Oh, the weather outside is delightful, and so is the lineup of local holiday festivities. Here is an abundance of joyful ways to celebrate the season both indoors and out.
Published: November 29, 2018
By: Compiled by Shannon Pease-Severance
Aventura
The Nutcracker
Friday-Sunday, December 7-9
Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida performs the story of the Nutcracker. $45. Showtimes vary. Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188 St.
Coconut Grove
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, December 1
Ring in the holidays with a celebration featuring family activities, music, performances and photos with Santa, culminating with a tree lighting at 8pm. 4-8pm, Florentine Plaza, 3444 Main Highway
Coral Gables
Merrick Festival Caroling Competition
Wednesday-Sunday, November 28-December 2 & Tuesday, December 4
The festive sound of children’s voices will fill the air as kids from 30 different schools compete with free performances. The event culminates with an awards show on Tuesday. See website for a schedule. The 550 Building, 550 Biltmore Way
305-491-4180
http://www.carolingcompetition.org
Tree Lighting & Santa’s Park
Friday, December 7
Celebrate the season with a fun filled evening of music, carnival rides, games, food, photos with Santa, arts and crafts, a bounce house and more. The tree lighting and arrival of Santa takes place at 7pm. 5-10pm, Merrick Park, 405 Biltmore Way
Voices of Angels
Sunday, December 16
Miami Children’s Chorus captures the spirit of the holidays through a cappella singing, piano and orchestral accompaniment. $25/adult, $10/child. 4-6pm, First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables, 536 Coral Way
305-662-7494
http://www.miamichildrenschorus.org
The NightGarden
Through January 6
Experience the fantasy and wonderment of effects including wise talking trees, flying fairies, a sunflower maze and holographic butterflies at this magical light spectacular. $28/adult, $20/child. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Rd.
305-667-1651
http://www.fairchildgarden.org
Cutler Bay
The Nutcracker
Friday-Saturday, November 30-December 1
This classic Christmas ballet about a little girl’s journey to the Land of Sweets is performed by the Miami Youth Ballet. $26-$41. 8pm, South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, 10950 SW 211 St.
786-573-5300
A Christmas Carol
Sunday, December 1
Enjoy a live performance of a timeless tale about a miser who learns the true meaning of Christmas. 2:30pm, South Dade Regional Library, 10750 SW 211 St.
305-233-8140
Winter Festival
Saturday, December 1
Join the fun at this community holiday event that includes Christmas carolers, games, kids activities, an ugly sweater contest, eggnog and cookies and more. Free. 10am-2pm, Florida Technical College – Cutler Bay Campus, 205 S. Dixie Highway
http://www.ftccollege.edu/winter-festival
Winter Holiday Celebration
Friday, December 7
A festive event for the whole family with holiday crafts, food trucks, a visit from Santa and an outdoor screening of the movie Unaccompanied Minors. Free. 6pm, South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, 10950 SW 211 St.
786-573-5300
Holiday Golf Cart Parade, Toy Drive and Winter Celebration
Saturday, December 15
It’s a unique take on a typical parade as a procession of decked out golf carts glide by. Additional activities include photos with Santa, food trucks, a photo booth, a bounce house, arts and crafts, music and more. Bring along a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to a child at the Holtz Children’s Hospital. Golf Cart Parade begins at 7pm. 6-10pm, Cutler Ridge Park, 10100 SW 200 St.
786-573-5577
Doral
Park & Tree Lighting
Friday, December 7
Be dazzled as twinkling lights add holiday cheer to the night. While there, the family can watch performances, sip some hot chocolate and write a letter to Santa. 6:30-9pm, Downtown Doral Park, 8395 NW 53 St.
305-593-6611
Holiday Lights & Ice
Friday, December 14
Doral Central Park is transformed into a winter wonderland with snow, rides, food and live music. All ages. 6-10pm, Doral Central Park, 3000 NW 87 Ave.
305-593-6611
Hialeah
Santa’s Snowblast
Saturday, December 8
The kids can have lots of wintery fun at this event that includes 50 tons of snow to play in, carnival rides, games, live entertainment and more. $18/all access wristband, $15/rides, $6/snow pile and bounce houses. 6-10pm, Milander Park, 4700 Palm Ave.
Snow Angels
Monday, December 10
Create a snow angel drawing using oil pastels, glitter, pattern paper, fabric and colored sand. Ages 7-12. 3:30pm, Palm Springs North Branch, 17601 NW 78 Ave.
305-820-8564
Homestead
A Christmas Carol
Fridays-Sundays, December 21-23 & 28-30
Based on the Charles Dickens novel, this holiday performance reminds us all of the spirit of the season. $15. Showtimes vary. Seminole Theatre, 18 N. Krome Ave.
786-650-2073
http://www.seminoletheatre.org
Kendall
Winter Wonderland Extravaganza
Saturday, December 1
Have some wintertime fun with Kendall Regional Medical Center in a new location. Festivities include snow, cookies and milk, musical entertainment by local schools, crafts, games and more. Free by calling 305-222-2200 to register. 4-8pm, Kendall Regional Medical Center at Town & Country Mall, 11800 Sherry Lane.
Key Biscayne
Winterfest
Sunday, December 2
Get into the holiday spirit by listening to local choirs and bands, watching live performances and spending a little time with Santa. 4-7:30pm, Village Green, 450 Crandon Blvd.
Winterfest Boat Parade
Saturday, December 8
Celebrate the holidays South Florida-style by watching decorated boats float by. 6-8pm, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, 1200 Crandon Blvd.
Miami
Giant Holiday Cards
Saturday, December 1
Kids ages 8-15 can create a unique holiday card for a loved one. All materials provided. 11am, Main Library Branch, 101 W. Flagler St.
305-375-2265
The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 1
Miami’s oldest presentation of the holiday classic is performed by The Thomas Armour Youth Ballet and features TAYB students, advanced dancers from New World School of the Arts and special guests. $20-$40. 7pm, Miami-Dade County Auditorium, 2901 W. Flagler St.
305-547-5414
http://www.miamidadecountyauditorium.org
Jolly Lolly Story Time
Saturday, December 1
Bring the kids for a morning of holiday-themed magic, storytelling and puppetry. 11am, Shenandoah Branch Library, 2111 SW 19 St.
305-250-4688
Hanukkah Celebration
Sunday, December 2
Celebrate Hanukkah by making marshmallow dreidels, creating Hanukkah-themed crafts and listening to stories, music and more. 11am-5pm, Miami Children’s Museum, 980 MacArthur Causeway
305-373-5437
http://www.miamichildrensmuseum.org
’Tis the Season
Saturday, December 8
A Sensory Friendly Saturday seasonal event with an environment created especially for children with sensory processing disorder and general development delay along with their families. 9-11am, Miami Children’s Museum, 980 MacArthur Causeway
305-373-5437
http://www.miamichildrensmuseum.org
Winterland at the Farm
December 8-January 7
Have some old-fashioned holiday fun with snow, hot chocolate, holiday treats, an illuminated forest and more. $20. Pinto’s Farm, 14890 SW 216 St.
305-258-6067
Santa Claus is Coming to Cauley Square
Sunday, December 16
A holiday extravaganza featuring balloon art, trackless train rides, pony rides, photos with Santa, live holiday entertainment and more. $5. 11am-6pm, Cauley Square, 222400 Old Dixie Highway
305-258-3543
Meet Santa Claus
Saturday-Monday, December 22-24
A special opportunity awaits at the museum, when Santa pays a visit. Stop by to tell him what you want for Christmas, or to pose for a photo. 11am & 3:30pm, Miami Children’s Museum, 980 MacArthur Causeway
305-373-5437
http://www.miamichildrensmuseum.org
Zoo Lights
Through December 29
During select nights in December, visitors can see the zoo twinkle with a million animal-shaped lights and dazzling tree lights. See website for details. Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152 St.
305-251-0400
The Polar Express Train Ride
Through December 30
Kids can dress in their pajamas and join the fun on a family train ride bound for the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture The Polar Express, the magical journey includes hot cocoa, a sing-along and visit with Santa. Select evenings. Tickets start at $34.99. Gold Coast Railroad Museum, 12450 SW 152 Ave.
http://www.goldcoastrailroadmuseum.org
Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Through January 6
Lights, rides, food, games, entertainment and more make this holiday wonderland glow. Tropical Park, corner of Bird Road and the Palmetto Expressway
305-559-9689
http://www.santasenchantedforest.com
Miami Beach
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
Saturday, December 29
A holiday spectacle featuring world-class Russian artists, hand-painted sets, snow maidens, nesting dolls and more. All ages. 3pm, The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater, 1700 Washington Ave.
305-673-7300
Miami Lakes
Jingle Bell Jog 5K
Saturday, December 1
Participants of this themed race receive Santa suits to run in, jingle bells for their sneakers and a holiday- themed finishers medal. The event also includes a Little Elf Dash for kids. $35/adult, $20/child. 5K begins at 7:30am, Little Elf Dash at 8:30am. 6700 Main St.
http://www.jinglebelljog.net/miami-lakes
Miami Shores
Jingle Bell Dog Walk
Saturday, December 1
Bring Fido to a holiday frolic that includes a free community dog walk and doggie giveaways. 9am, Constitution Park, 9825 Park Dr.
http://www.miamishoresvillage.com
Barry Special Christmas
Saturday, December 1
A winter wonderland awaits with a holiday marketplace, seasonal fare, live music and a Santa’s Village with face painting, cookie decorating, storytelling and more. Free admission. Noon-4pm, Barry University, 11300 NE Second Ave.
305-899-3000
http://www.barry.edu/special-christmas
Winterfest
Friday, December 7
A community festival featuring a tree lighting, photos with Santa, rides, inflatables, crafts and other family-friendly activities. $8/resident, $11/non-resident. 6:30-9pm, Field House, 9825 Park Dr.
305-758-8103
http://www.miamishoresvillage.com
Caroling Hayride & Light up the Village
Wednesday, December 19
Bring the family and a flashlight and join the fun by taking a hayride to sing at neighborhood homes. Deadline to sign up for hayride caroling is Dec. 17. Luminaries for those who would like to light up their lawn for caroling visits are $8 at the Community Center. 6:30-9pm.
305-758-8103
http://www.miamishoresvillage.com
Miami Springs
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, December 1
Holiday festivities include a tree lighting ceremony and photos with Santa. 7-9pm, Gazebo at Curtiss Parkway
305-805-5075
http://www.miamisprings-fl.gov
Santa’s Parade and Festivities at the Gazebo
Saturday, December 8
See Santa, a holiday parade and participate in festivities featuring rides, snow and more. $15/non-resident, $5/resident. 5:45-9pm. Parade begins at City Hall, 201 Westward Dr., and proceeds to the Gazebo.
305-805-5075
http://www.miamisprings-fl.gov
Holiday Tree Festival & Teddy Bear Tea
Saturday-Sunday, December 8-9
Little ones can bring their favorite bear to share in the fun that includes children’s shows and readings by Mrs. Claus, a tea party (at 11am, 1pm & 3pm) and tree festival. Ages 3-8. $10/adult, $5/child for Tree Festival only, $10/child for Teddy Bear Tea (includes Tree Festival). 10:30am-5pm, Curtiss Mansion, 500 Deer Run
305-869-5180
http://www.curtissmansion.com/holiday
Polar Express Storytime
Saturday, December 15
Journey to the North Pole by taking a Polar Plunge in the heated pool at noon, holiday stories at 2:30pm and winter crafts from 3-4pm. First 30 participants are free. Admission is $10/non-resident adult, $5/resident adult, $5/non-resident child, $3/resident child. Noon-4pm, Miami Springs Aquatic Center, 1401 Westward Dr.
305-805-5078
http://www.miamisprings-fl.gov
North Miami Beach
Menorah Lighting Ceremony
Monday, December 3
Bring the family for a Hanukkah event that includes a Menorah lighting, traditional music, Kosher refreshments and children’s activities. 6-8pm, North Miami Beach City Hall, 17011 NE 19 Ave.
305-948-2957
Snow Fest & Community Safety Day Parade
Saturday, December 8
A winter wonderland of children’s activities, music, rides, rock climbing walls, games, a snow mountain and more. Free admission. 6-11pm, along NE 19th Avenue between 164 and 171 streets
305-948-2957
Palmetto Bay
Light up your Holidays Celebration
Saturday, December 1
Have a magical night with musical performances, a tree lighting, holiday light displays, rides and inflatables, snow, and more. 5-9pm, Village Hall, 9705 E. Hibiscus St.
305-259-1234
Festival of Trees
Through January 5
See the historic houses of the Deering Estate decorated in elegant holiday décor. Included with paid admission of $12/adult, $7/child. 10am-4pm, Deering Estate, 16701 SW 72 Ave.
305-235-1668
Story Time & Photos with Santa
Saturday, December 8
Stop by for a photos with the big guy, holiday arts and crafts and a story time with Santa’s elves. Included with paid admission of $12/adult, $7/child. Additional fee for photos. 10am-noon, Deering Estate, 16701 SW 72 Ave.
305-235-1668
Pinecrest
Nights of Lights
December 14-January 1
Be enchanted as Pinecrest Gardens transforms into a holiday wonderland featuring thousands of sparkling lights, rides, Christmas music, storytelling and pony rides. Stop by December 14-24 for a visit with Santa. $5. 6-9pm, Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 Red Rd.
305-669-6990
http://www.pinecrestgardens.org
South Miami
Santa’s Parade of the Elves
Sunday, December 2
See a procession of elves and entertainment wend their way through South Miami. 2pm, Sunset Drive & 57th Avenue
305-668-3873
Mouse King
Fridays-Sundays, December 7-9 & 14-16
This family-friendly performance is a unique take on the story of The Nutcracker as told from the point of view of the mice. $25 and up. Showtimes vary. Mandelstam Theater, 8530 SW 57 Ave.
http://www.mousekingtickets.com
Monroe County
Holiday Festival
Friday, December 7
Bundle up to play in 30 tons of the frozen stuff at this Islamorada tradition that includes a holiday parade, tree lighting, a gift bazaar, Santa’s Sweet Shoppe, a silent auction of hand-crafted ornaments and more. 5-9pm, Founders Park, 86800 Overseas Highway, Islamorada
305-664-4503
http://www.islamoradachamber.com
Key Largo Boat Parade
Saturday, December 8
Celebrate the holidays South Florida-style by lining up along the waterway to watch a procession of decorated boats float by. 7:30pm, Blackwater Sound, MM 104, Key Largo
http://www.keylargoboatparade.com
Broward County
South Florida Chassidic Chanukah Festival
Monday, December 3
Music, free Chanukah gelt and goodies for children. Free admission; food available for purchase. 7pm, Gulfstream Park, Hallandale Beach, 901 S. Federal Hwy.
954-458-1877
http://www.chanukahfestival.com
Disney in Concert: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
Thursday, December 13
Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this concert performance and film featuring the South Florida Symphony Orchestra. $35-$155. 8pm, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale
954-462-0222
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Winter Tour
Friday, December 14
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents rock opera, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve. 8pm, BB&T Center, One Panther Parkway, Sunrise
Winterfest Boat Parade
Saturday, December 15
Line up along Fort Lauderdale’s waterways to enjoy the dazzling annual boat parade, from downtown Fort Lauderdale to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. Free. 6:30-9pm, reserved grandstand seating at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Fort Lauderdale
954-767-0686
http://www.winterfestparade.com
Santa’s Little Helpers
Saturdays-Sundays, December 15-16 & 22-23
Help Mrs. Claus pass out gifts to all the good critters, visit with Santa and play in the snow from 2-5pm. Stick around after 5pm to see the Garden of Lights display. Included with daytime admission of $19.95/adult, $12.95/child. Flamingo Gardens & Wildlife Sanctuary, 3750 S. Flamingo Rd., Davie
954-473-2955
http://www.flamingogardens.org
Symphony of Lights
Through December 31
A spectacular dancing light show with thousands of animated lights and a 50-foot Christmas tree all synchronized to music. Santa will pay a visit Dec. 23 from 5-10pm. Free. 6-11pm, Gulfstream Park, 901 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach
954-454-7000
