Writer: Jerrica DuBois
2 min read December 2023 — As the year comes to an end and everyone gears up for a little rest, relaxation and fun, there are plenty of holiday events to check out across South Florida during this warm winter.
According to AccuWeather, Miami is not expected to go below 60 degrees Fahrenheit from now through the end of December. The high is also expected to hit 80 degrees this Saturday. While some may argue that you can’t have Christmas without a little cold, South Florida still provides residents with an authentic holiday experience. Invest: takes a look at some of the events in the area to check out, even if you’re in flip-flops.
Luminosa Festival of Lights
Looking for more glitz than the red carpet? Jungle Island is bringing back the Luminosa Festival of Lights, which features a 1.35-mile trail of hand-crafted lanterns showcasing the talents of over 150 Chinese artisans. With over 40 lamp sensors using 120 tons of steel and 150,000 feet of silk, there are numerous photo ops for guests. The event also includes acrobatic shows, delicious food, craft cocktails, live music, and more.
For more information, click here
Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
Nothing says festive like a parade, and nothing says South Florida festive more than a parade on water. Over one million attendees are expected to gather along the 12-mile, 2.5-hour route to watch the decorated watercraft. The event will also be broadcast live on Facebook and Comcast channel 78. The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. Saturday (live broadcast at 6:30 p.m.) and will include live entertainment throughout the night. The route begins at Stranahan House, traveling along the New River into the Intracoastal Waterway, and continues north to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach.
For more information, click here
MatzoBall
According to USA Today, MatzoBall is the best holiday party in the country. It makes sense, given that it is hosted in six cities. For 37 years, the Society of Young Jewish Professionals has thrown the ultimate holiday event, complete with drinks and dancing. This year the MatzoBall is returning to LIV at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, which is also offering discounted room rates.
For more information, click here
Christmas Wonderland
Tropical Park is transformed into a Christmas Wonderland, complete with 3D-mapped igloo shows, a whole North Pole village, Toy Town, Sweet Street, and HoliDade, which is a nod to Miami with Instagram-worthy displays. The event features rides, rollercoasters and the largest traveling Ferris wheel in North America. There’s also no wonderland without lights, and this one features a half-mile of holiday displays and immersive experiences such as Light up the Night, a light show where all six worlds of Christmas Wonderland illuminate in a synchronized manner.
To learn more, click here
Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Now through January 7, Santa’s Enchanted Forest is celebrating 40 years of holiday cheer at its Christmas-themed amusement park. Boasting the event’s biggest venue to date with 40 acres near the Doral area, the park features more than 100 games, rides, and shows including the Children’s Variety Show, Cirque Equinox, and the Nerveless Nocks Aerial Show. The family can also enjoy Christmas karaoke, life-size holiday displays, and the opportunity to meet Santa.
To sign up, click here
Snow Carnival
Maybe there is snow in South Florida after all as Aventura Mall hosts the Snow Carnival, which features 350 tons of real snow. Guests can build a snowman, throw snowballs, make snow angels, or race down the Mini Matterhorn snowtubing slide. The Holiday Express provides a journey through a festive forest covered in lights and grown-ups can shop for gifts in the retail village or sneak into the Yeti Snow Bar igloo for a festive drink.
For more information, click here
