December 2019
Miami Events, Holidays and Festivals

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...

Holiday happenings are getting under way in the midst of the Christmas frenzy and New Year fireworks, including some beloved recurring events... the Nutcracker, the Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert... and opening just in time for the holidays is Cirque du Soleil Alegría. 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:

• Art Basel Miami Beach - December 5 - 8, 2019
• Winterfest Boat Parade - December 14, 2019
• NightGarden Magical Light Spectacular at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens - November 15, 2019 - January 11, 2020
• Jungle Island's Luminosa! Festival of Lights - October 5, 2019 - January 8, 2020
• The Orange Bowl 2019 - December 30, 2019
• King Mango Strut at the Grove - December 29, 2019
• New Year's Eve 2020: Big Orange Countdown and Fireworks, Pitbull's New Year Revolution - December 31, 2019

The concert and entertainment scene in December 2019 features:

• Escape to Margaritaville - November 19 - December 1, 2019 at the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
• Il Divo Holiday Tour - December 4, 2019 at The Fillmore at the Jackie Gleason Theater, Miami Beach
• George Lopez - December 6, 2019 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
• Tony Bennett - December 8, 2019 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
• Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas Eve and Other Stories - December 13, 2019 at BB&T Center
• Bret Michaels - December 13, 2019 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
• Madonna - Madame X Tour - December 14 - 19, 2019 at The Fillmore at the Jackie Gleason Theater, Miami Beach
• Cirque du Soleil Alegria - December 21, 2019 - January 26, 2020 at the Grand Chapiteau at Hard Rock Stadium
• Anuel AA Real Hasta La Muerte Tour - December 21, 2019 at AmericanAirlines Arena
• Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker - December 30, 2019 at the Fillmore at the Jackie Gleason Theater Miami Beach

Top Christmas and Holiday Events

• Winterfest Boat Parade - December 14, 2019
• Santa's Enchanted Forest - October 31, 2019 - January 5, 2020
• NightGarden Magical Light Spectacular at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens - November 15, 2019 - January 11, 2020
• Jungle Island's Luminosa! Festival of Lights - October 5, 2019 - January 8, 2020
• Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas Eve and Other Stories - December 13, 2019 at BB&T Center
• A Christmas Story: The Musical - December 13 - 29, 2019 at the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
• Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (The Musical) - December 23, 2019 at the Ziff Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center
• Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker - December 30, 2019 at the Fillmore at the Jackie Gleason Theater Miami Beach
• Miami City Ballet: George Balanchine's The Nutcracker - December 13 - 22, 2019 at the Ziff Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center
• National Ballet Theater of Odessa: Swan Lake - December 29, 2019 at the Parker Playhouse, Ft. Lauderdale
• Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert - December 28 at the Adrienne Arsht Center and December 31, 2019 at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts
• New Year's Eve 2020: Big Orange Countdown and Fireworks, Pitbull's New Year Revolution - December 31, 2019
• More Christmas and Holiday Events
• More on New Year's Eve in Miami

In the Sports Calendar:

• The Orange Bowl: Florida Gators vs Virginia Cavaliers - December 30, 2019
• Miami Heat Basketball Schedule - December 2019 Home Games and Tickets
• Miami Dolphins Football Schedule - December 2019 Home Games and Tickets
• Florida Panthers Hockey Schedule - December 2019 Home Games and Tickets

Specially for kids and families This December 2019:

• Santa's Enchanted Forest - October 31, 2019 - January 5, 2020
• Elephant & Piggie's We are in a Play! - December 1, 2019
• Family Fun Fest at Biscayne National Park - December 8, 2019
• The Harlem Globetrotters - December 13, 2019
• Living Nativity at Miami Shores Presbyterian Church - December 13 - 14, 2019
• Winterfest Boat Parade - December 14, 2019
• Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (The Musical) - December 23, 2019 at the Ziff Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center
• Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker - December 30, 2019 at the Fillmore at the Jackie Gleason Theater Miami Beach
• More Things To Do With Children!

FREE or almost FREE Ongoing Events in Miami:

• Miami Design District Performance Series - December 13, 2019 and select Friday evenings
• New World Symphony WALLCAST® Concerts - December 14 and 21, 2019 and select Saturdays (normally 3rd) through May
• Wynwood Art Walk Block Party - December 14, 2019 and every second Saturday of the month
• Washington Avenue's WAVE Wine + Beer Taste - December 19, 2019 and every 3rd Thursday of the month

December 2019 Highlight Events in Miami

Art Basel Miami Beach

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 5 - 8, 2019
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

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 14, 2019
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

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

Luminosa! Festival of Lights at Jungle Island

A Chinese Lantern Festival with a very Miami tropical twist! Taking place in Jungle Island where 13 acres of the park's environs will be decked out with humongous brightly lit silk lanterns featuring four different themes portraying the diverse animal and plant life found in the park. Certainly a fantastic way to explore wildlife and adventure in a new light. The exhibits will be a very festive addition to the holidays!

When? TBA November 2024 through February 2025
Where? Jungle Island at 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail Miami, Florida 33132
How Much? TBA, last year Adults $29.90, Children (4-12) $20.93, Senior, Student, Military $25.42, Group bundle (6 people or more) $26.91

More Info & tickets: Luminosa! Festival of Lights

Orange Bowl 2019: Florida Gators Vs Virginia Cavaliers

When? Monday, December 30, 2019
Where? Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
How Much? Varies, expected to sell out.
›› Find Orange Bowl 2019 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

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?: TBC Sunday December 29, 2019, 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 2020 Countdown and Fireworks Pitbull's New Year Revolution

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 2020 in Bayfront Park.

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

When?: Tuesday, December 31, 2019
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 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 2019

Escape to Margaritaville, The Musical

Welcome to Margaritaville, where people come to get away from it all-and stay to find something they never expected.

Get ready for a hilarious and heartwarming musical with the most unforgettable songs from one of music's greatest storytellers. USA Today calls it "A little slice of paradise!"

When? November 19 - December 1, 2019

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

How Much? ›› Find Escape to Margaritaville Tickets

Madonna

When? December 14 - 19

Where? The Fillmore at the Jackie Gleason Theater, Miami Beach

How Much? ›› Find Madonna Madame X Tour Tickets

Cirque du Soleil Alegria

When? December 21, 2019 - January 26, 2020

Where? The Grand Chapiteau at Hard Rock Stadium

How Much? ›› Find Cirque du Soleil Alegria Tickets
Check out Groupon Deals from $44

Anuel AA - Real Hasta La Muerte Tour

When? Saturday December 21, 2019 - 8:00 pm

Where? AmericanAirlines Arena

How Much? ›› Find Anuel AA Tickets

Top Christmas and Holiday Events and Festivals

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:

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

Santa's Echanted 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

Miami City Ballet's The Nutcracker

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.

When? December 13 - 22, 2019
Where? Ziff Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami
How Much? ›› Find The Nutcracker Tickets
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!

National Ballet Theater of Odessa: Swan Lake

The legendary National Ballet Theater of Odessa with its 55 talented and brightest ballet stars, bring this romantic tale of true love to glorious life.

This full-scale production, set to the timeless music of Tchaikovsky and based on Russian folklore and German legend, follows the heroic young prince as he works to free the beautiful swan maiden from an evil spell...

When? Sunday December 29, 2019 - 3:00 pm
Where? Parker Playhouse, Ft. Lauderdale
How Much? ›› Find Swan Lake Tickets

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas Eve and Other Stories

When? Friday, December 13, 2019 - 8:00 pm

Where? BB&T Center, Sunrise

How Much? ›› Find Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tickets

A Christmas Story: The Musical

When? December 13 - 29, 2019

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

How Much? ›› Find A Christmas Story Tickets

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (The Musical)

The beloved classic Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer The Musical soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius, and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer The Musical.

When? December 23, 2019
Where? Ziff Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami
How Much? ›› Find Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (The Musical) Tickets

Moscow Ballet's 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? Monday December 30, 2019 - 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Where? The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater
How Much? ›› 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 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? Saturday December 28, 2019 - 8:00 pm
Where? Adrienne Arsht Center Miami
How Much? ›› Find Salute To Vienna Tickets in Miami

When? Monday December 31, 2019 - 7:00 pm
Where? Coral Springs Center For The Arts at 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs, Florida 33065
How Much? ›› 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 2019

Elephant & Piggie's We Are In A Play!

When? Sunday December 1, 2019 - 11:00 am and 1:00 pm

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

How Much? ›› Find Elephant & Piggie Tickets

Family Fun Fest at 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 2019-20 season, come and join in!

When? December 8, 2019 - 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 Harlem Globetrotters

When? Friday December 13, 2019 - 7:00 pm

Where? Rick Case Arena at D Taft University Center, Fort Lauderdale

How Much? ›› Find Harlem Globetrotters Tickets
›› 49% Off Globetrotters Tickets at Groupon

The Annual Living Nativity at Miami Shores Presbyterian Church

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, baby 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 13 - 14, 2019 - 6:30 pm - 8:30 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 2019

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 2019 Home Games and Football 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 2019 Home Games and Hockey Tickets

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
›› Check for deals on Panthers Tickets at Groupon.

Free Or Almost Free Ongoing Events in Miami

Miami Design District Free Outdoor Concerts

The Miami Design District Performance Series kicks off in the fall and is a fantastic chance to enjoy live FREE outdoor concerts, our marvelous weather as it starts to cool off all wrapped in a fantastic South Florida atmosphere. The events are put together by the Knight Foundation, Design District developer Craig Robins and our very own Emilio Estefan and are free for all to enjoy. (THANK YOU!!!!)

The season normally starts in October and runs through the Holidays. Taking the stage on Friday evenings are performers in all sorts of genres from classical, pop, salsa... last year we had Gloria Gaynor, Jose Luis Rodriguez (El Puma), the Miami Symphony Orchestra... it's an eclectic bunch and regardless of who appears at Palm Court, it is always an enjoyable evening and a great way to kick start your weekend. And did I mention it's FREE?!!!

This month Performance Series events - 6:00 pm:
December 13, 2019 - A Holiday Concert With Original Dream Girl, Jennifer Holliday
December 20, 2019 - The Miami Symphony Orchestra

Where? Palm Court Plaza at the Miami Design District

How Much? FREE!

More Info: www.miamidesigndistrict.net

New World Symphony WALLCAST® Concerts

These are live classical music performances by the New World Symphony which are projected into a 7,000 square-foot wall at the New World Center for thousands to enjoy in a fantastic outdoor atmosphere.

The concerts are typically on the third Saturday of the month and the season runs from October through May.

New for the 2019-2020 season, WALLCAST® Concerts will utilize 4K Ultra High Definition visual technology for projections on the wall at the New World Center.

December WALLCAST Concerts:
December 14, 2019 - Ehnes Plays Mozart - 7:30 pm
December 21, 2019 - Sounds of the Season - 7:30 pm

Where? SoundScape Park at 500 17th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139

How Much? FREE! Bring a picnic, blankets, beach chairs, cocktails... yes, there are restrooms available at the south-east corner of SoundScape Park.
More Info: New World Symphony Wallcast Concert Series

Wynwood Art Walk Block Party

Every second Saturday of the month, the Wynwood Art Walk Block Party is one of the most iconic events in the city in this up and coming neighborhood which has been transforming the art scene in Miami.

Wynwood which is best known for its street art and splashy murals puts together a live art show, pop-up shop & gallery experience where you can mingle among the artists and creators, drink in hand, watch as art is being created in front of you and purchase directly from them.

And beyond the fantastic art there's plenty of gourmet food trucks, cocktails, live music and vendors, yes, it's a party!

When? Saturday December 14, 2019 and every second Saturday of the month, doors open at noon
Where? The Wynwood Marketplace at 2250 Northwest 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33127 at the Wynwood Art District
How Much? FREE! RSVP for a free drink!
More Info: www.wynwoodartwalkblockparty.com

WAVE Wine + Beer Taste on Washington Avenue

The Washington Avenue Business Improvement District Presents a Live Music Series Featuring a Wine & Beer Taste!
15 wine, beer, and live music locations over a 1 mile stretch on Washington Avenue, Miami Beach
A diversity of live music everyone can enjoy! Grab a friend and come enjoy your favorite wines, beers, and try something new while sitting back with locals and tourists alike to take in all the live music. Must be 21+.

When? Thursday December 19, 2019 - 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and every 3rd Thursday of the month.
Where? Along Washington Avenue in South Beach
How Much? General Admission $12.24 (entitles you to 12 wine / beer tastes), VIP $20.73 (entitles you to 24 wine / beer tastes)
More Info and Tickets: WAVE Wine & Beer.

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