Is there anything more magic than winter in Miami? The crowds and tourists subside, the holiday festivities are on, and the weather is a typical sunny and 75. Honestly the hard part might be deciding what are the “must-do’s,” but don’t worry—we got that covered for you.

Note: To ensure safe and social distant exploring, please check with each venue to see if they are open before crossing off your bucket list. Updates to city-wide COVID guidelines and restrictions can be found here.

Gulfstream Park’s Symphony of Lights

Couresy of Gulfstream Park

The gorgeous property will be illuminated with over 250,000 LED lights, all set to classical music for a fifteen minute tree-lighting show.

Where: The Village at Gulfstream Park
When: Every night through December 31st | Light show runs every top of the hour from 6PM-10PM 

For more information.

See the new Artechouse Exhibit

Was 2020 a little too stressful for you? Cool off in “Aqueous,” an immersive exhibit which submerges you in the sights, sounds and feelings of the color blue. A bioluminescent haven, if you will. 

Where: 736 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
When: November 14 - April 1

For more information.

Take a Helicopter Tour

Is there a better way to see the shoreline at sunset? Get a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Art Deco architecture, picture perfect blues and greens of the Atlantic water. 

Where: 1680 Michigan Ave Suite 700 #300, Miami Beach, FL 33139 
When: Daily rides running from 9AM - 8PM

For more information and to make reservations.

Shop, Eat and Step into Bubble Art in Downtown Doral

Courtesy of Downtown Doral

You can’t miss Downtown Doral this holiday season. Main street has evolved into a pedestrian only experience with distanced shopping, al fresco evening drinks and dining, a giant interactive bubble art installation that comes alive at night with neon colors, and of course— glittering palm trees. (It is Florida, after all.) 

Where: 8551 NW 53rd St, Doral, FL 33166

For more information.

Volunteer or Donate to a worthy cause like Feeding South Florida

Courtesy of Feeding South Florida

From March to today, Feeding South Florida has provided 138.6 million pounds of food to our quad-county service area—compared to last year during the same time period, having provided 56.6 million pounds of food. COVID-19 continues to affect our neighbors in need, and donations and federal support are slowing. Donate your time, money or food to help this cause make others holiday. 

Where: Locations in Main Warehouse: 2501 SW 32 Terrace, Pembroke Park, FL 33023 | Feeding Palm Beach County: 4925 Park Ridge Blvd, Boynton Beach, FL 33426

For more information.

Ride the Sky Views Miami Wheel

Courtesy of  Sky Views Miami Wheel

Towering 176 feet above Miami’s famous Bayside Marketplace, the new Sky Views Miami Wheel features 42 closed gondolas providing riders with breathtaking views of beautiful downtown Miami. 

Where: 401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
When: Wednesday-Friday: 3:00pm-10:00pm, Saturday-Sunday: 12:00pm-10:00pm, Monday-Tuesday: CLOSED

For more information.

Eat a holiday cone at Taiyaki NYC (Inside 1800-Lucky)

Courtesy of Taiyaki NYC

Eat Christmas Tree Taiyaki Ice Cream at 1-800-Lucky. The insta-worthy fish-shaped waffle cones are filled with swirled matcha ice cream, sprinkled in peppermints and crowned with a fondant star. 

Where: Taiyaki Nyc Miami, 143 Nw 23rd Street, Miami, FL 33127 (Inside 1800-LUCKY)
When: Open 12 PM - 11 PM Tues-Sun

For more information.

Attend Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami

Courtesy of Zoo Miami

Catch the zoo in all its holiday glow glory! 

Where: 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177
When: December 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 23, 26 & 27 from 6:30PM-10PM
Tickets required. Sold only online.

For more information.

Holiday Village at the Wharf

Courtesy of The Wharf

An outdoor event space with live music, eats, and cocktails—what more do we need? Well, a Holiday Village of course, complete with a special festive bar with Christmas-themed specialty cocktails, live entertainment on Saturdays & Sundays from 1-5pm, and thousands of holiday lights, & oversized holiday decorations. 

When: December 3rd-December 27
Where: The Wharf Miami 114 SW North River Drive, Miami, FL 33130

For more information.

Nite Hike at Deering Estate

Courtesy of Deering Estate

Explore Deering Estate’s backwoods with a guided hike! We recommend going during sunset, and staying afterward for marshmallows and s’mores around the campfire. (Or, tour their Historic Holiday Decor).

When: Various dates at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Where: 16701 SW 72nd Avenue Miami, FL 33157

For more information.

Ballet in the Park  

Courtesy of Miami Ballet

This December, the Miami City Ballet takes it to the next level with George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker in the Park—a completely outdoor experience in Downtown Doral Park. They open December 18 with a special free performance for first responders and essential workers, then to the public through December 31.

Where: Downtown Doral Park 8395 NW 53rd St, Doral, FL 33166

For more information.

Enjoy Santa’s Spectacular: A Drive-Thru Musical Extravaganza

Photo Courtesy of Santa's Spectacular

What's better than a family-friendly, COVID-safe spectacular light and music show? One that comes with a Holiday market attached to cross off all your shopping list and enjoy craft cocktails at.

When: Select dates starting November 28th- December 23rd  11:00 AM – 10:00 PM EST
Where: Tamiami Park 11201 Southwest 24th Street Miami, FL 33165

For more information.