The best Christmas events for kids in Miami for joy-filled fun

What is it? This year, Magic City Flea brings 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.

Why go? 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.

What is it? Bring on the dancing rats! Everyone’s favorite holiday show is back at the Adrienne Arsht Center this winter with twice-daily shows from December 13 through December 24.

Why go? Over 100 performers from the Miami City Ballet will bring to life George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed by a live orchestra. Whether you’ve seen it once or a million times over, this fantastical performance is always a treat. 

What is it? Santa's Enchanted Forest may have up and left Tropical Park, but the spirit of Christmas (and carnival) lives on at this Palmetto-side park, albeit with a more Miami twist. There are rides, rollercoasters and North America's largest traveling Ferris wheel. Then there are several other attractions like 3D-mapped igloo shows, a whole North Pole village and HoliDade, a celebration of the 305 with Instagram-worthy displays.

Why go? THE LIGHTS! There's a half-mile of holiday displays, light shows, and immersive experiences, including a light show on the hour, every hour where all six worlds of Christmas Wonderland illuminate in a synchronized manner.

What is it? When it comes to holiday lights, the zoo goes wild. One million bright, animal-shaped lights illuminate the premises during Zoo Lights Miami, which takes place every weekend between November 29th and December 30th. Families can stroll around while sipping hot chocolate and listening to carollers and if you're lucky, you might just get a glimpse of Santa, or The Grinch.

Why go? Check the Zoo Miami website to see what the theme is for the weekend (Galactic night should be interesting) and don't miss Merry Meadow from December 20 to 23. There will be rides, a human snow globe photo spot and a gaming trailer where you can try out new games to add to your holiday shopping list.

What is it? From November 30 to January 3, Downtown Doral is getting decked out for the holidays with its new World of Nutcracker experience. Step into the classic Christmas tale at this ticketed event that includes live performances, animated light projections and decadent seasonal treats. Running Tuesday through Sunday from 5 to 9:30pm, the timed-entry experience lasts around 45 minutes.

Why go? The immersive show features a variety of iconic Nutcracker vignettes, including the epic duel between the Nutcracker Prince and the Mouse King. 

What is it? 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.

Why go? 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.

What is it? 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).

Why go? 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! 

What is it? 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.

Why go? Scope out their 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. 

What is it? 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.  

Why go? To give the kiddos a healthy dose of old-fashioned screen-free entertainment for Christmas.

What is it? Pack your picnic baskets—New World Symphony WALLCAST Concerts are back! These free concerts in Miami Beach take place at SoundScape Park, where indoor symphony performances are live-streamed outside on a 7,000-square-foot projection wall.

Why go? Save the date for Sounds of the Season on Saturday, December 21 and watch your favorite holiday pieces performed by New World Symphony Fellows, all decked out in their festive best.