Christmas in Miami trades snow for sunshine, and the 2026 season runs from late November through the first week of January. Expect highs near 78°F, a Christmas tree on Biscayne Bay, palm trees wrapped in lights, and an ocean that's still warm enough to swim in on December 25.
If you're wondering what to do in Miami for Christmas, the Magic City offers the perfect blend of holiday cheer and beachside bliss. Below is our guide to the best events, lights, restaurants, and hotels for Christmas in Miami 2026.
More Florida Travel Guides: Best Places to Visit in Florida | Best Weekend Getaways in Florida | Warm Places to Visit in December
Miami Christmas Events 2026: Key Dates
The biggest Christmas events in Miami cluster between Thanksgiving weekend and mid-December, though the lights stay up well into January.
- Mid-November: Christmas Wonderland opens at Tropical Park with carnival rides, a North Pole village, and an LED Ferris wheel, running into early January.
- November 27: Zoo Lights opens at Zoo Miami with a tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m., then runs on select nights through late December.
- Early December: Bayfront Holiday Village takes over Bayfront Park downtown, with a 50-foot tree, an outdoor rink, and holiday markets on Biscayne Bay.
- December 4 to 6: Art Basel Miami Beach fills the Miami Beach Convention Center. It's not Christmas-centric, but it's still a must-see art event.
- December 11 to 27: Miami City Ballet performs The Nutcracker at the Adrienne Arsht Center with a live orchestra.
- December 12: The 55th Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade lights up the water in Fort Lauderdale at 6 p.m., about 45 minutes north.
- December 24 to 25: Nochebuena, the Cuban Christmas Eve feast, is the bigger night here, and restaurant hours shift accordingly.
- Late December: Neighborhood light displays run through New Year's, and the Junior Orange Bowl Parade rolls through Coral Gables.
Best Ways to Spend Christmas in Miami 2026
- Miami in December: weather and swimming
- Things to do in Miami for Christmas
- Where to stay during Christmas in Miami
- Where to eat & drink for Christmas in Miami
- Where to go Christmas shopping in Miami
- Best Christmas lights in Miami
- Christmas in Miami FAQs
Miami in December: Weather and Swimming
Miami in December is warm, sunny, and dry, with average highs around 78°F and lows in the mid-60s. It's the start of the dry season, so you'll get more sunshine and less humidity than in summer, and evenings are cool enough for a light sweater.
| Where | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Ocean Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | 78°F | 65°F | 74°F |
Can You Swim in Miami in December?
Yes. Ocean temperatures hold around 74°F in December, which is cooler than summer but comfortable for most swimmers, and the water is calmest in the morning. Christmas Day on the sand is a local tradition, and the beaches never close.
If you want more swimming options, the best beaches in the Keys are a two-hour drive south.
Things to Do in Miami for Christmas
Bayfront Holiday Village
Experience the holiday magic at Bayfront Holiday Village in Downtown Miami. Starting in early December, this festive wonderland features holiday markets, food vendors, live entertainment, and a towering 50-foot Christmas tree that comes to life with a Miami-style light show.
Enjoy rare outdoor ice skating, holiday-themed activities, and a chance to meet Santa while soaking in the sparkling views of Biscayne Bay. Perfect for family fun and holiday shopping, it's one of the best Christmas activities in Miami for getting into the festive spirit.
Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
Join the "World's Most Watched Boat Parade" along the 12-mile Intracoastal Waterway, featuring dazzling, illuminated vessels with Santa, Rudolph, and other holiday favorites. The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade celebrates its 55th year on December 12, 2026, starting at 6 p.m. from downtown Fort Lauderdale.
There's live entertainment, a chance to pose with Santa, and the option to enter your own boat. This South Florida tradition attracts over a million viewers and is worth the drive north.
Zoo Miami's Zoo Lights
Celebrate Christmas at Zoo Miami's Zoo Lights, where the zoo transforms into a winter wonderland with more than a million dazzling, animal-shaped lights.
Opening night is November 27, 2026, with a tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m., and the event runs on select nights through the end of December. Expect holiday-themed animal encounters, a 26-foot LED tree, an Arctic Express train ride, festive music, and themed events like Ugly Sweater Night.
Christmas Wonderland at Tropical Park
Head to Miami's Tropical Park for Christmas Wonderland, the city's holiday carnival. This high-energy experience offers rides, games, shows, and a North Pole village, all illuminated by millions of lights.
The LED Ferris wheel gives panoramic views of the fairground, and the event typically runs from mid-November into the first week of January. Perfect for a full night of holiday amusement, meeting Santa, and indulging in fried treats.
The Nutcracker at the Arsht Center
For something more traditional, Miami City Ballet performs George Balanchine's The Nutcracker at the Adrienne Arsht Center in mid-December, accompanied by a live orchestra. It's the most formal night on the Miami Christmas calendar, and tickets go quickly once school holidays begin. The 2026 Miami Nutcracker has shows between December 11 and December 27.
Where to Stay During Christmas in Miami
Book early. Miami at Christmas is peak season, and the week of December 25 is the most expensive stretch of the year.
The Setai, Miami Beach | ★★★★★
For those seeking a luxurious and serene Christmas getaway, The Setai in Miami Beach is an exceptional choice. This iconic oceanfront hotel offers elegant suites with Asian-inspired décor, stunning ocean views, and top-notch amenities.
During Christmas, The Setai's courtyard twinkles with festive lights, and guests can book a Christmas Eve feast at the hotel's restaurant, Jaya.
The Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables | ★★★★★
The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables is a historic landmark with timeless elegance and charm, making it perfect for a traditional Christmas stay.
The hotel's grand architecture and lush gardens provide a picturesque backdrop for the holiday season, and the Biltmore runs festive brunches and afternoon teas through December.
1 Hotel South Beach | ★★★★★
For eco-conscious travelers looking for a chic and modern stay, 1 Hotel South Beach is a top choice. This beachfront property combines luxury with sustainability, offering spacious rooms with natural materials and ocean views.
Located in the heart of South Beach, it puts you within walking distance of Miami Beach Christmas lights, Lincoln Road, and the sand itself.
Ready to book? Do it with an AI travel planner that books flight and hotel.
Where to Eat & Drink for Christmas in Miami
From trendy brunch spots to craft cocktail bars, Miami is a food hub. Nochebuena, on December 24, is the bigger meal in this city, so book Christmas Eve before you book Christmas Day.
Christmas Brunch Spots
- Festive Brunch at Zuma Miami: Start your Christmas Day with a stylish brunch at Zuma in Downtown Miami. Zuma is known for its contemporary Japanese cuisine, and their holiday brunch mixes fresh sushi, robata-grilled meats, and seasonal desserts in a chic setting with riverfront views.
- Christmas Day Brunch at The Rusty Pelican: Savor a four-course brunch at The Rusty Pelican with entrées like Lobster Benedict and Fried Chicken & Waffles, paired with bottomless mimosas and skyline views. In the evening, they switch to an à la carte dinner menu.
Christmas Dinner Destinations
- Christmas Dinner at Café La Trova: Café La Trova in Little Havana offers a vibrant Cuban Nochebuena with a prix fixe menu featuring dishes like lechón asado and seafood paella croquettes. Expect cocktails by Julio Cabrera and live music in a 1950s Havana setting.
Cuisine: Cuban
Reservations: Recommended, especially for Christmas Eve - Christmas Eve at The Drexel: The Drexel in South Beach serves a curated holiday menu that brings the comfort of a home-cooked meal with a gourmet twist. Past years have featured wood-roasted chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, haricot vert, and a skillet crumble for dessert.
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Reservations: Highly recommended for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Holiday Drink Spots
- Holiday Cocktails at Broken Shaker: If you're in the mood for some festive drinks, Broken Shaker at the Freehand Miami is the place to be. Known for its creative, handcrafted cocktails, it pours holiday-themed drinks all season in a lush, tropical garden.
- Christmas Spirits at The Regent Cocktail Club: For a more refined evening, visit The Regent Cocktail Club in Miami Beach. This classic bar pairs vintage-inspired décor and live music with expertly made holiday cocktails.
Where to Go Christmas Shopping in Miami
Brickell City Centre
Brickell City Centre is a sleek, modern shopping destination offering a wide range of luxury brands, perfect for holiday shopping. The open-air mall is beautifully decorated for the season, and Santa sets up for photos through December.
Miracle Mile, Coral Gables
Miracle Mile in Coral Gables is a charming stretch filled with boutique shops, making it an ideal spot for finding unique gifts. The street is strung with holiday lights, and Books & Books anchors the block for anyone shopping for readers.
Lincoln Road Mall
For an outdoor shopping experience, head to Lincoln Road Mall in South Beach. This pedestrian-only street is lined with shops, restaurants, and seasonal holiday markets, and it's a short walk from the beach.
The Best Christmas Lights in Miami
Pinecrest Gardens Nights of Lights
Visit Pinecrest Gardens' Nights of Lights to discover thousands of twinkling lights and larger-than-life installations illuminating the botanical landscape. Stroll through the holiday maze, catch story time with Mrs. Claus, or make it a date night with a cocktail and a performance at the Banyan Bowl. It typically runs on December evenings.
Deering Estate Historic Holidays
Experience the nostalgic charm of the season at Deering Estate's Historic Holidays. Each year the Richmond Cottage and Stone House come alive with festive décor built around a new theme, alongside decorated trees and immersive displays that call back to a bygone era. The 2026 theme "Tides & Tidings" runs from November 27 to January 6.
Enchanted Place of North Miami
The "Enchanted Place of North Miami" is a residential cul-de-sac on the 1800 block of Northeast 137th Terrace, renowned for its spectacular holiday light display. Since 1988, neighbors have transformed the street into a dazzling, free attraction, complete with elaborate lights and occasional Santa sightings. It typically runs through December and into the first week of January.
Best Places to Visit During Christmas in Miami
South Beach
Miami Beach Christmas looks like this: pack a beach bag, spend the day on the sand, and walk Ocean Drive after dark when the Art Deco facades are lit up. It's the perfect blend of holiday cheer and Miami's famous beach culture.
Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove offers a more laid-back holiday vibe, with charming streets lined with festive lights and boutique shops. Visit the Coconut Grove holiday market for unique gifts and local crafts, then eat outside at CocoWalk.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
One of the top Christmas activities in Miami is a visit to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for NightGarden, where the gardens are illuminated with thousands of lights, projections, and holographic animals after dark. This year's display runs on select evenings from November 7 to January 11, with tickets available for purchase online.
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Christmas in Miami FAQs
What Is Miami Like in December?
Busy, warm, and dry. December is the start of the dry season and the beginning of peak tourist season, so hotels and flights cost more, especially the week between Christmas and New Year's.
It's also the city's biggest cultural month, with Art Basel in early December and holiday events running straight through New Year's celebrations.
What Is There to Do in Miami on Christmas Day?
The best things to do in Miami on Christmas Day start with a morning swim, since the beaches never close and the water sits around 74°F.
From there, the usual plan is a long hotel brunch, an afternoon at Matheson Hammock or Virginia Key, and a drive through the Enchanted Place lights in North Miami after dark. Zoo Lights and the bigger holiday parks are the reliable evening options.
What's Open in Miami on Christmas Day?
The beaches, parks, and most outdoor attractions stay open on December 25, along with Zoo Miami, Bayside Marketplace, hotel restaurants, and many Cuban and Asian restaurants around the city.
Malls and most museums close for the day, including Vizcaya.
Light displays and holiday parks generally run on Christmas night, but check each one's schedule, since a few take December 25 off.
Where Can You Have Christmas Dinner in Miami?
For Christmas dinner, Miami's best tables are the ones that lean Cuban. Café La Trova and Versailles in Little Havana both serve Nochebuena menus on December 24, which is the bigger night here.
For December 25, hotel dining rooms like The Setai's Jaya and The Biltmore's restaurants take reservations, as do waterfront spots like The Rusty Pelican. Book several weeks out.
Is It Cold in Miami in December?
No. Highs average around 78°F and lows sit in the mid-60s, so you'll want a light jacket for evenings and nothing heavier. Cold fronts can drop nights into the 50s for a day or two, but snow, ice, and heavy coats are not part of Christmas in Miami.
Where Else Can I Spend Christmas in the Sun?
Florida has plenty of options beyond Miami. See our guides to the best Christmas towns in Florida and the best places to go during Christmas in the US.