Trading in your snow boots for sandals this holiday season? Miami is the perfect place to experience cheer. From twinkling palm trees to garland-wrapped lifeguard towers and snowmen made of sand, Miami puts its residents and visitors in the holiday spirit in its special way.
So, go on -- embrace the unconventional. Celebrate the holidays Miami-style with these popular holiday events.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS
Bayfront Park
For the best annual Christmas tree and lighting show, head to 🔗Bayfront Park. The city covers a 52 feet tall Christmas tree in lights and flowers and tops it off with a shining star. It's an easy and low-fuss way to get into the holiday spirit.
Santa's Enchanted Forest
As the "World's Largest Holiday Theme Park," 🔗Santa's Enchanted Forest has something for everyone. Carnival rides, acrobatics, magic shows, and games are lit from within with dazzling Christmas displays and stunning light shows. And with South Florida's tallest Christmas tree onsite, Santa himself couldn't miss it -- be sure to make time to stop by and say hi!
Winterfest Boat Parade
Boaters in Miami don't play around when it comes to Christmas, so the 50th anniversary 🔗Winterfest Boat Parade is something you don't want to miss. Every year, millions of viewers flock to the 12-mile parade route along the Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park to watch as boaters try to outdo the next with gorgeous, entertaining light displays.
Zoo Lights At Zoo Miami
Fun lights and animals? Sign us up. The 🔗Miami Zoo dives fully into the Christmas spirit using Amoled lights and sound technology to make animal-like structures come to life. Visitors get 3D glasses for the full effect.
Notable mentions: 🔗Luminosa at Jungle Island, 🔗Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, and 🔗Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker.
ADULT HOLIDAY "CHEER"
Miracle in Miami
🔗Miracle in Miami is a Christmas-themed pop-up bar open at Gramps in Wynwood and the Doral Yard in Downtown Doral, from November 26 to December 26. Featuring festive holiday décor and Christmas-inspired cocktails, you’re sure to make Santa’s nice list for visiting!
Deering Estate
🔗Deering Estate holds several holiday events for both adults and families. This year, the Gilded Age's Old and New World influenced the Estate's historic decor. Visitors are transported back to a time of pure elegance with melodies of Tchaikovsky and scents and the spices of the season. Their annual Mistletoe and Martinis event provides an even more immersive experience. You can also enjoy a relaxing cruise on a 45-foot Corinthian catamaran as an escape from the holiday hustle and bustle.
Matzo Ball
This is not your typical Hanukkah celebration. The 🔗Matzo Ball considers itself the nation's number one holiday party in Miami. This year, Miami's famed LIV nightclub hosts and, come, Christmas Eve, clubgoers will be decking the halls from sunset to sunrise.
New Year's Eve Rooftop Parties
With a city filled with beautiful buildings and skyscrapers, all you have to do is close your eyes and point for an epic rooftop NYE party. The 40th floor of EAST is a prime choice for beautiful views and The Gale South Beach. But this year's chart-topper is Fontainebleau Miami Beach, where they'll put on a legendary NYE party with superstar Doja Cat and special guest Alesso.
