December 2018
Miami Events, Holidays and Festivals

What's hot: Art Basel, Hamilton, Christmas Fests, New Year's Fireworks!
December Poinsettias

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 entertainment...

Featuring this month: Hamilton, the hit musical, opens at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts as The King and I ends its round.

And of course, lots of fun events are getting under way in the midst of the Christmas frenzy and New Year fireworks, including some beloved recurring events... the Nutcracker, the TransSiberian Orchestra, the Wizard of Oz, the Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert... In addition, the Christmas boaters and the wacky Mango Strutters come out in full force just in time for the holidays and we get ready to welcome college football fans for the Orange Bowl.

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!

This Month's Miami Highlight Events:

The concert and entertainment scene in December 2018 features:

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Top Christmas and Holiday Events

In the Sports Calendar:

Specially for kids and families This December 2018:

Coming Up: Hot Tickets Now On Sale

Taylor Swift in Miami

Taylor Swift - The Eras Tour

Hard Rock Stadium
October 18-20, 2024

Shakira in Miami

Shakira - Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour

Kaseya Center aka Miami Heat Arena
November 20, 2024

Andrea Bocelli in Miami

Andrea Bocelli

Kaseya Center aka Miami Heat Arena
December 22, 2024


December 2018 Highlight Events in Miami

Art Basel Miami Beach

Art Basel in Miami

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 6 - 9, 2018
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, the Miami Design District and the Faena District.

More on Art Basel Week and Satellite Fairs

Ft. Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade

Winterfest Boat Parade in Ft. Lauderdale

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 47th year, the Winterfest Boat Parade has become one of the most awaited events, this year the Ft. Lauderdale shoreline will be coming alive once again.

Some fantastic entries and surprises in the past have included a floating bus, the Galleria Mall reindeer barge, a fire truck, Mickey and Minnie... can't wait for this year's parade!

When?: Saturday December 15, 2018
Where?: Intracoastal Waterway from Ft. Lauderdale to Pompano Beach
How Much?: Free along parade route, Grandstand viewing areas available.

More info: Winterfest Boat Parade

NightGarden a Magical Light Spectacular

NightGarden Magical Light Spectacular at Fairchild

An enchanted, illuminated experience full of fantasy and wonderment where things like the Wise Talking Tree, Flying Fairies and a Sunflower Maze come to life.
Come and marvel at unbelievable live effects such as holographic butterflies and floating orchids throughout multiple acres of dazzling magic.

When? Select dates TBA November 2024 through January 2025
Where? Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens at 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156
How Much? TBA, last year Weekday prices starting at $25. General Admission $35, Children 10 and under $30, plus service fees. Discounts for Fairchild members, students, senior, military, group (min. 6) bundle available.

More info and tickets: Nightgarden Magical Light Spectacular

Miami Lantern Light Festival

Colorful lanterns adorn the Miami Lantern Light Festival

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, 2018 to January 20, 2019 - Thursdays through Sundays 5:00 - 10:00 pm, Fridays and Saturdays open until 11:00 pm
Where? Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds at 10901 SW 24th Street,Miami, FL 33165
How Much? Adults $23, Children (3-12) $18, Seniors and Active Military $20, Children activity packages and group packages available.

You can get discount tickets for general admission and children activity packages at Goldstar, you must be a Goldstar member but membership is FREE! Just sign up it's worth the savings!

More Info, tickets: www.lanternlightfestival.com

Orange Bowl 2018 - Alabama vs. Oklahoma

Orange Bowl Miami

When? Saturday, December 29, 2018
Where? Hard Rock Stadium (Formerly SunLife Stadium), Miami Gardens, FL
How Much? Varies, expected to sell out.
›› Find Orange Bowl 2018 Tickets
More info on this year's Orange Bowl: stadium info, directions, parking, where to stay, Orange Bowl events, Beach Bash, Fan PreGame Party.

King Mango Strut at the Grove

Coconut Grove King Mango Strut logo

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 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?: Sunday December 30, 2018, 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

New Year's Eve: Big Orange Ball Drop 2019 Countdown and Fireworks Pitbull s New Year Revolution

Pitbull New Years in Miami

Miami might not be Times Square, but we do have our very own "Ball Drop" and spectacular fireworks over our beautiful bay.

As in prior years, Miami's global superstar Pitbull will be hosting the smashing live event to welcome 2018 in Bayfront Park.

Bayfront park will be the place to be for the largest FREE New Year's Eve party in South Florida!

When?: Monday, December 31, 2018 - Times and program TBA
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!
Private events and VIP area: Pitbull's Worldwide VIP Food & Wine Party - $295, Couples $495, Center Stage VIP $395. All prices plus fees and taxes. Age 21+ only. More info and Worldwide NYE 2019 tickets.
No bottles, cans, coolers or personal fireworks are allowed at the park.

More on New Year's Eve Celebrations in Miami

Miami Concerts and Entertainment this December 2018

Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King And I

The King and I in South Florida

When? November 20 - December 2, 2018

Where? Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts

How Much? $40+

›› Find Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King And I Tickets

You can get discount tickets for The Kind and I at Goldstar, $55.25 - $85.25 $34 - $64, you must be a Goldstar member but membership is FREE! Just sign up it's worth the savings!

The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz

When? Friday and Saturday December 7 and 8, 2018

Where? James L. Knight Center at 400 SE 2nd Avenue Miami

How Much? $39+

›› Find Wizard of Oz Tickets

You can get discount tickets for The Wizard of Oz at Goldstar, $39 $19.50, you must be a Goldstar member but membership is FREE! Just sign up it's worth the savings!

Sleeping Beauty Dreams

Sleeping Beauty Dreams

A contemporary art exploration of the age-old fable, features global prima ballerina Diana Vishneva performing as Princess Aurora and Tony Award nominee Desmond Richardson as Prince Peter in a fusion of dance, music, art, and revolutionary 3D digital technology never seen on stage before.

When? Friday and Saturday December 7 and 8, 2018
Where? Ziff Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami
How Much? $45+
›› Find Sleeping Beauty Dreams Tickets

Legally Blonde - The Musical

Legally Blonde On Stage

When? December 13 - 30, 2018

Where? Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts

How Much? $60+

›› Find Legally Blonde Tickets

You can get discount tickets for Legally Blonde at Goldstar, $55.46 $37, you must be a Goldstar member but membership is FREE! Just sign up it's worth the savings!

Cirque du Soleil Crystal - A Breaktrough Ice Experience

Cirque Du Soleil Crystal

When? December 13 - 16, 2018

Where? AmericanAirlines Arena

How Much? $60+ Check out Groupon Offers 20%+ off

›› Find Cirque du Soleil Crystal Tickets

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Celtic Thunder X Tour

Legally Blonde On Stage

From glen to glen and down the mountain side, Celtic Thunder rolls back into South Florida by popular demand! Known internationally for their larger-than-life performances and frequently featured on PBS, Celtic Thunder mixes traditional Irish folk songs with hot contemporary hits.

Backed by the Celtic Thunder Band, the charming all-male singing group ignites the stage and promises audiences an eclectic, engaging and electrifying theatrical experience.

When? Friday December 14, 2018 - 8:00 pm
Where? Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
How Much? $40+
›› Find Celtic Thunder Tickets

Kansas - The Point of Know Return Tour

Kansas Point of Know Return

When? Saturday December 15, 2018 - 8:00 pm

Where? Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts

How Much? $34+

›› Find Kansas Point of Know Return Tickets

Hamilton - The Hit Musical

Hamilton The Hit Musical

Lin-Manuel Miranda's acclaimed musical, HAMILTON is the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation's first Treasury Secretary.

Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, as told by America now.

When? December 18, 2018 - January 8, 2019
Where? Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
How Much? Likely to sell out
›› Find Hamilton Tickets


Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg

When? Thursday December 20, 2018 - 8:00 pm

Where? Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

How Much? $90+

›› Find Snoop Dogg Tickets

Top Christmas and Holiday Events and Festivals

Christmas in Miami

Christmas Day, is a public holiday throughout the country. Federal government offices, schools and some National, State, and Local Parks are closed on Christmas Day and store hours and restaurant and businesses holiday schedules may vary. Likewise on Christmas Eve, early closings and holiday hours will be in effect at most businesses.

You can expect the following to be open and closed on Christmas Day:

Closed

Government Offices
Schools
Post Offices
Banks
Public Libraries
Grocery Stores
Visitor Centers at the following Parks (trails and boardwalks remain accesible): Biscayne National Park, Big Cypress, Loxahatchee NWR

Open

(check for special holiday schedules)
Pharmacies
Most Fast Food and Restaurants
Public Transportation (Limited schedules and routes)
Most Parks: Everglades National Park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Oleta River State Park, Bill Baggs State Park


Here are some of this year's Holiday highlights and events:

Santa's Echanted Forest

Santa's Enchanted Forest

The largest Christmas-Themed Amusement Park and Carnival is back with its millions of dazzling lights, South Florida's tallest christmas tree, and the carnival rides for little ones and those wanting a little more extreme.
Santa's new home in Doral is bigger than ever with more than 40 acres of attractions, plus 3 entrances and expansive parking. 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? TBA November 2024 to January 2025
Where? 7400 NW 87th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33166
How Much? TBA, last year Adults (9-64) $44.86, Children (3-8) and Seniors 65+ $36.45. Season Passes, military discounts, group discounts and express passes available.

More Info: Santa's Enchanted Forest

Trans-Siberian Orchestra 20th Anniversary "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve" 2018 Tour

Trans-Siberian Orchestra on tour

Presented by the Hallmark Channel, the Rock Holiday tradition on its 20th year comes once again to BB&T Center.

This dazzling multimedia production brings us our favorite holiday classics... O Come All Ye Faithful, Christmas Cannon, O Holy Night... like you've never heard them before combining enthralling music and delightful story-telling, a holiday classic!

When? Friday December 14, 2018 - 8:00 pm
Where? BB&T Center, Sunrise
How Much?
›› Find Trans-Siberian Orchestra Ghost of Christmas Eve Tickets

Miami City Ballet's The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker Ballet

The holiday tradition you love will become even more magical...

A vibrant and animated winter wonderland comes to life, featuring appearances by The Sugarplum Fairy, toy soldiers, and mischievous mice, all while retaining George Balanchine's iconic choreography and Tchaikovsky's timeless score.

Two South Florida locations:

When? Friday to Sunday December 7 - 9, 2018
Where? Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
How Much? You can get discount tickets for The Nutcracker at Goldstar, $45-$125 $35 - $75, you must be a Goldstar member but membership is FREE! Just sign up it's worth the savings!

When? December 15 - 24, 2018
Where? Ziff Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami
How Much? You can get discount tickets for The Nutcracker at Goldstar, $50-$99 $38 - $75, you must be a Goldstar member but membership is FREE! Just sign up it's worth the savings!

White Christmas

White Christmas

Irving Berlin's White Christmas tells the story of two showbiz buddies putting on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn, and finding their perfect mates in the bargain.

Full of dancing, romance, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, including "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep," "Happy Holiday," "Sisters," "Blue Skies," and the unforgettable title song, Irving Berlin's White Christmas promises to be a merry and bright experience for the entire family!

When? December 25 - 30, 2018
Where? Ziff Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami
How Much?
›› Find White Christmas Tickets

Cirque Dreams Holidaze - The Family Holiday Spectacular

A multi-million dollar stage production with soaring acrobatics, gravity defying feats, ellaborate illusions, holiday music... it's a Broadway musical, cirque spectacle and family show all in one! A 2-hour theatrical adventure BroadwayWorld proclaims "The Perfect Holiday Gift... a show that everyone will enjoy... colorful, festive, imaginative, inventive, and thoroughly entertaining."

When? December 28, 2018 - 7:30 pm
Where? James L. Knight Center - Miami, FL
How Much? $55 - $109
›› Find Cirque Dreams Holidaze Tickets

You can get discount tickets at Goldstar, $74 $50, you must be a Goldstar member but membership is FREE! Just sign up it's worth the savings!

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker

Moscow Ballet Great Russian Nutcracker

One of the world's most magical adaptations of Tchaikovsky's holiday classic, the Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker pirouettes its way into The Fillmore Miami Beach with close to 40 renowned dancers that bring to life the timeless story of young Masha (Clara), who receives the gift of a nutcracker one Christmas Eve and dreams that night of a grand adventure with her Nutcracker Prince.

Filled with larger-than-life puppets and nesting dolls, handmade Victorian-style costumes, gasp-inducing special effects and sets created by La La Land designer Carl Sprague, this perennial favorite is sure to cast its seasonal spell over the whole family.

When? Saturday December 29, 2018 - 3:00 pm
Where? The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater
How Much? $50+
›› Find Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker Tickets
›› Limited time and selling fast! Great Russian Nutcracker Tickets at Groupon - Best Seats Orchestra or Mezzanine $125.50 $39


Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert

Salute to Vienna New Years Concert

Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert recreates the beauty of Vienna's golden era and this year's concert will feature a brilliant new program of Strauss waltzes and sweeping melodies from beloved operettas performed by acclaimed European singers, champion ballroom dancers, ballet, and live symphony orchestra.

The first effortless notes of the eternal Blue Danube Waltz will welcome you into a triumphant 2019!

Two South Florida performances:

When? Sunday December 30, 2018 - 8:00 pm
Where? Adrienne Arsht Center Miami
How Much? $45+
›› Find Salute To Vienna Tickets in Miami

When? Monday December 31, 2018 - 7:00 pm
Where? Coral Springs Center For The Arts at 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs, Florida 33065
How Much? $57+
›› Find Salute To Vienna Tickets in Coral Springs

Check out more of this year's most popular Christmas and Holiday Season events and celebrations in Miami.

Miami For Kids And Families This December 2018

Santa's Enchanted Workshop On Stage

Santas Enchanted Workshop

For Stanley, Christmas has lost some of its magic. Stanley, along with his sister SuSu, sets out to find out about Christmas for himself by traveling to the North Pole. Trapped in a blizzard, they wind up in a dilapidated gas station run by a mysterious old man named Nick who shows them the wonders of imagination and helps to bring his rundown gas station to life as a magic toyshop. One of the silliest villains you'll ever see, Mr. Gasket J. Wasket shows up and tries to spoil the day.

In the end, Stanley finds a renewed Christmas spirit and the real meaning of the holiday...

When? Tuesday December 4, 2018 - 10:00 am
Where? Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
How Much?
›› Find Santa's Enchanted Workshop Tickets

The Harlem Globetrotters

Harlem Globetrotters Great For Kids

When? Saturday December 8, 2018 - 2:00 pm

Where? The Watsco Center at UM at 1245 Dauer Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146

How Much? $30+

›› Find Harlem Globetrotters Tickets


Family Fun Fest at Biscayne National Park

Family Fun Fest Biscayne National Park

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.

This is the first program of the 2018-19 season, come and join in!

When? December 9, 2018 - 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 Annual Living Nativity at Miami Shores Presbyterian Church

Living Nativity

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? December 14 and 15, 2018 - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Where? Miami Shores Presbyterian Church, 602 NE 96th Street, Miami Shores, FL 33138
How Much? FREE and open to the public. Volunteers for set up and spot participants: angels, shepherds, villagers, etc. welcome!

More Info: Miami Shores Presbyterian Church or call (305) 754-9541

For Miami Sports Fans This December 2018

2018 Metro by T-Mobile Orange Bowl Basketball Classic

Orange Bowl Basketball Classic

What? Don't miss the 2018 Metro by T-Mobile Orange Bowl Basketball Classic on Saturday Dec. 22! Catch the Florida State Seminoles take on the Saint Louis Billikens in Game One, followed by the Florida Gators vs. the FGCU Eagles in Game Two.

Two Games...

One Ticket!

When? Saturday, December 22, 2018 - 2:30 pm
Where? BB&T Center in Sunrise
How Much? Tickets start at $20
›› Find Tickets

Miami Heat Tickets AA Arena

When? See home game schedule for this month below

Where? AmericanAirlines Arena

How Much? As low as $15, but they go quick!

›› Find Tickets
›› Check for great discounts for Miami Heat Tickets at Groupon!!!

Miami Dolphins Schedule - December 2018 Home Games and Football Tickets

Miami Dolphins schedule and tickets

When? See schedule below

Where? Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

How Much? Individual game tickets can be had for as low as $15 but you have to be quick!

›› Find Tickets
›› Check for Miami Dolphins Tickets at Groupon.


Florida Panthers Schedule - December 2018 Home Games and Hockey Tickets

Florida Panthers Tickets BBT Center

Panthers are pouncing, get over to the BB&T Center to see first-class teams battle it out on the ice!

When? See schedule below
Where? BB&T Center, Sunrise
How Much? As low as $15, but they go quick!

›› Find Tickets

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