The Best Holiday Events in Miami

There will be no white Christmas in South Florida this year. Snow hasn't been recorded here since 1977 — and that was more of a trace of snow than a winter wonderland. But just because the palm tree tops here never glisten and children never hear sleigh bells in the snow doesn't mean Miami is devoid of the holiday spirit.

South Florida has its own holiday traditions, from a 700-ton Christmas tree made of sand to a 12-mile holiday boat parade that gives Christmas time a unique vibe. Below, in chronological order, are the best sunny South Florida traditions and events to make your holidays merry and bright.

South Florida institution Santa's Enchanted Forest is noticeably absent this year. It announced it would not return for the 2024 holiday season.

Christmas Wonderland

The Christmas festival that now occupies the former home of Santa's Enchanted Forest returns to Tropical Park for its second year. Like its predecessor, Christmas Wonderland offers holiday fun through shows, unlimited carnival rides, and holiday displays. New this year is the Santa's Sky Shot show. This human cannonball act involves Santa flying through the air — sans reindeer, of course. 5 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 3 to 10 p.m. Sunday, through Sunday, January 5, at Tropical Park, 7900 Bird Rd., Miami; miamiwonderland.com. Tickets cost $29 to $39.

Luminosa: A World of Enchantment

You'll see more dragons than reindeer at this lights festival, which features 40-plus scenes made of silk fabric lanterns. This season's event is fairytale-themed, complete with animatronic knights and storybooks. But Luminosa's new European-style holiday village and its 30-foot Christmas tree should satisfy those looking for a little Christmas cheer — especially if they like mulled wine with that cheer. 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Jungle Island, 1111 Parrot Jungle Trl., Miami; 305-400-7000; luminosamiami.com. Tickets are $26.90 to $39.90 via feverup.com.

Night at the Garden

Remember when Kanye West made headlines for talking to a tree (AKA Archie) in Miami? That convo took place at the inaugural NightGarden in 2018. Fast forward six years, and now Night at the Garden, as it's been renamed, and its light displays — including holograms and rainbow-colored pathways — are a Miami holiday season tradition. And yes, guests can still get in their one-on-one time with Archie. 6 to 10:30 p.m. on most evenings through Sunday, January 12, at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables; 305-667-1651; thenightgarden.com. Tickets cost $20.80 to $36.80 via feverup.com.

Winter Festival

For something a little more country, there's this fifth annual holiday event on the farm. Christmas trees have replaced the pumpkins at the Berry Farm, and now it's time for holiday hayrides and Christmas card-worthy pics by the barn. On select nights, the festival will stay open until 10 p.m. so you can take in the farm's twinkling Christmas lights. 10 a.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. Friday through Sunday from Friday, November 22, through Sunday, January 5, at the Berry Farm, 13720 SW 216th St., Miami, 305-560-0531; visittheberryfarm.com. Tickets cost $13 to $17.

Historic Holidays: Caroling Through the Season

Charles Deering's old digs are bringing Christmas carols to life with this year's holiday decorations. Christmas classics such as "Frosty the Snowman," "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," and "The Twelve Days of Christmas" will each have their own themed room at Deering Estate, which always offers a holiday experience from yesteryear. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, November 29, through Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the Deering Estate, 16701 SW 72nd Ave., Miami; 305-235-1668; deeringestate.org. Tickets cost $10 to $18.

Zoo Lights

The animals at Zoo Miami take a back seat to the holiday lights displays, which are said to consist of more than a million lights. The holiday photo ops return, as will the appearances of the cuddly-as-a-cactus Grinch. Theme nights include Ugly Sweater Night and Holiday Pajamas Night. 6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, November 29, through Monday, December 30, at Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152nd St., Miami; 305-251-0400; zoomiami.org. Tickets cost $17.95 to $26.50.

The World of Nutcracker

The Nutcracker has been given the immersive experience treatment for the first time. The 45-minute event begins in a tent where digital scenes from The Nutcracker will cover every wall and then move outside to the Pine Forest, where live actors will re-enact the Nutcracker Prince versus Mouse King duel. Afterward, guests can customize their own Nutcracker miniature in Drosselmeier's Workshop. 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, November 30, through Friday, January 3, at Downtown Doral, 5275 Paseo Blvd., Doral; 305-592-0681; downtowndoral.com. Tickets cost $18 to $60.

Delray Beach Christmas Tree

The 100-foot tree located in Delray Beach's holiday village is one of the tallest Christmas trees in the state. Is it real? No, but neither is the Santa at your local mall. The tree has an aluminum frame and a hollow center you can walk through. Other holiday village activities include a carousel, skating rink, and mini golf. Tuesday, December 3, through Sunday, December 29, at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach; 561-243-7250; 100footchristmastree.com. Admission is free; the carousel, skating rink, and mini golf experiences cost $6 each.

Holiday in Paradise

Who needs a balsam fir or white spruce when you can have a Christmas tree made out of sand? "Sandi" — located at West Palm Beach's Holiday in Paradise — comes at a whopping 35 feet and 700 tons. This year, the base of the sculpture will include a happy herd of llamas as part of the Sandi Shares Harmony theme. A music and light show will accompany Sandi and the llamas every night during the quarter-hour. 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, December 5, through Tuesday, December 31, at 100 N. Clematis St., West Palm Beach; 561-822-1515; wpb.org. Admission is free; the Ferris wheel costs $5.

Nights of Lights

This holiday celebration at Pinecrest Gardens is more than just pretty lights. Guests can enjoy various events on different nights, from shows — including holiday concerts and a performance of The Nutcracker — to an outdoor screening of the animated film Snowtime! The weekend before Christmas will pay tribute to Dr. Seuss and feature an appearance by the Grinch. 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday from Friday, December 6, through Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 Red Rd., Pinecrest; 305-669-6990; pinecrestgardens.org. Tickets cost $18 to $23.

Miami Beach Festival of Lights

This projection-mapping light and music show takes place on the façade of Miami Beach's Betsy Hotel. To put that in Disney World terms, it's like a smaller-scale version of the Magic Kingdom's Happily Ever After show, only with Miami Beach's iconic architecture instead of Cinderella's castle. Another difference: The Festival of Lights features a full live orchestra. 6, 7:30, and 9 p.m. Friday, December 13, through Sunday, December 15, and Friday, December 20, through Sunday, December 22, at the Betsy Hotel, 1440 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach; miamimusicfestival.com. Admission is free.

The Nutcracker

Miami City Ballet performs its version of The Nutcracker with re-imagined costumes and sets that incorporate Miami's vibrancy, but the Miami-fication of the classic tale pretty much ends there. George Balanchine's choreography remains intact, as does Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's score, so, in other words, don't expect any reggaeton in the Land of the Sweets. Friday, December 13, through Tuesday, December 24, at Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; 305-929-7010; miamicityballet.org. Tickets cost $38 to $258.

Winterfest Boat Parade

There might not be a bigger holiday event in the area than this 12-mile boat parade in South Florida, which draws around a million spectators. Billed as the "Greatest Show on H2O," Winterfest Boat Parade features private boats, showboats, and mega yachts decorated with lights and Christmas decor. Some of the more prime viewing points are available via tickets or hotel and restaurant packages, but you can still score a good spot for free if you're willing to show up early. Hallmark Channel actor Jack Wagner and the Florida Panthers' mascots will serve as this year's grand marshals. 6:30 p.m. Saturday, December 14, from the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale; 954-767-0686; winterfestparade.com. Admission is free; tickets for the parade viewing area cost $35 to $40.

Victorian Christmas Tours

The oldest home in Fort Lauderdale invites you to experience what Christmas was like long before the Elf on the Shelf and ugly Christmas sweater parties. Enjoy Victorian-style holiday decor and tour guides in old-fashioned Christmas attire for that old-timey feel. 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, December 15, through Friday, December 20, at the Historic Stranahan House Museum, 335 SE Sixth Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 954-524-4736; stranahanhouse.org. Tickets cost $30.