While we may never experience the joys of a white Christmas here in South Florida, the Magic City makes merry all the same, creating Christmas cheer with an impressive roundup of full-scale light spectacles (think: palm trees and yachts bedecked with all kinds of holiday pizzazz) that are sure to warm holiday hearts. Here are some of our favorites.
Jungle Island
In collaboration with Lektrik Art, Jungle Island brings its popular Luminosa festival back to Miami for a third year. The fairy tale–inspired spectacle features a walkway lined with giant animated books that appear to open and close while butterflies gently flap their wings. Or gaze in wonder at the display of nine towering dragon lanterns inspired by Chinese folklore that float in the park’s water features. Now through January 5, guests can enjoy Jungle Island’s first-ever European-style marketplace, featuring food vendors hawking holiday treats like elephant ears and mulled wine, a bazaar with seasonal crafts and gifts, and a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree.
Winterfest
Mark this one as a worth-the-drive event. Fort Lauderdale’s Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade returns December 14. The route stretches from Stranahan House in Downtown Fort Lauderdale north to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach, featuring watercraft of every shape and size draped in thousands of lights—plus performances from musical groups, appearances by beauty queens, and more.
Pinecrest Gardens
Santa sightings, a holiday bazaar, festive treats, and miles of lights at Pinecrest Gardens’ annual Nights of Lights will have you feeling oh so jolly as you stroll this 14-acre property that dates back to 1936 and features more than 1,000 varieties of exotic plants. Catch the magic Thursday through Sunday evenings December 6-29.
Zoo Miami
Zoo Lights Miami kicks off November 29 with the lighting of a 26-foot-tall, LED-lit holiday tree. On select nights through December 30, Zoo Miami will be morphed into a veritable light fiesta, with more than 1 million twinklers taking the form of animals of all kinds. Additional holiday experiences include character appearances, animal encounters, letters to Santa, and a Snowman’s River boat ride featuring cookies and hot chocolate.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Celebrating its fifth year, Fairchild’s NightGarden promises immersive and interactive wonders at every corner. The 83-acre tropical paradise filled with stately trees, rare flora, and a butterfly garden will come alive with nighttime holiday spirt, including a beloved talking tree, a fairy quest, and light shows to fuel your imagination. The event—a favorite for date nights and family outings alike—runs through January 12. New this year: the debut of a New Year’s Eve fireworks show perfect for ringing in 2025.
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