The Holiday Season has arrived in South Florida! 🎄✨ There is a special magic in the air as the festive season descends upon the Sunshine State.
South Florida transforms into a twinkling winter wonderland from late November through early January, boasting larger-than-life light installations, Christmas music, and enchanting drive-thru Christmas lights that will fill your heart with holiday cheer. Let me show you 11 of the best places to visit this holiday season!
1. Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami
Address: 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL
Event Dates: Select Nights November 29 - December 30, 2024
Experience the enchantment of Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami, which features a spectacular light display of over one million dazzling tree lights around the park.
The festivities kick off November 29 with a magical Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 7 pm, accompanied by yuletide carolers and stilt walkers. Every evening promises a 26-foot-tall LED holiday tree and whimsical delights, including appearances by Santa (until 12/23), music, arts and crafts, animal appearances, and themed photo spots.
This year, they also have special themed nights, including holiday pajamas, ugly sweaters, galactic nights, and glitz and glam nights. Check out the calendar on their website for more details!
2. Sea of Lights at Miami Seaquarium
Address: 4400, Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL 33149
Event Dates: November 24 - December 30, 2024
Dive into the holiday spirit with Sea of Lights at Miami Seaquarium, a captivating celebration illuminating the season with over 300 enchanting light displays. This magical event unveils whimsical exhibits like surfing Santas, prancing reindeer, and a colossal gingerbread house.
Enjoy holiday-themed shows, capture memorable photos with Reef Santa, and do not forget to drop off your letters to Santa in his special mailbox. Indulge in the delicious treat of S'mores ($) for an extra dash of festive delight amidst joyful activities awaiting your exploration.
3. Water Taxi Holiday Lights Cruise
Address: 335 SE 6th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Event Dates: December 5, 2024 - January 4, 2025
Fort Lauderdale's Water Taxi Holiday Lights Cruise offers a 90-minute festive journey through the city’s beautifully lit waterways. Boarding takes place at Stop One near the Riverside Hotel, and guests can enjoy live music, illuminated views, and a cheerful atmosphere.
For an upgraded experience, the VIP Captain’s Holiday Pass includes access to a premium open bar.
4. Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
Address: 80 Las Olas Cir, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Event Dates: December 14, 2024
Greater Fort Lauderdale’s iconic holiday lighted boat parade will return for its 53rd year. This dazzling event features boats of all sizes adorned with holiday lights and Christmas decorations, celebrating the theme “Sawgrass to Seagrass: Waves of Holiday Cheer.”
The 12-mile parade begins at the New River near the Historic Stranahan House Museum and continues along the Intracoastal Waterway, concluding in Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach.
For the best views, head to Winterfest’s Parade Viewing Area at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park, where tickets are $40 for adults and $35 for children 10 and under.
This prime spot offers access to live entertainment, holiday-themed activities, vendors, and the Stella Artois Culinary Courtyard, along with photo opportunities featuring Santa Claus and popular mascots.
If you prefer a more relaxed option, bring a lawn chair and enjoy the festive atmosphere from various points along the Intracoastal Waterway.
5. Pinecrest Gardens Nights of Lights
Address: 11000 Red Road, Pinecrest, Florida 33156
Event Dates: Select dates between December 6, 2024 - January 4, 2025
Pinecrest Gardens Nights of Lights transforms its botanical garden into a dazzling winter wonderland with twinkling light displays and festive activities.
Highlights include a lighted tunnel, the tallest Christmas tree to date, nightly story time, and a Holiday Bazaar open throughout the event.
Visitors can enjoy Santa sightings through December 23, live performances in the Banyan Bowl, and unique experiences like a Dr. Seuss-themed weekend and an outdoor movie night with s'mores on select nights.
Other special events include holiday carolers, live music, and engaging entertainment, such as elf jugglers and stilt walkers, creating memorable moments for the whole family.
6. Christmas Wonderland at Tropical Park
Address: 7900 SW 40th St, Miami, FL, 33155
Event Dates: November 23, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Experience the enchantment of Christmas Wonderland at Tropical Park, a dazzling celebration that combines rides for all thrill levels at the Magnificent Midway with captivating shows, gorgeous displays, and exciting games.
Explore HoliDade's vibrant streets and Arctic Delight's snowy wonderland, featuring an Ice Bar and a plethora of immersive activities that encapsulate the spirit of Miami during the holiday season.
Meet Santa and his reindeer at Santa's Village, capture memorable moments in commemorative photos, and stroll through Sweet Street, their version of Candy Land, with life-size candy canes and an explosion of color and sweets. Christmas Wonderland at Tropical Park offers an unforgettable holiday experience for the entire family.
7. NightGarden Miami
Address: 10901 Old Cutler Road, Miami, Florida 33156
Event Dates: November 15, 2024 - January 12, 2025
Experience the mesmerizing NightGarden Miami, a magical light spectacular that transforms Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden into a dazzling wonderland filled with over twelve immersive experience stations.
Explore the enchanting 23-acre gardens adorned with thousands of lights, technicolor flowers, and intricate sculptures, creating a fairyland straight out of a dream. Engage with state-of-the-art technology blending lighting effects, holograms, motion sensors, and music, while the FairyScope™ app offers an augmented reality adventure.
Delight in an array of activities from a Fairy Quest to encountering an old wise talking tree along rainbow-colored pathways, complemented by delectable offerings from Miami's popular food trucks, making this extraordinary light show a perfect delight for visitors of all ages. However, it is not your typical Christmas lights display as the others are.
8. The Berry Farm's 5th Annual Winter Festival
Address: 13720 SW 216th Street Miami, FL 33170
Event Dates: November 22, 2024 - January 5, 2025
The Berry Farm's 5th Annual Winter Festival offers a festive experience with elaborate holiday photo opportunities, a seasonal menu, and photos with Santa.
At night, the magic continues with Berry Bright Winter Nights, where tens of thousands of holiday lights transform the outdoor space into a dazzling display of seasonal cheer.
Guests can enjoy a vibrant light show and immerse themselves in the joy and wonder of the season, making it a perfect destination for creating cherished holiday traditions with family and friends.
9. Holiday Fantasy of Lights
Address: 3600 W Sample Rd, Coconut Creek, FL 33073
Event Dates: November 23, 2024 - January 4, 2025
Experience the epitome of holiday cheer at Holiday Fantasy of Lights from the comfort of your vehicle at South Florida's beloved drive-thru extravaganza, running from 6 - 10 pm. With a mesmerizing 3-mile route adorned with enchanting displays, it is the perfect family-friendly event to dive into the holiday spirit.
You can purchase your tickets online or upon arrival (cash is not accepted). It is $28 per car or $60 for larger vehicles with (15+ passengers), plus processing fees. Moreover, enhance the magic by purchasing special-effect glasses to make this holiday light show drive-thru experience even more enchanting!
10. Lights 4 Hope 7th Annual Drive-Through Light Show
Address: 7715 Forest Hill Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33413
Event Dates: December 13 - 29, 2024 (excluding Christmas Eve night)
Step into the enchanting world of Lights 4 Hope's 7th Annual Drive-Through Light Show, boasting an impressive two-mile showcase of animated, musical holiday displays.
This heartwarming family event celebrates the season and supports Lights 4 Hope, a non-profit organization whose mission is to spread joy and to help local families whose child may be suffering from terminal illness or a life-changing physical change.
For just $20, standard cars and trucks with up to 8 passengers can enjoy this festive drive, while larger vans and small buses carrying 9-12 passengers can join in for $30, and larger buses with 13+ passengers for $40.
Experience the magic of the season while contributing to a charitable effort dedicated to bringing joy to families facing challenging circumstances.
11. The Magic of Lights at Paradise Coast Sports Complex
Address: 3908 City Gate Blvd N Naples, FL 34117
Event Dates: November 22, 2024 to January 4, 2025
Experience the enchantment of The Magic of Lights at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex, an enthralling drive-through holiday spectacle featuring over 2 million twinkling lights and stunning displays spanning six miles.
Highlights include the 200-foot Enchanting Tunnel of Lights, themed displays like Prehistoric Christmas with life-sized dinosaurs, the 12 Days of Christmas, Toyland, and Reindeer Road, and iconic displays like the 32-foot-tall animated Mattel’s Waving Christmas Barbie® and the BIGFOOT® Monster Truck.
For 2024, the MagicVision Selfie Filters add a festive touch, transforming selfies into holiday-themed images perfect for sharing. You can purchase tickets for $28 for a standard vehicle and $50 for a limo or party bus.
Sad News
If you grew up in South Florida from 1984 to 2024, you may remember visiting Santa's Enchanted Forest. It was a magical Christmas oasis with the best holiday lights, festive cheer, and family-friendly festivities!
It also proudly held the title of the world's largest holiday park, adorned with over 100 carnival rides, games, and seasonal shows across 40 acres.
The event offered captivating shows, including acrobatics and magic, holiday decorations, interactive fun scattered throughout, and 50 food stands offering delightful treats. However, they announced they will be closed for the 2024 holiday season.
Happy Holidays!
It is the most wonderful time of the year, and South Florida is ready to welcome you with its festive decorations, holiday music, and palm trees this Christmas season!
From the mesmerizing displays at Christmas Wonderland at Tropical Park to magical journeys through Zoo Miami and the Seaquarium, these holiday events and Christmas light displays offer a perfect blend of magic and tradition.
Grab your loved ones and some hot chocolate as you embark on an unforgettable Christmas adventure as you create a new annual holiday tradition!
Have you been to any of these Christmas events in South Florida? Let me know in the comments below!
Share this article with the person or people you want to go on your next adventure with! Also, be sure to SUBSCRIBE below to learn about other places you should add to your "To Visit" List! Ready? Okay, vamos. Time to have fun!
Did you enjoy and find this blog post helpful?
If yes, subscribe at the end of this page to "Join the Fun 🥳" and receive our weekly newsletter so you do not miss out on a blog post!
You can also show your support and rep Dale, Let's Travel! by purchasing our 3x3 inch glossy sticker for $5! Free shipping within the United States. Are you interested in purchasing a sticker or two?
Email us at contactus@daleletstravel.com with the subject line "DLT! Sticker" or "Blog Sticker," we can finalize your payment method and grab your mailing address there! Thank you for supporting my small business! 😊
