Christmas around the world couldn’t be more diverse, from the icy winter wonders of Northern Europe to backyard barbecues in Australia. In December, the weather in Miami is warm with average daily temperatures of 24 degrees and average minimum temperatures of around 17 degrees. With seven hours of sunshine a day, Miami does not reflect the ‘White Christmas’ that appears on greeting cards around the world. But that doesn’t make Miami any less festive.
Miami turns into a sunny wonderland around Christmas, with Santas, Elves, and Christmas trees galore. In true Florida style, one of the most popular attractions is a festive theme park. Santa’s Enchanted Forest is the largest Christmas theme park in the world, with over 100 rides, shows, games, and attractions on offer. Open daily from November 1 to January 6 from 5 p.m. to midnight, this is a must-see for anyone visiting Miami during the Christmas holidays.
Winterfest is a Christmas festival that takes place in Fort Lauderdale. The festival includes a golf tournament, Winterfest black tie ball, shoreline décor extravaganza, family fun day events, and concludes with the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade. The parade showcases the talents of local artists, who transform the ships into stunning works of art that represent the vibrant and diverse culture of the city. The event draws more than 1 million spectators along its 12-mile route, making Winterfest the seventh largest one-day spectator event in the US.
Deering Estate at Biscayne Bay is an environmental, archaeological, and historical preserve. Celebrate the holidays with a host of events, including the annual tree lighting ceremony and ‘Santa Story Time’. Also, every day in December, the farm is decorated like a true Christmas wonderland. Deering Estate is closed on December 25, so be sure to visit before Christmas Day!
Zoo Miami operates its Zoo Lights attraction from December 14 to December 23 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The Zoo Lights package includes ice skating, ‘hippo slide rides’, camel rides and hot chocolate, making it the perfect event for the kids. Santa has been known to appear under the Christmas lights in the shape of an animal as well, giving you the ideal photo opportunity. On December 22, the zoo offers families the opportunity to dine with Mrs. Claus, where the children will be able to make their own decorations and decorate Christmas treats, plus they will also receive a Christmas present from Mrs. Claus herself.
Perfect for traditionalists, Miami City Ballet will perform George Balanchine’s ‘The Nutcracker’ starting in November at the Naples Philharmonic Center, moving to the Broward Center from December 14-16 and ending at the Adrienne Arsht Center from December 20 through Christmas Eve. . This spectacular production, full of sugar plum fairies, is synonymous with Christmas.
And when Christmas is over, Miami still has a lot to offer. Widely considered one of the best places in the world to spend New Year’s Eve, Miami becomes a playground for children and adults alike.
During the day, the Children’s Museum has a New Year’s Eve countdown with arts, crafts, and entertainment. Then when night falls, one of the world’s most devoted party towns comes to life. Whether you choose to watch the midnight fireworks from South Beach, party in style at a Miami luxury hotel, or dance the night away at one of the city’s many nightclubs, there is no shortage of things to do in Miami.