The holiday season is in full swing and Miami has no shortage of incredible things to do for everyone, including kids! Especially with them being out of school for winter break, you’re likely looking for the best events to keep them busy, where it be brilliant light displays or outdoor ice skating rinks.
As we all await Santa’s arrival, here’s where to get your fill of the Christmas spirit with the entire family in the city!
To give your kids a magical experience this holiday season, you’ve got to check out all the dazzling light displays that Miami has to offer! See the enchanting Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden transform with illuminated pathways for NightGarden, and walk alongside themed islands like Candy Cane Cove at the new Hard Rock The Holidays. With something for everyone to enjoy, check out our full roundup of holiday lights here!
Another festive activity that kids and adults alike would enjoy are Candlelight’s holiday concerts! Aimed at ages 8 plus, these shows offer a magical atmosphere, with talented musicians and popular Christmas tunes under the glow of (electronic) candles. From “All I Want for Christmas Is You” to “Jingle Bell Rock” recreated in the classical form, this makes for a great outing with the whole family.
See a free Christmas flick on the water
Everyone has their favorite Christmas movie, and if you ask us, one of the very best is “The Muppet Christmas Carol!” On December 18th, Pérez Art Museum Miami is hosting a free screening of the beloved 1992 holiday classic as part of its Floating Films Series, in partnership with Ballyhoo Media. You’ll get to watch the film from a 60-foot floating screen and can even bring along your own blanket or a lawn chair!
From $19
If your holiday postcard needs a dose of the unique and extraordinary, head to Paradox Museum! This interactive playground features over 70 mind-bending exhibits where you can pose “upside down” in a holiday-ready living room or disappear into a camouflage wall. It’s the perfect escape from the December heat, with an experience that’s as educational as it is Instagrammable. Grab tickets to Paradox Museum here.
From $30
If you’re looking for a snow day adventure with the kiddos, Snowcat Ridge in Dade City has a 60-foot-tall tubing hill, a giant “snow globe” with temperatures set at 30 degrees, an outdoor ice skating ribbon and much more. It’s a fun weekend trip from the city!
Hit the ice at one of South Florida’s real outdoor skating rinks
It may feel like it’s summer all year-long, but that doesn’t mean we can’t partake in wintery activities like ice skating. And while most rinks in Miami are always open, some new arrivals use cool new technology to keep the ice completely frozen — while outdoors!
Up in West Palm Beach, The Ben’s Winter Wonderland is back for its second year, with a holiday market, winter tree forest and real outdoor ice skating, of course! Over in Homestead, Losner Park is welcoming an outdoor rink with real ice, alongside food vendors, night markets and more. We can’t think of a better way to get into the holiday mood!
Take the whole family to Miami City Ballet’s classic performance of The Nutcracker
From $45
Whether it’s an old family tradition or a new one just beginning, kids will fall in love with this delightful performance of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker! Recommended for ages 4 and up, the little ones will love this family-friendly show complete with swirling snowflakes, a tropical take on winter wonder and over 100 dazzling dancers. The performance will run until December 28 at the Adrienne Arsht Center.
Join in on the festivities at the Miami Children’s Museum
You’ve got to take the kiddos to Miami Children’s Museum, which is putting on a unique Christmas experience for families with exciting programming this month. Highlights include a sock skating rink, where kids can skate and spin in their socks, as well as photos with Santa (now-Dec. 23), gingerbread making (Dec. 20-21), snow-themed STEAM fun (Dec. 20-21), Noon Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) and more.