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! Looks like December and the holidays are going back to normal this year and there’s plenty of merry and bright things to do about town. So without further ado here are some wonderful things to do in Miami this December!
1-5. Admire all of the city’s most stunning holiday light displays
No festive season to-do list would be complete without a tour of Miami’s most dazzling holiday light shows. And this year, they’re all returning in full force for a magical festive season. Here are a few you can check out:
- Fairchild Botanical Gardens’ NightGarden
- Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami
- Gulfstream Park’s Symphony in Lights
- Santa’s Enchanted Forest
- Berry Bright Winter Nights at The Berry Farms
6. And catch Fort Lauderdale’s bright Winterfest boat parade while you’re at it!
This classic of the holidays in South Florida is back on Dec. 10 for its 51st year, with beautifully-decorated boats of all sizes in store. With over a million viewers along the 12-mile route, the parade where the floats really float is a Fort Lauderdale institution and a classic of the holiday season in South Florida. Click here to learn more.
7. Have breakfast at Tiffany’s, literally
Tiffany & Co. is taking over Miami Design District’s OTL with a beautifully blue pop-up and café for the holidays! Perfect for breakfast or a light lunch (even brunch), you can order coffee, tea, sandwiches, salads, wraps and many more delights. You might want to make plans to visit it soon however, because it’ll only be here until January 31st. Read more here.
8. Or sip coffee at Ralph Lauren’s newest coffee shop
There’s just something about designers and cafes coming to Miami this month! Known for its preppy, all-American style, Ralph Lauren has opened a trendy coffee spot just in time for the holidays – operating in front of its flagship store in Aventura Mall. And the launch marks Florida’s first-ever Ralph’s Coffee location! Decked in a fitting combination of black-and-white checkered floors and a signature shade of green, Ralph’s is such a sweet treat that will please just about anyone. Read all about it here.
9-12. Make sure to stop by a festive holiday pop-up bar
All of these pop-ups are only here for a limited time but they most definitely deserve a spot on your winter bucket list before the new year hits! From enchanting Miracle pop-up bars to a holiday village on the riverfront, here some of our favorite holiday pop-up bars in the city and beyond:
- Bodega Taqueria y Tequila, multiple locations
- Gramps, Wynwood
- RUMBAR, Key Biscayne
- The Falcon, Delray Beach
13-16. Enjoy soothing holiday classics by candlelight
From holiday specials, enchanting dinners, 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 concerts to choose from this month:
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift – Dec. 8 at Hotel Colonnade in Coral Gables
- Candlelight Open Air: Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” and More – Dec. 11, 18, 22 at The Plaza Turf in Jungle Island
- Candlelight Open Air: A Tribute to Beyoncé – Dec. 15 at the Curtiss Mansion
- Candlelight Open Air: Holiday Jazz and Soul Classics feat. Ella Fitzgerald – Dec. 21 at the Curtiss Mansion
17. Watch a free romantic comedy on the water at PAMM
Name something better than catching a free movie on a 60-foot floating screen as the weather begins to cool. That’s right, you can’t. Pérez Art Museum Miami has brought back its free Floating Films Series in collaboration with Ballyhoo Media and this month, you can catch “The Holiday” on Thursday, December 22!
18. Or simply catch a movie at a great price this holiday
There’s no better time to go to the movies than now. With both the Avatar and Black Panther sequels hitting the silver screen, there’s so many incredible films to catch this December. Click here to book your tickets.
19-22. Go ice skating!
It may feel like it’s summer all year long here in Miami but that doesn’t mean we cannot indulge in wintery activities like ice skating. And while most ice skating rinks in Miami are open all year long, this quintessential winter activity is perfect for getting into the holiday mood and feeling extra festive!
- Scott Rakow Youth Center, Miami Beach
- Kendall Ice Arena
- Basement, Miami Beach
- Pines Ice Arena, Pembroke Pines
23. Or go ziplining above Jungle Island
If thrilling activities are more your thing, Treetop Trekking will take you out of your comfort zone with an unforgettable adventure through nature. Arriving this year as South Florida’s only aerial zipline adventure park, strap in and marvel at the magnificent views of the city and the animals underneath you at Jungle Island. There are three thrilling courses to choose from, each color-coded based on difficulty level and height, with the lowest at 3 feet and the highest at 55 feet. Click here to read more.
24. Watch Van Gogh’s paintings come to life
Although not exactly holiday-themed, the incredible immersive Van Gogh exhibition at the Olympia Theatre is the perfect plan to add to your holiday bucket list for some extra magic. Step right inside Van Gogh’s iconic works with state-of-the-art video mapping and projections. Reserve your tickets today!
25. Spend an evening watching Tony-winning ‘Hadestown’
Known for its modern spin on classic Greek myths, this multi-award-winning musical arrives at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts on Dec. 6 for its Miami debut. Running through Dec. 11, it tells two intertwining love stories — that of Orpheus and Eurydice, and of King Hades and his wife Persephone — on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Read more about it here.
26. Head to Casa Juancho for its outstanding holiday decor
If you’re looking for a cozy night out, then we highly suggest checking out Calle Ocho’s Casa Juancho during this time of year. The rustic, formal restaurant goes all out with its holiday decor every year and it was recently named one of the best festively decorated restaurants in the U.S. and Canada by OpenTable. We may be biased, but we have to say that we agree. Read more here.
27. Donate a toy for a child in need at one of these restaurants and get a free shot in return
In the spirit of gift giving and spreading holiday cheer when it’s much needed, all Batch Hospitality locations are coming together to ensure children have a toy to call their own this year. Known annually as “Shots for Tots,” they’re offering a free shot in exchange for a new, unwrapped gift! Click here to learn more about this great cause.
28. Enjoy a sensual, sultry evening at Spectacular Spectacular: An Outrageous Burlesque Experience
Gift yourself with a night at this ‘spectacular’ burlesque show. Taking place in the heart of Brickell, burlesque production Spectacular Spectacular features an enthralling narrative, astounding acrobatics, and even an aerial show. Enjoy these stunning performers in a classy and seductive performance unlike any other you’ve seen, so make sure to snag your tickets here!
29. Visit the Stranger Things Store while you still can!
This epic pop-up store based on the Netflix hit series Stranger Things is the perfect spot for someone who loves a little adventure! Explore all of your favorite locations from the show, like Hawkins High, Starcourt Mall or even the Palace Arcade all while shopping for an array of exclusive merch like rad tee-shirts, awesome posters, and nostalgic candy favorites. Reserve your spot to skip the line here.
30. Then 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.
31. Vibe to Rhythm Portal performances
Rhythm Portal officially returns to Miami for its second edition this month! Every Wednesday through December 21, live musical shows and DJ sets will take over Little River’s Center for Subtropical Affairs’ outdoor garden. Eleven musicians from around the world will come together on one stage to improvise each and every week, the show will host a new special guest. Click here for tickets!
32. Get whisked away to the North Pole with this magical holiday train ride
If you and your family are fans of all things merry and bright, we may have just found the perfect activity for you: Getting whisked away to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express. Brightline is bringing back this holiday classic based on the beloved Christmas movie to transport you away to the land of reindeer and Santa Claus this upcoming holiday season. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of this story while enjoying some hot chocolate.
33. Listen to reggaeton’s best at Vibra Urbana
Vibra Urbana is back at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo Grounds on Dec. 10-11, with headliners Maluma, Don Omar, J Balvin, and Nick Jam. Click here for everything you can expect from the reggaeton festival this year, which promises a lineup of over 40 acts!
34. Go snow tubing at Snowcat Ridge, the state’s only snow park, located 4 hours away from Miami
Yes, the drive up to Dade City is about four hours, but seeing as snow is an all-impossible phenomenon here in Florida don’t let that deter you from experiencing the cold alpine weather and go snow tubing in the heart of our tropical state! This totally awesome snow park houses a massive snow tubing hill, a giant igloo, a dazzling alpine village, and snow much more winter fun that you won’t want to miss out on. Click here to read more.
35-39. Get locally-produced coquito this holiday season
Cheers, coquito season is finally here! No festive get-togeher is complete without the traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink. Whether you buy it by the bottle or in the form of a cocktail, check out one of these awesome spots to buy classic or flavored coquito and toast to the season:
- Coquito Miami 305
- Chefs on the Run, Homestead
- Calle 23 Miami, Coral Gables
- La Cocina by Kush, Hialeah
- Cafe La Trova, Little Havana
40. Score a hole-in-one at Puttshack
Perfect for family-friendly weekend plans or a fun date idea, this mini-golf course at Brickell City Centre that combines fun and technology is just what your winter bucket list needs! With 27,000 square feet to play in, Puttshack Miami comprises of three separate nine-hole courses alongside crafty cocktails and a tempting menu. The playground is fully lit up by neon lights, which give off more of an upscale nightclub vibe than your typical golf course.
41-44. 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
45. Check out Lincoln Road art
Keep your eyes peeled for colorful creatures because they’re brightening up Lincoln Road all winter. The sculptures, by world-renowned French artist Richard Orlinski, feature iconic pieces from his recent Avenue des Champs Elysée exhibition in Paris. Timed with Art Basel, the outdoor exhibition will be on display through March of next year.