It’s Christmas Time: The Best Holiday Events in Miami

Christmas in Miami, all the wonder of the holidays minus the winter mess. (Photo by Canva)

Miami is now a Christmas wonderland! Thankfully, the weather outside is not frightful, nor will you get lost in the snow. Instead, palm trees sway in a balmy breeze and Santa Claus was found on a break with a cool piña colada. The Magic City celebrates the holidays in its special way, with unique displays of Christmas cheer and a summery twist to the wintertime wonders. It’s a different type of Christmas spirit! To help you get the most out of this Christmastime, here are Miami’s best celebrations to make your festivities the most wonderful time of the year.

Stroll Santa’s Enchanted Forest

Watch out for the surfing Santa! This Christmas carnival is a Miami staple, running now for its 38th year. Expect magical light displays, tons of rides, your favorite carnival foods, and a unique playlist that mixes holiday music with, yes, reggaeton. Now located in Hialeah Park, this amusement park is the perfect mix of festivities and summer fun! (Through Sunday, January 2nd, 2022. Tickets: adults $39.25, seniors and children 3-8 years old $29.91.)

Enjoy your favorite Christmas rides! (Photo by Canva)

Explore the Nights of Lights

Wander through gorgeous light fixtures and installations in this Christmas exhibition. Nights of Lights return to the Pinecrest Gardens, full to the brim of holiday magic. Thousands of lights shine in beauty and awe, plus, you’ll get to explore a maze consisting of lit fir trees, as well as holiday concerts in the Banyan Bowl. Nights of Lights is as gorgeous as it is enchanting! (Through Sunday, January 2nd, 2022. Tickets: adults $20, children under 18 years old $15.)

Delight in these festive light fixtures. (Photo by Canva)

Bring Forth ‘The Nutcracker’

Travel to the kingdom of snow in this holiday classic. Restricted in the past due to COVID-19, this year’s production of George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” returns to Miami with a full spectacle. Over one hundred dancers and a live orchestra will bring to life this incredible, timeless ballet performance. Don’t wait up and snatch your tickets today! (Through Sunday, December 26th, 2021. Ticket prices vary between $34 and $109.)

Come watch this timeless ballet classic in time for Christmas. (Photo by Canva)

Visit Santa’s Command Centre

Have you written your letter to Santa? Have you checked it once? Twice? Or not yet? We thought so! The busyness of life may have hindered your writing flow, but don’t fret! Come visit Santa’s Command Centre in the Brickell City Center. Guests are welcome to write or print out their letters to Santa and place them in a special mailbox. Photos with Santa will be available from December 20th through the 24th. Go and say hi to the jolly old man! (Admission is free. Located on the Garden Deck, Level 2).

Don’t wait too long to write your letter to Santa! (Photo by Canva)

Experience the Holiday Festival at Downton Doral

This new Christmas festival features a grand variety of activities for the entire family. Presented by the Downtown Doral Culture & Arts Foundation, guests can enjoy everything from live outdoor music, art exhibits, dance performances from the Miami City Ballet, and much more! Come with all your loved ones, and bring in the Holidays with an artistic twist. (Through December 23rd, 2021. Tickets prices range from $37 for individuals to a Family 4-pack for $49.)

Festivities, art exhibits, dance performances, and more! (Photo by Canva)

This holiday season, discover the magic behind Miami! With us at Gray Line Miami, book your own Best of Miami Day Trip, and set about on an unforgettable trip that will take you across the Magic City’s most iconic locations! Explore everything from Star Island to Venetian Causeway, Wynwood, and Little Havana, as you uncover the greatness that Miami embodies. Reserve today!