In the spirit of the season, we wanted to gift you with what we know how to do best — unveiling the coolest things to do in Miami! With December and the holidays just around the corner, there are tons of merry and bright things to be enjoyed in the city. So without further ado, here are some wonderful things to do in Miami this December:
1. Experience a mesmerizing night walk through Night at the Garden
One of the many spectacular light shows you’ll find around Miami this time of year is Fairchild’s Night at the Garden. This unmissable celebration of light takes over the 23-acre botanic gardens annually, with several beloved installations returning this year, as well as new lights for the season! Click here to get your tickets to Night at the Garden.
2. Be dazzled by Luminosa: A World of Enchantment
Luminosa is finally back at Jungle Island, lighting up 1.35 miles of the park with a kaleidoscope of colors and millions of LED lights, in addition to live 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 crafted by talented artisans. Find tickets to Luminosa here.
3. Have some mind-bending fun at Paradox Museum
Turn your world upside down at Wynwood’s Paradox Museum, the ultimate mind-twisting experience for all ages. Immerse yourself in a tunnel that spins around you, pose on an iconic Miami Beach lifeguard stand — upside down — and even sit with dozens of versions of yourself on a table full of mirrors. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture these distorted realities! Get tickets to Paradox Museum Miami now.
4. See Miami’s most dazzling holiday lights!
No festive season to-do list would be complete without a tour of Miami’s best holiday lights! The most anticipated displays, twinkling lights and glittering decorations are returning in full force this year. Here are a few you can check out:
- The Enchanted Place of North Miami
- Symphony in Lights at Gulfstream Park
- Berry Bright Winter Nights at The Berry Farm
5. Enjoy soothing holiday classics by candlelight
From holiday specials to ballet classics and iconic tributes, let beautiful melodies wash over you both for an intimate night in an illuminated setting that’s sure to put you at ease. There are multiple Candlelight Concerts to choose from this holiday season:
Candlelight: From Bach to The Beatles
Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More
Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen
6. Take in a Christmas Concert Under the Stars
Enjoy stunning rooftop views and sip a cocktail while you listen to jazz tunes and soothing bossa nova jingles. Here are the upcoming Concerts Under the Stars at at Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay this month:
7. Secure your tickets to this exhilarating competition and fitness fest
Calling all fitness enthusiasts! TYR Wodapalooza makes it big return to Miami Beach this January and it’s one of the best ways to start your new year off right. This incredible fitness extravaganza features various challenges and workouts for competitors to show off their strength, a collection of vendors and much more. If you have what it takes, you can also enter to compete as well! Snag your tickets to TYR Wodapalooza now.
8. Go ice skating this winter
It may feel like it’s summer all year long here in Miami but that doesn’t mean we cannot partake in wintery activities like ice skating. And while most rinks in Miami are open all year long, this quintessential winter activity is perfect for getting into the holiday mood and feeling extra festive! Find a full list here.
9. And glide into the season at downtown Miami’s outdoor ice rink
Put on those skates because a fantastic synthetic ice skating rink has taken over East Flagler Street — giving people a chance to glide right outside of Julia & Henry’s! Create unforgettable memories during this popular winter pastime and make sure to check out the many vendors and festive drinks at their Holiday Village. Find more info here!
10. Celebrate Christmas at The LOOP Ft. Lauderdale
Las Olas Oceanside Park (aka The LOOP) is your on-stop shop for festive fun this season. Returning through Dec. 24 this year, WONDERLAND will offer an array of family-friendly activities, live entertainment and season shopping just steps from the beach! From tribute performances and holiday movie screenings to local vendor markets and visits from beloved holiday characters, there’s something for everyone under the sun.
11. Get into the holiday spirit at a pop-up bar
‘Tis the season for holiday bars and several of the city’s restaurants and bars are transforming into twinkling wonderlands, with drink specials and festive decor to get you into the spirit of the season. Check out our favorite holiday pop-up bars here.
12. And check out this Christmas pop-up store
Just in time for the season, Miracle Mile has a brand new, Christmas-themed store. And it’s only be here for a limited time! Known as Joy By, it’s famous for transforming spaces into true Christmas wonderlands and specializes in high-end decor. During its stay, the pop-up store will also host interactive activities, including ornament-making classes and photo ops with Santa. Open now through December 30.
13. Slide down Aventura Mall’s tower
If you’re up for a ride, Aventura Mall’s 93-foot tall shiny slide tower has recently reopened to the public and we’re all about reliving our best childhood memories in style. Click here to find out how you can get a ride.
14. Watch Miami City Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Miami City Ballet is once again spreading holiday magic across the 305 with George Balanchine’s magical production of The Nutcracker. This year, the production will take place at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts from December 13 to 24.
15. Check out Lincoln Road’s newest art installations
Keep your eyes peeled for two show-stopping installations brightening up Lincoln Road just in time for Art Week! Taking center stage will be the 12-foot-high, 24-foot-long “XO World” sculpture by contemporary abstract sculptor and painter Daniel Anderson, inspired by the universal game of jacks. Also gracing the road is “Dream Machine,” a 10-by-13-foot butterfly wing sculpture by visual artist Rubem Robierb that represents the materialization of our innermost wishes. Read all about them here.
16. Hop into an adorable session of bunny yoga
Puppies and yoga are an adorable concept, but have you ever heard of bunnies and yoga?! The Bunny Yogi, a new series combining the cute animals and yoga, are bringing this one-of-a-kind experience to the city. Held on Dec. 8 at Mint Room at Mirage Studio, make your life more zen and practice your poses while little bunnies roam around!
17. Witness the lighting of Florida’s largest Christmas tree
Did you know that Delray Beach’s massive Christmas tree is the tallest in all of the state? You won’t want to miss out on the lighting of this 100-foot tree and its many jolly activities at their Holiday Village, from ice skating to a holiday carousel! Learn more here.
18. Enjoy a lovely bike ride
Get on your bike and feel the breeze along these bike trails across the city! It’s not only a great way to spend your time but to honor your body and health so check out our round-up of enjoyable biking spots:
- Shark Valley Trail, Everglades
- Old Cutler Trail, Coral Gables
- South Pointe Park, Miami Beach
- Venetian Causeway
With pristine weather and tons of activities taking place this month, we’d argue there’s simply no better place to spend the holidays than Miami. From out-of-this-world light displays to holiday-themed bar revamps, these are the most magically festive things to do in Miami this December. So head on out and celebrate the season!