As winter is here and you might want to enjoy the chill of winter, so in this article, we will let you know how you can enjoy the sunny South Beach for warm weather, beautiful beaches, and cool drinks.
Miami is the perfect destination for winter and Christmas celebrations according to Scott Cooper Florida. You’ll love the amazing combination of nature and culture that Miami brings to the table.
If you’re looking for things to do in Miami in Winter 2019-2020, check out our list of some of the best holiday activities and attractions.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest
It’s the world’s largest holiday theme park and carnival and a popular South Florida tradition for the whole family.
In addition to your favorite rides and attractions like roller coasters, Ferris wheels, and all kinds of thrilling speed rides, there are also a number of special shows and events at this festive theme park.
Participate in Christmas karaoke, stroll down Mistletoe Lane, and check out South Florida’s tallest Christmas Tree.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
For a few days this month at the Adrienne Arsht Center, you can see spectacular production of the famous Nutcracker Ballet, filled with beautiful scenery, costumes, and talented dancing.
Kids and adults alike will love this classic holiday attraction, with its unforgettable dance numbers and timeless story. It’s not called the Number 1 holiday spectacular for nothing!
This year, it’s actually a re-imagined presentation designed by Cuban-American creative couple, Isabel and Ruben Toledo. While they retain the original inspiration from Balanchine, they’re also adding their own unique aesthetic. It’s a must-see.
Christmas with the Chimps at Lion Country Safari
Visit America’s first cageless zoo and celebrate the holidays with Christmas with the Chimps, when Santa Claus visits the chimpanzees and comes bearing gifts.
This is the only opportunity throughout the entire year that guests can get out of their vehicles to watch the chimps.
Kids can also partake in some free holiday coloring activities, while their parents browse the gift shop for chimp-themed items.
Holiday Celebrations at the Miami Children’s Museum
The Miami Children’s Museum hosts a bunch of events throughout the month of December to celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year. All events are geared towards kids and include fun and festive activities. Check online for a full list of events and dates and times. Some upcoming things to do include:
- Tropical Holiday Celebration – December 14-24 2019 – catch a ukelele caroling session, visit Santa for a photo, and listen to the storytelling of The Grinch.
- Mini Merry Monday – December 16, 2019 – kids will have a chance to meet Santa, listen to carolers, paint snowflakes, and more.
Get out on the Water
When it comes to leisurely sails and cruises, Miami has options! Hop on board a relaxing cruise on Biscayne Bay, where you’ll get the best sightseeing, including the downtown Miami skyline, Fisher Island, Miami Beach, and Millionaire’s Row.
If you’re more interested in what’s under the sea than what you can see on land, the Glass Bottom Boat Cruise is for you. Aboard the Key Largo Princess, you’ll sail off to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which is the only undersea park in the United States.
In the colorful coral reef, keep your eyes open for sea fans, sea plumes, and hundreds of fish from the small and exotic to the big ones that fishermen are after.
Marvel at Nature
For the truly adventurous, travel inland a bit and you’ll get to experience the amazing Everglades in a way as unique as the ecosystem itself.
An Everglades Airboat Tour immerses you in the lush vegetation, among the exotic wildlife, so you can see animals like the Florida alligator in their natural habitat. Sure beats shoveling back home, am I right?
Explore Architecture
Wintertime brings unbeatable mid 70s temperatures in Miami, perfect for strolling along the beautiful Art Deco District in South Beach for which Miami is known around the world.
If you’ve not been before, or if you’re interested in art history or architectural design, take the Official Art Deco Walking Tour to get the full experience.
You could also opt to take a bike ride through the Art Deco district to see the sights and get some exercise.
Relax on the Beaches
No, we didn’t forget about the #1 reason you’re visiting Miami this year.
Soaking up the sun on the beach all day (while protecting your skin with sunblock, of course) is probably one of the activities you’re most looking forward to, and we don’t blame you!
If you’ve got the winter blues, it’s nothing a game of beach volleyball or a quick dip in the ocean can’t fix.
Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami
Celebrate the holiday season with a fun and family-friendly event at Zoo Miami.
Hundreds of thousands of lights adorn the entire park, many in the shape of some of the zoo’s most beloved residents. You’ll also be able to marvel at magnificent trees and another fun holiday décor.
There are plenty of great seasonal activities in store for the kids, too, from carousel rides and photos with Santa to yummy holiday treats (think hot chocolate and cookies) and cheerful carolers plus other great holiday music.
Be sure to stop by the Zoo gift shop for some special gifts!
Holiday Evening at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Visit Vizcaya decked in period-accurate holiday decor and enjoy an evening of live music from Vizcaya’s pipe organ, hot chocolate, light appetizers, desserts, and arts and crafts.
This event is designed to recreate the atmosphere of the house as it might have been during James Deering’s life, about 100 years ago!
