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What to Do in Miami in December

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This post lists things to do in Miami in December, updated for 2023. We include a top 10 list, family-friendly activities, free events, and things to do at night.

If you need more ideas, check out our comprehensive post on Things to Do in Miami.

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN DECEMBER

This section features our top 10 activities to enjoy in Miami in December. 

For tips on the most popular activities in Miami, check out our popular posts: 

Some of the items below are already included with a Miami tourist attraction discount pass. These passes can save you up to 50% off the retail prices of popular tours and attractions.

1. Take a Sightseeing Tour

Miami is so much more than the beach. The sights are more diverse than you might think.

You can see the famous street art of Wynwood, Miami's Cuban roots in Little Havana, or the historic houses in the Art Deco District.

Here are just a few of the best Miami tours you can take in December:

  • Wynwood Art Walk Tours | see the cultural side of Miami.
  • Little Havana Walking Tours | learn about cultural Cuban influence in Miami.
  • Self-Guided Miami Walking Tours | pick from a wide range of walking tours in Miami.
  • Jewish Food Walking Tour | hear about the history of the Jewish community and nosh on snacks!

See our post on the many tours in Miami and find one that interests you! 

2. Watch Sporting Events 

In December, you can catch NBA basketball and NFL football games.

Seeing a game is a great way to spend the evening and is also fun for the entire family.

Basketball

Football

Hockey

Click here to find all the games available this month.

Going to a sports event is a great idea for the family. See our post on family-friendly activities for even more ideas.

3. Go to a Concert

The diversity of the Miami area is reflected in its concerts.

From rap, to old-school rock n' roll, to Latino classics, you can find music to suit any taste.

Holiday Concerts

Other Concerts

Music Festivals

Click here to see all the concerts available in Miami this month.

4. Enjoy the Theatre

Fans of music and theatrical productions will have no shortage of great options to choose from in and around Miami this December.

Holiday

Musicals

Family-Friendly

Click here to find even more performances in December in the Miami area.

5. See a Stand-Up Comedy Performance

There are a lot of great stand-up comedians scheduled to perform in Miami this December, including a few folks you might be familiar with.

Comedy Shows

Comedy and Improv Clubs

If you're looking for other opportunities to enjoy a good laugh, check out this list of stand-up comedy shows in Miami during December.

6. Santa’s Enchanted Forest in Tropical Park

This is the largest holiday theme park in the world! A visit here is the best way to experience "a holiday winter" in Miami.

There are over 100 rides, shows, and activities, and of course, the winter forest with more than three million Christmas lights, and a 92-foot tall Christmas tree.

The park is open every day and night (even Christmas!) from November 8th, 202e - January 7th, 2024

Visit the Santa's Enchanted Forest for more information. 

Find more evening entertainment in our section below on things to do at night.

7. Art Basel Fair

Art Basel is known around the world for connecting local galleries, collectors, and art lovers.

Their display offers artwork from over 4,000 artists from 5 continents, working in all mediums. Works range from pieces by young artists to museum-quality masterpieces. 

The art festival takes place from December 8th-10th.

Visit the Art Basel Miami Beach website for more information. 

8. Deering Historic Holidays Evening Stroll

Throughout the month of December, you can take a tour of the historic and majestic Deering Estate.

Each room of the Stone House and Richmond Cottage will be specially decorated for the holidays.

This year's decor is inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

You can visit the estate from November 24th to January 7th.

Visit the Deering Estate Historic Holiday Decor website for more information. 

9.  New Year’s Eve in Miami

A popular way to spend New Year's Eve is to head over to watch the free fireworks at Miami Beach’s annual New Year's Eve celebration. 

You can also join the free festivities at Bayfront Park and see the Big Orange rise!

Instead of dropping a ball, Miami rings in the New Year by hoisting a giant LED orange 400 feet up the side of the InterContinental Hotel next to the park.

Big Orange reaches the top of the building at exactly midnight, accompanied by a fireworks display.

Find more information here.

10. Save Money with an Attraction Discount Pass

If there are multiple attractions you want to see, getting a tourist attraction discount pass is the way to go.

These passes work by bundling attraction tickets to give you the best prices possible, often saving up to 45% of retail costs.

Attractions Included in Various Passes: 

  1. Fort Lauderdale Half-Day Tour
  2. Wynwood Art Walk Tour
  3. Gator & Wildlife Park Safari
  4. Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour

Find our full comparison post on the Miami passes available here.

THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT IN DECEMBER

Miami is known for its vibrant nightlife.

Below are just a few of the best nighttime activities. You get the added bonus of festive holiday evening events as well. 

Find even more nighttime activities in our post on things to do at night in Miami. 

Take a Night Bus Tour

What better way to kick off a night in Miami, than by hopping on a 90-Minute Big Bus Night Tour all around the city?

You’ll get to see the Magic City all lit up with its colors and vibrancy on this tour.

Better yet, you can save money on this tour if you have the Go Miami Card, a discount tourist pass.

See the SoundScape Cinema Series

This free movie series takes place on Wednesdays at SoundScape Park at the New World Center.

Bring along a beach chair or blanket. Movies begin at 8:00 pm.

This series begins in October and runs through December.

See their website for information on location, times, and movie line-up.

Free Concert at MOCA

On the last Friday of each month, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) offers free entry from 7 to 10 pm and together with a free jazz concert.

The music starts at 8 pm.

See MOCA's website for more details and who is playing in December.

For additional ideas on what to do at night, be sure to take a look at our post on things to do in Miami at night.

FREE THINGS TO DO IN DECEMBER

There is no shortage of free entertainment in Miami.

For more ideas for any time of year, be sure to read our post, Free Things To Do In Miami.

Take the Free Wynwood Art Walk

The Wynwood Art Walk is one of the most popular events in Miami.

Held every second Saturday of the month, it offers free evening tours of the murals, graffiti, and galleries that dot this area.

You can enjoy various live performances, music, food from vendors and a variety of food trucks.  

Free Gospel Sundays at the Arsht Center

As part of this free performance series, you will find free gospel performances with folks such as Jonathan McReynolds, Jekalyn Carter, and more.

You can reserve First-Access passes to get early access to general admission seats.

Sign up here to join the Arsht Center email list to get notified when passes for this and other Free Gospel Sundays will be made available.

Go to the Beach

It's kind of a no-brainer, but with so many other activities you can enjoy, we wanted to make sure you save time for Miami's beautiful beaches!

Miami beaches are simply perfect and the nicest during the winter. You will love the cool, fresh breezes under the comfortable temperatures.

Visit the Wolfsonian

The Wolfsonian Museum is free to visit and free tours are given between 6 pm - 6:45 pm.

Sometimes there will be free music as well.

Visit the Wolfsonian Tours page for details. 

For more ideas for any time of year, be sure to read our post, Free Things To Do In Miami.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES IN DECEMBER

Your family may have come to Miami for the beach, but in December, you can find many ways to celebrate the holidays

For even more ideas, see our post on kid-friendly activities available in Miami.

See the Zoo Lights

This seasonal light display and festival will take place from November 24th-December 30th.

Your kids will love the animal shapes sparkling with Christmas lights, the Snowman’s Riverboat ride, a photo-op with Santa, and hot chocolate and cookies.

Click on the Miami Zoo's website for more information.

Nights of Lights at Pinecrest Gardens

In December, thousands of lights turn Pinecrest Gardens into a winter wonderland.

Your kids can take pictures with Santa, and enjoy pony rides and mechanical rides every night.

Select nights offer Christmas music and storytelling.

Visit their website for details. 

Visit the Miami Children’s Museum

This is a fantastic museum for kids every month of the year!

The museum has hundreds of interactive exhibits where kids have access to hands-on learning materials related to art, culture, community, and communication.

Find more information on the Miami's Children's Museum website.

TIP: This museum is included for free for Go Miami Card holders.

Take a Picture with Santa

Head over to one of the best Miami shopping malls to have your child pose for a photo with Santa.

You can also squeeze in some shopping for yourself.

Here are some malls that usually have a Santa photo opportunity: Dolphin Mall, Aventura Mall, and Dadeland Mall.

See our post on things to do in Miami, which has a section dedicated to family-friendly activities.

Go to the Miami Beach Botanical Garden

This 2.6-acre (10,522 sqm) lush botanical oasis has native Florida plants and trees, and even a Japanese garden. 

Well, they do ask for contributions, and special events may require tickets. Still, take advantage of this free paradise.

Visit the Miami Beach Botanical Garden for more information.

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About The Author

Nichole

Nichole's love for Miami began when she chose the Magic City as her future home, after living overseas in Singapore. She cannot get enough the city's food scene, culture and 'multiple boroughs,' each unique in their own way. She is an avid worldwide traveler and thrives on learning about new cultures in each place her feet land. She joined the Free Tours by Foot team in 2017, first as a part of administration and then later as a writer. She's a chiropractor and yoga teacher with a full-time business in Miami. Her motto is "Peace, Love, & Travel.”
Updated: September 13th, 2023
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