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Christmas Weekend 2023 in Miami & South Florida Top Things To Do: Holiday Lights, Santa Sightings, and More

Experience the dazzling colors of Zoo Lights this Christmas weekend, as well as a scavenger hunt, Santa, and more! Photo courtesy of Zoo Miami
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12/20/23 - By Lindsey Scannell

Looking for the best things to do in Miami and South Florida this Christmas weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list

Christmas weekend is almost here and we're in full celebration mode. Gather the family together and head to one of the many festive events in Miami and South Florida for the holidays. Looking to meet Santa? Get a picture with jolly St. Nick at Christmas at Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops and enjoy an ice cream with the big guy at Christmas with Santa at Larry's. Finish last-minute shopping  while lovely sounds of Christmas at Holiday Carolers at Downtown Palm Beach Gardens. Head out to the final Christmas weekend of Christmas Nights at Tinez Farms and partake in the craft station, send a letter to Santa, and take part in a magical snow experience.

Check out all our picks for this Christmas weekend, including more things open on Christmas Day! Keep the kids entertained during their school break with our Christmas Vacation Ideas for Kids in Miami & South Florida. Whatever your plans this weekend, have a very happy holiday from your friends at Mommy Poppins!

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Try to find Santa's reindeer at A Very Merry Garden: Reindeer Round-Up & Santa Letters at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Photo courtesy of the event
Try to find Santa's reindeer at A Very Merry Garden: Reindeer Round-Up & Santa Letters at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Photo courtesy of the event

Things to Do Christmas Weekend in Miami & South Florida

Flamingo Gardens’ Garden of Lights

Davie - Through December 23, 2023
Thousands of lights and holiday decor fill the Arboretum and Wray Lawn at this annual holiday event featuring an after-hours, self-guided walk through the botanical gardens adorned with thousands of lights and decorations. READ MORE

Old Town Trolley's Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tour

Key West - Through December 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

Scrooge! A Fractured Christmas Carol

Miami - December 21-23, 2023
Embark on an unforgettable journey this holiday season with Scrooge! A Fractured Christmas Carol - a reimagined version of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale that is great for the whole family. READ MORE

Christmas Nights at Tinez Farms

Miami - Final weekend! December 22 & 23, 2023
Christmas nights are back at the farm with Christmas craft station, letters to Santa station, pictures with Santa, holiday photo-ops, garden maze, Christmas movies, snow experience, Tinez yard games, zip lines, bounce house, farm swings, animal interactions and snow tubing slide.  READ MORE

Zoo Lights Miami

Miami - December 22 & 23, 2023
Walk through more than one million bright and dazzling tree lights, see a 26-foot-tall LED holiday tree, and enjoy animal appearances and appearances by Santa at this fun holiday event. READ MORE

Brunch with Santa at Shooters

Fort Lauderdale - Saturday, December 23, 2023
During brunches in the month of December, Santa Claus is docking to enjoy the meal with you. Enjoy spectacular views, seafood, and get your picture with Santa as well as, kiddos being able to chat with him about whats on their list.   READ MORE

Santa Visit in Plantation

Plantation- Saturday, December 23, 2023
Visit Santa in a Winter Wonderland Exhibit with over 40 different holiday trees and gift shop. READ MORE

Saturdays with Santa in West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach - Saturday, December 23, 2023
Enjoy Christmas cookies and a fun photo op with Santa. READ MORE

Holiday Carolers at Downtown Palm Beach Gardens

Palm Beach Gardens - Saturday, December 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

Christmas with Santa at Larry's

Boca Raton - Saturday, December 23, 2023
Enjoy ice cream while meeting Santa and getting your picture taken for free. 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

Lights 4 Hope Holiday Light Show

Davie - Select nights through December 30, 2023 (open Christmas Day)
Load family and friends into the car and get in the holiday spirit at this drive-thru holiday light show. READ MORE

A Very Merry Garden: Reindeer Round-Up & Santa Letters

Miami - Through January 1, 2024 (open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Santa’s reindeer are hiding across the Garden, soaking up as much sun as possible before heading back to the North Pole, and the gardeners need your help to find them. Find all of Santa’s reindeer for a chance to win a prize. And stop by Santa's post office to send a letter! READ MORE

Holiday Fantasy of Lights

Coconut Creek - Through January 1, 2024 (open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Running nightly, this local holiday tradition in Tradewinds Park is a 2.5 mile drive-thru route including dozens of static and animated light displays and illuminated trees. READ MORE

Santa’s Enchanted Forest

Miami - Through January 7, 2024 (open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
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

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