Bayfront Park Tree-Lighting Ceremony Happening Today

Right now, you're probably still recovering from the decadent spread at last night's Thanksgiving dinner. Why does Aunt Fran always have to make so damn many varieties of pie?

But it's a new day, so you should be ready to re-emerge from hiding and burn some calories. No, we don't mean with a trip to the mall, but rather with a trip to Bayfront Park. Miami's downtown green space is lighting its towering 50-foot tree to kick off the Christmas season. The lighting will kick off at 7 p.m. today, Friday, November 27, and is open to the public. 

The tree, created by Christmas Designers, is a fake, 50-foot-tall, double-lit Rocky Mountain pine tree — and there will be so many lights on it. "Over 14,000 lights will adorn the holiday tree," says Karina Mestre, marketing director for Bayfront Park Management Trust.

The tree will be decorated in traditional colors of red, green, and gold; it will have eight- to ten-inch reflective ornaments, red velvet bows with gold trim, and a starburst tree topper. New this year, the tree will be adjacent to the Holiday Market of La Feria del Mercado de San Miguel, a shopping area that'll showcase holiday gifts and crafts, adds Mestre. Think art, fashion, jewelry, toys, plants and flowers, hot chocolate, warm cashews and nuts, local produce, coffee, and baked goods. 

Were Buddy the Elf to make it to Miami, this is where he'd be headed. 

Bayfront Park Tree Light Ceremony
Tonight, at 7 p.m. at Bayfront Park, 301 N. Biscayne Boulevard. Admission is free. The Holiday Market of La Feria del Mercado de San Miguel will be open from November 27 through January 6 from noon to 9 p.m. daily (closed on Christmas and New Year's day).