We all know Miami doesn’t really participate in winter, but you’d be surprised at how much the city embraces the season with a flurry of twinkling lights, magical concerts and more winter activities! Miami does winter in its own unique way, and you can get your wintery fix with the following must-do activities around the city this year:
1. Get lost in a trail of holiday lights
The city is absolutely glowing with twinkling lights this time of year! Whether it’s the iconic Ocean Drive takeover known as the Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights or the return of larger-than-life lanterns at Luminosa, you’ll find plenty of dazzling displays around Miami. Find a full list here.
2. Stroll Miami’s best holiday markets
Have you made your list and checked it twice? Instead of heading to the mall, these holiday and Christmas markets in Miami have something for everyone. From locally-made crafts to festive ornaments, we’ve gathered the best places to get your holiday shopping done (or if you’re simply looking for a stroll). See the full list of holiday markets here.
3. Sip on Christmas-themed cocktails at these pop-up bars
Holiday pop-ups are endless in Miami every winter, with many of the city’s bars and restaurants transforming into twinkling wonderlands. We love getting to indulge in themed cocktails that capture the flavors of the season. Check out the most delightful holiday bars here!
4. Experience a Christmas-themed Candlelight concert
A number of Candlelight concerts are set to fill Miami’s most beautiful venues with the sounds of festive music. From classical renditions of holiday hits like “O Holy Night” and “Joy to the World” to jazz numbers like Ella Fitzgerald’s “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”, talented musicians will take you through some of the most heartwarming songs of the season. Find the merriest Candlelight concerts happening this December in Miami.
5. Enjoy some cheeky holiday cheer at A Very Merry Cabaret Affair
Nocturna’s A Very Merry Cabaret Affair is transforming the holiday season with festive performances blending burlesque, acrobatics and live vocals to make for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience! Fridays feature Tinsel & Tease, a playful burlesque twist on holiday folklore, while Saturdays reimagine The Nutcracker with captivating allure and artistry. Get tickets to A Very Merry Cabaret Affair by Nocturna now.
6. Buy your Christmas tree at a local pop-up
If you haven’t decorated for the winter holidays, now’s the time to do so! If a freshly-cut fir is what you’re after this year, we’ve got you covered with a list of local spots to grab your dream Christmas tree.
7. Hit the ice at these amazing skating rinks
Luckily for us, Miami and its surrounding cities boast an amazing selection of year-round rinks to glide our way across this holiday season. See a full list of ice skating rinks to enjoy here.
8. Relax to the sounds of Sinatra at this holiday concert
This winter, the Marriott Biscayne Bay is hosting “A Very Sinatra Christmas Special” to take you back to a time when the legend reigned the scene. Enjoy a classic cocktail under the stars and melt away “those little town blues.” Don’t miss this evening of jazz hits with a touch of holiday tunes that Sinatra himself loved to sing.
9. Scout out Miami’s most glittering Christmas trees
The city has so many gorgeous holiday trees up these days, it’s hard to keep track! We’ve decided to round up the best ones, from the return of Lincoln Road’s 30-foot mountain pine to the sparkling tree made of 40,000 crystals at Bal Harbour Shops. Have you seen them all? Find a full list of our favorites here.
10. Embrace the fresh air on a winter hike
Nothing beats the December air in South Florida, especially when the sun isn’t radiating like it normally does. That makes this the perfect time to step out into nature and take a hike through our most scenic trails! Check out our full roundup of great hikes here.