December 2021
Miami Events, Holidays and Festivals

What's hot: Art Basel, Christmas Cheer, Orange Bowl, Andrea Bocelli, New Year's Fireworks!
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December Poinsettias

December is such a pleasant time to be in Miami, it is not only the cooler sunny skies that are the magnet but also the barrage of top line events that start kicking off throughout the city...

...the art and music festivals...

...the food fairs...

...the boating events...

...the Christmas and holiday bashes...

...lots of high-caliber entertainment...

The month kicks off with Art Basel as holiday happenings are getting under way in the midst of the Christmas frenzy and New Year fireworks, including some beloved recurring events... the Nutcracker, Santa's Enchanted Forest, and Nightgarden are back, Andrea Bocelli is in town, the Christmas boaters and the wacky Mango Strutters come out in full force and we get ready to welcome college football fans for the Orange Bowl.

For our nature lovers, this is the perfect time to get out and soak it all up, our State and National Parks are teeming with wildlife... enjoy!

This Month's Miami Highlight Events:

The concert and entertainment scene in December 2021

Concerts and Sport Tickets Savings

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More Christmas and Holiday Events

In the Sports Calendar:

Specially for kids and families This December 2021:

FREE or almost FREE Ongoing Events in Miami:

Activities, Tours, Attractions that are OPEN

It's time to get out! You can book with confidence as there is a free cancellation policy for most of the activities listed here, if your plans change and you cancel up to 24 hours in advance you will receive a full refund.

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Coming Up: Hot Tickets Now On Sale

Shakira in Miami

Shakira - Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour

Kaseya Center aka Miami Heat Arena
November 20, 2024

The Nutcracker in Miami

Miami City Ballet: The Nutcracker

Adrienne Arsht Center
December 13 - 24, 2024

Andrea Bocelli in Miami

Andrea Bocelli

Kaseya Center aka Miami Heat Arena
December 22, 2024


December 2021 Highlight Events in Miami

Art Basel Miami Beach

Art Basel in Miami

Art Basel Miami Beach is without a doubt one of the premiere events in the world art scene and certainly one of the most prominent in the U.S.

This long weekend in early December is traditionally the unofficial kick-off to the city's busy art and cultural calendar and is quite unique in that it spawns so many other events and satellite exhibitions, if you are into arts and design, this is definitely the time to be in Miami.

When? Thursday through Saturday December 2 - 4, 2021
Where? Main Exhibition Hall at Miami Beach Convention Center
Satellite fairs and events will pop up in and around the city, keep an eye specially in the up-and-coming districts of Wynwood, the Miami Design District and the Faena District.

More on Art Basel Miami Beach and Miami Art Week

Design Miami

Design Miami

Design Miami/ is the global forum for design with annual shows in Miami, Basel and Shanghai.

What?: At the core of the Design Miami/ is a marketplace for collectible design, amid which the most reputable international design galleries present curated exhibitions of museum-quality furniture, lighting and objets d'art, attracting the highest level of private and public collectors of historical and contemporary design. The exhibition contains works by pioneering modernists to one-off and limited-edition pieces by cutting edge contemporary designers.
The galleries invited to exhibit in Design Miami/ deal mainly in exceptional design objects from the advent of Modernism (circa 1900) to the present day, with select galleries specializing in outstanding 18th and 19th century antiques.
This year, experience and shop the fair in-person and online at designmiami.com.
Where?: Adjacent to the Miami Beach Convention Center and just a short walk from Art Basel at Meridian Avenue and 19th Street
When?: December 1 - 5, 2021

More Info, exhibitor list, hours, www.designmiami.com

Ft. Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade

Winterfest Boat Parade in Ft. Lauderdale

Sailboats, Yachts, Barges, Gondolas, Kayaks... ANYTHING that floats, all decked up with thousands of lights and a merry spirit, traversing the waters of the intracoastal, what could be more fun this holiday season?!

On its 50th year, the Winterfest Boat Parade has become one of the most awaited events, this year the Ft. Lauderdale shoreline will be coming alive once again.

Some fantastic entries and surprises in the past have included a floating bus, the Galleria Mall reindeer barge, a fire truck, Mickey and Minnie... can't wait for this year's parade!

When?: Saturday December 11, 2021
Where?: Intracoastal Waterway from Ft. Lauderdale to Pompano Beach
How Much?: Free along parade route, Grandstand viewing areas available.

More info: Winterfest Boat Parade

King Mango Strut at the Grove

Coconut Grove King Mango Strut logo

The King Mango Strut is the wackiest of the wackiest, it's a parade that was born as the antithesis of the King Orange Bowl parade way back, when struters were rejected by King Orange for being too "irreverent" so they decided to start their own King Mango parade, and irony of ironies, the King Orange Bowl Parade does not exist any more as the King Mango Parade lives on...

So what is it? It's a parade with a party atmosphere on a fun and laid back afternoon the last Sunday of the year. The theme or rather themes of the parade are anything and everything that made the headlines this year, Mango style of course, meaning, it is a parody of the year's highlights all in the name of fun. Like for example? Everything and everybody is fair game, the TSA, the Pope, twinkies, the Royal Family, politicians, specially politicians ...

Who participates? Anybody can participate, as in, "be on the parade". This is not an over the top parade, the "floats" are not fancy structures or designs, it is all very relaxed with hilarity and fun as the only requirement.

Is it ok for kids? Yes, the Pre-Mango Strut activities begin with the Little Miss Mango Pageant for kids 5 to 12, it is a VERY competitive pageant and all contestants are expected to win, the winners get to ride in the opening "float" of the parade!

So take part or just come to watch, bring a cooler, a folding chair, and be ready to spend the funniest and craziest time, check it out:

When?: TBC Sunday December 26, 2021, parade starts at 2:00 p.m., after-strut street party and dancing afterwards
Where?: Downtown Coconut Grove from Green Street to Coco Walk then back to Commodore Plaza
How Much?: Free!

More Info: www.kingmangostrut.org

Orange Bowl 2021
No. 2 Michigan Wolverines vs. No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs

Orange Bowl Miami

When? Friday, December 31, 2021 - 7:30 pm
Where? Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
How Much? Varies, expected to sell out.
›› Find Orange Bowl 2021 Tickets

More info on this year's Orange Bowl: stadium info, directions, parking, where to stay, Orange Bowl events, Beach Bash, Fan PreGame Party.

New Year's Eve: Big Orange Ball Drop 2022 Countdown and Fireworks

Pitbull New Years in Miami

Miami might not be Times Square, but we do have our very own "Ball Drop" and spectacular fireworks over our beautiful bay.

Program and events for this year's bash at Bayfront Park are not out yet, stay tuned!

When?: December 31, 2021

Where?: Bayfront Park 301 N. Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132 Where to Park?: There is limited, paid parking at Bayfront Park. You can also park at Bayside Marketplace nextdoor or take the Metrorail to the Government Center Station then transfer to the Metromover Inner Loop to Bayfront Park.

How Much?: FREE!

More on New Year's Eve Celebrations in Miami

Top Christmas and Holiday Events and Festivals

Christmas in Miami

Christmas Day, is a public holiday throughout the country. Federal government offices, schools and some National, State, and Local Parks are closed on Christmas Day and store hours and restaurant and businesses holiday schedules may vary. Likewise on Christmas Eve, early closings and holiday hours will be in effect at most businesses.

You can expect the following to be open and closed on Christmas Day:

Closed

Government Offices
Schools
Post Offices
Banks
Public Libraries
Grocery Stores
Visitor Centers at the following Parks (trails and boardwalks remain accesible): Biscayne National Park, Big Cypress, Loxahatchee NWR

Open

(check for special holiday schedules)
Pharmacies
Most Fast Food and Restaurants
Public Transportation (Limited schedules and routes)
Most Parks: Everglades National Park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Oleta River State Park, Bill Baggs State Park


Here are some of this year's Holiday highlights and events:

Miami City Ballet's The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker Ballet

The holiday tradition you love will become even more magical...

A vibrant and animated winter wonderland comes to life, featuring appearances by The Sugarplum Fairy, toy soldiers, and mischievous mice, all while retaining George Balanchine's iconic choreography and Tchaikovsky's timeless score.

The Nutcracker performances will be at two venues this year:

When? December 10 - 12, 2021 , December 16 - 26 at the Ziff Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center
Where? Au Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts

When? December 16 - 26
Where? Ziff Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center

How Much? ›› Find The Nutcracker Tickets

Santa's Echanted Forest

Santa's Enchanted Forest

The largest Christmas-Themed Amusement Park and Carnival is back with its millions of dazzling lights, South Florida's tallest christmas tree, and the carnival rides for little ones and those wanting a little more extreme.
Santa's new home in Doral is bigger than ever with more than 40 acres of attractions, plus 3 entrances and expansive parking. It is a huge sprawling lively event, just coming to see the lights is worth the trip. Tons of entertainment for kids and families round it all up.
There are the many live shows, games, magic acts, mazes, all sorts of rides, from carrousels to roller coasters and drop towers and of course, the carnival food!

When? TBA November 2024 to January 2025
Where? 7400 NW 87th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33166
How Much? TBA, last year Adults (9-64) $44.86, Children (3-8) and Seniors 65+ $36.45. Season Passes, military discounts, group discounts and express passes available.

More Info: Santa's Enchanted Forest

Winterland at the Farm

Winterland at Pinto Farm

With this 60-degree weather, what better way to warm up and get ready into the holiday spirit with family and friends than with some Snow, Holiday Treats, Hot chocolate and much more while you can meet Santa Claus, Nix the Snowman and Sprinkle the Gingerbread Cookie at a beautiful illuminated Forest.

Holiday treats, hay rides, paddleboat rides, Santa, pony rides, and many more activities for kids!

Dog Friendly Winterland Event on December 7 and 8, 2024

When?: Weekends from November 29, 2024 to January 5, 2025 - 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Where?: Pinto Farm at 14890 SW 216 Street, Miami, FL 33170
How Much?: $26.17, children under one free, includes paddle boat rides, tractor rides, pony rides, race track, petting zoo, hay maze, and of course you get to meet Santa.

More info: www.pintofarm.com

Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami Christmas

It's that magical time of the year as the park transforms into a fabulous array of shimmering trees and dazzling (animal-shaped of course) lights that adorn every corner of this fantastic animal kingdom.

What else? Appearances by Santa (until December 23) and Grinch, animal presentations, arts & crafts and letters to Santa (limited spaces available), hot cocoa and cookies (fee), Snowman's River Boat Rides ($5 per person)

Opening Night & Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 29, 2024

When?: Select nights November 29 to December 30, 2024 - 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Where?: Zoo Miami at 1 Zoo Boulevard, 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, FL 33177
How Much?: $21.95 per adult and $19.95 per child age 3 - 12 plus tax, Snowman's River Boat Rides $5, early bird discounts before November 28

More Info and Tickets: Zoo Lights

Christmas at the Deeering Estate

Christmas at Deering Estate

Historic Holidays: Caroling Through The Season The Richmond Cottage, the first floor and basement of the Stone House , and outdoor areas of the Estate will come alive with the nostalgic charm of traditional holiday carols.

When? November 29, 2024 - January 7, 2025

Where? The Deering Estate at 16701 SW 72nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33157
How Much? Adults $18, Children (4 - 14) $10

More info: www.deeringestate.org

NightGarden a Magical Light Spectacular

NightGarden Magical Light Spectacular at Fairchild

An enchanted, illuminated experience full of fantasy and wonderment where things like the Wise Talking Tree, Flying Fairies and a Sunflower Maze come to life.
Come and marvel at unbelievable live effects such as holographic butterflies and floating orchids throughout multiple acres of dazzling magic.

When? Select dates November 15, 2024 to January 12, 2025
Where? Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens at 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156
How Much? Weekday prices starting at $25.60. General Admission $41, Children 10 and under $26. Discounts for Fairchild members, students, senior, military, group (min. 6) bundle available.

More info and tickets, get 20% off: Nightgarden Magical Light Spectacular

Symphony In Lights Holiday Celebration at Gulfstream Park

Gulfstream Park Symphony in Lights

The entire property will be illuminated with more than 250,000 LED lights, all set to the sounds of holiday favorites from yesterday and today.
A 10-minute light show will begin at the top of every hour from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Santa and snow show on Saturdays and Christmas Eve from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

"Symphony in Lights" is not only the perfect opportunity to experience some holiday magic, but also to enjoy shopping, dining and boundless entertainment at Gulfstream Park Village's open-air setting.

When? - November 30 - December 31, 2024
Where? Gulfstream Park at 901 S. Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
How Much? FREE

More info: Symphony in Lights at Gulfstream Park

Nights of Lights at Pinecrest Gardens

Christmas Tree Lighting Doral

Pinecrest Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland dotted by thousands of twinkling lights that go up, through and around the whimsical botanical landscape.
Eat yummy treats, pictures with Santa, Story Time nights, face painting, train display, pajama nights, carolers, brewery nights and much more...

When? Fridays thru Sundays from December 6 - 29, 2024 - 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where? Pinecrest Gardens at 11000 Red Road, Pinecrest, Florida 33156
How Much? $18 - $22

More info, tickets and Schedule of Events at the Banyan Bowl: www.pinecrestgardens.org

Miami For Kids And Families This December 2021

Family Fun Fest at Biscayne National Park

Family Fun Fest Biscayne National Park

Family Fun Fest is a FREE program at Biscayne National Park brought to you thanks to the many volunteers and park sponsors.

It is held on the second Sunday of the month during the "dry and cool" season, December through April with lots of fun and educational activities for kids and adults alike.

When? TO BE CONFIRMED - December 12, 2021 - 1:00pm to 4:00 pm
Where? Biscayne National Park - Dante Fascell Visitor Center
How Much? FREE!
More info: Biscayne National Park Family Fun Fest

The Annual Living Nativity at Miami Shores Presbyterian Church

Living Nativity

Let's herald the Christmas season with a live, open-air reenactment of the Christmas Story.

Featuring live camels, donkeys, goats and sheep, along with an innovative mix of digital and live-action characters, including Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the prophets, angels, the Wise Men and more!

This spectacular depiction, complete with narration, digital projections and a choir, is fun for the entire family!

When? TBA
Where? Miami Shores Presbyterian Church, 602 NE 96th Street, Miami Shores, FL 33138
How Much? FREE and open to the public. Volunteers for set up and spot participants: angels, shepherds, villagers, etc. welcome!

More Info: Miami Shores Presbyterian Church or call (305) 754-9541

For Miami Sports Fans This December 2021

Miami Heat Tickets AA Arena

When? See Home Game Schedule below

Where? FTX Arena, formerly AmericanAirlines Arena

How Much? As low as $15, but they go quick!
›› Find Tickets
›› Check for great discounts for Miami Heat Tickets at Groupon!!!

Miami Dolphins Schedule - December 2021 Home Games and Football Tickets

Miami Dolphins schedule and tickets

When? See schedule below

Where? Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

How Much? Individual game tickets can be had for as low as $15 but you have to be quick!
›› Find Tickets
›› Check for Miami Dolphins Tickets at Groupon.


Florida Panthers Schedule - December 2021 Home Games and Hockey Tickets

Florida Panthers Tickets BBT Center

When? See schedule below

Where? FLA Live Arena formerly BB&T Center, Sunrise

How Much? As low as $15, but they go quick!

›› Find Tickets
›› Check for deals on Panthers Tickets at Groupon.

Free Or Almost Free Ongoing Events in Miami

Wynwood Art Walk Block Party

Wynwood Art Walk

Every second Saturday of the month, the Wynwood Art Walk is one of the most iconic events in the city in this up and coming neighborhood which has been transforming the art scene in Miami.

Wynwood which is best known for its street art and splashy murals puts together a fun evening of art, food and shopping, and only on this day of the month the unique galleries and shops open their doors after hours making up a magnificent block party for all.

And beyond the fantastic art there's plenty of gourmet food trucks, cocktails, live music and vendors, yes, it's a party!

When? Second Saturday of the month, starting at 6:00 pm
Where? The Wynwood Art District
How Much? FREE!
More Info: www.wynwoodartwalkblockparty.com

Miami Design District Art and Architecture Walks

MDD Art and Architecture Walks

Explore the art murals, outdoor art spaces, perhaps a gallery or two, featured exhibitions or the fabulous architecture throughout the Design District with resident experts.

Also on Sundays, The Market brings you locally sourced produce, culturally influenced food, or that special one-of-a-kind creation, while enjoying live entertainment.

When?: Several Saturdays / Sundays throughout the month, check the calendar of events for details
Where?: Miami Design District
How Much?: FREE

›› More Info www.miamidesigndistrict.net

New World Symphony WALLCAST® Concerts

WALLCAST Concert at SoundScape Park

These are live classical music performances by the New World Symphony which are projected into a 7,000 square-foot wall at the New World Center for thousands to enjoy in a fantastic outdoor atmosphere.

The concerts are typically on the second or third Saturday of the month and the season runs from October through May.

When? Second or third Saturday of the month

Where? SoundScape Park at 500 17th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139

How Much? FREE! Bring a picnic, blankets, beach chairs, cocktails... yes, there are restrooms available at the south-east corner of SoundScape Park.
More Info: New World Symphony Wallcast Concert Series

Miami Museums Free Days

MOAD Body Electric exhibit

Many Miami museums regularly offer free admission days, so take advantage and save if you can!

Here are some of the offerings, and be sure to double check for updates or changes with each venue before you head out.

For our Residents, if you have a Miami Dade Library Card, check out the FREE Museum Pass Program where you can get passes to many of the most popular museums and attractions in the city. Passes are good for a family of 4 and can be easily "checked out" with your library card. Passes are first-come-first-served and as you can imagine, some of the most popular ones get snatched as soon as they become available, each library branch gets a limited number of passes for each attraction.

The Museum Pass Program offers free entry to the following:

  • Deering Estate
  • Miami Children's Museum
  • Perez Art Museum (PAMM)
  • Frost Museum of Science
  • Frost Art Museum
  • Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
  • Zoo Miami
  • Lowe Art Museum
  • The Bass
  • Fruit and Spice Park
  • ... and many more!

Miami Beach Live Music Series - Currently Postponed

Miami Beach Live Music Series

The Washington Avenue Business Improvement District Presents Miami Beach Live Music Series. From upscale hotels, museums, restaurants to clubs Washington Avenue is the new hotspot on Miami Beach. Explore each venue or settle at one while enjoying great music from all around the world. Enjoy the best live Jazz, Latin, Blues, Reggae, Soul, Pop and Rock music in South Florida every 3rd Thursday of the month... FREE of charge!

When? Every 3rd Thursday of the month
Where? Along Washington Avenue in South Beach
How Much? FREE
More Info: Miami Beach Live Music Series.

Fantasy Theatre Factory at the Sandrell Rivers Theater Series

Fantasy Theater Factory Show

Fantasy Theater Factory is a non-profit organization that manages the Sandrell Rivers Theater, a state of the art black box theater in Miami. FTF places its greatest programmatic emphasis on Theater for Young Audiences which place a primary focus on childhood literacy and ecology. Other focus areas of programming include: fitness, history, diversity, self esteem, peer pressure and bullying prevention. FTF also produces cultural arts workshop residency programs that serve at-risk youth, children with disabilities and general population students.

Monthly lineups include a bi-monthly film screening series, a bi-monthly live music series, an art exhibition series and a new play competition, where playwrights can have their new works performed as staged readings in front of live audiences.

Each year FTF produces well over 500 programs, many are FREE and open to the public, some offered for a low nominal fee, in many cases if you are unable to afford a ticket, please call their box office, and they will be happy to reserve up to four (4) free tickets for your party.

When? Various throughout the month
Where? Sandrell Rivers Theater at 6103 NW 7th Ave, Miami FL 33127
How Much? Many FREE or offered for a low fee.
More Info and this month's lineup: Fantasy Theater Factory Shows.

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