The holiday season is around the corner which means we’re already getting our holiday bucket lists ready. And no festive season would be complete without a trip to the best places to see bright, festive lights in Miami.
The most anticipated lighting displays, twinkling lights and glittering decorations are soon to be back in full force, so without further ado, here are magical Miami holiday light shows and displays you have to check out this year!
1. NightGarden at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Looking for something magical to do this winter in Miami? This dazzling light show transforms all 83 acres of Fairchild into a holiday wonderland featuring rainbow-colored pathways, a talking tree, a fairy quest illuminated by more lights than ever, and glowing technicolor flowers. Get your tickets to NightGarden here!
When: November 10, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Where: 10901 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156
2. Luminosa at Jungle Island
Have you heard? Luminosa is finally back after four years to bring Miami nights to life with its larger-than-life lanterns! Featuring more than a million LED lights, tons of artistic lanterns and 1.35 miles of illuminated trails, this year’s event is set to be more awe-inspiring than ever. Tickets to Luminosa can be found here.
When: November 21, 2023 – February 2024
Where: 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132
3. Snow Carnival at Aventura Mall
New to Miami this year, Snow Carnival features thousands of twinkling lights! However, festive lights are only part of the allure here. With more than 350 tons of real snow, this unique holiday experience is offering up interactive rides, an igloo bar, retail village and more!
When: November 23, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Where: 19501 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura, FL 33180
4. Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Miami’s most popular Christmas theme park (and the world’s largest) is open for its 40th year of holiday-themed family fun. Brighter and bigger than ever, Santa’s Enchanted Forest features tons of thrilling rides, super fun carnival games and scrumptious food to enjoy along with its gorgeous holiday lights!
When: November 9, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Where: 7400 NW 87th Avenue, Miami, FL 33166
5. Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights
For three weekends in December, the Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights is taking to South Beach for spectacular lights and live music! Presented by the Miami Beach Classical Music Festival, these first-of-their-kind musical performances will feature cutting-edge projection mapping technology, transforming the neighborhood’s most iconic building façades into vibrant imagery.
See the full schedule here.
6. Christmas Wonderland
In addition to rides and games, this brand new holiday experience is brimming with half a mile of spectacular displays and light shows, from a whimsical explosion of candy at SweetStreet to ToyTown, where the toys are larger than life! Once an hour, the trail goes dark and syncs up for an incredible light show encompassing all of the themed zones.
When: November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Where: 7900 SW 40th St, Miami, FL 33155
7. The Enchanted Place of North Miami
One of Miami’s best-kept holiday secrets, this group of houses on North Miami’s NE 137th Terrace go all out with their holiday decor each season. The tradition has been going on since 1988 (that means it’s their 35th anniversary this year) and each year is just as merry and bright as the one before!
When: November 10 – January 6, 2024
Where: 1800 NE 137th Ter, North Miami, FL
8. Bayfront Park
Nothing sets the holiday season into full swing like the lighting of Bayfront Park’s Christmas tree. The towering 50-foot-tall centerpiece lights up with a visit from Santa, live music, the Nutcracker Ballet and more.
When: Starts November 18 at 4 p.m.
Where: 301 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
9. Symphony in Lights at Gulfstream Park
Kick off the season at Gulfstream Park with its annual Symphony in Lights. More than 250,000 flickering lights will sparkle and dance to the classical sounds of your favorite holiday tunes for a totally mesmerizing show at the top of every hour from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
When: November 11 – December 31
Where: 901 S Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
10. Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami
More than one million tree lights and animal-shaped lanterns are placed throughout Zoo Miami for the annual Zoo Lights, making for a totally unique stroll through the park at night. Special themed nights will be sprinkled throughout the event, from PJ to galactic nights, that are sure to brighten up everyone’s holiday!
When: Select nights on November 24 – December 30
Where: 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177
11. Fort Lauderdale’s Winterfest Boat Parade
[NOTE: This year’s Winterfest Boat Parade has been cancelled.]
Nicknamed the “Best Show on H2O,” the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade features a one-of-a-kind array of beautifully decorated boats and it’s a total can’t miss extravaganza. With more than a million viewers along the 12-mile parade route, this is a Ft. Lauderdale institution and a classic of the holiday season in South Florida.
When: December 16, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Along the New River in Fort Lauderdale to the Intracoastal Waterway
12. Shops at Merrick Park
Head on over to the Shops at Merrick Park, Coral Gables’ pristine destination for fine shopping and dining, to check out their 50-foot Christmas tree! This year, visitors can expect music, family fun and an anticipated appearance by Santa Claus to kick off the festive season.
When: November 16 (at 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.) – January 2024
Where: 358 San Lorenzo Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33146
13. Berry Bright Winter Nights at The Berry Farms
With a 42″ Christmas tree, a dazzling path to walk through and thousands of lights brightening up the property, we get all the Christmas feels at the farm! By day, the Berry Farm transforms into “The Berry Farm Winter Festival” but by night, it’s the “Berry Bright Winter Nights.” We can’t imagine a better spot to get all the magic of the holidays.
When: Select nights on November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Where: 13720 SW 216th St, Miami, FL 33170
14. Christmas Lights in the Acres
Plantation Baptist Church holds the ultimate light show and it’s the perfect addition to your holiday plans. This year, watch as lights dance to your favorite festive tunes all around you and stroll through all the glowing displays!
When: Starts November 24, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 11700 NW 28th Ct, Plantation, FL 33323
15. Nights of Lights at Pinecrest Garden
Nights of Lights is returning to Pinecrest Gardens, dotting the whimsical botanical landscape with thousands of twinkling lights. On select nights, activities include a pajama party, photos with Santa Claus and a seasonal gift bazaar, ensuring every visitor gets into the festive spirit.
When: December 9, 2023 – January 6, 2024
Where: 11000 SW 57th Ave, Pinecrest, FL 33156
16. Light Up the Night at CityPlace Doral
All is merry and bright at CityPlace Doral as it pulls out all the stops with “Light Up The Night.” Multi-colored LED lights will cover the center’s Christmas tree and palm trees lined along the outdoor shops, and a colorful waterfall display will be synchronized to festive tunes at the beginning of the hour from 7 to 11 p.m.
When: November 16 – December 31
Where: 8300 NW 36th St, Doral, FL 33166
17. Winterland at Pinto’s Farm
Winterland at Pinto’s Farm is a must-do every season. The utterly magical annual event brings holiday cheer, photo spots, unlimited rides, animal encounters and fun for all ages! Explore the illuminated forest and drink some hot chocolate as the weather cools.
When: November 24 – January 1
Where: 14890 SW 216th St, Miami, FL 33170
18. Magic City Lights
This spectacular event at Magic City Casino centers around an elaborately decorated walking path with five different themes, from the tree-adorned Christmas Tree Lane to the sandy paradise of Tropical Treasures. There’s lawn games and even a stage right in the middle for entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays, starting at 8 p.m. Be sure to check out Santa while you’re there on Fridays and Saturdays too, as he’s there from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.!
When: November 18 – January 7
Where: 450 NW 37th Ave, Miami, FL 33125
19. Delray Beach’s 100-foot Christmas tree
Mark your calendar for the magical lighting ceremony of Delray Beach’s famous 100-foot Christmas tree! The lighting ceremony is taking place on Tuesday, Nov. 28 but there will still be plenty of jolly activities and events to check out at Delray’s Holiday Village including a carousel, photos with Santa, ice skating and more.
When: Begins November 28, 6 p.m. everyday onwards
Where: 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444
20. Holiday Magic at the Bonnet House
Beginning Friday, December 1, five nights of Holiday Magic will transform the 35-acre subtropical estate into a holiday wonderland for the entire family to enjoy! The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens will be lit up and sparkling and there will even be a special appearance from Saint Nick himself….
When: Select nights on December 1 – December 8
Where: 900 N Birch Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
21. Laser Evenings at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
This light show is a little different from the rest, but still a light show nonetheless! Frost Science’s laser light visuals during Laser Evenings will feature The Nutcracker, Holiday Magic, Beatles’ music and more, all under the planetarium’s 67-foot dome. Each laser evening show must be purchased separately.
When: December 15, starting at 7 p.m.
Where: 1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132