2021 Thanksgiving Weekend Events in Miami

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Events may be cancelled / postponed / rescheduled due to the current Coronavirus health precautions. Please check with event organizers for updates.

Thanksgiving Day is a public holiday observed every year on the fourth Thursday in November. This year it will be on November 25, 2021.

This holiday has its roots in the early pilgrim days as a celebration to the end of a fruitful harvest season.

For many Americans it means time with family, turkey and mashed potatoes, a weekend of football, and naturally, the shopping.

A big part of Thanksgiving Weekend is now the sales in what has now become the largest shopping weekend of the year, which includes "Black Friday" or the Friday after Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, the Monday after. Unlike last year that saw many stores and malls remain closed on Thanksgiving Day and many of the sales went online, this year we can anticipate a return to the higher traffic levels typical of "Black Friday", at any rate, check before you head out, and needless to say, if you don't like crowds, avoid the stores on these days.

Thanksgiving is also the "unoficial" start of the holiday season. Christmas and Hannukah decorations will be popping up all over town, with many holiday events and outdoor concerts adding a sparkle to the celebrations.

Karol G brings her Bichota Tour 2021 to FTX Arena (ex AmericanAirlines Arena) and a couple of exciting matches will be going on over the weekend, our Dolphins meet the Carolina Panthers at Hard Rock Stadium and for hockey fans, the Florida Panthers meet the Philadelphia Flyers and the Seattle Kraken at FLA Live Arena.

As in all public holidays, government offices, schools, post offices, banks and public libraries will close on Thanksgiving Day. Many restaurants remain open and offer special dinners to celebrate the Holiday.

This is the perfect time to head outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and cooler temperatures as we wave goodbye to the scorching heat of summer. And as migrating birds are heading back our way, this is a good time for a visit to the Everglades, enjoy the beautiful wildlife or a thrilling airboat ride!

Here's what's happening this Thanksgiving in Miami as well as some popular see's and do's to take advantage of the long weekend!

Thanksgiving Weekend Concerts

Ruben Blades - November 26, 2021 at the James L Knight Center Miami
Karol G: Bichota Tour 2021 - November 26, 2021 at FTX Arena (formerly AmericanAirlines Arena)
South Florida Ballet Theatre: Nights At The Sands - November 26, 2021 at the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Evening - November 26, 2021 at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
90's Kickback Concert - November 27, 2021 at the James L Knight Center Miami
Men Who Dance - November 27-28, 2021 at the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Black Violin: Give Thanks Holiday Tour - November 27, 2021 at the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Candlelight Open Air: with Nu Deco - November 28, 2021 at the North Beach Bandshell

Catch a game this Thanksgiving Weekend

Florida Panthers vs. Philadelphia Flyers - Wednesday November 24, 2021 at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise (formerly BB&T Center)
Inter Miami CF at the MLS Cup Eastern Conference Semi Finals - TBC - Thursday November 25, 2021 at DRV PNK Stadium
Florida Panthers vs. Seattle Kraken - Saturday November 27, 2021 at FLA Live Arena
Miami Dolphins vs. Carolina Panthers - Sunday November 28, 2021 at Hard Rock Stadium

Thanksgiving Weekend Outdoor Fun and Things To Do

Hit the Boardwalks and Trails at the Everglades
Take an Airboat Ride
A cruise on the Bay...
Get Out of Town! Bahamas, Key West, Disneyworld, Space Coast...
Santa's Enchanted Forest - November 4, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Bayfront Holiday Village at Bayfront Park - November and December
NightGarden Magical Light Spectacular at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens - November 12, 2021 to January 2, 2022
Symphony In Lights Holiday Celebration at Gulfstream Park - November 13 - December 31, 2021
Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami - Select nights from November 26 - December 30, 2021
All attractions and tours that have reopened post-covid closures

Thanksgiving Weekend Stay, Eat...

Booking.com

Thanksgiving Weekend Concerts, Sports and Entertainment

Karol G: Bichota Tour 2021

When? Friday, November 26, 2021
Where? FTX Arena (formerly AmericanAirlines Arena)
How Much? ›› Find Tickets Karol G Bichota Tour 2021

Black Violin: Give Thanks Holiday Tour

When? November 27, 2021
Where? Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
How Much? ›› Find Black Violin Give Thanks Holiday Tour Tickets

Florida Panthers vs. Philadelphia Flyers

When? Wednesday November 24, 2021

Where? FLA Live Arena, formerly BB&T Center, Sunrise

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

›› Find Tickets
›› Check for Panthers Tickets at Groupon from $19.

Inter Miami CF at the MLS Cup Eastern Conference Semi Finals - TBC

When? Thursday November 25, 2021

Where? DRV PNK Stadium, Ft Lauderdale at 1350 NW 55th St, Fort Lauderdale. Between I-95 and the Turnpike, north of Commercial.

More Info and Tickets www.intermiamicf.com/

Florida Panthers vs. Seattle Kraken

When? Saturday November 27, 2021

Where? FLA Live Arena, formerly BB&T Center, Sunrise

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

›› Find Tickets
›› Check for Panthers Tickets at Groupon from $19.

Miami Dolphins vs. Carolina Panthers

When? Sunday November 28, 2021

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 from $33.

Thanksgiving Weekend Outdoor Fun, Events and Things To Do

Hit the Boardwalks and Trails at the Everglades

The dry season is approaching, meaning our migrating birds are coming back, manatees take refuge in our warmer waters, alligators are easier to spot as they congregate around the waterholes... in short, this is the season for visiting the Everglades and enjoying nature and the outdoors.

Why not spend a couple of hours walking off all that turkey along the boardwalks and trails?

Our favorite short walks are:

Anhinga Trail at Royal Palms near the Main Park Entrance at Florida City by Homestead
The The Loop Road at Shark Valley

These two trails are always full of activity and are very easy to get to. The walk can be as short or as long as you want to make it.

If you're up for a bike ride, the Shark Valley Loop is also a great option and there are bike rentals available here.

And there's also canoeing and kayaking through the mangrove tunnels...

Here's our comprehensive guide to the Florida Everglades and Everglades National Park

Let's Paddle Away!

Book with confidence! Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

Take an Airboat Ride...

Another fun way to see the vastness of the Everglades and fantastic wildlife is by zipping around in an Airboat.

There are many operators offering airboat tours. Many concentrate along US 41, or Tamiami Trail and also near the park's main entrance and visitor center in Homestead.

Simply drive along these two corridors and you can not miss the many signs advertising the airboat rides.

Here's more on Everglades Airboat Tours.

Most Popular Everglades Excursions

Book with confidence! Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

A Cruise On The Bay...

This Thanksgiving weekend, enjoy a fantastic outing in the sun, enjoying the breeze and beautiful waters of Biscayne Bay and our magical skyline or wonderful colorful reefs...

There are many options for cruises and that have restarted operations and are running now.

For the different types of cruises, check our Biscayne Bay Cruise options page.

Most Popular Bay Cruises and Excursions

Book with confidence! Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

Get Out Of Town...

This IS a long weekend! Why not spend some time exploring our surroundings? The Florida Keys are at our doorstep and you can be there within an hour from Miami. Get out your snorkel or dive gear and head south! John Pennekamp Park in Key Largo is a fantastic destination for all sorts of water sports and outdoor activities, snorkeling, diving, kayaking... And of course, Key West, as far south as you can go, famous for wonderful sunsets, its street art scene, shops, outdoor cafes, restaurants and historic sites has also much to offer.

Heading north, you can stop at the Kennedy Space Center or spend a couple of days at the theme parks in Orlando.

And the Bahamas are equally accesible, there are regularly scheduled ferries to bring you to the Islands.

Don't have a car? Check out these hassle-free offers that take care of your transport and sightseeing:

Popular Day Trips From Miami...

Book with confidence! Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.

Kicking Off The Holiday Season...

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.
In a new location at Hialeah Park, you will no doubt see the lights 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 4, 2021 - January 2, 2022 - 5:00pm to Midnight
Where? Hialeah Park at 3100 East 4th Ave. Hialeah, FL
How Much? Early Elf Season Passes: Adults (9-64) $48.84, Children (3-8) $39.26 and Seniors 65+ $36.64, general admission TBA

More Info: Santa's Enchanted Forest

Christmas Holiday Village at Bayfront Park

Christmas Tree Lighting at Bayfront Park

The official kick off to the holiday season in downtown Miami takes place as Bayfront Park unveils its 50-foot tree covered with glittering lights at the Bayfront Marketplace popup: Bayfront Holiday Village.

The Village will be open throughout the holiday season and host great entertainment options: a collection of hand-picked shops where you can pick out that perfect gift, roller skating rink around the tree and fountain, top food truck eating options, scavenger hunts and even a Santa Paws Dog Park so you can bring your furry friend along to the festivities.

When? Holiday Village will open throughout the holiday season, exact dates 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!

More info: Bayfront Holiday Village

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? November 12, 2021 to January 2, 2022
Where? Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens at 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156
How Much? General Admission $34, Children 10 and under $29, plus service fees. Discounts for Fairchild members and non-peak hours, season passes available. Groupon General Admission ~~$34~~ $25

More info: www.thenightgarden.com

Symphony In Lights Holiday Celebration at Gulfstream Park

The entire property will be illuminated with more than 250,000 LED lights, all set to the sounds of holiday favorites from yesterday and today.

A 10-minute light show will begin at the top of every hour from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm

"Symphony in Lights" is not only the perfect opportunity to experience some holiday magic, but also to enjoy shopping, dining and boundless entertainment at Gulfstream Park Village's open-air setting.

When? November 13 - December 31, 2021, kick-off event on Saturday, November 13 from 7-10 p.m. Emmy award-winning newscaster Calvin Hughes will serve as the emcee and the Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida will perform a lively set along with a 7-piece band. Even Santa Claus himself will ride in to kick off the festivities.
Where? Gulfstream Park at 901 S. Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
How Much? FREE

More info: Symphony in Lights at Gulfstream Park

Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami

It's that magical time of the year as the park transforms into a fabulous array of shimmering trees and dazzling (animal-shaped of course) lights that adorn every corner of this fantastic animal kingdom.

What else? Appearances by Santa (until December 23), animal presentations, arts & crafts and letters to Santa (limited spaces available), hot cocoa and cookies (fee), Snowman's River Boat Rides ($5 per person)

When?: Select nights from November 26 - December 30, 2021 - 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Where?: Zoo Miami at 1 Zoo Boulevard, 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, FL 33177
How Much?: TBA, last year $19.95 per adult and $17.95 per child age 3 - 12 plus tax (Members save $3),

More Info Here: www.zoomiami.org

More Outdoor Attractions, Tours, Activities and Things to Do This Thanksgiving Weekend

It's time to get out! Here's a list of things to do while maintaining social distancing measures. They have reopened and can be booked now. Make a reservation as many of the tours and activities are running on limited capacities. You can book with confidence as there is a free cancellation policy for most of the activities listed here, if your plans change and you cancel up to 24 hours in advance you will receive a full refund.