The Best Christmassy Things to Do in Miami

A visit to the world’s largest holiday theme park is a Miami tradition that you don’t want to miss. With roller coasters, candy apples and a glimpse of the tallest Christmas tree, it makes for a perfect evening out with the family. Plus, kids can have their photo taken with Santa.

Admission:
Adults (10–64), $33.64 + $1.25 service fee (plus tax)
Child (3–9), $24.30 + $1.25 service fee (plus tax)
Seniors (65+), $24.30 + $1.25 service fee (plus tax)
Children two years and under enter the park for free.

For a holiday treat, the most famous production of Tchaikovsky’s ballet will be playing at the Adrienne Arsht Centerthis December. As the magical music plays, watch the Miami City Ballet as they plié through dancing snowflakes and sugar plum fairies.

Formerly the winter home of business magnate James Deering, the sprawling villa of Vizcaya, with its European gardens and frescoed rooms, looks all the more enchanting decorated for the holidays. Take a tour of the elegant estate’s rooms in the Main House and enjoy a mini tuba concert, Christmas carols, and photo ops. The museum will also be holding the Vizcaya Gingerbread Village Competition where guests can submit their recreation of the historic villa made out of gingerbread. Winners will be awarded membership packages so that they can visit Vizcaya all year long.

Admission:
Adults, $18
Children (6–12), $6
Children five and under enter Vizcaya for free.
Students with ID, $10

South Miami’s favorite doughnut shop just introduced their hot chocolate in time for winter’s chilly weather (yes, the mid–70s (24°C) is cold for Miami standards). Snow or no snow, you can’t say no to chocolate, so indulge in the thick, creamy hot cocoa while you pile on a selection of toppings, including cinnamon sticks, cookie dough or marshmallows, at their hot chocolate bar.

Tucked in the Redlands of Homestead, Knaus Berry Farm may seem far, far away, but everyone and their mothers make the trek for a batch of cinnamon rolls. These gooey-glazed buns of heaven are worth the drive and standing in line for two hours every Saturday (best to wake up early or avoid Thanksgiving weekend). Seriously, no one makes tastier cinnamon rolls than these folks.

Bond with the kids in the kitchen with a holiday cooking class. Taste Buds Kitchen is offering their annual Ginger Bread House Workshops for kids and adults. With frosted candy roofs to pretzel picket fences, you can get in the spirit while listening to cheery Christmas tunes.

$45 per child with one adult included

Spend an evening under the glittering light display at Pinecrest Gardens. From December 15th through January 1st, the gardens will feature enchanting holiday light decorations, photo booths with Santa, pony rides, and plenty of treats for kids and adults.

General admission is $5, with children under the age of two free to enter.