The season that cools the air but warms our hearts has finally arrived. You can sense it in the air as the sweltering heat of summer wanes, giving way to golden sunlight and soft, refreshing breezes that create the perfect outdoor weather.
Miami’s holiday season exudes a unique charm, drawing snowbirds to our toasty beaches and lush greenery that thrives year-round. This year, a host of magical events are happening around the city, from a first-of-its-kind outdoor ice-skating rink and holiday village to elaborate Christmas light displays. Here is a special selection of holiday-themed, family-friendly events to raise your spirit.
DOWNTOWN MIAMI HOLIDAY VILLAGE
(Paloma Pimentel)
A large crowd gathered to view the Miami Symphony Orchestra, which performed on Nov. 15 at the Downtown Holiday Village, marking the opening of the public event.
Bring your family to experience the holiday spirit at Downtown Miami’s first-ever Holiday Village, located on the east side of Flagler Street, just outside Julia and Henry’s, 200 E. Flagler St. Enjoy the sights of a 24-foot Christmas tree and a 12-foot menorah, along with various festive activities happening every Saturday from 1 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m. through Jan. 1.
Visitors can explore a market featuring over 60 vendors offering unique holiday gifts, hosted by the Magic City Flea, as well as enjoy the first-ever outdoor ice-skating rink, sponsored by Delta Airlines, and visit Santa’s Workshop, where you can cozy up with St. Nick under the Christmas tree.
The village will also feature family-friendly, community-themed activities every Sunday, including toy drives, face painting, bounce houses, and special holiday guest appearances between 3 and 5 p.m.
ENCHANTING LIGHTS IN NORTH MIAMI
(Courtesy Enchanted Place via Facebook)
North Miami's Enchanted Place light displays.
Christmas light enthusiasts can experience one of Miami’s hidden gems at Enchanted Place in North Miami, located at 1800 NE 137th Ter.
During the holiday season, locals and visitors from the wider community flock to the North Miami neighborhood to immerse themselves in the magical glow of thousands of holiday-themed lights, creating a festive Christmas wonderland.
Beginning in 1988, the residents of Enchanted Place have set high standards for decorating their streets, delighting visitors with stunning holiday light displays. Families and friends can enjoy the festive sights between 6 to 11 p.m. free of charge, through early January. Be prepared for long car lines and crowded streets during this popular tradition.
MIAMI SHORES BOAT PARADE
(Courtesy Miami Shores Boat Parade )
A boat sailing with the Miami Shores Boat Parade in 2023.
Experience holiday cheer near the sea and support a charitable cause by attending a watch party for Miami Shore’s 2nd annual Boat Parade and donating a toy on Dec. 7.
Visitors can bring their picnic essentials and settle in at the Miami Shores Bayfront Park on NE 96 St. and North Bayshore Drive to watch a festive boat parade that will feature 35 contributors, including the fire department and Coast Guard. The star of the show will be a large houseboat covered in Romero Brito’s art and provided by the Shake-A-Leg organization, which will be boarding 20 children from the Holtz Children’s Hospital.
The boats will travel along neighborhoods on the Biscayne Bay and are expected to pass near the docks on 96 St. to 104 St. around 7 p.m., where spectators can cheer them on. Once anchored, they will display a huge LCD screen showing videos of the children on board.
The event began last year after harsh weather conditions canceled the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade in Broward County. This prompted now-organizer Kim McAdam, a Jackson Health employee, to organize the event in Miami.
The gathering will also include a box for toy donations where visitors are encouraged to contribute unwrapped toys for patients at Holtz Children's Hospital ages infant to young adults.
(Courtesy City of Sunny Isles Beach)
Guests dancing at a past Sunny Isles Beach Holiday Ball event.
SUNNY ISLES BEACH HOLIDAY BALL AND LIGHTS
Step into a Renaissance-inspired evening at the Masquerade Holiday Ball, where guests are invited to wear masks and dance the night away. The event takes place on Dec. 20 at the Sunny Isles Beach Gateway Center, on 151 Sunny Isles Blvd, from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for Sunny Isles Beach residents and $20 for non-residents and can be purchased on the city’s website, sibfl.gov.
Sunny Isles Beach will also illuminate the season with a vibrant display of holiday-themed lights at Gateway Park, Samson Oceanfront Park, Town Center Park, Heritage Park, and along the North Bay Road Pedestrian Bridge, creating a festive atmosphere for the community to enjoy.
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(Courtesy of Kim McAdam)
A sneak peek of Shake-A-Leg's large houseboat, decorated by Romero Brito, that will board 20 children from the Holtz Children's Hospital in Miami Shores Boat Parade.
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(Courtesy of Kim McAdam)
Miami Boat Parade organizer Kim McAdam, a Jackson Health employee, and her family posing in front of the Romero Brito decorated houseboat provided by the Shake-A-Leg organization.
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(Paloma Pimentel)
A local magician engaging children at a street magic show at Downtown Miami's Holiday Village.
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(Paloma Pimentel)
Families gather under a 24-foot Christmas tree to take photos and meet St. Nicholas.