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December is such a pleasant time to be in Miami, it is not only the cooler sunny skies that are the magnet but also the barrage of top line events that start kicking off in and around the city...
...the art and music festivals...
...the food fairs...
...the boating events...
...lots of high-caliber and fun events are all getting under way in the midst of the Christmas frenzy and New Year fireworks.
For our nature lovers, this is the perfect time
to get out and soak it all up, our State and National Parks are teeming with wildlife, enjoy!
Art Basel Miami Beach is without a doubt one of the premiere events in the world art scene and certainly one of the most prominent in the U.S. This long weekend in early December is traditionally the unofficial kick-off to the city's busy art and cultural calendar and is quite unique in that it spawns so many other events and satellite exhibitions, if you are into arts and design, this is definitely the time to be in Miami.
When? Thursday through Sunday December 1 - 4, 2016
Where? Main Exhibition Hall at Miami Beach Convention Center
Satellite fairs and events will pop up in and around the city, keep an eye specially in the up-and-coming districts of Wynwood and the Miami Design District.
A jazz festival unlike any other, the South Beach Jazz Festival will take pride in featuring talented musicians with disabilities.
This first edition will take place throughout various venues on Miami Beach, and will be a combination of ticketed concerts as well as free performances open to the public.
When? Wednesday through Sunday December 7 - 11, 2016
Where? Several venues. Performances will take place at the Colony Theatre, on stages set up throughout Lincoln Road, at Hotel Astor and Rare.
How Much? Free performances and ticketed concerts from $30. Tickets can be purchased directly from the Colony Theater, call 305-674-1040 to inquire.
Sailboats, Yachts, Barges, Gondolas, Kayaks... ANYTHING that floats, all decked up with thousands of lights and a merry spirit, traversing the waters of the intracoastal, what could be more fun this holiday season?! On its 42nd year, the Winterfest Boat Parade has become one of the most awaited events, and this year with the theme "Passport to Paradise" the Ft. Lauderdale shoreline will be coming alive once again.
Some fantastic entries and surprises in the past have included the Circus barge, complete with elephants and acrobats, a floating bus, a fire truck, Mickey and Minnie... can't wait for this year's parade!
When?: Saturday December 10, 2016
Where?: Intracoastal Waterway from Ft. Lauderdale to Pompano Beach
How Much?: Free along parade route, Grandstand viewing areas available.
More info: Winterfest Boat Parade
The King Mango Strut is the wackiest of the wackiest, it's a parade that was born as the antithesis of the King Orange Bowl parade way back, when struters were rejected by King Orange for being too "irreverent" so they decided to start their own King Mango parade, and irony of ironies, the King Orange Bowl Parade does not exist any more.
So what is it? It's a parade with a party atmosphere on a fun and laid back afternoon the last Sunday of the year. The theme or rather themes of the parade are well, anything and everything that made the headlines this year, Mango style of course, meaning, it is a parody of the year's highlights all in the name of fun. Like for example? Everything and everybody is fair game, the TSA, the Pope, twinkies, the Royal Family, politicians, specially politicians ...
Who participates? Anybody can participate, as in, "be on the parade". This is not an over the top parade, the "floats" are not fancy structures or designs, it is all very relaxed with hilarity and fun as the only requirement.
Is it ok for kids? Yes, the Pre-Mango Strut activities begin with the Little Miss Mango Pageant for kids 5 to 12, it is a VERY competitive pageant and all contestants are expected to win, the winners get to ride in the opening "float" of the parade!
So take part or just come to watch, bring a cooler, a folding chair, and be ready to spend the funniest and craziest time, check it out:
When?: Saturday December 31, 2016, parade starts at 2:00 p.m., after-strut street party and dancing afterwards
Where?: Downtown Coconut Grove from Green Street to Coco Walk then back to Commodore Plaza
How Much?: Free!
More Info: www.kingmangostrut.org
Miami might not be Times Square, but we do have our very own "Ball Drop" and spectacular fireworks over our beautiful bay.
This year, Miami's global superstar Pitbull will be hosting the smashing live event to welcome 2017 in Bayfront Park.
Bayfront park will be the place to be for the largest FREE New Year's Eve party in South Florida!
When?: Saturday, December 31, 2016
Where?: Bayfront Park 301 N. Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132
Where to Park?: There is limited, paid parking at Bayfront Park. You can also park at Bayside Marketplace nextdoor or take the Metrorail to the Government Center Station then transfer to the Metromover Inner Loop to Bayfront Park.
How Much?: FREE
No bottles, cans, coolers or personal fireworks are allowed at the park.
Madrid's historic Mercado de San Miguel comes back to Miami! Tapas, ham, paella, gazpacho, gambas, fish... and a tinto de verano to wash it all down...
Selected Spanish chefs and vendors will set up kiosks and small carts at the wide open air area in Bayfront Park, recreating the atmosphere of this beloved food market.
When? Thursdays thru Sundays - Now through January 31, 2017
Where? Bayfront Park at 301 N. Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132
Where to Park?: There is limited, paid parking at Bayfront Park. You can also park at Bayside Marketplace nextdoor or take the Metrorail to the Government Center Station then transfer to the Metromover Inner Loop to Bayfront Park.
How Much? Admission is FREE, food prices range from $2 for small tapas to $8 for larger dishes.
More Info: www.laferiamsm.com
When? Thursday, December 1, 2016 8:00 p.m.
Where? Parker Playhouse at 707 NE 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
The only recording artist or group to achieve number one albums in each of six decades... Barbra Streisand will be in South Florida with two fantastic performances this December which will include the classic favorites as well as hits from her latest number one album, "ENCORE: Movie Partners Sing Broadway"
When? Saturday December 3, 2016 8:00 pm
Where? BB&T Center, Sunrise
When? Monday December 5, 2016 8:00 pm
Where? AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami
When? Monday, December 5, 2016 8:00 p.m.
Where? Hard Rock Live At The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood
When? Several Performances from November 30 - December 18, 2016
Where? JCAT- The J's Cultural Arts Theatre at 18900 NE 25th Avenue, North Miami Beach FL 33180 at the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center/Sanford L. Ziff Campus
Limited Time Discount tickets $25 $12.50 available at Goldstar, you must be a Goldstar member but membership is FREE, just sign up, it's worth the savings!
When? Several Performances December 13 - 25, 2016
Where? Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Ft. Lauderdale
Limited Time Discount tickets $45-$65 $36-$49 available at Goldstar, you must be a Goldstar member but membership is FREE, just sign up, it's worth the savings!
When? December 10, 2016 - January 29, 2017
Where? The Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) Next to Hard Rock Stadium (formerly SunLife Stadium)
When? Wednesday, December 7, 2016 8:00 p.m.
Where? Parker Playhouse at 707 NE 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
When? Several performances December 9 to 11, 2016
Where? Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center For The Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale
When? Sunday and Tuesday, December 11 and 13, 2016
Where? Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center For The Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale
When? Friday, December 16, 2016 3:30 pm and 8:00 pm
Where? BB&T Center, Sunrise
$69.75 - $81.75 $49 - $54 Check for discount tickets at Groupon
When? Friday December 30, 2016 - 7:00 p.m.
Where? The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater 1700 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Check for half-price Moscow Nutcraker tickets at Goldstar, you need to be a member but membership is FREE, just sign up, it's worth the savings!
Legendary icon Billy Joel returns this New Year's Eve to South Florida.
The spectacular performance to ring in 2017 will include renowned hits and classic album tracks from throughout his incredible five-decade career.
When? December 31, 2016 - 9:30 pm
Where? BB&T Center (Formerly BankAtlantic Center), Sunrise, Florida
When? December 18, 2016 - 7:30 pm
Where? BB&T Center (Formerly BankAtlantic Center), Sunrise, Florida
The largest Christmas-Themed Amusement Park and Carnival is back on its 26th year with its 3 million lights, 92" christmas tree, and the carnival rides for little ones and those wanting a little more extreme.
Located in the heart of Miami in Tropical Park, you will no doubt see the lights from the highway as you drive past.
It is a huge sprawling lively event, just coming to see the lights is worth the trip. Tons of entertainment for kids and families round it all up. There are the many live shows, games, magic acts, mazes, all sorts of rides, from carrousels to roller coasters and drop towers and of course, the carnival food!
When? November 3, 2016 to January 8, 2017 - 5:00pm to Midnight
Where? Tropical Park, on the Palmetto (SR826) and Bird Road (40th Street) 7900 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL 33155
How Much? Adults (10-64) $31.78, Children (3-9) $22.43, Seniors (65+) $22.43 Season and express passes available.
More Info: Santa's Enchanted Forest
A spectacular evening of dazzling lights, colors, shapes, and themes.
The Lantern Light festival is a six week celebration of Chinese culture featuring massive lanterns, inspiring performances, and incredible cuisine.
Each Chinese lantern is custom-built by Chinese artisans and typically takes four weeks and a team of seven to complete.
The lanterns are handmade from hundreds of pieces of silky cloth. Some are over 30 feet high and others are up to 300 feet long.
When? November 30, 2016 - January 8, 2017 - 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Where? Miami - Dade County Fair Expo Center at 10921 SW 24 Street, Miami, FL 33165
How Much? Adults $25, Children (2-15) Seniors and Active Military $21, Season Pass $62, Parking $5
More Info, tickets: www.lanternlightfestival.com
Selected dates Groupon discount tickets November 30 - January 5, 2016, Adult $27 $20 More details at Groupon.
LEGO lovers, prepare to be inspired, educated and entertained when Brick Fest Live comes to the Miami Airport Convention Center. You'll get the chance to participate in hands-on building attractions and shop the largest variety of LEGO-themed merchandise imaginable, all under one roof.
When? Saturday and Sunday December 3 - 4, 2016
Where? Miami Airport Convention Center at 711 NW 72nd Avenue, FL, Miami 33126
How Much? $25 Children 2 and under FREE.
Find discount tickets at Goldstar, you must be a member but membership is FREE.
More Info: LEGO Brick Fest Live
Let's herald the Christmas season with a live, open-air reenactment of the Christmas Story.
Featuring live camels, donkeys, goats and sheep, along with an innovative mix of digital and live-action characters, including Mary, Joseph, Jesus, the prophets, angels, the Wise Men and more!
This spectacular depiction, complete with narration, digital projections and a choir, is fun for the entire family!
When? Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10, 2016 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Where? Miami Shores Presbyterian Church, 602 NE 96th Street, Miami Shores, FL 33138
How Much? FREE and open to the public. Guests are invited to bring canned goods, which will be donated to a local food bank.
More Info: Miami Shores Presbyterian Church or call (305) 754-9541
Family Fun Fest is a FREE program at Biscayne National Park brought to you thanks to the many volunteers and park sponsors.
It is held on the second Sunday of the month during the "dry and cool" season, December through April with lots of fun and educational activities for kids and adults alike.
There is also "Family Fun Fest Junior" with lots of activities for toddlers and little ones!
When? December 11, 2016 - 1:00pm to 4:00 pm
Where? Biscayne National Park - Dante Fascell Visitor Center
How Much? FREE!
More info: Biscayne National Park Family Fun Fest
The Miami Beach Bowl will pair a team from the American Athletic Conference against a team from the Mid-American Conference.
When? Monday December 19, 2016 at 2:30 pm
Where? Marlins Ballpark
When? December 30, 2016
Where? Hard Rock Stadium (Formerly SunLife Stadium), Miami Gardens, FL
How Much? Varies, expected to sell out. No tickets? Check Goldstar for discount offers for the Orange Bowl ($198 - $243) $169 - $223
When? Home game schedule below
Where? Hard Rock Stadium (Formerly Sun Life Stadium) Miami Gardens, Florida
How Much? Tickets from $49 at Goldstar
When? Home game schedule below
Where? American Airlines Arena
How Much? Tickets for 2 40% - 55% OFF at Groupon
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