The holidays in Miami take on a slightly different flavor than in most other parts of the country. Instead of harsh winter weather and white Christmases, we enjoy sun-kissed winter festivals and cheerful tropical traditions. Whether you’re just visiting or are fortunate enough to live here, we’ve rounded up our favorite ways to find holiday cheer in Miami.
Holiday Pop-up Bars
Get in the holiday spirit with holiday-themed spirits at a Christmas-themed pop-up bar! Embrace all the tacky decor you can handle at Miracle in Miami, located in the back room of Gramps’. Bask in the explosion of tinsel, garland, glitter and fake snow, and sing along to Mariah Carey tunes. Christmas on 10th Street in Fado Irish Pub has amazing seasonal cocktails, including Bulleit-proof Nog and Peppermint Mule. Miracle Delray in Death or Glory offers an extensive holiday drink menu including Run Run Rudolph (prosecco, gin, mulled wine puree, lemon and cane syrup) and Bad Santa (apple cider, Applejack, Manzanilla sherry, lemon, cinnamon syrup, popcorn-and-bacon butter and baked-apple bitters).
Winterfest Boat Parade
It wouldn’t be the holidays in Miami without a bedazzled boat parade! In true Miami form, the Winterfest Boat Parade is a flashy, fun and one-of-a-kind event. See yachts and boats of all sizes, decked out in bright lights and holiday decorations. Pick a waterfront bar, restaurant or bridge to watch the watercrafts go by as they make the journey on the Intracoastal Waterway, from Fort Lauderdale to Lake Santa Barbara.
Zoo Miami
Walk on the wild side and visit Zoo Miami’s annual display of lights during the holidays in Miami. The spectacle includes life-sized “animals” and trees covered in thousands of lights. The zoo stays open late so that you can view the lights in all their glory while sipping on hot chocolate and munching on cookies. Take a boat ride on Snowman’s River for a different perspective. Each weekend in the winter has a special theme, a favorite being Ugly Sweaters, so make sure to arrive in your holiday best!
Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Santa’s Enchanted Forest is the world’s largest holiday theme park, and it pops up every year in our backyard. Tropical Park hosts the extravaganza, which is open from late-October to early-January. The theme park has become a cultural institution, featuring over 100 rides for both thrill-seekers and kids, as well as carnival food and interactive animal shows. Snap a photo of South Florida’s tallest Christmas tree and take in the Holiday Light Show Spectacular. Add a jolt of adrenaline to your festivities with the bungee jump or slingshot! There really is something for everyone to enjoy at this fun holiday attraction.
New World Symphony’s The Sounds of the Season
One of the best things about the holidays is the music. Celebrate the holidays in Miami with a joyful concert by the renowned New World Symphony! Sounds of the Season features a mix of beloved classical pieces such as Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker score, pop tunes and music from well-known holiday films. You’ll also hear songs from other cultures, but all of the music shares the common theme of embracing what makes winter special.
Miami City Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Feel like a kid again, at least for a few hours, and get lost in this enchanting Christmas story. Miami City Ballet presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker with unique costume designs by Cuban-American artists Isabel and Ruben Toledo. After seeing the amazing choreography and hearing Tchaikovsky’s score played by the live orchestra, you’ll be transported to a different place and time where Christmas magic is very real. The show is held at the Broward Center, Adrienne Arsht Center and the Kravis Center.
Festival of Trees at Deering Estate
Throughout the month of December, the gorgeous 444-acre Deering Estate seems to take on a special kind of magic. Take a drive or a walk to see the historic houses decked out in their holiday best, sparkling with lights, garlands and holiday displays. The estate also hosts a few special events and workshops, including the Holiday Champagne Bay Cruise and Holiday Wreath Workshop.
Pick Strawberries & Make a Pie
It might seem odd, but winter is the best time to pick local strawberries! Visit one of the two top local farms—Burr’s Berry Farm and Knaus Berry Farm—and pick your own strawberries, while also scoring additional goodies and treats. Order a famous creamy strawberry milkshake at Burr’s, or grab a homemade cinnamon roll or fruit pie at Knaus’. Take your fresh strawberries home and bake a strawberry rhubarb pie to wow friends and family at your next holiday get-together!
We hope you enjoy spending the holidays in Miami! One of the biggest perks of living in North Miami Beach is mild winter temperatures. If you’re looking to move to the area, we’d love to have you stop by so that we can show you around our brand new North Miami Beach community. You can also take a virtual tour of our luxury apartment homes online. Give us a call at (800) 966-7972 to schedule a tour.
Since we are officially open, we are looking forward to showing you around!
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