Local, live events throughout Broward and Miami-Dade counties to help families get in the holiday spirit.
Published: November 24, 2020
South Florida offers plenty of ways for families to celebrate the holiday season, but don’t forget to double-check COVID-19 guidelines and other restrictions before setting out on your adventure.
BROWARD COUNTY
Light Up Cooper City at the Park
Thursday- Saturday, December 3-5
Take a 10-minute guided tour through an enchanted holiday wonderland with carolers, holiday characters and snow. Memorial Park, between City Hall and the Community Center, Cooper City, 954-434-4300.
Winter Wonderland on Wheels
Friday, December 4
Drive through to see holiday lights and festive decorations. Free. 6-8pm, City of Sunrise Municipal Complex, 10770 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise, 954-747-4600.
http://www.sunrisefl.gov/winter
Elf
Friday, December 4
Bring the family and some snacks for a drive-in screening of Elf. Free. 7-8:45pm, Villages of Hillsboro, 4111 NW Sixth St., Deerfield Beach.
http://www.deerfield-beach.com
Holiday Lights Cruise
December 4-23 & 26-30
Check out the lights that line the shore while cruising the Intracoastal by way of Water Taxi. Tour includes sightseeing, holiday music and sing-alongs. Space limited. $35/adult, $15/child. Advance purchase online. Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi stop by Riverside Hotel, Fort Lauderdale.
Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt
Tuesday-Thursday, December 8-10
Use a flashlight to find candy canes hidden around the park. Event also includes bag decorating. $10/resident, $15/non-resident. Ages 2-4 Tuesday, ages 5-7 Wednesday, ages 8-10 Thursday. Pre-register online. 6:30-7:30pm, Coconut Creek Community Center, 1100 Lyons Rd., Coconut Creek.
Coral Springs Holiday Drive-Thru Experience
Wednesday, December 9
Coral Springs presents a new twist on its traditional parade by keeping the floats stationary and having vehicles drive through. 6pm, Sportsplex Dr., Coral Springs.
Menorah Lighting
Thursday, December 10
Join the Promenade at Coconut Creek and the South Florida Jewish Academy for a menorah lighting, Chanukah masks, music and fun. 5pm, Promenade at Coconut Creek (near Starbucks), 4443 Lyons Rd., Coconut Creek.
http://www.promenadeatcoconutcreek.com
Greater Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade
Friday, December 11
See a procession of decked-out boats travel down the Intracoastal Waterway, starting at Lake Santa Barbara, Pompano Beach, heading north to Hillsboro Boulevard. This year’s theme: A Salute to our First Responders and Essential Workers. 7-10pm.
http://www.pompanobeachchamber.com
A Christmas Carol
Friday-Sunday, December 11-13
Join Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim for this traditional holiday tale. $25. Friday 5 & 8pm; Saturday and Sunday 2 & 5pm. Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, 954-462-0222.
Bethlehem Revisited
Friday-Tuesday, December 11-15
Walk through Bethlehem of 2,000 years ago, experience the sights and sounds of the marketplace and streets, see the Christ child in the manager. Donations accepted. Friday, Monday & Tuesday 7-9pm, Saturday & Sunday 6-9pm. First United Methodist Church of Coral Springs, 8650 W. Sample Rd., Coral Springs, 954-752-0333.
http://www.bethlehem-revisted.com
Polar Express Pajama Party
Saturdays, December 12 & 19
Wear your pajamas or elf costume and celebrate the season with a holiday science show, museum exploration, crafts and an IMAX presentation of Polar Express. $30. Museum of Discovery and Science, 401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale, 954-713-0930.
Holiday Light Tour
December 12-28
Is your family looking for holiday lights? View an official tour map at http://www.coconutcreek.net/holidaylighttour, and set off to see the best Coconut Creek light displays in town. Winners will be announced Dec. 28 on Coconut Creek social media platforms.
Garden of Lights
December 18-23 & 26-27
See the botanical gardens and the historic Wray Home decked out with thousands of lights and decorations. $15.95/adult, $12.95/child. Friday & Saturday 5-9pm, Sunday-Wednesday 5-8pm. Flamingo Gardens & Wildlife Sanctuary, 3750 Flamingo Rd., Davie, 954-473-2955.
http://www.flamingogardens.org
Noon Year’s Eve
Thursday, December 31
Ring in 2021 with dancing on a Kids Pop Dance Floor, noise makers and a special MODS Ball Drop at noon. Included with paid admission. 11am-1pm, Museum of Discovery and Science, 401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale,
954-713-0930.
Symphony in Lights
Through December 31
A spectacular dancing light show with thousands of animated lights and a towering Christmas tree all synchronized to music. The 15-minute light show begins at the top of every hour. Free. 6-11pm, Gulfstream Park, 901 S. Federal Hwy., Hallandale Beach, 954-454-7000.
Holiday Fantasy of Lights
Through January 2
A spectacular drive-through display of illuminated trees and animated figures. 6-10pm, Tradewinds Park, 3600 W. Sample Rd., Coconut Creek.
http://www.holidaylightsdrivethru.com
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
Park and Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, December 4
This festive lighting ceremony kicks off the holidays. 6-7pm, Government Center, 8401 NW 53 Terrace, Doral.
First Fridays: Holidays at Vizcaya
Friday, December 4
Enjoy extended hours the first Friday of the month as you take in the beauty of the Main House and gardens decorated with old world charm for the holidays. $8-$18. 5pm, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, 3251 S. Miami Ave., Miami.
Holiday Golf Cart Parade & Toy Drive
Saturday, December 12
A unique take on a typical parade as a procession of decked-out golf carts glide by. 6-10pm, Cutler Ridge Park, 10100 SW 200 St., Cutler Bay, 786-573-5502.
Story Time with Santa
Saturday, December 12
Stop by for a visit, story reading and photo with the big guy. 10am-noon, Deering Estate, 16701 SW 72 Ave., Miami, 305-235-1668.
Winterland at the Farm
December 12-January 10
Have some old-fashioned holiday fun at the farm with a pony ride, magic show and holiday-themed photo opportunities. Online reservations required. $24.99. Pinto’s Farm, 14890 SW 216 St., Miami, 305-258-6067.
Florida Chamber Orchestra: Very Merry Holiday Season 2020
Sunday, December 13
Listen to this traditional concert in an untraditional outdoor setting. Participants will be guided to a parking spot where they tune in to a corresponding FM station to listen to a holiday performance. 7pm, Miami-Dade County Auditorium, 2901 W. Flagler St., Miami, 305-547-5414.
http://www.miamidadecountyauditorium.org
Spectral Vizcaya
Wednesday, December 16
Learn about the history of Vizcaya through sculptures, performances and illuminations projected on the house, throughout the garden and in the bay. $10. 6:30pm, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, 3251 S. Miami Ave., Miami.
The Nutcracker in the Park
December 18-31
The Miami City Ballet presents a magical, outdoor show that combines a live dance performance with dazzling animation and video sequences on a giant screen. Showtimes vary. Downtown Doral Park, 8395 NW 53 St., Doral.
http://www.miamicityballet.org
Santa’s Spectacular! A Drive-Thru Musical Extravaganza
Select dates through December 23
Sing along to holiday favorites as actors, singers and dancers lead you through this musical holiday adventure. Time-slot reservations required. Tamiami Park, 11201 SW 24 St., Miami.
http://www.santa-spectacular.com
Zoo Lights Miami
Through December 27
For 12 select nights through December 29, visitors can see the zoo twinkle with more than 1 million dazzling lights. See website for details. 6:30-10pm, Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152 St., Miami, 305-251-0400.
Nights of Lights
Through January 3
Walk through a winter wonderland brightened by thousands of twinkling lights positioned throughout a botanical landscape. Activities include a story time with Mrs. Claus and special appearance by Santa. Select evenings include a holiday concert performance. 6-10pm, Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 Red Rd., Pinecrest.
http://www.pinecrestgardens.org
Historic Holiday Décor: Vintage Florida
Through January 8
The holidays come alive as you tour the elegantly decorated historic houses at Deering Estate. $7-$15. Deering Estate, 16701 SW 72 Ave., Miami, 305-235-1668.
Bright Lights Miami
Through January 10
A holiday event like no other, this drive-in/drive-thru experience brings the magic of lights, music and laser to the next level. All ages. Reserve online. Virginia Key Beach Park, 4020 Virginia Beach Dr., Miami, 305-960-4600.
http://www.brightlightsmiami.com
PALM BEACH COUNTY
Zoo Lights
Select nights through January 9
Stroll the zoo while it’s twinkling with more than 1 million eco-friendly lights. 6-9pm, Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, 561-547-9453.
