rockwell painting, but we do create a space where comfort, community, and genuine connection can flourish. When you walk through our doors—especially on a holiday—you’re greeted by real people who remember your name, who make sure there’s a clean towel and a warm sauna waiting for you, and who understand that family isn’t only defined by blood. Our holiday events are cheeky and fun, yes, but at their core they’re about bringing men together in a space that feels safe, relaxed, and free of judgment. In a city where so many people are far from their families or navigating chosen families...that matters.

So if the traditional image of holiday spirit feels out of reach, know that there are other ways to tap into that feeling. Sharing a laugh in the lounge, seeing a familiar face in the steam, helping a newcomer find their locker, or simply being present for someone who doesn’t have anywhere else to go—those moments are as “holiday” as any tree or candle. Clubhouse II contributes to holiday cheer by making room for all of it: the joy and the mess, the light and the shadow, the long nights and mid-day steams. It’s about creating a place where people can show up as themselves, feel held by a community, and maybe—just maybe—rediscover a version of holiday spirit that’s real for them.

From our family to yours, 

Happy Holidiays from the staff at Clubhouse II!