Carmen: Genesis of Fire
Photograph: Courtesy Faena Miami BeachCarmen: Genesis of Fire
Photograph: Courtesy Faena Miami Beach

The best things to do in Miami this week

Don't let FOMO get the best of you. Get up and out the door with the funnest things to do in Miami this week.

Falyn Wood
Contributor: Ashley Brozic
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Now that our hottest, rainiest months are out of the way, let's get back to our regularly scheduled programming of sipping bottomless drinks at the best brunch spots in Miami and frolicking at our numerous festivals, among oodles of other outdoor activities. Art exhibitions, concerts, family-friendly events, fresh theater, new restaurants—snowbirds or not, things are heating up, indeed.

The Magic City is brimming with things to do every day of the week, including school nights. We've got tons of activities to jump into whenever the mood strikes, plus tourist attractions that even locals love. In this list, we've handpicked special events and happenings over the next seven days, enough to have you saying "This was the best week ever." And if you're looking specifically for Halloween events in Miami, we've rounded up the best of them right here.

RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in Miami

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What to do in Miami this week

  • Things to do
  • Downtown
It’s winter in Miami—well, kind of. This year, Magic City Flea is bringing all the cozy seasonal vibes to our subtropical paradise at Downtown Miami’s Holiday Village, running on Saturdays and Sundays from November 16 to December 29. You'll find over 60 local vendors showcasing festive holiday goodies and handcrafted wares, plus Flagler Street’s very first outdoor ice skating rink, Santa appearances and more. Along the way, expect a fun lineup of community activities on Sundays, including toy drives, bounce houses and face painting for the little ones. To kick things off, there will be a magical tree and menorah-lighting ceremony on November 15 from 6 to 10pm, which includes a free performance by the Miami Symphony Orchestra.
  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • Miami
Jungle Island's enchanting nighttime wonderland returns for a third year with over 40 all-new lantern installations inspired by fairytale worlds and kawaii culture, plus a first-ever Holiday Village and marketplace (Nov 14–Jan 5) featuring more than 100 Christmas trees, food stands with holiday treats like elephant ears and mulled wine, a bazaar with seasonal crafts and gifts and a 30-foot decorated centerpiece tree. 
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  • Things to do
  • Markets and fairs
  • Ludlam / Tropical Park
Feeling nostalgic for Santa’s Enchanted Forest? Fret not, dear reader. The spirit of Christmas and carnival rides lives on at Tropical Park with Christmas Wonderland, a local holiday production with rockin’ roller coasters, dazzling light displays and the largest traveling Ferris wheel in North America. Now in its second year, Christmas Wonderland returns with a Candyland-inspired spectacle made with five million lights, giant lollipops, swirly-twirly gumdrops and six immersive installations that make for epic photos. Plus, culinary pop-ups and boozy coquitos from local vendors, unlimited rides and complimentary parking. Pro tip: book online for a $10 discount!
  • Things to do
  • Exhibitions
  • Miami
A much-anticipated precursor to the holiday season in Miami, Night at the Garden returns in November for its sixth season at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden, promising even more psychedelic scenery and interactive artwork than ever before. Running through January 2025, Night at the Garden invites guests to frolic around a neon-lit wonderland of tropical trails lined with holographic sculptures, secret sunken ponds and hidden fairy worlds. Follow winding paths to the disco dance party, snap a pic in front of LED dandelions or visit Archie, the talking tree for a bit of age-old wisdom. This magical event welcomes the whole family and features ADA-compliant trails for wheelchairs. Tickets start at $32 for kids ages four to 10, with discounted group packages available online.
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  • Things to do
  • Performances
  • Miami Beach
In this seductive new production at Faena Theater, free-spirited heroine Carmen finds herself in a labyrinth of two opposing lovers. The provocative, adults-only journey explores themes of devotion, jealousy and betrayal as it blends elements of flamenco, cabaret, fire artistry, cirque nouveau and modern beats, all infused with a Spanish flavor. Master of Ceremonies Mimi Barber lends her soulful vocals to the show, accompanied by an award-winning ensemble and stunning visuals that all come together to breathe new life into this reinterpreted classic. Tickets start at $100.
  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • Downtown
The Miami Book Fair celebrates its 41st edition this year. Expect the regular mix of riveting author presentations, mind-expanding conversations and even more innovative ways to honor the written word. The annual street festival is slated to take place from November 17 through 24 along the Miami-Dade College downtown campus. Literary luminaries like Billy Collins, Daniel Handler, Deborah Paredez and Patti Smith are already set to attend, along with local stars like Alex Segura, Dr. Paul George and Edwidge Danticat.
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  • Things to do
  • Redlands
Back for a fourth year, Tinez Farms' Pinterest-perfect pumpkin patch provides the ideal fallscape for all your seasonal photos. Aside from the multi-sized and colored gourds and hay bales, there's an animal barnyard and petting zoo, a garden maze, Tinez yard games, climbing, swings, zip lines, a bounce house and a tubing slide to help get you into the autumnal spirit. You can also opt to add on a train, pony, donkey or horse ride to your experience, or even bottle feed a baby goat. While you're there, peruse the farm's new Home & Garden Market, where you'll find things like indoor and outdoor plants and pots, accessories and seasonal decor.
  • Things to do
  • Miami
On Saturday, November 23, Downtown Miami Lakes will host its 39th annual Main Street Festival of Lights, a local tradition filled with live performances, Santa meet-and-greets and lots of holiday lights. Start your celebrations early at the Miami Lakes Farmers Market, then stick around for a ceremonial tree lighting and free activities such as arts and crafts and face painting. Has your kid been begging for a furry friend this year? Stop by the holiday adoptions center hosted by Miami-Dade Animal Services and surprise them with a gift they’ll never forget. 6700 Main Street, Miami Lakes
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  • Things to do
  • Performances
  • Coral Gables
Bah Humbug! Ebenezer Scrooge just won’t budge on his disdain for Christmas. Perhaps a few singing ghosts will do the trick? Charles Dickens’ holiday classic gets a musical twist at the Actors’ Playhouse this year in a family-friendly adaptation everyone can enjoy. A Christmas Carol, The Musical shows on Saturday afternoons from November 18 through December 22, with a sensory-inclusive performance on December 15.  
  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • Redlands
The fifth annual winter festival at The Berry Farm is a family-friendly holiday event with acres of holiday-themed activities from morning to night. There are meet-and-greets with Santa, hay rides and tons of Instagram-worthy photo backdrops and at night, the farm lights up with thousands of tiny bulbs during their Berry Bright Winter Nights. (Great news: your day and evening tickets are the same). Depending on when you go, you can catch classic holiday flicks on the lawn or live music and as a special gift from Mother Nature, strawberry-picking season kicks off in December! 
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