It may not be December, but Miami is already festive. Unlike Christmas in other cities, the harbour here will offer a more unique Christmas experience. We will prepare the ultimate guide to the best Christmas Day events in Miami. I hope you can participate in every fantastic activity in time.
Christmas in Miami
Miami is worth visiting in December! The weather here is pleasantly warm, with temperatures averaging between 60 and 70 ℉. If you like the warm weather, spending Christmas here will be a good choice. You can stroll around the holiday market in a light jacket, or spend Christmas on the beach. You can replace snowflakes with palm trees and sledges with surfboards while enjoying the same magical holiday atmosphere as a snowy Christmas.
At the same time, the city’s demographics are diverse and incorporate many Christmas traditions. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, Christmas in Miami will bring you an unforgettable blend of sunshine, joy and holiday magic.
Christmas Day Events in Miami
There are many Christmas Day events in Miami that can bring you a wonderful holiday atmosphere. These events start and end on different dates, so you can carefully arrange your travel plans.
Night at the Garden
Activity duration: Mid-november 2024 to January 2025
Location: 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156
Price：
Weekday fares start at $25.60. General admission is $41.
Discounts are available for Fairchild Members, students, seniors, military, and groups (minimum of 6 people).
The Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden in Miami will host NightGarden for its sixth season. It’s one of the highly anticipated Miami Christmas Day events. This event will provide you with psychedelic landscapes and interactive artwork. There is also fast food here; you can taste the food at the gourmet food truck. At the same time, there is a Christmas concert every December where you can listen to live music. However, the concerts are usually held in the first week.
Christmas Wonderland
Activity duration: November 16, 2024 – January 7, 2025
Location: Tropical Park at 7900 SW 40 St, Miami, FL 33155
Price：
Adult tickets: $39 online ($45 at the door)
Children 3-10 years old: $29 online ($35 at the door)
Children 2 years old and younger: free
Christmas Wonderland continues the spirit of Christmas and carnival rides. It’s a top-rated local holiday show. Rocking roller coasters, dazzling light shows, and North America’s largest moving Ferris wheel will bring you the best holiday atmosphere. There will also be food, Coca-Cola, unlimited rides and free parking.
Coral Gables
Activity duration: Open the first three weekends of December
Location: 220 Miracle Mile, Ste 234
If you want to buy Christmas items to keep as souvenirs or as gifts for your family, Coral Gables will be a great choice. It’s a free public event with carnival games, holiday-themed crafts. You also have a chance encounter with Santa Claus. Also, from December 4 to December 8, you can enjoy live performances by some of Miami-Dade County’s finest local choirs. There is also a Youth Orange Bowl parade on December 15, live music at the Girarda Plaza, and plenty of holiday shopping.
Luminosa
Activity duration: November 14, 2024 – March 8, 2025
Location: 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail Miami, Florida 33132
Price：
Adults: $33.90/ Children: $23.90 (ages 4-12)
Seniors, students, and military: $28.90
Family package (minimum 4 tickets, maximum 2 adults): $22.41
The enchanting night wonderland of Jungle Island will let you get into the Christmas spirit. More than 40 fairy world lanterns are decorated, with over 100 Christmas trees and various food stalls. You can buy a variety of seasonal crafts and gifts here. It will be one of the most popular things to do in Miami in December.
FT. Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade
Activity duration: Around December 14, 2024
Location: The bridge’s route constantly changes, usually at a pier on the coast.
Price:
Tickets to the parade: $25
Boat tickets: $35
One of the most unique Miami Christmas events is the cruise. Fort Lauderdale has hosted the Winter Cruise Boat Parade for 51 years. The parade boats come in all sizes and are decorated with dazzling festive lights. Visitors can enjoy dazzling lights and spectacular views. The parade ends at Santa Barbara Lake in Pompano Beach, south of Atlantic Avenue.
Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami
Activity duration: November 29 – December 30, 2024 (6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m)
Location: 1 Zoo Boulevard, 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, FL 33177
Price：
Adult: $21.95/ Child ( 3-12): $19.95
This is the most magical time of the year. It is decorated with millions of LED lights and life-size animal lanterns. Light shows are a great way to experience the magic of Christmas in Miami, and you can also admire the city’s unique wildlife attractions. Not only that, but carnival rides will also give you a wonderful Christmas. You can participate in crafts activities and take pictures with Santa Claus in the brightly lit zoo. A wonderful night at the zoo will be one of the most popular Christmas events in Miami.
Play in the snowy streets at CocoWalk
Activity duration: December 2024
Location: 3015 Grand Ave, Coconut Grove
Price: Free
Temperatures throughout the Christmas in Miami, Florida, are stable. The snow is almost impossible in winter. But one of the hallmarks of Christmas is white snow. So, every December, shopping mall chain Cocowalk hosts an event that uses large machines to lay massive amounts of artificial snow throughout the mall. People can have snowball fights and make snowmen here. Of course, artificial snow is non-toxic, and children of all ages can play.
Brickell City Centre
Opening hours：
Monday to Saturday: 10:00-21:00
Sunday: 12:00-19:00
Brickell City Centre is a stylish, modern shopping venue. It offers a variety of luxury brands and is the ideal place for holiday shopping. This four-story building is home to world-class dining and entertainment. You can enjoy the 107,000 square feet of Saks Fifth Avenue and CMX’s luxury VIP cinema here. During the Christmas season, shopping malls also create a unique festive atmosphere. You can taste food and buy goods here. Spending Christmas in a luxury shopping mall will also be one of the most unique events in Miami for Christmas.
Where to Eat & Drink for Christmas in Miami
Coming to Miami is not only to visit the beautiful performances and watch the gorgeous light show but also to eat food. It is one of the essential December events in Miami, FL.
Christmas Brunch Restaurant
Located in the heart of Miami, Zuma is known for its modern Japanese cuisine. Their Christmas brunch is the perfect combination of traditional and contemporary flavours. You can enjoy fresh sushi, grilled meats and holiday specialities in downtown Miami. The beautiful riverside view will add a unique flavour to the meal. Remember to buy a Zuma signature cocktail to make your Christmas morning even more extraordinary.
If you’re looking for something more luxurious, the Ritz-Carlton Biscayne is the place to be. They serve an extensive brunch buffet during Christmas. You can enjoy fresh seafood, grilled meats, and various desserts and festive specialities. The beautiful waterfront views and elegant atmosphere will create your perfect dining environment. It is worth noting that if you want to taste the food, book in advance.
Christmas Dinner
This restaurant in Little Havana can provide you with a vibrant Cuban Christmas Eve experience. Roast Suckling pig, paella and croquettes are the hallmarks of this restaurant. Not only that, Julio Cabrera’s elaborate cocktails and live music will take your dining experience to a new high.
Featuring a classic sea view, Tristen Epps will offer diners various options. You can enjoy a variety of dishes on Christmas night, including sashimi, crab dumplings and steak. Chocolate ganache bar with eggnog ice cream or coquito Basque cheesecake are delicious desserts that make an intense festive atmosphere.
The Best Christmas Lights in Miami
One of the most distinctive Christmas events in Miami is Christmas Lights. So, which places in Miami have great Christmas Lights?
North Miami
Activity duration: December 1 – January 6, 2024
Location: 1800 block of Northeast 137th Terrace
The neighbourhood is famous for its magnificent holiday light show. Since 1988, residents have decorated the neighbourhood, making it one of the famous free Miami attractions in December. The exquisite lighting and Santa Claus make the festive atmosphere climax, and pedestrians can feel the festive atmosphere on the streets.
Pine Crest Gardens
Activity duration: December 6 – December 29, 2024
Location: 11000 Red Road Pinecrest, FL 33156
It’s going to be a great night of lights. You will see thousands of flashing lights and lifelike installations. These devices can illuminate the incredible botanical landscape around them. On Christmas Eve, you can enjoy speciality cocktails at Pinecrest Gardens or catch a festive show at Banyan Bowl. It is suitable for visitors of all ages to experience the unusual atmosphere of Miami Christmas event.
Deering Estate
Activity duration: November 29, 2024 – January 7, 2025
Location: 16701 SW 72nd Avenue, Palmetto Bay Fl 33157
The Christmas atmosphere here is slightly different from other places, and if you like a nostalgic style, this place will meet your requirements. The stone houses here are filled with holiday decorations, classic holiday carols, and a dozen beautifully decorated Christmas trees that will take you back in time. This is going to be one of the most retro Miami Christmas Day events.
Conclusion
In this season of warmth and joy, we have carefully selected a range of Christmas Day events in Miami designed to give you a unique festive experience. Every recommendation contains the magic of the holiday season. Our recommendations will help you have a pleasant and memorable Christmas.
FAQ
Is Miami good to visit during Christmas?
Absolutely! Miami is a great place to visit during the Christmas season. Miami has a warm climate all year round and is a great place to escape the heat in winter during the holidays. You can enjoy Christmas activities in Miami, such as boat parades, holiday markets and dazzling light displays while soaking up the sun on the beach!
What is the most popular drink at Christmas?
The most popular drink at Christmas:
- Eggnog
- Boozy Hot Chocolate
- Cranberry-Ginger Mimosa
- Brandy Alexander
- Coquito
- Hot Buttered Rum
- Irish Coffee
- Apple Cranberry Moscow Mule
What is there to do in Fort Lauderdale at Christmas?
- Winterfest Boat Parade
- Holiday Lights Cruise
- Holiday Magic – Whimsical Wonderland
- The Nutcracker
- Menorah Lighting Celebration
- Jingle Bell Jog
