The weekend has finally arrived and we thought we’d share with you a few amazing things going on in Miami that you don’t want to miss out on. To be fair, there’s always something going on here in the city, but the question is what are the highlights when it comes to Friday through Sunday? Read on for a rundown of the best things to do this weekend.
And if you’re looking for more inspiration, check out the best art exhibits in Miami, rooftops to soak up the sun and the views, breathtaking parks and gardens for a stroll through nature and winter bucket list essentials.
1. Get a head start on your December plans!
It’s only a matter of time before December finally gets here and we’re getting ready to fill our calendar with fun and festive things to do! From merry pop-up bars to spectacular light shows, check out our favorite activities in the city this December, here.
2. Be dazzled by the Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights
Beginning this weekend, Dec. 1, several Miami Beach buildings will come to life with delightful Christmassy imagery and musical performances! This festive experience, known as the Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights, features cutting-edge projection mapping technology that will play off the buildings’ various shapes in perfect unison with the rhythm of the music. See the full schedule here.
3. See Miami Design District’s Art Week makeover
In anticipation for Art Week, Miami Design District has unveiled “Utopia,” a special installation by designer Lara Bohinc. Described as “irregular” and “bulbous,” Bohinc’s pieces include outdoor seating, tables and oversized light sculptures, as well as a giant centerpiece egg-form and birdhouses hung throughout the trees. Learn more here and find more installations like this one to look forward to in the neighborhood.
4. Surround yourself with thousands of dazzling lights at NightGarden
More than just a light show, NightGarden takes guests on a magical journey through all 83-acres of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Stroll through illuminated zones featuring rainbow colored paths, technicolor flowers, an enchanting fairy experience, periodic snowfall and – of course – a wise talking tree among it all! Get tickets to NightGarden here.
5. Look up to the sky as Delray Beach lights its 100 ft. tree
Mark your calendars for Delray Beach’s famous 100-foot Christmas tree! The lighting ceremony is on Tuesday, Nov. 28, meaning it’s the perfect time to check it out this weekend! There will be plenty of jolly activities and events to check out at their Holiday Village including a carousel, photos with Santa, ice skating and more. Read more here.
6. Check out Miami’s brand new Snow Carnival attraction
This festive attraction is bringing over 350 tons of real snow to South Florida and is now open! Whether you want to race down snowy slopes on an inner tube, or journey through a festive forest on the Holiday Express, Snow Carnival has it all. Grab tickets here to plan your visit this weekend.
7. Go ice skating by the beach!
Grab your ice skates because The LOOP (Las Olas Oceanside Park) has debuted The Wonderland RINK for the holiday season! The 4,000 sq. ft. rink is said to be composed of self-moisturizing, seamless tongue-and-groove panels for skaters to glide and turn as they would on conventional ice, while providing a traditional wintertime experience that’s perfect for all ages and experiences. Check it out here.
8. Be awed by illuminated lanterns at Luminosa
For the first time since 2019, Luminosa has returned to Jungle Island, lighting up 1.35 miles of the park with a kaleidoscope of colors and millions of LED lights, in addition to live acrobatic acts and artisan vendors. This year’s event is set to be larger and more awe-inspiring than ever, with more than 40 stunning lamp scenes. Find tickets to Luminosa here.
9. Line up for Knaus Berry Farm’s cinnamon buns
Now that they’ve reopened for the season, there’s no better time to pay a visit to Knaus Berry Farm! The family-owned and operated farm is known for iconic rolls and strawberry milkshakes, alongside other baked goods. Read more here.
10. Don’t miss out on the best reggaeton and cocktails at BRESH!
The globe-trotting dance party is back in Miami with another rager, and we’re ready to dance all night! Since first taking place in Argentina in 2016, BRESH has earned its reputation as “The Most Beautiful Party in the World” and now it’s set to take over Club M2 on Friday, December 1st. Purchase tickets to BRESH here.
11. Try a new breakfast spot
There’s nothing quite like a delicious breakfast. After all, it’s the most important meal of the day. From fulfilling French toast to vegan offerings, choosing the right breakfast can prepare you for the day ahead. Luckily for us breakfast lovers, Miami offers a variety of tasty spots to choose from. Check them out here!
12. Or get your brunch on
It is the weekend, after all. There’s no better time to put on your brunch best and head on out to try the best eggs benedict, mimosas and avocado toast Miami has to offer at one of these amazing brunch spots.
And if you want to make the trip up to Fort Lauderdale, we’ve gathered a list of spots offering brunch and bottomless drinks that definitely won’t disappoint while you’re there.
13. Flock to Pinecrest Gardens to see giant bird sculptures
Pinecrest Gardens is welcoming a few new residents, and many are as high as 30 feet tall! Their newest exhibit, ‘Avian Oasis,’ will feature six bird sculptures, each one made of bamboo, by the world-renowned Myth Makers. From a 15-foot-tall Macaw honoring the historic Parrot Jungle and its founder Franz Scherr, to a 30-foot-tall Sandhill Crane commemorating the late Sidney Poitier, each piece blends art, history and nature. Learn more.
14. Get your tickets to this naughty (and nice) burlesque show
AirOtic Soirée is bringing the heat to Fort Lauderdale this weekend — with a holiday twist! Take a sensory journey to the North Pole, uncover Santa’s secrets and enjoy a modern take on your favorite Christmas classics with a cirque flair. Get tickets to Naughty AirOtic: A Circus-Style Burlesque Show here!
15. Wander around a farmers’ market
The city is home to incredible farmers’ markets offering the best organic produce our community has to offer. They’re also fantastic places to walk around in, especially on a lazy day. We put together a list of the best ones to look out for in the city and beyond, from Coconut Grove all the way to Hollywood.
16. Get lost in Van Gogh’s mesmerizing artworks
If you haven’t yet experienced the mesmerizing exhibit dedicated to Van Gogh, then this is your sign to do so! Step into famous paintings like Sunflowers, Starry Night and Almond Blossom in a way you never have before, and take in every detail of the post-impressionist painter’s work through the use of 360-degree digital projections. Snag tickets to Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience here.
17. Turn up the heat at this steamy cabaret show
Spice up your weekend with a visit to Nocturna’s Sin City, where an unforgettable night of provocative burlesque, mesmerizing aerial performances, soul-stirring live vocals and delicious cocktails await. Set in Savage Labs Wynwood, take a journey into your deepest fantasies at Nocturna: Sin City by getting tickets here!
18. Cheer on the Dolphins at these local spots
Another weekend, another football Sunday! While you can catch home games at the Hard Rock Stadium, who doesn’t love a good excuse to wear the team’s colors and indulge in hot wings and ice-cold beers? If you’re looking for a fun and electric atmosphere the next time you’re rooting for the Miami Dolphins, we’ve got you covered with these sports bars and restaurants.
19. Jam out to The Black Keys, Jelly Roll and more at Riptide Music Fest
Good vibes are on the horizon as the ultimate end-of-the-year party, Riptide Music Festival, returns to Fort Lauderdale Beach Park this weekend, December 2-3. Headliners The Black Keys and Jelly Roll will be joined by Bleachers, Lovejoy, Cannons, Silversun Pickups, Misterwives, Beach Weather and more.
20. Step into the world of Friends at this new experience
What could be more fun than living out your favorite sitcom at “The Friends Experience: The One in Miami”? Explore Monica and Rachel’s kitchen, snap iconic pics at Central Perk and check out a bunch of memorabilia from the show at this fun-filled experience that has just arrived at Avenutra Mall.
21. Grab tickets to The Messi Experience
Soon we’ll be able to set off on an unmissable adventure into the life of Inter Miami’s own, Leo Messi. Set to make its debut in Miami in 2024, The Messi Experience: A Dream Come True will be an immersive technological experience rich in interactive activities, compelling stage design and captivating storytelling that will bring you closer to the soccer legend than ever before. Tickets are already on sale, and you can book your visit ahead here.
So there you have it — all the best things to do this weekend, and there’s something for everyone here. Now that you know where and when to go, head out there and make it the best weekend yet!