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48 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Miami for Kids

South Florida is teeming with fun, family-friendly Christmas events and holiday fun! Photo by Jimmy 69 courtesy of Canva
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11/19/23 - By Lindsey Scannell

Christmas events and Hanukkah fun in South Florida have arrived. It's time for "snow" by the beach, holiday lights under Miami skies, and breakfast with Santa by the sea! Enjoy a night (or actually many nights) of twinkling magic at Night of Lights in Pinecrest; watch a holiday classic at The Nutcracker at Coral Springs Center for the Arts; celebrate the Festival of Lights at a Hanukkah Wonderland in Palm Beach; and go with free and fun at Winter Fest in Miami!

Read on for more of our favorite Christmas events and Holiday activities in Miami and South Florida. 

Check out these uniquely kid-friendly South Florida New Year's Eve celebrations, too!

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Fill up on breakfast with Santa at The Butler House in Deerfield Beach. Photo courtesy of Deerfield Beach Historical Society
Fill up on breakfast with Santa at The Butler House in Deerfield Beach. Photo courtesy of Deerfield Beach Historical Society

South Florida Holiday Events & Christmas Shows

Lights 4 Hope Holiday Light Show

West Palm Beach - Select nights through December 30, 2023
Load family and friends into the car and get in the holiday spirit at this drive-thru holiday light show. READ MORE

Miami Children’s Museum Winter Wonderland

Miami - Select days through January 1, 2024
Learn about cooler climates and the qualities and characteristics of snow while gliding and twirling in your socks in the indoor sock skating rink. READ MORE

Santa’s Enchanted Forest

Miami - Select days through January 4, 2024
Miami's seasonal theme park opens only for the holidays with more than 100 rides, games, shows, and attractions. Plus, enjoy Santa Claus visits, Christmas karaoke, and plenty of holiday lights. READ MORE

NightGarden: A Magical Light Experience

Coral Gables - Weekends through January 7, 2024
Walk through gardens transformed into an illuminated magical fairyland with technicolor flowers and unique sculptures. The magic includes lighting effects, outdoor holograms, motion sensing technology, projection mapping, and music. READ MORE

Pictures with Santa at Dadeland Mall

Miami - November 22 - December 24, 2023
Choose a date and head to the mall for your pictures with Santa. READ MORE

Photos with Santa at Broward Mall

Plantation - Select days November 24 - December 24, 2023
Santa has arrived and is ready to hear all about what you want for Christmas—and take the perfect holiday picture with you. READ MORE

Pictures with Santa at Dolphin Mall

Miami - November 24 - December 24, 2023
Enjoy pictures with Santa in a new Cozy Winterland holiday set. READ MORE

Home Depot Hanukkah Workshop

Boca Raton - Sunday, November 26, 2023
Build a Hannukah masterpiece, enjoy music, refreshments and receive your very own workers apron at this fun event. READ MORE

Winter Wonderland Laser Lights & Bites

West Palm Beach - December 1, 8, 15, & 22, 2023
Friday evenings in December are for singing, dancing along to holiday favorites, and an outdoor laser show spectacular. This year features a brand new show. Guests can also explore the outdoor exhibits, dazzling lights throughout the Science Trail, science-themed activities, s'mores, and food trucks. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at the Butler House

Deerfield Beach - Saturday, December 2, 2023
Under the Banyan tree on the grounds of the historic Butler House, a continental breakfast, arts and crafts, and a photo with Santa await guests. READ MORE

Hanukkah Wonderland in Palm Beach

Palm Beach - Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Children of all ages are invited to the annual Hanukkah Wonderland featuring entertainment, activities, booths, a bounce house, and the fun and famous Palm Beach Fire Rescue truck gelt drop! READ MORE

Hanukkah on Worth at the Rec Center

Palm Beach - Thursday, December 7, 2023
Enjoy a parachute gelt drop and live acrobatic entertainment, food, photo booth, crafts, bounce house, and more at this fun holiday celebration.  READ MORE

Menorah Lighting in Coconut Creek

Coconut Creek - Thursday, December 7, 2023
Join Promenade at Coconut Creek and The South Florida Jewish Academy for live music, latkes, donuts, and more at the annual menorah lighting to celebrate Hanukkah. READ MORE

Menorah Lighting Celebration

Fort Lauderdale - Thursday, December 7, 2023
Honor the first night of Hanukkah at this Menorah Lighting Celebration. Highlights include the traditional menorah lighting, music, and delicious customary treats. READ MORE

Wilton Manors Holiday Lighting Ceremony

Wilton Manors - Thursday, December 7, 2023
Enjoy this free holiday event for all ages and watch as the city lights the Menorah, Kinara, and the Wilton Manors Christmas Tree. READ MORE

Cookies and Cocoa with Santa in Cooper City

Cooper City - Friday, December 8, 2023 (Cooper City residents)
Santa Claus greets Cooper City kids in third grade and younger for a night of cookies and cocoa, crafts, pictures with Santa, and more. READ MORE

Old Town Trolley's Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tour

Key West - December 8-23, 2023
See all the best decorations on a holiday tour of historic Key West homes in a splendid cascade of lights and other decorative touches to see which local can outdo the other in a friendly, holiday-inspired competition. READ MORE

Christkindlmarkt in Lake Worth

Lake Worth - December 9 & 10, 2023
Share the holiday cheer and excitement of an authentic German outdoor Christmas tradition, Christkindlmarkt, right here in South Florida. The family-friendly market promises live entertainment throughout the day, crafts, a tree lighting, and a lantern parade.. READ MORE

North Pole Pajama Party

Fort Lauderdale - December 9 & 16, 2023
Put on your holiday pajamas or elf costume and enjoy all the museum exhibits including a holiday science show, an interactive "snowball” throwing station, make-and-take your own snow globe, and build-your-own snowman—then enjoy an IMAX screening of The Polar Express. READ MORE

Night of Lights

Pinecrest - December 9, 2023 - January 6, 2024
Step into a magical world of twinkling lights, festive treats, Santa sightings, a Holiday Bazaar, live performances in the historic Banyan Bowl, and more. READ MORE

Menorah Lighting Ceremony in Deerfield Beach

Deerfield Beach - Sunday, December 10, 2023
Rabbi Tzvi & Shana from Chabad of North Broward Beaches lead this traditional Menorah Lighting Ceremony to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah. READ MORE

The Nutcracker at Coral Springs Center for the Arts

Coral Springs - December 15-17, 2023
This enthralling production of the Tchaikovsky holiday ballet features a delightful twist in the tale, snow falling from the sky, exciting stage effects, and beautiful costuming. READ MORE

Holiday Wonderland at Delmar Farm

Loxahatchee - Saturday, December 16, 2023
Experience a magical Winter Wonderland at the farm with a walkthrough, pony rides, miniature horses, farm animals, Mrs. Claus Story Time, activities with Mrs. Cookie in her giant gingerbread house, elves, letters to Santa, and hot cocoa and cookies with Santa. READ MORE

Cookies with Santa at the Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast

Jensen Beach - Saturday, December 16, 2023
Celebrate the holiday season with a special story time, then meet and greet with Santa and decorate a holiday cookie. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at M.O.D.S

Fort Lauderdale - Sunday, December 31, 2023
Ring in 2023 with a mid-day celebration filled with immersive activities, music, dancing, science, and a ball drop. READ MORE
Photo courtesy of Oakland Park Holiday Village.
Photo courtesy of Oakland Park Holiday Village.

Free Christmas & Holiday Events Near Miami

Weekend Photos with Santa at The Square

West Palm Beach - Select nights through December 24, 2023
Commemorate the holidays and meet the jolly man himself  when you take your yearly picture with Santa while also enjoying a magical snowfall. READ MORE

Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops

Multiple locations - Through December 24, 2023
Experience the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Wonderland and get a free 4x6 photo with Santa. This event takes place at the Miami, Islamorada, and Dania Beach locations. READ MORE

Winter Wonderland in Plantation

Plantation - Select days through December 30, 2023
This event is a holiday display featuring over 40 different themed Christmas trees, a miniature train village, Hanukkah display, holiday gift shop, and more. READ MORE

Nightly Snowfall on the Square

West Palm Beach - Through December 31, 2023
Take in the magic of the holiday season with nightly snowfalls and light show each evening. READ MORE

Christmas at Stuart Main Street

Stuart - Friday, November 24, 2023
This much-loved family event features the annual lighting of the 30-ft Christmas Tree, as well as other fun activities for the whole family such as arts and crafts, face painting, and photos with Santa. READ MORE

Light Up the Galt

Fort Lauderdale - Thursday, November 30, 2023
The magic of the holiday season comes to the Galt Ocean Mile as the North Beach Restaurants and Shoppes and the City of Fort Lauderdale present an enchanted evening of live music, entertainment, food, and fun for the entire family. The event features live music, a kid’s zone, plus food and drink specials from more than 15 restaurants and bars. READ MORE

Light Up Sistrunk

Fort Lauderdale - Friday, December 1, 2023
Get ready for dancing in the streets at Light Up Sistrunk. This one-of-a-kind celebration features the lighting of a giant holiday tree, live bands, outstanding entertainment, a free toy giveaway, a health fair, food trucks, a kids zone complete with Santa, bounce houses, slides, and arts and crafts plus a teen area with a DJ, activities, and more.  READ MORE

Light Up Cooper City

Cooper City - Friday, December 1, 2023
Families can start the holiday season by lighting up the park with holiday cheer,  visiting with Santa, and enjoying a holiday bazaar and performances. READ MORE

Holiday Tree Lighting in Sunrise

Sunrise - Friday, December 1, 2023
Enjoy live music and colorful decorations at this festive ceremony lighting the 40-foot tree. READ MORE

Oakland Park Holiday Village

Oakland Park - December 1 & 2, 2023
Enjoy a free family event with a 40-foot Christmas tree, a snow slide, Holiday Village of artisan and craft vendors, live entertainment, and visits from Santa. READ MORE

Winter Kiddos Land at CityPlace Doral

Doral - Saturday, December 2, 2023
Head to Winter Kiddos Land at CityPlace Doral and celebrate the holiday season with character appearances, a photo booth, Santa’s elves' workshop, a toddler zone, and a letter to Santa station. READ MORE

City of Palm Beach Gardens Tree Lighting

Palm Beach Gardens - Saturday, December 2, 2023
Kick off the holiday season with Santa, food trucks, and a concert featuring Wonderama. READ MORE

Holiday Lighting of the Greens Festival

Davie - Saturday, December 2, 2023
Enjoy lighting up the holiday season with thousands of sparkling lights and holiday decorations and activities such as a Jingle Bell Lighted Horse Parade, live entertainment, children's activities and rides, and a visit with Santa and his friends. READ MORE

Light Up Your Holidays in Palmetto Bay

Palmetto Bay - Saturday, December 2, 2023
Kick off your Holiday season with this fun and festive event for all ages, featuring dance and musical performances, food and craft vendors, snow flurries, letters to Santa, a giant Christmas tree, and more. READ MORE

Candy Cane Parade

Hollywood - Saturday, December 2, 2023
The Candy Cane Parade on Hollywood Beach is one of the longest running holiday parades in the country. It started back in the mid-1950’s by a group of Hollywood merchants as a way to draw patrons to their shops and businesses. Today it features dozens of lighted floats and vehicles along the parade route entertaining the thousands of spectators who line the Broadwalk. READ MORE

Ocean Way Holiday

Deerfield Beach - December 2-31, 2023
Light up Ocean Way with live entertainment, Santa and his Reindeer, a giant interactive snow globe, ice skating, treats, and more. READ MORE

Holiday Tree Celebration

Palm Beach Gardens - December 3-24, 2023
Local stores have teamed up with local non-profits in a friendly competition to decorate the best holiday tree, and they need your help to win. Walk the lineup of trees, vote for your favorite, and take tons of pictures at this fun holiday event. READ MORE

Royal Palm Beach Winter Fest

Royal Palm Beach - December 3-29, 2023
Slide down a snow slide, take a train ride, get on the Ferris wheel, and take a photo with Santa all while listening to live music at this event. READ MORE

Holiday Boat Parade in Boynton Beach

Boynton Beach - Friday, December 8, 2023
A festive flotilla lights up the Intracoastal waterways of Boynton Beach for the Holiday Boat Parade, an event which includes festive music, children’s activities, and a special visit from Santa. READ MORE

Christmas Near The Beach Festival and Market

Hollywood - Saturday, December 9, 2023
Celebrate the holiday season with this hometown local family tradition celebrating the wonder of Christmas with a show of music and entertainment featuring performances by local artists, bands, ballet, and dance groups—plus a visit with Santa Claus. READ MORE

Cookies with Santa in Coral Springs

Coral Springs - Saturday, December 9, 2023
This gathering with Santa and Mrs. Claus brings the magic of the holiday season alive as children enjoy cookies, storytime in the Macy's Women's Court. READ MORE

Holiday Carolers at Downtown Palm Beach Gardens

Palm Beach Gardens - December 9 & 23, 2023
Families can shop, dine, or just come out to enjoy acapella holiday music with the community, as festive carolers stroll the property spreading holiday cheer. READ MORE

Santa by the Sea in Wilton Manors

Wilton Manors - Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Kids and adults of all ages are welcome to greet Santa and his elves at the Colohatchee Park Boat Ramp before he begins his journey along the Middle River. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Mandel Recreation Center Lawn
Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors
American German Club of the Palm Beaches
Deerfield Beach Historical Society
Plantation Historical Society
Fort Lauderdale Beach Community Center
Gardens North County District Park
Village Of Palmetto Bay Village Hall
Hollywood Beach Boardwalk