Trade your ice skates for tanning lotion this holiday season. Christmas in Miami means palm trees decked out in twinkly lights and sunshine skies in December. Whoever you’re enjoying the festivities with, your family, partner, best friend, or alone, there are plenty of ideas on this list for fun holiday celebrations. Whether you’re interested in catching a show or visiting magical botanical gardens, there is something for you here. Christmas in Miami may not be traditional, but it will never disappoint.
The Nutcracker at the Adrienne Arsht Center
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is back at the Adrienne Arsht Center! Miami City Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker is nothing short of magical. In addition, the Adrienne Arsht Center is one of the most beautifully decorated locations in town this holiday season, making this show even more magnificent to watch with the whole family. Not to mention, the show’s sets and costumes are so sweet— a sugar plum fairy’s heaven wrapped up in a big fat bow. You’ll be totally enamored with this classic Christmas story.
NightGarden at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s NightGarden is a Miami style winter wonderland worthy of a visit. This nighttime experience is a technicolored tropical paradise. NightGarden is a ticketed event illuminated like a magical fairyland. It’s all neon lights, rainbow-colored pathways, and holographic sculptures. This is, without a doubt, the most impressive light spectacular in town. It truly doesn’t get any more Miami-Christmas than Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s NightGarden.
Watch a holiday movie at Rooftop Cinema Club
Watching a holiday movie at Rooftop Cinema Club is a fun alternative to the otherwise crowded attractions in town. Rooftop Cinema Club is the cool older sister version to a regular movie theater. It’s an outdoor movie experience on a (you guessed it) rooftop. In true Miami fashion, the seating area is made of big lawn chairs, making it all that much more fun. Throughout the holiday season, they are playing lots of your favorite films: Elf, Home Alone, The Holiday, and more!
Miracle in Miami pop-up bar at Better Days
Miami may not offer a white Christmas morning, but it does deliver a good night out. One of the best pop-up bars in Miami is Miracle in Miami at Better Days. During the holidays, Better Days transforms into the North Pole’s neighborhood dive bar. Jukeboxes are covered in tinsel and ornaments hang high above the bar. The cocktails are fun and festive, and patrons come all dressed up (ugly sweaters are welcome). Don’t forget to grab a slice at the pizza place next door before you head out.
Pentatonix concert at Hard Rock Live
Pentatonix is coming to Miami this holiday season and you don’t want to miss it! If you haven’t heard, Pentatonix is an a cappella band known for their harmoniously mystical holiday hits. Think you’ve heard enough of the Christmas songs you grew up with? Wrong, incorrect, false information! Pentatonix reimagines Christmas classics in a way you’ve never experienced. Catch them live on December 14 at Hard Rock Live.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Santa’s Enchanted Forest is a right of passage for Miami natives. The jingle that played in the Santa’s Enchanted Forest commercial of my childhood is forever ingrained in my brain. Open this season from November 9 – January 7, Santa’s Enchanted Forest hosts all you can ask for in a Christmas carnival. There are rides, food, games, and impressive light displays. I mean… who doesn’t love a deep fried Oreo after a ride on Pharaoh’s Fury. At Santa’s Enchanted Forest, you’ll have a family-fun night of pure Christmas nostalgia.
