Thanksgiving Weekend Events in Miami

Thanksgiving Day is a public holiday observed every year on the fourth Thursday in November.

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. Needless to say, if you don't like crowds, avoid the stores on these days.

Thanksgiving is also the "unofficial" 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.

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 are some popular see's and do's to take advantage of the long Thanksgiving weekend.

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...
Symphony In Lights Holiday Celebration at Gulfstream Park
Jungle Island's Luminosa! Festival of Lights
Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami
"Holidays in Wonderland" Historic Holiday Decor at the Deering Estate and Holiday Evening Strolls
NightGarden Magical Light Spectacular at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens
Winterland at the Farm
Candlelight Concerts - Holiday Classics
Catch a game this Thanksgiving Weekend - Miami Heat, Florida Panthers, Miami Dolphins, Miami Hurricanes...
Get Out of Town! Bahamas, Key West, Disneyworld, Space Coast...

Thanksgiving Weekend Stay, Eat...

Booking.com

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...

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 November through January
Where? Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens at 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156
How Much? Weekday prices starting at $25+. General Admission $40+, Children 10 and under $26+. Discounts for Fairchild members, students, senior, military, group (min. 6) bundle available.

More info and tickets, get 20% off: 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? - November through March
Where? Jungle Island at 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail Miami, Florida 33132
How Much? Adults $33+, Children (4-12) $23+, Senior, Student, Military $28+, Family bundle (min. 4 tickets, max 2 adults) $22+

More Info & tickets: Luminosa! Festival of Lights

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, Santa and snow show on Saturdays and Christmas Eve from 6:00 pm to 9:00 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? - late November through December 31
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 and Grinch, 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 late November through December - 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Where?: Zoo Miami at 1 Zoo Boulevard, 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, FL 33177
How Much?: $21.95 per adult and $19.95 per child age 3 - 12 plus tax, Snowman's River Boat Rides $5

More Info and Tickets: Zoo Lights

Christmas at the Deeering Estate

Historic Holidays: Caroling Through The Season The Richmond Cottage, the first floor and basement of the Stone House , and outdoor areas of the Estate will come alive with the nostalgic charm of traditional holiday carols.

When? Late November through early January

Where? The Deering Estate at 16701 SW 72nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33157
How Much? Adults $18, Children (4 - 14) $10

More info: www.deeringestate.org

Winterland at the Farm

With this 60-degree weather, what better way to warm up and get ready into the holiday spirit with family and friends than with some Snow, Holiday Treats, Hot chocolate and much more while you can meet Santa Claus, Nix the Snowman and Sprinkle the Gingerbread Cookie at a beautiful illuminated Forest.

Holiday treats, hay rides, paddleboat rides, Santa, pony rides, and many more activities for kids!

When?: Weekends from late November to early January - 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Where?: Pinto Farm at 14890 SW 216 Street, Miami, FL 33170
How Much?: $26.17, children under one free, includes paddle boat rides, tractor rides, pony rides, race track, petting zoo, hay maze, and of course you get to meet Santa.

More info: www.pintofarm.com

Candlelight Concerts

What?: Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations. Enjoy some of the most popular holiday classics under the gentle glow of candlelight... Also featuring this Thanksgiving: Tribute to Adele, ABBA, Vivaldi's Four Seasons and more.
When?: Several Dates
Where?: Many venues throughout Miami
How Much?: $37+

More info: Miami Candlelight Concerts