Christmas Events Throughout South Florida

This Christmas season, South Florida provides its residents (and visitors) a wealth of seasonal activities. The events shown below is not an exhaustive list.
1.) Santa’s Enchanted Forest: 11/3-1/8/2012
Located in Tropical Park, Santa’s Enchanted Forest is a blend of a Christmas-themed park and a carnival offering hundreds of rides, games, food, pony rides, and a petting zoo.
Tropical Park
7900 SW 40th St
Miami, FL 33155

2.) Light Up Lauderdale: 11/18/2011
Kick off the holiday season by attending Fort Lauderdale’s Tree Lighting ceremony (along the New River) performed by Lauderdale’s own Mayor Jack Seiler. Food trucks, children’s events, and other surprises will also be at the event. Admission is free.
Esplanade Park
400 SW 2nd Ave
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

3.) Bayfront Park’s Tree Lighting : 11/25/2011
Enjoy the start of the Christmas season by attending the official lighting of Bayfront Park’s 50-foot artificial tree at 7pm.
Bayfront Park
301 N. Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132

4.) Actors’ Playhouse: Madeline’s Christmas: 11/29-12/24
This play is about a group of girls and their caretaker, Miss Clavel. When everyone (except Madeline) get the flu, it is up to Madeline to save the day with the help of a mysterious Rug Merchant. The play is performed on Saturdays at 2pm with special Holiday performances on December 23rd & 24th at 7pm.
Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre
280 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL 33134

5.) Deering Holiday Wonderland: 12/1-12/31/2011
Tour the elegant and historic houses in the Deering Estate with holiday accents and decorations. Explore the grounds and buildings at your own leisure or with a guided tour held daily at 10:30am and 3pm.
Deering Estate at Cutler
16701 SW 72nd Ave.
Miami, FL 33157

6.) Winterfest in Miami Shores: 12/2/2011
Provided by the Mayor’s Community Task Force, WinterFest includes activities such as meeting Santa, face paintings, holiday crafts, and rides. A wristband is needed for the activities which must be purchased prior to the event at the Miami Shores Community Center. Fees for the event are TBA.

7.) Holiday Lights Cruise: 12/7/2011
View the seasonal holiday light displays along the New River on board the Anticipation IV yacht. Admission to this two-hour cruise includes an open bar, and hors d’oeuvres is $40 per person. Tickets are limited and are available online. Cruisers meet at 333 Las Olas Way. Parking is available at local meters. Sun Sentinel Building Garage, One Las Olas Plaza, or the Stiles building.

8.) Actors’ Playhouse: Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol: 12/7-1/1/2011
Travel on this well-known journey with Marley as he rescues Scrooge’s soul and in the process his own.
Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre
280 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL 33134

9.) Theater Up Close: The Santaland Diaries: 12/8-12/23-2011
A holiday classic by David Sedaris and adapted for the stage by Joe Mantello, this play provides a biting and humorous reminder of the holiday season.
Adrienne Arsht Center
1300 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132

10.) Miami City Ballet: George Ballanchine’s The Nutcracker: 12/15-12/18/2011
Enjoy the Miami City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker with beautiful sets, costumes, and special effects. The production also has large supporting cast of children from the Miami-Dade area joining MCB’s international stars to present this holiday favorite for the whole family. Performances are at 7:30pm on Thursday and Friday; 2pm & 7:30pm on Saturday; 1pm & 6:30pm on Sunday.
Adrienne Arsht Center
1300 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132

11.) Story-time & Kids Crafts with Santa: 12/17/2011
From 10am-noon, Children will enjoy listening to classic holiday stories while sitting next to the Christmas tree in the historic Stone House Ballroom. Children can also have their photo taken with Santa for an additional fee or bring their own camera and take the photo for free. After story-time, the youngsters can participate in a holiday-themed arts & crafts activity.
Deering Estate at Cutler
16701 SW 72nd Ave.
Miami, FL 3157

12.) Zoo Lights: 12/18-12/23/2011
Zoo Miami opens at night (from 7-10pm) for this special holiday event with dozens of bright animal-shaped lights. Enjoy hot chocolate, holiday songs, and more.
Zoo Miami
12400 SW 152nd St
Miami, FL 33177

13.) Caroling Hayride & Light Up the Village in Miami Shores: 12/20/2011
If you live in Miami Shores, purchase your luminary bags from the Community Center and place them on your front lawn on Dec 20th. The Hayride Carolers will visit your house between 6:30pm-9pm. Fees for luminary bags are TBA.
Come for a hayride and sing Christmas carols at various houses throughout Miami Shores. Admission in free, and space is limited. Call (305)758-8103 or sign up at the Miami Shores Community Center by Dec 10th. Remember to bring a flashlight.

14.) Miccosukee Indian Arts Festival: 12/26-1/1/2012
Experience the customs and culture of the Native Americans from all over the country at the Village.
Miccosukee Indian Village
Mile Marker 70, US Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail)
Miami, FL 33144


People also view

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *