Although Miami doesn’t see snow—the last reported “snowfall” was almost 50 years ago, in 1977—we still know how to celebrate the holidays. In fact, most of South Florida pushes all-in when December rolls around. Shops deck their halls with holiday décor. Homes brighten up their neighborhoods by putting up elaborate Christmas displays. Even Key West serves up some holiday entertainment! 

What’s our favorite holiday activity? Taking in all the majestic Christmas light shows throughout South Florida. Here are a few popular destinations to join in on the fun. (Click here for a full Christmas lights tour map of South Florida.)

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s annual Winterfest Boat Parade (“Best Show on H2O”) returns bigger and brighter for 2022. More than a million visitors will be on hand to watch hundreds of decorated boats float along the 12-mile parade route.

Whether you choose to watch from the official Parade Viewing Area or somewhere else—anywhere along the Intracoastal Waterway from New River to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach—we recommend bringing some lawn chairs!

People go to the Aventura Mall to shop, but their holiday displays are out of this world. The Aventura Station and Deck the Halls Shoppe really raise the bar. We’re talking about Shaq-sized nutcrackers, giant Christmas trees, Hanukkah decorations, and more.

It’s a (Christmas) Miracle (Mile)! Known as the ultimate destination for shopping and dining in Coral Gables, Miracle Mile gets even better in December, as businesses display their holiday decorations and Christmas lights. 

The walkable 10-block stretch of Lincoln Road Mall lets you hit two birds with one stone. Get your holiday shopping done early and view the elegant Christmas lights and holiday decorations as you roam the Miami Beach area.

There’s nothing better than Christmas in The Keys! All December, Key West will be hosting their seasonal holiday festivities, which includes The Harbor Walk of Lights, a Holiday Sale, several parades, sailing, photos with Santa, holiday parties, and a classic car show. 

Historic Holidays at the Deering Estate offers several elevated Christmas events that are perfect for families and older folks (or older folks at heart) alike. You can enjoy a 1920s-themed Mistletoe and Martinis night, story time and photos with Santa Claus, or simply walk the facility to witness the majestic holiday décor. 

Live a little north? West Palm Beach’s Square offers every feasible Christmas activity you could want. Take pictures with Santa. Experience snow every night. Watch animated Christmas lights. Listen to live music. Take a “paint and sip” class. Enjoy special Hanukkah and Kwanzaa celebrations. And much more. 

Visit Santa’s Ski Lift for special treats. Bring your list to Santa’s Ski Chalet so that he can “check it twice” and decide if you deserve coal or a more acceptable Christmas gift. Most of all, enjoy the gorgeous decorations throughout Brickell City Centre. 

On December 14, 2022, visit Vizcaya for their yearly holiday event. Guests will be invited to make lanterns, build gingerbread houses, listen to live Christmas music, learn more about the museum, and see the Main House decked out in garland and lights. Visit anytime throughout December to witness the majestic, illuminated plot.

Impressive doesn’t come close to describing just how amazing these Christmas decorations near Plantation are. If you want some Christmas lights synchronized to classic seasonal tunes, this is your best bet. Just grab your tickets for this Sunrise holiday lights show before they all sell out! 

Celebrate Christmas in Davie by visiting Flamingo Gardens during their Garden of Lights event. Thousands of lights will be on display throughout the Arboretum and Wray Lawn, guest musicians (orchestras, choirs, ensembles, etc.) will be playing each night, and you can even meet Kris Kringle on select dates. 

Celebrate the start of the giving season at Village Hall in Palmetto Bay. On December 3, 2022, the city will switch on their holiday lights and giant Christmas tree, and guests can participate in numerous activities. The Village Hall Municipal Center will stay decorated through the end of the year, so visit anytime. 

Looking for a free Christmas event near Miami? Head to North Bay Village’s Winter Wonderland on November 30, 2022. The holiday tree will be lit up, but there’s much more fun to be had at this festive party, including musical performances, a GIGANTIC slide and bounce house, storytime, an Ugly Sweat Contest, and more. You can even meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Decorations remain up throughout the year. 

Doral’s CityPlace area is a snowless winter wonderland every December. They host numerous Christmas events each year – including a Winter Kiddos Land that’s a blast for families – and their Fountain Plaza features a large Christmas tree, holiday characters, decorations, and a fabulous fountain light show. 

Merrie Christmas Park 

Holiday lights run all along Hardee Rd/Ave, which is just 2 blocks north of Merrie Christmas Park in Miami. It’s fitting, really, as you’ll find no shortage of homes decorated for the season. 

About Braman Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Miami 

Embrace the season by visiting and buying a vehicle from our luxury car dealership near Aventura. We’re located at 2060 Biscayne Blvd in Miami, FL, and proudly serve customers throughout South Florida. Contact our Rolls-Royce store at (786) 577-5217 to schedule a test drive, request a price quote or learn more about our holiday deals on Rolls-Royce Phantom, Ghost and Cullinan models.