Christmas 2026
Christmas in Miami
The markets, the lights and the parties — and when each is worth it.
15 days to go16 Nov – 26 Dec · 27 ideas
- 1 night out
- 1 costume party
- 18 for families
- 6 free
Don't miss
Miami City Ballet's George Balanchine's The Nutcracker
Zoo Lights Miami Tree Lighting Ceremony
Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights - Holiday Extravaganza with Drone Show
Saturday 21 November
Homestead Holiday Tree Lighting & Winter Wonderland Grand Opening
The grand opening of Winter Wonderland at Losner Park, featuring the city's annual tree lighting ceremony.
Thursday 26 November
Thanksgiving Day — Public Holiday
Miami-Dade County and Florida state offices are closed. Public transit (Metrorail, Metromover, Metrobus) operates on a reduced Sunday/holiday schedule. Waste and recycling collection services may be impacted; check Miami-Dade Solid Waste Management for specific details.
Friday 27 November
Zoo Lights Miami Tree Lighting Ceremony
The official tree lighting ceremony for Zoo Lights Miami, marking the opening night of the annual holiday spectacle.
Day After Thanksgiving — State Holiday
Florida state offices and Miami-Dade County offices are closed. Public transit (Metrorail, Metromover, Metrobus) operates on a reduced Sunday/holiday schedule. Miami-Dade County Public Schools are closed.
Thursday 10 December
Nutcracker Magic - Children's Fundraising Celebration
A family celebration including a festive holiday party and a private dress rehearsal of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker®. This event supports MCB's Community Engagement programs.
Family
Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida: The Nutcracker - Gala Celebration
A special gala performance of The Nutcracker to kick off the season. VIP tickets are available and include a souvenir and drink voucher.
Friday 11 December
Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida: The Nutcracker - Aventura Performances
Performances of the classic ballet 'The Nutcracker' choreographed and directed by Vladimir Issaev.
FamilySource: Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida Official Website
Saturday 12 December
Winter Wonderland at North Shore Park
A festive event featuring a tree lighting ceremony, youth dance performances, and a variety of food trucks. Wristbands for unlimited rides are available for $5.
Family
Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights - Holiday Extravaganza with Drone Show
The opening night of the Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights, featuring a holiday concert and the City of Miami Beach's Annual Holiday Drone Show, viewable from Lummus Park.
Sunday 13 December
Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida: The Nutcracker - Sensory Inclusive Performance
A special performance of The Nutcracker adapted for audience members with sensory sensitivities and their families.
FamilySource: Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida Official Website
North Miami Beach Snow Fest & Holiday Parade
A winter wonderland in the tropics featuring thrilling rides, a festive parade, a dedicated market area with local artisans, and a tree lighting ceremony. Unlimited rides wristbands are available for purchase.
Family
Friday 18 December
Miami Holiday Food, Family & Winter Market
Get festive with tasty bites, family-friendly activities, and unique holiday gifts from various vendors.
FamilyFree
Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida: The Nutcracker - Parker Playhouse Performances
Performances of the classic ballet 'The Nutcracker' choreographed and directed by Vladimir Issaev. Sunday performance is a 3:00 PM matinee.
Family
Saturday 19 December
Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
A live, multi-sensory musical experience featuring a string quartet performing Christmas carols under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Sunday 20 December
Candlelight Open Air: Christmas Carols on Strings
An open-air candlelight concert featuring a string quartet performing traditional Christmas music. Two shows available.
Thursday 24 December
Christmas Eve — City of Miami Beach Parks & Recreation Early Closure
City of Miami Beach Parks & Recreation facilities close at 4:00 PM.
MATZOBALL® MIAMI XMAS EVE ages 21-49
The nation's #1 Jewish singles holiday party, blending tradition with high-energy nightlife. Must be 21+ with ID, upscale holiday attire encouraged. Tickets expected to sell out.
Night outCostume
Nochebuena (Cuban Christmas Eve Dinner)
Experience the traditional Cuban-American Christmas Eve dinner, often featuring a whole-roasted pig (lechón asado), black beans, rice, and plantains. Many family-style restaurants in Miami will offer Nochebuena specials.
FamilySource: Christmas in Miami 2026: Holiday Events, Lights & New Year's
Friday 25 December
Christmas Day — Public Holiday
Miami-Dade County and Florida state offices are closed. Public transit (Metrorail, Metromover, Metrobus) operates on a reduced Sunday/holiday schedule. Waste collection is not provided.
All season
Miami City Ballet's George Balanchine's The Nutcracker
Miami City Ballet's beloved production of Tchaikovsky's timeless holiday classic, featuring dazzling choreography, larger-than-life sets, whimsical costumes, and live orchestral accompaniment. Performances delight audiences of all ages.
Zoo Lights Miami
Zoo Miami transforms after dark with over one million dazzling lights, holiday music, and seasonal attractions. Features a 26-foot LED holiday tree, Yuletide Carolers, character meet & greets, themed photo spots, letters to Santa, and Santa appearances through December 23. A new train ride and holiday shopping are available for additional fees.
Bayfront Holiday Village
Downtown Miami's iconic Bayfront Park transforms into a magical holiday village with free, family-friendly programming. Features a 50-foot animated Christmas tree with hourly LED light shows, waterfront roller-skating at Bayskate, over 50 local artisan and food vendors, and festive music.
Nights of Lights at Pinecrest Gardens
Experience the magic of the holidays as Pinecrest Gardens transforms into a dazzling wonderland with sparkling light displays, festive entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Features Santa and Grinch appearances on select nights, story time, a jolly craft corner, holiday vendors, and special performances.
Family
Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights
A cheerful holiday celebration featuring live orchestral performances, projection mapping on Art Deco facades, a 20-ft tree, and appearances by Santa, the Grinch, and Elsa, along with 'snow'. On Dec 12, there's a holiday concert followed by the City of Miami Beach's Annual Holiday Drone Show. Shows at 6:15 PM & 7:15 PM on Dec 12; 6:00 PM & 7:30 PM on Dec 13, 19, 20.
Urbanspace Lincoln Road Holiday Market
This market brings a world-class holiday shopping experience to Lincoln Road, featuring over 100 local and regional vendors selling various goods. Open daily.
Free
Winter Wonderland at Losner Park
An outdoor winter village with a real ice skating rink, holiday light displays, themed nights, vendor village, craft stations, and food trucks. Village entry is free; skating requires a ticket. Operates Tuesday through Sunday, closed on Mondays.
Doral Central Park Seasonal Farmers Market (Holiday Edition)
This Saturday morning market receives a festive holiday makeover, featuring a large food truck rally with Latin American favorites and traditional holiday treats.
FamilyFree
Times and prices change, so check with the organiser before you go. Updated 29 Oct