Amerant Bank Arena aka Panther Stadium
March 23 - 24, 2024
Thanksgiving Day is a public holiday observed every year on the fourth Thursday in November. This year it will be on November 23, 2023.
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 "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.
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 and Entertainment
- Candlelight Concerts - Holiday Classics - Several dates
- Funny Girl - November 14 - 26, 2023 at the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
- Rawayana - November 24, 2023 at Wynwood Marketplace
- Marcello Hernandez - November 24 - 26, 2023 at the Miami Improv in City Place Doral
- Tito Nieves - November 25, 2023 at the James L Knight Center Miami
- El Alfa - November 25, 2023 at Kaseya Center (formerly FTX Arena)
- Victor Manuelle - November 25, 2023 at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
- Myke Towers - November 26, 2023 at Kaseya Center (formerly FTX Arena)
- Travis Scott - November 27 & 29, 2023 at Kaseya Center (formerly FTX Arena)
Catch a game this Thanksgiving Weekend
- Florida Panthers vs. Winnipeg Jets - Friday November 24, 2023 at Amerant Bank Arena (formerly FLA Live Arena)
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...
- Bresh On The Beach - November 25, 2023
- Santa's Enchanted Forest - November 9, 2023 - January 7, 2024
- Bayfront Holiday Village at Bayfront Park - November and December
- NightGarden Magical Light Spectacular at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens - Select dates November 10, 2023 to January 7, 2024
- Jungle Island's Luminosa! Festival of Lights - November 21, 2023 - February 25, 2024
- Snow Carnival at Aventura Mall - November 23, 2023 - January 7, 2024
- Garden Bros Nuclear Circus - November 9 - 19, 2023 in Miami, November 23 - December 3, 2023 in Ft. Lauderdale
- Symphony In Lights Holiday Celebration at Gulfstream Park - November 11 - December 31, 2023
- Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami - Select nights November 24 - December 30, 2023
- More Miami attractions, tours, activities and things to do this Thanksgiving Weekend
- Get Out of Town! Bahamas, Key West, Disneyworld, Space Coast...
Thanksgiving Weekend Stay, Eat...
- Where to Have Thanksgiving Dinner or Order Take Out
- Staycation Time!
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...
When?: Several Dates
Where?: Many venues throughout Miami
How Much?: $37+
More info: Miami Candlelight Concerts
Florida Panthers vs. Winnipeg Jets
When? Friday November 24, 2023 - 8:00 pm
Where? Amerant Bank Arena, formerly FLA Live Arena, Sunrise
How Much? As low as $15, but they go quick!
›› Find Tickets
›› Check for deals on Panthers Tickets at Groupon.
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.
Bresh On The Beach: The Most Beautiful Party In The World
Bresh is a Worldwide party and viral sensation where everyone is welcome to enjoy the best songs of all eras and to dance with all their favorite artists, actors, and prominent Gen Z personalities.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy the best Latin Party of the World now on the Beach! From reggaeton to pop to disco, there's something to get everyone dancing.
Sold out shows in Buenos Aires, London, New York, Ibiza, Barcelona, Madrid, Tokyo and many other cities around the world, now for the first time on the Beach in Miami!
Come as you are, forget about the dress code...
When? Saturday November 25, 2023 - 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where? Lummus Park (east side of the dunes), South Beach
How Much? $45-$75.
More Info and tickets: Bresh On The Beach
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.
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? November 9, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Where? 7400 NW 87th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33166
How Much? 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
Christmas Holiday Village 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
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 10, 2023 to January 7, 2024
Where? Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens at 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156
How Much? 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? November 21, 2023 - February 25, 2024
Where? Jungle Island at 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail Miami, Florida 33132
How Much? 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
Snow Carnival at Aventura Mall Parking Lot
Snow in Miami? Yes! The Snow Carnival is coming to Aventura Mall, with over 350 tons of real snow, tons of twinkling lights, and a flurry of snowflakes...
Race down the snowy "Mini Matterhorn" and the snow tubing slides, make snow angels, throw a couple of snowballs, build a snowman, traverse the Candy Cane forest, hop aboard the Holiday Express and many many more winter games and surprises!
When?: November 23, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Where?: Aventura Mall parking lot off of 199th Street and Biscayne Boulevard
How Much?: Adult $39.99, Child (4-12) $34.99
More Info and Tickets: Snow Carnival at Aventura Mall
Garden Bros Nuclear Circus
The circus is coming to town! America's greatest family tradition is back to amaze you with a one-and-a-half hour of exciting special effects, concert style lighting, Human Cannonball, Wheel of Death, Motorcycles in the Sphere of Fear, Human Slingshot, Comedy, and more!
At two South Florida venues:
When? November 9 - 19, 2023
Where? The Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo Center
When? November 23 - December 3, 2023
Where? Florida Swap Shop and Thunderbird Drive-in in Ft. Lauderdale
How Much? $16+
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, selfies with Santa and snow show on opening night November 11.
"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 11 - December 31, 2023
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) 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)
Opening Night & Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 24, 2023
When?: Select nights November 24 - December 30, 2023 - 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Where?: Zoo Miami at 1 Zoo Boulevard, 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, FL 33177
How Much?: $20.95 (online $18.95) per adult and $18.95 (online $16.95) per child age 3 - 12 plus tax, Snowman's River Boat Rides $5
More Info and Tickets: Zoo Lights
More Outdoor Attractions, Tours, Activities and Things to Do This Thanksgiving Weekend
It's time to get out! 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.
- Enjoy a Biscayne Bay Cruise:
- Leaving from South Beach: Splashdown: Duck Tour of Miami and South Beach
- Leaving from Bayside: Thriller: 45-Minute Sightseeing Speedboat Tour, and The Original Millionaire's Row Cruise
- Beaches and Parks are open, time to go for a swim, kayaking, jetskiing, parasailing...:
- From Dinner Key Marina: 30- or 60-minute Jet Ski Rides on a brand new Sea Doo GTI 130, Parasailing, Flyboarding, Paddleboarding and Kayaking, Tubing.
- At Hobie Beach (Rickenbacker Causeway): Windsurfing rentals, individual and group lessons available, Hobie Cat Sailing, Paddleboarding and Kayaking.
- Crandon Park, Bill Sadowski Preserve, Matheson Hammock Park: Kayak Treks and Adventures.
- At Oleta River State Park: Paddleboard and Kayak Rental, Biking, Camping.
- Snorkeling Boats in the Florida Keys and at Biscayne National Park and John Pennekamp State Park
- The Everglades are open! The following outifts are conducting Airboat and Eco Tours:
- Gator Park: Everglades National Park Airboat Tour and Wildlife Show
- Everglades Safari Park: Including Airboat Ride, tickets at Klook.com, from Miami incl. transport: Half-Day Everglades Airboat Ride & Wildlife Show
- Sawgrass Recreation Park: Private Tour for your group only, Night Tour (Wednesdays and Saturdays only)
- Everglades Area Tours: Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Eco-Tour meet at Everglades Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center Hwy 41/Hwy 29 Everglades City
- Here's more on Everglades Airboat Tours
- Segway Tours are a great way to discover the Art Deco District, Ocean Drive, Fisher Island... You see a lot more gliding around than on foot while enjoying the breathtaking views and some fresh air! These Segway Tours are running daily
- The Wynwood Arts District is open, come check out this fantastic open-air museum with its stunning street art. A fun way to see it is with the 1-Hour Street Art Tour by Golf Buggy.
Where to Dine This Thanksgiving Or Order Take Out
- TimeOut Miami: These restaurants are serving Thanksgiving dinner in Miami 2023
- Eater Miami: 14 Miami Restaurants To Celebrate Thanksgiving 2023
- Axios Thanksgiving in Miami: These restaurants offer takeout, catering
- Miami New Times: Thanksgiving Restaurant Guide 2023
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