Happy New Year, Miami! It’s not only a new month, but a brand-new slate to start the year off with a bang. And luckily, we’ve got some of the best plans in the city to to fill your calendar with. So without further ado, here are the top things to do in Miami this January 2025:
1. Be captivated by unique displays at Luminosa
Making up Miami’s many spectacular light shows is Luminosa: A World of Enchantment at Jungle Island. The much-loved attraction features over one million LED lights and more than 40 dazzling lamp scenes adorned with a range of themes, from colorful mythical creatures to traditional Asian lantern designs. Snag tickets to Luminosa now.
2. Start the new year off right at the world’s premier Fitness Festival
Fitness buffs, get ready for the return of TYR Wodapalooza! From January 23-25, this action-packed extravaganza in Miami Beach is ready to welcome in 2025 with a bang. Expect various challenges and workouts for competitors to show off their strength, a collection of healthy food vendors, expert-led seminars and more. Get tickets to TYR Wodapalooza now.
3. Gear up for Coconut Grove’s annual King Mango Strut parade
The iconic satirical parade is set to return for its 41st year on Sunday, January 5th, with all the vibrancy, laughter and mischievousness that has been its hallmark for decades. The parade will once again motor through the streets of Coconut Grove to this year’s theme: Peace. Love. Mangoes.
4. Escape reality at the mind-bending Paradox Museum
This is an incredible museum you have to see to believe. Set in Wynwood, you can enjoy over 70 interactive exhibits that challenge perceptions and defy the laws of physics. Experience the curious sensation of zero gravity, camouflage yourself in the walls and split yourself into pieces on their famed couch. Snag tickets to Paradox Museum Miami here.
5. Marvel at this massive 35,000-square-foot butterfly mural atop Miami’s most iconic office tower
A stunning 35,000-square-foot butterfly mural has been unveiled at Southeast Financial Center (SEFC)! Created by acclaimed artist Mantra, the trompe-l’œil-style painting is the largest rooftop mural in Miami and commentary on lost biodiversity.
Currently visible to tenants of SEFC and those in neighboring residential and commercial towers, the building held public tours with the artist last month, with the possibility of more later this year.
6. Catch TINA – The Tina Turner Musical rolling into Miami this month
This empowering production is set to make its Miami premiere at the Adrianne Arsht Center from January 14-19. Dedicated to the memory of Tina Turner, it tells the story of the legendary, 12-time Grammy Award-winning Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Learn more here.
7. Head to the Miami Jewish Film Festival
The 28th annual Miami Jewish Film Festival, the largest Jewish film festival in the country, returns on January 9 with two weeks worth of programming that concludes on January 23. This year’s lineup features more than 100 films, and screenings will be held all across the city.
8. Marveling at Miami’s mesmerizing Superblue installations
A magnificent world awaits behind every wall at Superblue Miami’s experiential art center. A hub for interactive artwork, Superblue invites visitors to journey through a reflective mirror, experience what it’s like to walk among the clouds, and more! It’s the perfect wintertime activity for all ages, so be sure to grab tickets here.
9. Celebrate and honor Dr. Martin Luther King
There are so many things to do in Miami on Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20th. One activity is making sure you catch Liberty City’s annual MLK Parade, which follows the eight miles that Dr. King passed through during his frequent visits to the city. The parade will begin at 11 a.m.
10. Enjoy magical performances at these Candlelight concerts
Get lost in a number of familiar tunes this January with a visit to a gorgeous Candlelight concert. Taking place at some of the most enchanting venues across the city, such as Coral Gables Congregational Church and Scottish Rite, these performances are a feast for the eyes and the ears. Grab tickets to tribute shows to Ed Sheeran, Queen, Imagine Dragons and more:
11. Attend this year’s Pegasus World Cup
One of the premier thoroughbred horse racing events in the world, the 2025 Pegasus World Cup returns to Gulfstream Park on Saturday, January 25. It’ll be an exciting day of world-class sport, hospitality and entertainment, with A-list celebrity attendees, fashion icons, influencers, avid fans and performers at the iconic event.
12. Don’t miss this spectacular new show taking over Lincoln Road
Miami New Drama’s latest production, Lincoln Road Hustle, literally takes place up and down the iconic road. This immersive theater experience, brought to life by writers Billy Corben and Harley Elias, takes the performances across restaurants, shops and public spaces, inviting those in the audience to engage with dynamic characters in real time. With a plot involving high-stakes real estate deals, daring art heists and an unexpected love, get your tickets to Lincoln Road Hustle!
13. Sweeten your day at Fairchild’s Festival of Chocolate
Satisfy your sweet tooth with the 18th annual Festival of Chocolate at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden on January 18-19! The two-day extravaganza will feature top chocolatiers, chocolate pairings with wine, tasting sessions, cooking demos, kid-friendly activities, a retail marketplace and much more. Read here.
14. Check out a museum — for free
Calling all museum-goers! Miami is full of art and historic museums and most have special “free” days when entrance fees are waived completely. So whether you’re a college student on a budget or a bargain hunter wanting to see the sights, you can see our list on free museum days here.
15. See new art on Lincoln Road!
In case you haven’t been by Lincoln Road lately, two show-stopping installations have popped up! There’s Daniel Anderson’s “XO World,” a striking sculpture spanning over 17 feet high and 24 feet long. There’s also “Dream Machine,” a 10-by-13-foot butterfly wing sculpture by artist Rubem Robierb. Both will be on view through the new year. Learn all about them here!
16. Feel the magic of the luminous ‘We Call It Ballet’
This dazzling show is illuminating the city this January. Over the course of 60 mesmerizing minutes, graceful ballerinas take to the stage to enchant the audience with their raw talent, immaculate routines and spectacular costumes adorned with LED lights. They twist and turn to the sounds of Tchaikovsky’s timeless compositions in Sleeping Beauty, putting a luminous twist on this 100-year-old classic. Get tickets to We call it Ballet: Sleeping Beauty Dance & Light Show!
17. Catch the South Beach Jazz Festival
Jazz lovers, rejoice! The South Beach Jazz Festival returns this month with the promise of good times and good music. Taking place across multiple Miami Beach venues, the festival celebrates disability awareness, accessibility, opportunity and inclusion, all brought to life through the universal language of jazz. This year, they’ll shine a spotlight on the unique abilities of individuals within the community.
18. Check out the most adorable yoga — with bunnies!
The Bunny Yogi, Miami’s most heartwarming yoga experience featuring the cutest animals, is hosting another session this month! Head on over to the Mint Room at Mirage Studio on January 12th to make your life more zen and practice your poses while little bunnies roam around!
19. Line up at the adorable Hello Kitty Cafe Truck
The massively popular cafe on wheels is returning to South Florida in the new year! During its limited-time stop, Hello Kitty fans flock to the cute truck selling mini cakes, cookies and macarons, plus exclusive merch. Learn more here.
20. Enjoy omakase — in the dark
Research indicates that a significant 80% of individuals rely on their visual perception while eating. By removing this sense, the idea is that your other senses, such as taste and smell, become heightened, transforming your dining experience. Get tickets to Dining in the Dark: Sushi “Omakase” Edition, an exclusive blindfolded tasting event featuring a secret 12-course sushi menu.
21. Indulge in this celebration of food and wine in Fort Lauderdale
The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival is making a return this January 13-19 with over 35 immersive culinary experiences, from interactive cooking classes to wine and cocktail seminars. The event, headlined by celebrity chefs Fabio Viviani, Nancy Fuller, Jason Smith, Alex Belew and social media sensation Alexa Santos, will highlight Broward County’s renowned and emerging chefs, restaurateurs and diverse food and drink innovators.
22. Step into the spicy side of the galaxy at The Empire Strips Back
This incredible burlesque parody show turns your favorite characters into sexy dancers. From seductive Stormtroopers to tantalizing Twi’leks — and a smokin’ Boba Fett — an unforgettable evening of comedy and allure awaits. The Empire Strips Back is an experience you need to have in your new year bucket list!
23. Conquer your fear of heights as you zipline over Jungle Island
Strap in and whoosh through the trees at Treetop Trekking, located at Jungle Island. This aerial zipline adventure park is so epic, it offers thrilling courses for both kids and adults, featuring ziplines, cable crossings, swing bridges, and more. Plus, you’ll get breathtaking views of Miami and Biscayne Bay.
As you can see there’s an endless number of things to do in Miami this January and we’re just getting started. Make sure to get those plans sorted out and start 2025 on a high note with a fun-packed month!