Christmas Lights in Miami 2024-2025

Even though Miami residents never have Christmas-like weather, they are still earnest about the holidays. Miami has plenty of light displays, and you can stroll through them without the risk of freezing. You can find the festive lights everywhere, from Aventura Mall ​and Dolphin Mall ​to CocoWalk ​and Lincoln Road Mall. ​Miami Christmas lights are usually switched on after Thanksgiving.

Santa's Enchanted Forest in Tropical Park (November 14, 2024–January 5, 2025)

Santa's Enchanted Forest, located in Tropical Park, is one of the largest holiday theme parks and carnivals in the US, offering over 100 rides and attractions for all ages. Visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences, including kiddie, family, and thrill rides, along with captivating shows featuring acrobats, magic, and more. The park is filled with holiday displays, carnival games, and interactive fun, providing entertainment for everyone. Guests can indulge in delicious food, meet Santa, and take in the dazzling lights and festive displays that make this park a magical holiday destination.

Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami (November–December 2024, select nights)

ZooLights at Zoo Miami is one of the most impressive holiday events, featuring millions of dazzling animal-shaped lights and captivating light displays. Visitors can enjoy themed nights, festive entertainment, and seasonal treats while exploring the zoo transformed into a winter wonderland. Kids have the chance to meet Santa, share milk and cookies, sing carols, and take a ride on the carousel. The event also offers arts and crafts, letters to Santa, Snowman's River Boat Rides, and a breathtaking 26-foot-tall LED holiday tree, making ZooLights a memorable holiday experience for the whole family.

Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Merrick Park (November 2024)

The Shops at Merrick Park in Coral Gables also showcases a stunning holiday display, with its annual lighting ceremony drawing crowds each year. This event is a major attraction, featuring performances by famous musicians and bands. Aventura Mall is renowned for its impressive 60-foot (18.3-meter) installation of candy canes, teddy bears, and gifts, all designed by the acclaimed Stephen Stefanou. In Coconut Grove, CocoWalk adds to the festive spirit with a large Christmas tree, live music, and appearances by Santa Claus, making it a favorite holiday spot for families.

NightGarden at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (November 2024–January 2025)

Visitors to Miami's Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden can experience a magical transformation during NightGarden, where the 23-acre garden becomes an illuminated fairyland. The display features vibrant technicolor flowers, unique sculptures, and stunning lighting effects enhanced by outdoor holograms, motion-sensing technology, projection mapping, and music. Using the app, guests can immerse themselves in an augmented-reality adventure. Highlights include rainbow-colored pathways, a talking wise old tree, and a fun Fairy Quest. With delicious food and drinks from Miami’s popular food trucks, this enchanting light show is perfect for all ages.