In Miami, a white Christmas is purely theoretical; the closest most of us get is the sand on Collins Avenue. But the list of gifts shows up right on schedule every holiday season, as does the one person on it who always swears that they don’t need anything.
Thankfully, that’s where Candlelight concerts in Miami come in. At these concerts, a string quartet performs Christmas music for about an hour, surrounded by the warm light of flameless candles. This winter, the concerts are spread across four venues: Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Eden Roc Miami Beach, First Church Miami, and Jungle Island.
Christmas Movie Soundtracks at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
Thinking of someone who religiously watches How The Grinch Stole Christmas! every holiday season? This is the one for them. From the 1942 classic “White Christmas” (which holds the Guinness World Record for the best-selling single of all time), to “Believe”, featured in the 2004 The Polar Express, the concert takes the audience on a journey across Christmas movie history. And don’t worry: this edition of Candlelight does include a track from the beloved The Nightmare Before Christmas as well.
18 December 2026 18:15
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
Christmas Classics at Eden Roc Miami Beach and First Church Miami
For those who like to listen to a bit of everything, this mix covers it. Starting with one of the most memorable pieces from the Nutcracker ballet, “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”, the concert takes you through Christmas favorites such as “Feliz Navidad”, “Last Christmas”, and of course, “All I Want for Christmas Is You”. Also featured is the instant hit “Love Is All Around” from Love Actually, which spent 15 weeks at No. 1 in the UK charts in 1994, long before the movie was released.
19 December 2026 16:00
Eden Roc Miami Beach
19 December 2026 18:00
First Church Miami
Christmas Carols on Strings at Eden Roc Miami Beach
Traditional Christmas music fans may prefer this more conventional approach, with 20 old-school carols played by a string quartet. You will recognize the iconic “Silent Night”, alongside popular carols such as “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful”. Also on the setlist is “Good King Wencelas”; if Miami Christmas ever feels a little out of season, take comfort in knowing that the melody for this carol was originally written for the springtime.
19 December 2026 18:30
Eden Roc Miami Beach
Open Air: Christmas Carols on Strings at Jungle Island
For a traditional experience with a twist, there is also a concert with the same familiar carols, but a different setting. Miami’s Jungle Island hosts an open-air edition of Candlelight, bringing a festive atmosphere to the tropical air. Featured in the concert are “Joy to the World”, “Deck the Halls”, and “Do You Hear What I Hear”. That last one was actually written in 1962 in response to the Cuban Missile Crisis, calling for peace.
20 December 2026 18:00
Jungle Island
Flexible gift ideas so you can skip the mall
Not sure which concert to choose? Let them decide! With the Candlelight gift card, it’s up to the recipient which concert they attend, and when. Valid for any Candlelight concert in the US, and with no expiration date, it’s conveniently delivered as an email code with a printable version you can present to them.
Get your Candlelight gift card here!
Or go together instead…
The ideal Candlelight gift might include you as well. The concerts are short and engaging, with the musicians sharing stories about the pieces throughout the performance, making them ideal for a quick family break during the busy holiday period.
Some FAQs
Where are the Candlelight Christmas concerts in Miami?
Christmas Movie Soundtracks is held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Christmas Classics is hosted at both Eden Roc Miami Beach and First Church Miami, Christmas Carols on Strings plays at Eden Roc Miami Beach, and the Open Air edition of Christmas Carols on Strings is at Jungle Island.
How long is a Candlelight concert?
Candlelight concerts run for about an hour. Doors open 60 minutes before the concert begins, and late entry is not permitted.
What should I wear?
There is no dress code for Candlelight concerts, but most guests go with smart casual.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. Guests must be 8 or older, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
How does the Candlelight gift card work?
The buyer gets a code by email, plus a printable version. The recipient adds the voucher code into their Fever app (Profile → Vouchers → Add voucher code), then applies it to any Candlelight concert and date in the US. It doesn’t expire.
So there you go, a present that won’t end up in the return pile: a joyful hour of Christmas music, wherever and whenever they choose.
