This is Christmas without the cold—all the magic, none of the mittens.
Pack your sunscreen along with your Santa hat. Miami is ready to show you that holiday spirit thrives just as well on the beach as it does in the snow.
Miami's Holiday Events
Here are some of Miami's top holiday attractions, organized by type to help you plan the perfect festive itinerary:
✨ Light Displays & Illuminated Attractions
Zoo Miami’s Zoo Lights (Nov. 21–Dec. 30) - Walk through Zoo Miami at night under one million-plus twinkling animal-shaped lights. Encounters with Santa, hot cocoa, and themed weekends like Ugly Sweater Night. A wild holiday experience for all ages.
NightGarden at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (Nov. 7–Jan 11) - Enchanting after-dark garden adventure with magical lights, talking trees, fairy installations, and immersive effects. Runs on select nights during the holiday season.
Luminosa Chinese Lantern Festival at Jungle Island (Nov. 14–March 7) - Vibrant lantern festival featuring dozens of huge illuminated displays of animals and mythical creatures, plus a holiday market with food and crafts. Great for evening outings with kids.
Pinecrest Gardens Nights of Lights (Dec 5–28) - Family-friendly botanical garden event with thousands of lights, a holiday-themed maze, photos with Santa, and occasional movie nights or concerts in the garden’s Banyan Bowl. Open on select nights in December.
Neighborhood Holiday Displays - Not official events, but worth noting. Neighborhoods like Coral Gables, around Granada Boulevard, and Miami Lakes are known for beautifully decorated houses you can drive by. Also visit “Santa's Enchanted Place” in North Miami Beach near NE 162nd Street, where an entire block transforms into a dazzling display annually. These local displays are free and really show Miami's community spirit.
🎄 Holiday Parades & Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Junior Orange Bowl Parade (Dec. 14) - Annual Christmas parade down Miracle Mile in Coral Gables with floats, marching bands, and thousands of youth performers celebrating Miami's community spirit. Free to attend.
Miracle Mile Holiday Tree Lighting (Dec. 5) - Coral Gables’ ceremonial tree lighting and Holiday Park opening in front of City Hall. Santa's arrival, live performances, “snow” confetti, and family activities make this a festive kickoff to the season.
Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade (Dec. 13) – North of Miami, Fort Lauderdale’s famed nighttime boat parade featuring dozens of illuminated boats on the Intracoastal Waterway. 'Must-see' extravaganza with over a million spectators.
Holiday of Miracles Toy Drive & Boat Parade (Dec. 6) – A wonderful show benefiting Holtz Children’s Hospital. Donate a new and unwrapped toy or gift card to spread the joy of the holidays.
Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights (Dec. 13–14 & 20–21) - Two weekends of free concerts with projection‑mapped light shows on Ocean Drive. Each evening ends with a spectacular drone light show visible from Lummus Park, blending music, technology, and international holiday traditions.
🎡 Holiday Festivals & Family Carnivals
Christmas Wonderland at Tropical Park (Nov. 13,–Jan 4) - Miami’s holiday carnival features thrilling rides, games, shows, and tons of lights. This immersive experience has a North Pole village and a massive Ferris wheel with panoramic views of the sparkling fairground.
🎭 Performing Arts & Cultural Celebrations
Miami City Ballet’s The Nutcracker (Dec. 12–28) - Beloved performances of George Balanchine’s classic ballet at the Arsht Center,. This holiday treat features Miami’s top dancers and a live orchestra.
Sounds of the Season WALLCAST concert (Dec. 20) - A free outdoor holiday concert by the New World Symphony in Miami Beach at SoundScape Park. Bring a picnic and enjoy classical and pop holiday music projected onto a giant wall.
🛍️ Holiday Markets & Shopping Experiences
Holiday Markets at Lincoln Road & Bayside - Ongoing markets for seasonal goodies. Lincoln Road's open-air market offers art, antiques, and holiday crafts amid the shopping and dining district. Bayside Marketplace in downtown often features nightly live music and a huge tree. Shops stay open late for Christmas gift shopping.
🏛️ Historic Venues & Cultural Experiences
Deering Estate “Historic Holidays” (Nov. 28–Jan. 6) - The Deering Estate’s historic homes in Palmetto Bay are decorated in elegant, vintage holiday decor that changes each year. Enjoy daytime tours and special evening strolls with live music on select dates for a Gilded Age holiday ambiance by the bay.
Always double-check event calendars for current dates and times. Events can change or require tickets. The official Greater Miami tourism website miamiandbeaches.com and the VISIT FLORIDA events page are great resources for up-to-date holiday listings.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Holidays in Miami
What are the best family-friendly activities in Miami during the holidays?
Families can enjoy light-filled attractions like Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami, the NightGarden at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, and the Christmas Wonderland carnival at Tropical Park. Add in events like Bayfront Park's tree lighting and the Junior Orange Bowl Parade, and you've got a full month of festive fun under the sun.
When does the Winterfest Boat Parade take place?
The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade wends its way along the Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal Waterway on Dec.13.
Are there any outdoor activities in Miami Beach during the holiday season?
Yes! You can attend the Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights, stroll Lincoln Road's holiday markets, or catch the beachside drone light show at Lummus Park. Many hotels also host outdoor movie nights, Santa meetups, and themed beach events, no snow boots required.
Where can I find holiday markets in Greater Miami?
Start at the Downtown Miami Holiday Village, which runs throughout December, then explore Lincoln Road's open-air weekend markets and Coconut Grove's pop-up bazaars. Coral Gables and Doral also host charming community markets with crafts, food, and live music.
What notable holiday parades happen in Miami and nearby?
The biggest is the Junior Orange Bowl Parade in Coral Gables, featuring floats, music, and thousands of young performers. You'll also find a smaller parade in North Miami Beach, plus the unmissable Winterfest Boat Parade in Fort Lauderdale.
