The Most Festive Food and Drink Events in Miami 2021

Despite our year-round tropical vibes, South Florida is still home to plenty of Christmas celebrations. When winter weather and crackling fires aren't readily available, nothing says "happy holidays" in Miami quite like a cup of coquito, festive-themed tipple, or a cookie decorating class.

If you're looking for a few fun new ways to deck the halls this December with a foodie twist, look no further than these holiday-themed events to eat and drink your way into the new year.

Events are listed chronologically by starting date; some take place over multiple days, so be sure to double-check.

Holiday-Themed Bar Pop-Ups

Experience the holiday season with one or more holiday-themed cocktail pop-ups that are springing up across South Florida. If you're longing for winter weather drinks — minus the chill — consider bellying up to these temporary bar experiences for some nostalgic imbibing. Whether it's the national Miracle Bar pop-ups in Miami, Doral, and Delray Beach or the Hanukkah-inspired one at Kush Hialeah, there are plenty of ways to toast to the season in the Magic City this year. Here's your list for getting naughty this holiday season. Through Friday, December 31 at across South Florida.

Riverfront Holiday Village at the Wharf

The Wharf Miami and the Wharf Fort Lauderdale will bring cheer to each city's waterfront strip during a monthlong seasonal celebration. Expect plenty of over-the-top holiday décor (think 500,000 holiday lights and oversize decorations), a dynamic daily happy hour where mules, mojitos, and margaritas start at $4 and go up $1 every hour from 4 to 7 p.m., a menu of specialty holiday cocktails available on Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to close, and a toy drive benefiting Kristi House on Thursday, December 9, and another benefiting Boys & Girls Club of Miami-Dade on Friday, December 10. Through Sunday, December 26 at the Wharf Miami (114 SW North River Dr, Miami; wharfmiami.com) and The Wharf Fort Lauderdale (20 W Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale; wharfftl.com); wharfmiami.com.

Miracle on 68th Street

This month, the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort is hosting its second annual Miracle on 68th Street, a Santa-tastic soirée designed to spread holiday cheer. Guests of all ages can enjoy live musical performances from Ben Beal and Tom Kitek, a holiday ornament-making workshop with Maker Monkey Workshop, socially distanced family (or pet) photos with Santa and his elves, letter-to-Santa writing, a holiday coquito tasting, and cookie and cupcake decorating. Workshops and photos cost $5 per person, and tickets for the featured activities can be purchased at the event. Entrance is free with an unwrapped toy donation. Friday, December 10, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 6801 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; register for free on Eventbrite.

Santa Saturdays at Shooters

During Saturday brunches in the month of December from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Santa Claus will pay a visit, posing for pictures and taking gift requests. Saturdays in December from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3033 NE 32nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 954-566-2855; shooterswaterfront.com.

Fort Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade

Sure, New York has the Macy's Day parade, but Fort Lauderdale has the Winterfest Boat Parade. The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 11, with brightly decorated boats winding their way from Stranahan House in downtown Fort Lauderdale, traveling east along the New River to the Intracoastal Waterway as it continues north to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. There are several restaurants along the route that are hosting watch parties. Find a complete list of participating restaurants at winterfestparade.com. Saturday, December 11, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Cupcake Decorating at The Lincoln Eatery

This month, celebrate the holiday season the old-fashioned way with homemade treats. The Lincoln Eatery's Café des Fleurs will host its own holiday macaroon and cupcake decorating workshop. Participants will be able to practice professional techniques and tricks for decorating French macaroons and holiday cupcakes. At the end of the workshop, guests can take Instagrammable photos with their creations against the café’s flower-covered backdrop. Sunday, December 12, from 3 to 5 p.m. at 723 Lincoln Ln. N., Miami Beach; tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Holiday Marketplace at the InterContinental Miami

Marvel in Miami’s own winter wonderland this year with the InterContinental Miami's Holiday Marketplace. The village-style pop-up will offer holiday treats for sale — hot cocoa, Christmas cookies, hot toddies, candy, and more. A pop-up Santa’s workshop will be located in the property’s Grove Ballroom, featuring a holly-jolly meet and greet with Santa Claus from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, December 17, Saturday, December 18, and again on Christmas Eve. In addition, kids can indulge in "Breakfast with Santa" from 9 to 11 a.m. on Sunday, December 19, at the hotel's restaurant, Ole. The Holiday Marketplace runs from Wednesday, December 15, through Sunday, December 26, at 100 Chopin Plz., Miami; icmiamihotel.com.

Spanish Marie & The Brewer's Carb Stone

Enter the world of wizarding at Spanish Marie when this Harry Potter-inspired seasonal event takes over the brewery. The family- and dog-friendly weekend will include specialty release beers, live entertainment, games, and holiday-themed décor inside the Spanish Marie beer garden taproom and speakeasy next door. The Brewer's Carb Stone runs from Friday, December 17, through Sunday, December 19, at 14251 SW 120th St., Miami; register for free on Eventbrite.