A Local’s Guide to Christmas in Miami

How to spend perfect Christmas in Miami

How to spend Christmas in Miami

Miami in December Weather

Escape the winter weather by heading to Miami in December. With average December temperatures between 65-79 degrees, the weather is absolutely ideal.

Art Basel Fair

December happens to be the busiest time of year in this area due to Miami’s International Art Week. The Art Basel Fair at the Miami Beach Convention Center is an annual contemporary art fair that displays work from more than 4,000 artists from 36 countries throughout December. 

What is Christmas like in Miami?

With warm temperatures, a tropical climate, gorgeous light displays, and plenty of holiday activities, Christmas in Miami is truly magical! 

Outdoor Winter Activities in Miami 

1. Lincoln Road Decorations and Restaurants 

This popular outdoor shopping destination has hundreds of shops, boutiques, restaurants, and galleries. You can finish your Christmas shopping while admiring all of the cute decorations. Lincoln Road is also a great place to go out for Christmas dinner or shop for your Christmas dinner at the Sunday Farmers’ Market.

2. SoundScape Cinema Series

Miami Beach hosts weekly outdoor movies at SoundScape Park every Wednesday evening from November to May. In December, bring the whole family to enjoy Christmas movies outdoors.

3. Deering Holiday Wonderland

The Deering Estate, the former home of Charles Deering, celebrates the holidays with festive events. Their Historic Holiday Decor event is on display every day during the holiday season and is free with general admission to the estate.

4. Visit A Christmas Market

Wynwood Market is always a good time, but it’s even more fun during the holidays. This 75,000 square foot open-air venue in the heart of Wynwood is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.

5. Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker

There’s nothing more festive than the Nutcracker; watching it performed by the Miami City Ballet is simply stunning.

6. See The Christmas Tree At Bayfront Park

The lighting of the 52-foot tree at Bayfront Park marks the beginning of Miami’s Christmas celebration. In addition to the extravagant Christmas tree and lighting show, you can also enjoy countless bars, restaurants, live music, and water cruises while you’re here.

7. NightGarden at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Every year, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden converts into a sparkling winter wonderland filled with impressive illumination and special effects. While you’re here, you can also stop by one of the many food trucks.

8. Luminosa Chinese Lantern Festival 

The Luminosa Chinese Lantern Festival at Jungle Island features 13 acres of trails and over one million LED lights. The bright Chinese Lanterns make for an exquisite nighttime experience. 

9. Miracle Christmas Pop-up Bar

Trendy holiday pop-up bars have officially hit Miami. Head over to Gramps for the iconic Miracle Christmas pop-up bar. Their holiday-inspired cocktails and extravagant decor will give you just the right dose of Christmas magic.

10. Sunset with the locals – Sunset at South Pointe Park

Arguably one of the most beautiful parks in Miami, South Pointe Park isn’t only known for its sunsets, but also for the amazing people.

Pack a picnic and head to this park, where you are likely to encounter musicians, acro yogis, slackline performers, salsa dancers, and tons of other colorful activities taking place. Cruise and cargo ships use this cut to sail in and out of Miami’s port, and seeing them so close never gets old.

Why visit Miami in winter

So, warm (but not hot) weather is the main reason Miami is visited in winter. You’ll never experience low temperatures here. On the other hand, the temperatures are not extremely high, as sometimes in summer.

For example, those who love golf have the best winter conditions on the courses of Naples Grande or Royal Poinciana, just two of the more than 90 courses in Naples, nicknamed the “golf capital of the world.” If you’re not a golf fan, wear your shorts and head out for a stroll on the boardwalk or a picnic on the beach.

Winter is the best time to visit Florida

Since November is the end of hurricane season, winter is also the best time to get out on the water in Florida. Take a boat tour to see dolphins in their natural habitat, or rent a yacht to enjoy the sunset in Fort Lauderdale. And if you’re a big beach lover, imagine that while others are making snowmen, you can build sandcastles on one of Miami’s many stretches of sand. Add to that the idea of water sports, from kayaking to paddleboarding.

Winter Festivals

Also, some special festivals are held in Miami in winters, such as Night Of Lights in December or The Charles Dickens Festival at Fernandina Beach. Even the swamps of Everglade Park are more advisable to visit in winter . With less rainfall, animals are more likely to be seen. In addition, from November to April is the migration period for sea cows (or manatees), which can be best seen in the Sisters Springs area. Bird watchers will also be delighted to discover several migratory species that appear in Florida between October and May – flamingoes, spoonbills, etc.

Traffic Advantage

Let’s not forget that in winter, traffic is lighter in Miami. Racing enthusiasts have a reason to come in February for the famous Daytona 500 event, while foodies can take leisurely tours to find out where the best Cuban sandwiches are eaten or enjoy the perfect Florida citrus season, with its explosion of tangerines, oranges, and grapefruits.