Genesis Sotomayor

Not having a white Christmas also means you don't have to bundle up a toddler every time you want to go outside. It's the most family-friendly time of year in Miami, and we here in South Florida find ways to make the spirit of the holidays come alive. No matter their age, no matter their interest, kids can find so much to do over Christmas break in Miami—and it helps that parents and grandparents can join in on the fun too. From Christmas hayrides to classic holiday shows at the theater, illuminated gardens and whimsical vintage markets, here are the best kid-friendly things to do to make this holiday season magical.  Recommended: The best Christmas events in Miami

Dust off la caja china—the holiday season is almost here! We’ve got Knaus Berry Farm cranking out cinnamon rolls, Tropical Park decked in lights and “Mi Burrito Sabanero” on radio repeat—all the telltale signs of Christmas in Miami. We may not have snow, but boy, does Miami have holiday spirit. We’re talkin’ interactive light shows, festive street parades, yuletide theater productions and so much more. Check out the best Christmas events in Miami for 2024 so far, and check back often as we update this list with even more holiday happenings.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do with kids over the holidays in Miami

Wow, 2024. We really did that. As we stare down the barrel of a new quarter-century, it's time to reflect on the venues, events and moments that sparked the most joy in Miami this year. To compile these 2024 Best of the City Awards, our small but mighty team of editors and contributors at Time Out Miami spent countless hours queuing up at fancy Italian restaurants, slurping noodles at Italian pasta restaurants and sipping spritzes at Italian bars. Just kidding...sort of. There really was so much to do, see and eat in Miami this year. Happily, much of it was homegrown, though some came from far-flung reaches to make roots in our Magic City. And even in the face of dozens of closures, 2024 gave us a triumphant sprinkling of Miami restaurant and nightlife comebacks to root for, too. Our Best of the City picks feature one-time events and fleeting pop-ups, but most are things that you can go check out this second—and absolutely should.

The scene is changing in Wynwood. Then again, when has the colorful neighborhood ever stayed the same? It seems like a new mid-rise apartment building—or an entirely new block of restaurants, bars and clubs—sprouts up out of the concrete every month. And that’s not to mention the neighborhood’s bountiful shopping.  Wynwood’s retail scene is buzzing with discovery. This is less a place for everyday essentials and more for the eclectic and exploratory. Clusters of local fashion brands, funky gift shops, streetwear and streaker stores, markets with rare finds: there’s something for every niche. Best of all, everything is walking distance from each other. Looking for a bit of retail therapy? Get your fix with our comprehensive and up-to-date guide to the best shopping in Wynwood. RECOMMENDED: Our guide to exploring Wynwood

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.

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. The immersive show features a variety of iconic Nutcracker vignettes, including the epic duel between the Nutcracker Prince and the Mouse King. Running Tuesday through Sunday from 5 to 9:30pm, the timed-entry experience lasts around 45 minutes. General admission tickets cost $35 for adults and $18 for kids. VIP tickets cost $60 for adults and $35 for children and include paintable nutcracker keepsakes, fast-pass photos with Santa and discounts at The Doral Yard and Main Street restaurants.

Miami-born JoJo Tea hosts a Nightcap session every last Saturday of the month, when tea connoisseurs and casual sippers convene to chat, vibe and sample the latest artisanal brews paired with curated vinyl sounds from owner Mike Ortiz’s personal collection, plus guest DJs. From 7pm to 2am, steep yourself in an artisanal tea experience featuring around 10 pours from all over the world, served up semi-traditionally. There's no menu at the tea parties, but purchasing a ticket for the nightcap guarantees you a cup and endless refills of the featured tea, plus snacks like dumplings. The music selection is tailored to complement the tea of the night, with a special focus on artists like Madlib and MF Doom.

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.

Located inside the Little Haiti Cultural Complex Art Gallery, this exhibition features inspiring stories of the local activists and community organizations who helped shape Miami’s history. “Demands,” presented by the Community Justice Project, will be on view through November 9. Walk through the gallery for an intimate look at how collective action comes to life and how community justice makes a real impact, from historic student sit-ins to modern immigrant rights movements. The free, interactive exhibit features archival material and artworks showcasing the power of grassroots movements in Miami.

Artist Jeanette Ehlers invites the Afro-Caribbean/Caribbean diaspora to collaborate on an intergenerational braiding circle. Community members will have the opportunity to co-create six 52-foot-long braids that Ehlers and performers will use during their live performance. The project reminds members of the diaspora and audiences everywhere that “history is not the past.” Using hair to create and shape the relationship between culture, nature, body, landscape, history and the present.

This 11-course tasting experience is a deep dive into chef Enrique Villegas de la Parra’s Japan-meets-Mexico approach to sushi. For three nights this weekend, The Standard’s sexy speakeasy Monterrey Bar transforms into an intimate chef’s counter as the Kuu Tulum veteran doles out dishes like Torotaku spicy maki and Kampachi tostada, paired with drinks like a Japanese sour cocktail and Soto Junmai Daijing. Tickets to the chef’s table are currently available for about $215 per person and do not include 20% gratuity or drinks.

Through September 30, DOM’s in Brickell transforms into Haus of Negroni in celebration of Negroni week (September 16 to 2). The lowkey locals watering hole hosts esteemed bartenders from all corners of our beloved Magic City (Juju Ospina of Jolene Sound Room, Marco Pastanella of Bar Kaiju and Federico Niccolai of LPM, to name a few), to offer their unique spin on the iconic, classic Italian cocktail. DOM’s bar manager Mitchel Bauer has also concocted a narrative cocktail experience for the occasion, weaving the tale of Pinocchio through his curated beverages. Each of his 18 cocktails will reflect a different part of the beloved Italian fairytale.

Indulge with great vibes and a one-off, Japanese-inspired tasting menu at Belly Fish Coral Gables on Sunday, September 29. Founders Jonathan Perlman and Rodrigo Bravo conceived Belly Fish with the ideal that Michelin-level cuisine can go beyond the restaurant and into the comfort of wherever you may be. Their absolute obsession with food has gained them notoriety in the culinary world. Hosted by Eleanor Hoh, the pop-up dining event kicks off with mingling and cocktails, leading into a four-course dinner. Chef Rodrigo, a two-time Grammy award-winning musician turned Michelin chef, will walk guests through each course, ensuring an intimate culinary journey. Wok Star Supper Club’s roving, communal dining format creates space for locals to experience a variety of chef-driven philosophies and cultures. Tickets start at $85 and include the meal plus one welcome sake.

Miami’s restaurant scene has truly taken center stage this year. With the arrival of so many exciting new restaurants, the anticipation surrounding reopenings of long-awaited renovations and the glamour of Michelin season, there's been no shortage of 2024 culinary highlights in Miami. But the year was also marked by its share of industry drama, from heartbreaking closures to an “overhyped restaurant” saga and our slow death by pasta thanks to the Miami Italian restaurant overload.  As we approach a new year, it seems fitting to wrap things up with insights from those who know the industry best: the service professionals who run the show. As Time Out’s fall editorial intern, I’ve gotten a taste of the media’s perspective. But by night, I’m a food runner at one of Miami’s most lauded new restaurants. Anthony Bourdain called my job a hybrid between back-of-house and front-of-house, and that makes me uniquely positioned to tell this story.  What will you hear behind the kitchen doors of Miami’s top restaurants? Here are some of the things Miami service workers wish they could say to your face, but never will. Editor's note: Names have been omitted to protect the privacy of respondents.  RECOMMENDED: In the face of dozens of closures and countless new spots, these triumphant Miami revivals gave us something to root for in 2024 Yes, we are actually ignoring you. “Sometimes, I ignore annoying customers when they’re calling or waving at me and pretend like I didn’t hear or see them.”

Recently, I had the opportunity to go on a Seabird Cruise with Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, a local bird rehabilitation non-profit with a center located off the 79th Street Causeway. In a city known for its loud luxury and even louder party scene, it was a refreshingly tranquil and totally unique boating experience in Miami. Pelican Harbor Seabird Station is a nonprofit organization that’s been operating since the 1980s. It began as a facility specifically for treating brown pelicans but has since evolved into a premier wildlife hospital for birds, mammals and reptiles, keeping pace with the city’s growth. Honestly, the sunset cruise was wonderful on its own. The sky was clear and it wasn’t too hot, there was a gentle breeze and the full moon that emerged as the sun lowered during our journey added to the dreamy ambiance. But knowing that proceeds from the tour directly benefit Miami’s wildlife was a huge plus.  Photograph: Genesis Sotomayor or Time OutThe still waters of Crandon Marina were picturesque as we departed on our Seabird Cruise. The $60 tours are typically hosted bi-monthly and always sell out. The Pelican Harbor website lists all upcoming Seabird Cruise details. My Seabird Cruise departed at 4:30 from Crandon Park Marina and lasted two hours. We boarded the Explorer and set off around Crandon’s Bird Key Rookery, Biscayne Bay, Stiltsville and circled the Miami skyline. Pelican Harbor's Marianna Niero was on board to explain everything along the way. As the su

Remember waking up on a crisp Miami morning when you were younger, the smell of brewing coffee emanating throughout the house, salsa or bachata playing in the background as your mom’s getting ready to clean? You turn on the TV with your huevitos revueltos and cafecito in hand to the jingle, “Santa's Enchanted Forest at Tropical Park off Palmetto and Bird Road. One ticket, all rides free!”   Four decades of tropical Christmas wonderland are coming to a close for this South Florida tradition. The theme park just announced Tuesday morning on Instagram that they will not be returning this 2024 holiday season.   “Santa's Enchanted Forest will be closed for the 2024 season as we reflect on four magical decades of cherished memories and plans for the future,” The post reads. “While we won't be welcoming visitors this year, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to you for being an integral part of our journey. Your support has been the true magic behind our story.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Santa's Enchanted Forest (@santasenchantedforest) The post doesn’t elaborate on a reason for the end of a beloved South Florida tradition. Santa’s Enchanted Forest is practically embedded in Miami Dade’s DNA, an event many families and friends look forward to every Christmas season. Having been around 40 years, it's hard to not think of the two as synonymous. I mean, are you even from Miami if you haven’t been to Santa’s?  Like most Miamians, I’ll be sad t

I tried out the new Mimi Yoga studio in Coconut Grove and here’s everything you might want to know. The new yoga and Pilates destination located at 2829 Bird Ave, Suite 1 is entrepreneurial yogi Mimi Ghandour’s second Miami spot. The Coconut Grove location comes just two years after the opening of Ghandour’s first studio in Wynwood, which was an instant hit for its gorgeous design and challenging yet uplifting flows. My visit was a media preview designed to give a sneak peek into everything the new location has to offer. So let’s start with the aesthetics. The fact that it’s located in Coconut Grove is perfect. The lush fauna and flora of the neighborhood bring about calm, so even as you walk through the door you can already feel yourself exhaling the chaos of the city. But inside is the real magic.  RECOMMENDED: The best yoga studios in Miami, including heated flows, yogilates and more The combination of mermaid iridescent tiles in the reception room, deep oceanic marbled floors and entryway arches framed by natural wood sets the mood for a serene escape. Not to mention the floating arched mirrors, which are softly backlit and backdropped by deep aqua-green walls. I didn’t have to worry about where to place my items because Mimi’s has ample storage space and cubbies.  Photograph: Leo Diaz Photo The classes were split between 30 minutes of pilates with Marissa (who I recommend if you want a sneakily killer workout) and Mimi herself, who led guests through another 30 minutes

Despite Miami’s reputation as a 24/7 party town, many of us local folks actually have 9 to 5 office jobs, are students or simply have a trillion things to do in a day. Life can be hectic in this tropical paradise! Sometimes, after being cooped up all day, the last thing we want to do is get right back inside—especially to the gym.  Personally, no matter how much I want to exercise and take care of myself, there are some days when I mentally cannot stand another hour indoors (even if my gym routine promises bouncier peaches). If this sounds like you from time to time, there’s good news: Miami is home to lots of fun, fresh alternatives to the regular old gym. Here are a few ways to get outside, get fit and feel good in Miami right now.  Join a run club InParadise Running in Coral Gables is a friendly, casual collective of runners where all levels are welcome. From hot-girl walkers to marathoners, there’s a pace group for everyone. And the route isn’t intimidating, either; it’s an adventurous jaunt around the Granada Golf Course. Bonus: The runs (Mondays at 6:30pm) start and end at Bodega Taqueria on Miracle Mile, making it a breeze to hang out and mingle.  Can’t fit in a run at the end of the day? How about a few miles with your morning brew? Tag along with No RSVP every Saturday at 7:30am. Meet at Panther Coffee in Wynwood, where beginners and seasoned pros come together to get their miles and coffee in.  Late Night Menu Run Crew is where hungry runners come to eat. If you’re

Speaking with Ms. Pat is like sitting down with your brutally honest, refreshingly real bestie and really getting into the good tea. The Atlanta-born comedian and actress Patricia "Pat" Williams, best known for her based-on-real-life BET+ sitcom The Ms. Pat Show, makes a stop in South Florida this Friday, October 4 as part of her Hot and Flashy standup tour.  Ahead of the show at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale, we got the chance to catch up with the star one-on-one. Our biggest takeaway: The real Ms. Pat is just as hilarious as her stage persona. Our second-biggest takeaway: This show might get a little hot—but not to worry, fans will be on hand should you need cooling down. “I know what pisses people off,” Ms. Pat says. “I know what it is to not have your bills paid; I still talk to these people on a daily basis.” That realness, whether it’s shopping at TJ Maxx, struggling to make rent or selling drugs to support her family, is all fair game for Ms. Pat’s comedy. Her bold authenticity is a huge part of how she connects, aiming not just to entertain but to give a voice to people like her who have been through tough times. Photograph: Mindy TuckerMs. Pat  “I don’t know how to change,” says the comic, who overcame sexual abuse and a stint in prison before rising to fame. “They always say you get to Hollywood and you go Hollywood. I don't know no Hollywood, all I know is how to be me. I'm not ashamed about anything I've been through in life.” Ms. Pat credits her caseworker wit

It’s Sexual Health Awareness Month—aka Sextember at The Standard Spa, Miami Beach. Throughout September, the adults-only hotel is offering a frisky, sex-positive series of events encouraging guests to spice up their self-care and sexual wellness.  Was that hook-up a little stale? Want to push some boundaries but don’t know how ask for it? Fall in Miami gets us feeling tingly and warmed up for cuffing season, so don’t be shy. These seriously pleasurable workshops break away from taboo and encourage open dialogue with professional sex therapists, interactive game nights, Shibari drawings and more.  Fostering an inclusive, safe environment, The Standard Spa invites guests to shed their shame, give in to carnal curiosities and manifest desire. All of these events are exclusively for adults ages 21 and up and require reservations. Keep reading for more info on upcoming programming this month.    Wet & Wild, Comedy Night Wednesday, September 18 What’s sexier than laughing? Both memorable and pleasurable Rabbit Hole World has just enough steam for all things spicy and everything nice. Fall down the Rabbit Hole and celebrate all forms of self-expression and sensuality with South Florida’s host, Abby Ballin. The New Yorker turned South Floridian blends observational humor with autobiographical storytelling. From cheeky takes on dating and sultry burlesque to provocative spoken word, these acts aren’t something to miss. The dress code is cocktail chic. 7pm; $12.50–$35 Secrets to Sensat