DON’T MISS THESE MIAMI EVENTS IN THE MONTH OF DECEMBER.
With the holidays in full swing, the month of December offers plenty of fun and family-friendly events to celebrate the season. Tis’ the season to celebrate the cool weather and spend as much time outside as possible. Whether you’re visiting from someone warmer or colder, you’ll be treated to a perfectly temperate climate and a busy events season as Miami hosts Miami Art Week anchored by the world famous Art Basel, holiday events and more.
SANTA’S ENCHANTED FOREST: NOW-JAN. 5
It’s your last month to catch the largest holiday theme park in the world, Santa’s Enchanted Forest at Tropical Park. Enjoy carnival rides, shows, games, a 92-foot tall Christmas tree and more than three million Christmas lights at this family friendly event. Ride the Ferris wheel, race speedy cars or risk it all on the “Mega Drop.” Single day and season passes are available.
LUMINOSA! CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL AT JUNGLE ISLAND:
NOW-JAN. 8
Explore a whole new side to this family-friendly attraction, with Luminosa – a magical nighttime journey through the jungle strewn with hand-crafted Chinese lanterns. These colorful lanterns will be your guide, taking you and your whole family through an exploration of wildlife, birds, and blooms in honor of Miami’s lush natural environment starting with beautiful Biscayne Bay. Wind your way through an underwater tapestry filled with fish, turtles and manatees, culminating in a visit to a very “Instagrammable” South Beach, filled with the music and food and imagery that is iconic to the area. This is a truly magical event you won’t want to miss.
ART BASEL, ART OF BLACK MIAMI & ADDITIONAL ART FAIRS: DEC. 3-8
Every year during the beginning of December, the entire city of Miami transforms into an international art hub drawing art enthusiasts from around the world. The main event, Art Basel Miami Beach welcomes more than 73,000 art dealers, artists, collectors and aficionados to the Miami Beach Convention Center and neighboring sites. Celebrating art, culture and diversity, Art of Black Miami is a year-round event that shines a spotlight on local, national and international aspiring and renowned artists of multicultural heritage. Special exhibitions and art installations take place around Miami before, during as well as post Art Basel Miami Beach.
Additionally, Miami is now home to more than 20 distinct pop-up art festivals like Art Miami in Downtown, Pinta Miami in Wynwood, and Scope in Miami Beach. Beyond the art fairs, it’s a major week for cultural events of all kinds, check in with your favorite music venues, restaurant, parks and hotels for onsite events and activations. Ticket prices vary.
THE NUTCRACKER:
DEC. 6-30
Nothing quite makes you feel like it’s the holidays like The Nutcracker. For those who have grown up with the iconic ballet as an integral tradition during the holiday season, here’s a reminder to get your tickets now. If you’ve never experienced the magic of The Nutcracker, it’s about to be the most wonderful time of the year.
Watch as Clara and Fritz gather together with family and friends for a Christmas Eve celebration that turns into an epic fairytale complete with toy soldiers, a sugar plum fairy and, of course, the Nutcracker himself.
Miami offers plenty of opportunities to watch live performances of The Nutcracker. See Miami City Ballet’s George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, December 13 through Monday, December 29, 2019. Or watch Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at the Fillmore Miami Beach’s Jackie Gleason Theater on December 30, 2019. In Aventura, check out Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida’s Nutcracker production at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center on Friday, December 6, 7, and 8. Ticket prices vary.
DEERING ESTATE MISTLETOE & MARTINIS: DEC. 13
Tour the elegant and historic Deering Estate located on the edge of Biscayne Bay when it is festively decorated for the holidays and decked out in beautiful Christmas lights for the Festival of Trees. ‘Tis the season for one of their most festive events of the year: on December 13 it’s Mistletoe & Martinis, a festive night that brings caterers and interior designers onsite. The historic homes on the property are decorated in the finest holiday outfitting by top local interior designers. All proceeds benefit the Deering Estate Foundation. Tickets are $100 per person and $125 for non-members.
PINECREST GARDENS NIGHTS OF LIGHTS:
DEC. 13-JAN. 1
Pinecrest Gardens transforms into a holiday wonderland illuminated by thousands of spectacular and sparkling holiday lights. The event features pictures with Santa, carnival activities, pony rides, story time and performances. Tickets are $5 per person in advance and $7 at the gate. Children under 2 are free. Pinecrest Garden members are also free.
MADONNA MADAME X TOUR: DEC. 19
The living legend who brought us “Like A Virgin,” “Vogue,” “Like A Prayer,” “Papa Don’t Preach,” “La Isla Bonita” – and that was all before the 90s even hit – is coming to Miami for a seven-night stint. For her 14th studio album, the Madonna Madame X Tour will take over The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater in Miami Beach, a city she has called home.
HOLIDAY CONCERT AT THE NEW WORLD SYMPHONY: DEC. 21
Every year, the New World Symphony’s Sounds of the Season concert celebrates the holidays in a festive way that’s fun for the whole family. Musicians dress up in fun, silly costumes and The City of Miami Beach sponsors the event, making it accessible for everyone. This is a free WALLCAST concert, so make sure you bring your blanket and lawn chairs. Enjoy musical selections from a variety of cultural heritages on Saturday, December 21, 2019 at SoundScape Park at the New World Center on Miami Beach.
KING MANGO STRUT PARADE: DEC. 29
Coconut Grove’s wacky King Mango Strut Parade has been called “the weirdest parade in the universe.” Every year dating back 38 years, on the last Sunday in December, witty locals dress up in crazy costumes and build floats that parody current events and pop culture. The parade starts at the corner of Main Highway and Commodore Plaza and struts its way through the lush and tropical streets of the eclectic Coconut Groveneighborhood. Even if you aren’t in the parade, feel free to wear a colorful outfit or a fun hat! The parade is at 2:00 p.m., but get there early to stake out a good spot. The event is free and features musical performances along the parade route by local performers like The School of Rock, a rock band featuring kids jamming out.
CAPITAL ONE ORANGE BOWL: DEC. 30
Celebrating 83 years of football history, The Orange Bowl is a can’t miss event to see some of college football’s top teams go head-to-head. The 2019 college football playoff game at the Capital One Orange Bowl will take place at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2019 at 8:00 p.m.
While we won’t know which teams are playing until closer to the date, it’s a historic game and always a fun time. Just as an FYI, the Orange Bowl Committee was created in 1935 with the mission of generating tourism for South Florida through an annual football game and supporting events like the annual Junior Orange Bowl Parade in Coral Gables.
NEW YEAR’S EVE: DEC. 31
Every year Miami offers a wide variety of glitzy New Year’s Eve parties and celebrations, like the City of Miami Beach New Year’s Eve Celebration featuring fireworks at midnight. Pitbull is taking over Bayfront Park again, with his annual party and concert to ring in the New Year. More than 150,000 people gather in the park and VIP packages are available as well.
Search all Miami & Beaches events and check out our line-up of family-friendly holiday happenings.
Read More:
Best Cultural Events Hitting Up Miami This Year
Where To Stay During Art Basel Miami Beach
Where To Party During Art Basel
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Miami
courtesy of miamiandbeaches.com
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