The holiday season is around the corner which means we’re already getting our holiday bucket list ready. And no festive season to-do list 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 back in full force, so without further ado, here are the best Miami holiday light shows and displays you have to check out this year!
1. Fairchild Botanical Gardens’ NightGarden
This dazzling light show transforms the 83-acre Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden 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 here!
When: Thursday – Sunday, November 11 – January 8
Where: 10901 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156
2. Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami
This year, the annual Zoo Lights show is returning on Friday, November 25 with one million animal-shaped and bright tree lights and a brand new 26-foot-tall LED tree. Special themed nights will be sprinkled throughout the event, from PJ & onesie nights to galactic nights, that are sure to brighten up everyone’s day!
When: Select nights on November 25 – December 30
Where: 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177
3. Gulfstream Park’s Symphony in Lights
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 13 – December 31
Where: 901 S Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
4. Shops at Merrick Park
Head on over to Shops at Merrick Park, Coral Gables’ pristine destination for fine shopping and dining, to check out their majestic 50-foot Christmas tree! This year, the retail destination will transform into a winter wonderland, with a variety of interactive activities, entertainment and a highly anticipated appearance by Santa Claus who will kick-off the festive season.
When: November 17 (at 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.) – January 2023
Where: 358 San Lorenzo Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33146
5. Fort Lauderdale’s Winterfest Boat Parade
Nicknamed the “Best Show on H2O,” the boat parade features a one-of-a-kind array of beautifully decorated boats of all sizes and it’s a total can’t miss extravaganza. With over a million viewers along the 12-mile parade route, the parade where the floats really float is a Fort Lauderdale institution and a classic of the holiday season in South Florida.
When: December 10, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Along the New River in Fort Lauderdale to the Intracoastal Waterway
6. Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Miami’s most popular holiday theme park is now open for its 39th year in a new location in Medley. Brighter and bigger than ever, Santa’s Enchanted Forest features tons of super fun carnival games, prizes, and scrumptious food to enjoy along with its gorgeous holiday lights!
When: November 9 – January 8, 5 p.m. to midnight
Where: 7400 NW 87th Avenue, Miami, FL 33166
7. Seashell Menorah on Lincoln Road
Lincoln Road is celebrating Hanukkah with its 23rd annual Menorah lighting ceremony hosted by the Chabad House in Miami Beach and Rabbi Katz. The iconic pedestrian promenade will light up with live music and kosher food vendors serving up traditional bites including delicious latke, savory falafels, barbeque, ice cream and much more!
When: Begins November 28 at 6 p.m.
Where: Euclid Oval at Euclid and Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139
8. Berry Bright Winter Nights at The Berry Farms
With a 42″ Christmas tree, a dazzling path to walk through and over 300,000 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. This after-hours event was introduced this year and we can’t imagine a better spot to get all the magic of the holidays.
When: Fridays – Sundays until January 8, 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Where: 13720 SW 216th St, Miami, FL 33170
9. Historic Holidays at the Deering Estate
Charles Deering’s waterfront residence is offering a magical holiday lights experiences this year. You can choose to tour the estate’s multiple houses which have been carefully decorated with ornaments and lights reminiscent of Christmas in pioneer-era Miami or you can choose to roam their grounds in the evenings and explore all their outdoor holiday lights and decor!
When: Select days from November 25 – January 6
Where: 16701 SW 72nd Ave, Miami, FL 33157
10. 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 & fun for all ages! Explore the illuminated forest and drink some hot chocolate as the weather cools.
When: November 25 – January 8
Where: 14890 SW 216th St, Miami, FL 33170
11. 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 décor each December. The tradition has been going on since 1988 and each year is just as merry and bright as the one before!
When: December 1 – January 2023
Where: 1800 NE 137th Ter, North Miami, FL
12. 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 will light up on November 26 with a visit from Santa, live music, the Nutcracker Ballet and more.
When: Begins November 26 at 5 p.m.
Where: 301 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
13. Magic of Lights Homestead
Magic of Lights has made its triumphant return to the Homestead-Miami Speedway, and it’s even bigger and brighter than ever. The mesmerizing event stretches for more than a mile of spectacular light displays that bring to life your favorite holiday scenes and characters, all in the comfort of your car!
When: November 18 – January 1
Where: One Ralph Sanchez, Speedway Blvd, Homestead, FL 33035
14. Tinez Farms Christmas Nights
Pop in during the day for a taste of Winter at Tinez Farms, but if it’s lights you’re looking for then their Christmas Nights are perfect for the whole family. Catch a light and sound show, holiday photo ops, pictures with Santa, a garden maze and even a snow tubing slide!
When: Fridays – Sundays until December 18, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: 16405 SW 177th Ave, Miami, FL 33187
15. 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 displays!
When: Starts November 25, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 11700 NW 28th Ct, Plantation, FL 33323
16. Pinecrest Garden’s Nights of Lights
Nights of Lights is returning to Pinecrest Gardens on Sunday, December 11, transforming the gardens into a winter wonderland dotted by thousands of twinkling lights that will wrap around the whimsical botanical landscape. This year, the gardens will also be adding on sections of sparkling holiday lights and an even bigger holiday-themed maze!
When: December 11 – January 1, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 11000 SW 57th Ave, Pinecrest, FL 33156
17. Five nights of Holiday Magic at the Bonnet House
Beginning Friday, December 2, 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 2 – December 9
Where: 900 N Birch Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
18. Delray Beach’s 100-foot 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. 29 but there will still be plenty of jolly activities and events to check out at Delray’s Holiday Village including a holiday carousel, photos with Santa, ice skating perfect for pretending you’ve just been whisked away to the North Pole and more!
When: Begins November 29, 6 p.m. everyday onwards
Where: 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444