Miami in December is an exhilarating experience, where tropical charm meets holiday festivities and world-class events.
Whether you’re here for the beach or the arts, Miami offers an endless array of activities to make your December unforgettable.
From dazzling lights and iconic music festivals to cultural events and winter wonderlands, here’s your ultimate guide to Miami’s most exciting events in December 2024.
What to Do in Miami In December
December is a unique time to experience the magic of Miami. With temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 80s, visitors can stroll along South Beach and enjoy the vibrant streets of Miami.
The Miami Beach Holiday Festival features a stunning Christmas tree and the beach holiday festival of lights, perfect for family fun.
Take a tour of Miami to experience the holiday magic at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden and Tropical Park.
Don’t miss the enchanting holiday boat parade on Biscayne Bay, where you can sip a festive cocktail while watching the lights.
The New World Symphony offers special events for art lovers that showcase the city’s Art Deco heritage.
In Downtown Miami, join the Miami Heat fans for an exciting game, and visit Lincoln Road for shopping and dining.
For a magical experience, head to the Enchanted Forest or explore the most extensive holiday theme park in North Miami. Spending Christmas in Miami means embracing all the holiday events that make this the most festive month.
Art Basel Miami Beach
- When: December 5-8, 2024
- Where: Miami Beach Convention Center
- What to Expect: Art Basel is one of the most anticipated art events globally. Miami Beach turns into an art mecca. Expect to see works from renowned artists, experimental exhibits, immersive installations, and exciting galleries. Beyond the convention center, local galleries and pop-up shows create an inspiring cultural experience that attracts thousands of art lovers.
The Winterfest Boat Parade
- When: December 14, 2024
- Where: New River, Fort Lauderdale
- What to Expect: This legendary boat parade lights up the New River with elaborately decorated yachts and boats of all sizes. Festive lights, holiday music, and a lively crowd make it a memorable holiday experience for the entire family.
Enchant Christmas at the Fair Expo Center
- When: December 1-31, 2024
- Where: Miami-Dade Fair Expo Center
- What to Expect: Get ready to step into a winter wonderland! Enchant Christmas brings a breathtaking maze of lights, holiday markets, and ice-skating trails to Miami. This family-friendly event also includes visits with Santa, interactive games, and plenty of photo ops.
Night Garden at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
- When: December 1-31, 2024
- Where: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
- What to Expect: Take a magical journey through the illuminated gardens with Night Garden. This immersive experience combines nature with technology, including holographic creatures, light displays, and interactive stories.
Christmas Wonderland
- When: Throughout December
- Where: Locations across Miami
- What to Expect: Christmas Wonderland brings holiday cheer to multiple spots around Miami with dazzling light displays, themed attractions, and festive markets. Visitors can enjoy holiday shopping, carol singing, and plenty of festive treats.
Luminosa: A Festival of Lights
- When: December 1-31, 2024
- Where: Jungle Island
- What to Expect: This annual celebration transforms Jungle Island with vibrant, large-scale illuminated displays celebrating Miami’s tropical landscape and holiday themes.
Fatboy Slim at Hyde Beach
- When: December 20, 2024
- Where: Hyde Beach, Miami Beach
- What to Expect: Dance the night away with legendary DJ Fatboy Slim, who’s sure to bring his iconic beats to the shores of Miami Beach. Hyde Beach’s electric atmosphere and oceanfront setting make it the perfect venue for an unforgettable night.
Elrow: Hallucinarium at Factory Town
- When: December 21, 2024
- Where: Factory Town, Miami
- What to Expect: Known for its immersive and fantastical parties, Elrow’s Hallucination is an event to be noticed. Expect mesmerizing visual effects, wild costumes, and non-stop dancing at this famed Miami venue.
- website https://elrow.com/
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
- When: December 10-31, 2024
- Where: Miami City Ballet
- What to Expect: A holiday classic, Miami City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker brings the magic of George Balanchine’s choreography to life. This family-friendly performance is a beautiful way to embrace the holiday spirit.
- website https://www.miamicityballet.org/tickets-and-events/202425-season/nutcracker/
Mayan Warrior at Factory Town
- When: December 22, 2024
- Where: Factory Town, Miami
- What to Expect: Straight from the Playa, the Mayan Warrior’s immersive art, lights, and electronic music create a unique experience. This event brings together art and music for a spectacular evening, true to its roots in the Burning Man festival.
A Christmas Carol, The Musical
- When: December 15-24, 2024
- Where: Adrienne Arsht Center
- What to Expect: This musical adaptation dives into the classic story of A Christmas Carol. A family favorite, it’s a heartwarming reminder of the season’s true spirit.
Lightfall by Studio Lemercier
- When: December 12-23, 2024
- Where: Miami Design District
- What to Expect: Lightfall is an immersive art installation featuring light and soundscapes that showcase Miami’s urban and natural landscapes. It’s perfect for art lovers and families alike, especially those who enjoy interactive exhibits.
- website https://www.superblue.com/miami/studio-lemercier-lightfall
Zoo Lights at Palm Beach Zoo
- When: Select dates in December
- Where: Palm Beach Zoo
- What to Expect: A family-favorite event, Zoo Lights transforms the Palm Beach Zoo into a holiday spectacle, complete with twinkling lights, Christmas carols, and themed activities.
- website https://www.palmbeachzoo.org/zoolights
- Address: 1301 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
Rolling Loud: 10 Years
- When: December 13-15, 2024
- Where: Hard Rock Stadium
- What to Expect: This year marks the 10th anniversary of Rolling Loud, Miami’s massive hip-hop festival. For this milestone celebration, expect top-tier headliners, unforgettable performances, and a vibrant crowd.
- website https://www.rollingloud.com/miami2024
Bitbasel: The Future of the Arts
- When: December 5-8, 2024
- Where: Miami
- What to Expect: This conference highlights the intersection of art and technology, showcasing innovations like NFTs, digital art, and metaverse experiences. Bitbasel is a must for tech enthusiasts and creatives alike.
- website https://www.bitbasel.miami/
A Drag Queen Christmas
- When: December 18, 2024
- Where: The Fillmore Miami Beach
- What to Expect: Celebrate the holidays with a glamorous twist at this festive event, which brings together talented drag performers for a night filled with music, holiday cheer, and high-energy performances.
The Great Yes, The Great No at Miami Knight Concert Hall
- When: December 19, 2024
- Where: Knight Concert Hall
- What to Expect: This experimental show combines theater, music, and avant-garde art for a unique, thought-provoking experience. It’s an immersive experience for those interested in modern and experimental performances.
Free Family Fun Day at History Miami Museum
- When: December 14, 2024
- Where: HistoryMiami Museum
- What to Expect: Enjoy a free day of family activities, arts and crafts, and guided tours at HistoryMiami Museum. This engaging look at Miami’s rich history is perfect for all ages.
- website https://historymiami.org/event/free-family-fun-day-all-aboard
New Year’s Eve at Bayfront Park
- When: December 31, 2024
- Where: Bayfront Park
- What to Expect: Ring in the New Year with Miami’s biggest free outdoor party! Enjoy fireworks, live music, and food vendors as you count down to 2025 with thousands of locals and visitors.
Concerts and Events in Miami in December 2024
December 1
- Hall Jazz Band: Creole Christmas
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Au-Rene Theater at Broward Center
- Kany García: García Tour 2024
- Time: 8:00 PM
- Location: Miami, FL – Kaseya Center
- El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico
- Time: 8:00 PM
- Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Au-Rene Theater at Broward Center
- LIV on Sunday
- Time: 11:00 PM
- Location: LIV Miami, Miami Beach, FL
December 4
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- The Outlaws: 10th Annual Green Grass & Yuletide JamTime: 8:00 PM
- Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Amaturo Theater at Broward Center
December 5
- Crown of Thornz, Mehkago NT, Domain, and Body Blow
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Location: Miami, FL – Gramps Wynwood
- Under The Streetlamp
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Wells Hall at The Parker
- Levi Kreis – Home for the Holidays
- Time: 8:00 PM
- Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Amaturo Theater at Broward Center
- Basel Week Kickoff
- Time: 11:00 PM
- Location: LIV Miami, Miami Beach, FL
December 6
- Kehlani – CRASH WORLD TOUR
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Location: Miami, FL – FPL Solar Amphitheater at Bayfront Park
- Ha*Ash – HAASHVILLE Tour USA + Canada
- Time: 8:00 PM
- Location: The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater
- DJ Khaled at Basel Week
- Time: 11:00 PM
- Location: LIV Miami, Miami Beach, FL
December 7
- Bret Michaels w/ Warrant
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Location: Pompano Beach Amphitheatre
- Basel Week Saturday Event
- Time: 11:00 PM
- Location: LIV Miami, Miami Beach, FL
December 8
- Peezy & Icewear Vezzo
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Location: Revolution Live, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
- LIV on Sunday Basel Closing Party
- Time: 11:00 PM
- Location: LIV Miami, Miami Beach, FL
December 10
- Jhené Aiko: The Magic Hour Tour
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Location: Miami, FL – Kaseya Center
- The Alan Parsons Live Project
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Wells Hall at The Parker
December 11
- Dreamwell and Lacerated
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Location: Gramps Wynwood, Miami, FL
- The Musical Box – Genesis’ Selling England By The Pound 50th Anniversary
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Location: Wells Hall at The Parker, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
December 13 – 15
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- Rolling Loud Festival 10-Year AnniversaryLocation: Miami, FL – Hard Rock Stadium
- Time: All-day event
December 14
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- Avatar: The Last Airbender in ConcertTime: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
- Location: Knight Concert Hall at Adrienne Arsht PAC, Miami, FL
December 16 – 24
- Usher: Past Present Future Tour
- Location: Miami, FL – Kaseya Center
- Time: 8:00 PM (various dates throughout the week)
- Andrea Bocelli Christmas Eve Performance
- Date: December 24
- Location: Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
- Time: 8:00 PM
December 27 – 31
- Pentatonix – The Christmas Tour
- Time: 8:00 PM
- Location: Sunrise, FL – FLA Live Arena
- New Year’s Eve with Billy Joel
- Date: December 31
- Time: 8:00 PM
- Location: Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, FL
Miami’s December concerts offer a mix of genres and events to suit every taste, from classical concerts to thrilling music festivals.
No matter what you’re into, Miami is packed with shows and experiences to make your December unforgettable.
What to Do in Miami with Kids in December
Miami in December is brimming with family-friendly activities that bring festive cheer, exciting learning experiences, and interactive fun for kids of all ages.
Some top spots and events keep children entertained and enchanted throughout the holiday season.
Zoo Lights at Palm Beach Zoo
- When: Select dates in December
- Where: Palm Beach Zoo
- What to Expect: Zoo Lights transforms the zoo into a holiday wonderland filled with twinkling lights, animal-themed displays, and decorations. Kids will love seeing their favorite animals alongside festive light displays, and the zoo often offers special activities like crafts, holiday treats, and live entertainment for a magical family night out.
Night Garden at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
- When: December 1-31, 2024
- Where: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
- What to Expect: The Night Garden is an unbelievable childhood experience featuring magical lights, interactive displays, holographic butterflies, and enchanted forests. Young visitors will be delighted to explore illuminated paths and encounter whimsical creatures and larger-than-life flowers.
Enchant Christmas at Miami-Dade Fair Expo Center
- When: December 1-31, 2024
- Where: Miami-Dade Fair Expo Center
- What to Expect: Enchant Christmas is perfect for families looking into the holiday spirit. Kids can wander through a stunning maze of lights, skate on the ice trail, meet Santa, and browse holiday markets for treats. There are even storytelling sessions and games that create a truly immersive experience for the little ones.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker by Miami City Ballet
- When: December 10-31, 2024
- Where: Miami City Ballet
- What to Expect: Introduce kids to the beauty of ballet with The Nutcracker, a classic holiday story filled with enchanting characters, mesmerizing costumes, and magical scenes. This family-friendly show brings Clara’s journey to life. It is a fantastic way for children to experience the arts in a memorable, holiday-themed way.
Santa’s Helpers Event at Edwards Hall
- When: December 21, 2024
- Where: Edwards Hall, Miami
- What to Expect: Bring the kids for a special day with Santa’s helpers, where they can participate in crafts, storytelling, and other festive activities. This event is full of holiday cheer and provides a chance for little ones to make holiday-themed creations they can take home.
Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert at Adrienne Arsht Center
- When: December 14, 2024
- Where: Knight Concert Hall – Adrienne Arsht PAC
- What to Expect: This unique concert is a treat for young fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender. A live orchestra performs music from the beloved series, bringing memorable scenes to life on screen as they play. It’s an exciting way for kids to enjoy a family-friendly concert in a grand setting.
- website https://www.arshtcenter.org/tickets/2024-2025/live-at-knight/avatar-the-last-airbender-in-concert/
Free Family Fun Day at History Miami Museum
- When: December 14, 2024
- Where: HistoryMiami Museum
- What to Expect: This free event provides a full day of family-friendly fun, with arts and crafts, interactive exhibits, and guided tours that bring Miami’s history to life. Kids can learn about the city’s cultural heritage while participating in hands-on activities, making this a fun and educational day for families.
Luminosa: A Festival of Lights at Jungle Island
- When: December 1-31, 2024
- Where: Jungle Island
- What to Expect: Kids will be mesmerized by the vibrant light installations at Luminosa, which highlight holiday and tropical themes. This colorful, illuminated journey through the park is a fun and family-friendly way to enjoy the season, complete with interactive displays and dazzling lights.
New Year’s Eve at Bayfront Park
- When: December 31, 2024
- Where: Bayfront Park
- What to Expect: Bayfront Park’s New Year’s Eve celebration includes family-friendly activities during the day and early evening, allowing kids to participate in Miami’s biggest outdoor celebration. Families can enjoy food trucks, music, and the festive atmosphere before the countdown to the New Year, complete with fireworks that light up the Miami skyline.
With these family-oriented events, December in Miami offers an array of fun, seasonal activities that will capture the imagination and joy of kids, creating unforgettable memories for everyone.
Whether exploring magical gardens, meeting Santa, or watching holiday classics come to life, there’s no shortage of things to do with kids in Miami this holiday season.
FAQS About Things to Do in Miami In December
Is Miami worth visiting in December?
Absolutely! December is a great time to visit Miami. The city is alive with festive events, mild weather, and cultural experiences, including Art Basel, holiday light displays, and concerts.
Can I go to the beach in Miami in December?
Yes, you can! The ocean is generally warm enough for swimming, with average water temperatures around 75°F (24°C), making beach days comfortable even in December.
How cold is Miami going to be in December?
December in Miami is mild, with daytime highs around 75–80°F (24–27°C) and nighttime lows rarely dipping below 60°F (15°C).
What should I wear in Miami in December?
Light layers are ideal, such as T-shirts, light sweaters, and a jacket for cooler evenings. Daytime attire can include beachwear or lightweight clothing.
What to pack for Miami in December?
Pack swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, casual beach clothes, light layers, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket for the evenings.
What to wear in Miami in December weather?
For Miami’s warm days and cooler nights, bring light, breathable clothes, swimwear, and a few warmer layers for evenings.
Final Thoughts
In December, Miami offers a unique blend of warm-weather relaxation, vibrant cultural experiences, and festive holiday charm, making it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages.
Whether exploring the city’s dynamic art scene at Art Basel, enjoying dazzling holiday lights with family, dancing at a lively concert, or relaxing on the beach, Miami brings a unique energy to the holiday season.
With comfortable weather, diverse events, and endless entertainment, Miami in December is packed with activities that create unforgettable memories.
So pack your light layers, beach essentials, and holiday spirit; Miami awaits with open arms and plenty to celebrate!