Christmas Lights in Miami
Today, we will discuss the best places to see Christmas lights in Miami. If you’re planning a Florida Christmas vacation, make sure to check out The 21 Best Places to Stay in Florida in December.
As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to get into the festive spirit in Miami than by immersing yourself in the dazzling world of Christmas lights. While Miami is renowned for its vibrant culture, sunny beaches, and lively nightlife, it also knows how to embrace the magic of the holiday season.
From the iconic Art Deco district of South Beach to the charming neighborhoods of Coconut Grove and Coral Gables, this tropical paradise transforms into a winter wonderland adorned with twinkling lights, creating a unique and enchanting experience that’s sure to warm your heart.
Join us as we take a magical journey through the glittering streets of Miami and discover the most captivating Christmas light displays in the city.
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Christmas Lights in Miami
Here are some of the best Christmas Lights in Miami, in no particular order. If you enjoy this, make sure to check out The Best Christmas Lights Drive Thru in Florida.
Zoo Lights
Okay, so you all probably know I am not a fan of seeing animals held captive. However, since Zoo Miami puts up Christmas lights each year, I had to share.
A million bright animal-shaped lights brighten up the zoo each holiday season. Your family can walk through the park to see the twinkling displays. Carolers will be singing throughout the park. Carousel rides will be available too.
One of the best parts of this holiday event is the Snowman’s Boat River rides. The perfect time to take this ride is right when the event starts. This will ensure you avoid the long line.
Winterfest Boat Parade in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale’s Winterfest Boat Parade seems to get bigger and better every year. While these Christmas lights are not in Miami, they are not too far away.
The parade route follows 12 miles of the Intracoastal Waterway. Those 12 miles cover from New River to Lake Santa Barbara at Pompano Beach.
Hundreds of decorated boats will travel along the water, as thousands of people cheer from the shoreline.
It is best to take lawn chairs to sit in along the parade route. You will need to arrive early to grab the best viewing spot.
Deering Estate
Historic holiday decor is everywhere at the Deering Estate. You will find this estate at 16701 SW 72nd Ave. Numerous holiday events for families are held at this estate every year.
The kids will love attending storytime with Santa. They can have their picture taken with Santa during your visit. You will prefer the 1920’s 1920s-themed Mistletoe and Martinis night. There are other themed nights you can choose from if you don’t like that option.
If you miss the holiday events you want to attend, you can always just walk around the estate and get into the holiday spirit.
Winter Wonderland at North Bay Village
North Bay Village isn’t too far from Miami. A quick drive there will have you visiting the Winter Wonderland during the Christmas season.
A giant Christmas tree is lit up for the holidays. Add in live musical performances, storytime, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and the night will be perfect.
Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater to try to win the contest. And be prepared to lose the kids in the massive slide and bounce house.
Pinecrest Gardens Nights of Lights
Dazzling Christmas lights are everywhere at the Pinecrest Gardens Nights of Lights. Larger-than-life light installations are on display for your family to see. Plan on spending an hour or two admiring the twinkling lights.
Make sure you taste the signature Pinecrest Gardens cocktail during your visit. It will add a little holiday cheer to your night.
Sea of Lights
The Sea of Lights at the Miami Seaquarium is usually at the bottom of my list like the zoo. However, this annual event is packed full of fun for the whole family.
There are more than 300 light displays and holiday-themed shows. Wander around the whimsical exhibits that feature a surfing Santa, photos with reef Santa, reindeer, and a gingerbread house.
Your kids can even mail a letter to Santa at Santa’s mailbox.
Magic of Lights Homestead
To the south of Miami, you will find a drive-thru experience at the Homestead Speedway. Magic of Lights is open every night from a few days before Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day. This is a magical experience no one in your family will want to miss in South Florida.
Pack some hot chocolate and snacks to enjoy as you drive through to see the light displays.
Symphony in Lights
This free outdoor show can be found at Gulfstream Park Village at Hallandale Beach. Gulfstream Park’s Symphony goes live every hour on the hour beginning at 6 p.m. The 250,000+ lights all dance to holiday music for the 10-minute light show.
This is one of the best light shows in Miami. Sit under the palm trees to watch all the magic. Those spots are one of the best places to enjoy all the Christmas decorations.
Garden of Lights
Garden of Lights is held at Flamingo Gardens. These botanical gardens are all decked out in lights and holiday decor.
Follow the tree-lined walkways to see all the decorations and lights. A live performance is held within the gardens each night.
Christmas Lights in the Acres
Christmas Lights in the Acres is another holiday light display near Miami. It is held at Plantation Baptist Church. This is an impressive light show that is synchronized to holiday music.
This holiday event is always weather-dependent. It is not open every day either. It is best to check their website for the latest information.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Santa’s Enchanted Forest is held on forty acres of land in Doral. This holiday event has continued to grow over the years. This next year promises to be the best one yet!
During this most wonderful time of the year, your family can attend this event to go on rides. Everyone will love the roller coasters and other carnival rides.
Photo is property of Santa’s Enchanted Forest.
Or you can watch a show and play games. A highly anticipated appearance by Santa is always the best moment of the night.
Add in the food trucks and light displays and it will be a night your family will remember forever.
NightGarden
NightGarden is an enchanted garden on 83 acres. It is actually held within the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables.
The entire garden is full of magical holiday lights and a talking tree. Your family will love wandering around to see the lights. The kids will love the holiday-themed scavenger hunts. And who wouldn’t love talking to the tree?!
The favorite part of the night though will be seeing the outdoor holograms. This is one augmented reality experience your family won’t want to miss.
Bayfront Holiday Village
Bayfront Holiday Village at Bayfront Park is the place to be during this festive season. The whole family will want to see the animated holiday tree lights and music shows. Skating on the retro skating rink is always a blast in this tropical park.
Family photos can be taken in front of the 50-foot Christmas tree. And the adults can get a drink at the North Pole-themed cocktail club.
Are you looking for a new holiday celebration for your family? Visiting this Christmas village might become your family’s new Christmas Eve tradition. You can easily visit after a day at Miami Beach too.
Shops at Merrick Park
Merrick Park in Coral Gables often has the best Christmas lights in Miami. There is a massive 50-foot Christmas tree that is lit up for the season. The entire area also gets transformed into a winter wonderland. Live music, a visit from Santa, and interactive activities can be enjoyed while you do a little holiday shopping.
This is the perfect place to go if you are struggling to get into the Christmas spirit. You may discover some of your favorite holiday scenes during your visit.
Berry Bright Winter Nights
The Berry Farm has always been the place to be during the day at the holidays. After all, they have been holding the Berry Farm Winter Festival for years. However, at night, you can now visit for the Berry Bright Winter Nights.
This nighttime event will allow you to walk along a path to see the Christmas lights. This is a great place to spend an hour or two with your family. It is definitely a fun thing to add to your holiday wish list.
Winterland
Winterland is held at Pinto’s Farm every year. It is considered one of the best things to do for Christmas in Miami.
Walk through the illuminated forest before stopping for hot cocoa.
Tinez Farms Christmas Nights
Christmas Nights is a magical wonderland at Tinez Farms. The magic on this farm includes professional displays. Photo stations are set up for all those holiday photo ops.
The highlight of your visit though will be conquering the garden maze. Unless of course, your kids are more interested in the snow tubing slide.
Holiday in Paradise
Holiday in Paradise is located in West Palm Beach. This Christmas display features a sand tree. There is also a Ferris wheel your family can ride.
Festival of Lights
The Festival of Lights takes over two downtown blocks of Miami Lakes. Those two blocks encompass 6700-6855 Main Street.
There are numerous holiday-themed activities. A few of those activities are character meet and greets, photo stations, and live entertainment.
Where to Find Christmas Trees in Miami
There are Christmas trees all lit up for the holidays all over Miami. Some of the best Christmas trees can be found at the following places:
- Bayfront Park
- Brickell City Centre
- Christmas on Commodore
- City Place Doral
- Downtown Doral Park
- Miami Lakes Main Street
- North Shore Park
- City of North Miami at MOCA Plaza
- Palmetto Bay Village Hall
- The Wharf Miami
Miami Christmas Lights at Residential Homes
Here are some of the best Miami Christmas Lights at residential houses.
Pedroso Holiday Display
The Pedroso holiday display can be found at 6140 SW 46 Terrace. This Miami-Dade home will have your family walking through an inflatable pathway. Along the way, you will see misfit toys, Elf on the Shelf, and numerous Disney decorations.
The inflatables are always up at this home. However, the lights don’t turn on until sunset each night.
3050 Lime Court in Coconut Grove
This home is decorated with festive lights, inflatables, and snowflakes. It is one of the best homes for Christmas lights in Miami. The best part is other homes in the neighborhood are decorated. So, you can easily spend a little time in the car checking them all out.
9241 SW 70 Street
The owner of this home goes all out every year with his holiday display. If you are having difficulty feeling the magic of the holidays, drive by. Your attitude will change instantly!
After all, how could you resist a dancing Santa, Christmas train, and Christmas messages up on the roof?
Enchanted Place
Enchanted Place is located at 1800 NE 137 Terrace. A trip to this place of North Miami will have you looking at numerous light displays in a neighborhood. Drive through to see all the holiday decorations. You may even spot Santa if you time your visit right!
1900 S. Hibiscus Drive
This North Miami home has been decorated for the holidays for many years now. Every year seems to get bigger and better too.
When you drive towards this home, you will see a life-sized Santa. Frosty the Snowman sits in a hot-air balloon. Don’t forget to check out the boat in the backyard too. It’s all decked out for the holiday season.
Water Taxi Holiday Lights Tour
If you want to see the Christmas lights on a waterfront residence or two, take the water taxi holiday lights tour. The water taxi will take you along the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale.
Christmas Lights in Miami
There you have it, the best places to see Christmas lights in Miami. Did your favorite Miami Christmas Lights make the list? If not, let me know so I can add it to the list!
More Florida Travel Tips
If you enjoyed this post with the best places to see Christmas lights in Miami, make sure to check out some of our best Florida travel tips!
- What to do in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for adults
- A Complete Guide to Key Largo Florida Snorkeling
- How to visit Dry Tortugas National Park
- The Ultimate List of Florida Lighthouses
About Florida Travel With Kids
Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.
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