The Best Christmassy Things To Do In Miami

Christmas in Miami may be without the snow, but it’s still festive under the sunshine and palm trees. Here’s our guide to the most Christmassy things to do to get you in the spirit!

1. Santa’s Enchanted Forest

Forest, Park

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.

Santa’s Enchanted Forest, 7900 SW 40th St, Miami, FL, USA, +1 305 559 9689

Candy apples at Santa’s Enchanted Forest | © Bob B. Brown / Flickr

2. George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the Adrienne Arsht Center

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

Adrienne Arsht Center, 1301 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL, USA, +1 877 949 6722

The Nutcracker | © Larry Lamsa / Flickr

Celebrate with Coquito

Trade in eggnog for Puerto Rico’s version called Coquito. Similar in texture, the drink is a mix of rum, coconut milk, and sweetened condensed milk, and then sprinkled with nutmeg. It is what we Latin locals drink while cheering Feliz Navidad—with a hearty plate of lechón, of course!

3. Holiday Evening at Vizcaya Village

Villa

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

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL, USA, +1 305 250 9133

View of East Side | © Bill Sumner / Courtesy of Vizcaya Museum & Gardens Archives | Courtesy of Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

4. Hot chocolate at Honeybee Doughnuts

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.

Honeybee Doughnuts, 7388 Red Rd, South Miami, FL, USA, +1 786 773 2770

Hot chocolate with marshmallows | © oatsy40 / Flickr

5. Road trip to Knaus Berry Farm

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.

Knaus Berry Farm, 15980 SW 248th St, Homestead, FL, USA, +1 305 247 0668

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbPf0JWnysw/?tagged=knausberryfarm

6. Gingerbread House Workshop at Taste Buds Kitchen

Gingerbread House Courtesy of Taste Buds Kitchen

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

Taste Buds Kitchen, 14740 SW 26th St #206, Miami, FL, USA, +1 786 999 8629

Gingerbread House | Courtesy of Taste Buds Kitchen

7. Night of Lights at Pinecrest Gardens

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.

Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 Red Rd, Pinecrest, FL, USA, +1 305 669 6990

Santa with kids | © Bailiwick Studios / WikiCommons

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