2020 Thanksgiving Weekend Events in Miami

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Thanksgiving Day is a public holiday observed every year on the fourth Thursday in November. This year it will be on November 26, 2020.

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.

Although Thanksgiving weekend has been typically the time for high-profile concerts and games, Covid-19 continues to present challenging circumstances and most indoor large events have been suspended.

A big part of Thanksgiving Weekend has been the sales in what has become the largest shopping weekend of the year, which includes "Black Friday" or the Friday after Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, the Monday after. Unlike previous years, many stores have confirmed they will NOT open on Thanksgiving Day this year, and in our times of social distancing the highly anticipated madness of "Black Friday" will probably take on a different format with more sales going online.

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 adding a sparkle to the celebrations. Any happenings will comply with social distancing and enhanced health and safety measures.

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 as well as take out to celebrate the Holiday.

Regardless of event postponements or cancellations, there is plenty to keep us busy this weekend as weather in miami for thanksgiving is gorgeous, gone are the scorching humid days of summer and now we are looking forward to some fabulous sunny, cool and breezy temperatures, this is the perfect time to head outdoors, our beaches and parks are calling! 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 Outdoor Fun, Events 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...
Kick Off Holiday Events
- The magic of "Vintage Florida" Historic Holiday Decor at the Deering Estate and Holiday Evening Strolls - November 27, 2020 to January 8, 2021
- Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami - Select nights from November 27 - December 27, 2020
- Nights of Lights at Pinecrest Gardens - November 27, 2020 - January 3, 2021
- Santa's Spectacular a Drive-Thru Musical Extravaganza at Tamiami Park - November 28 - December 23, 2020
- Symphony In Lights Holiday Celebration at Gulfstream Park - November 16 - December 31, 2020
All attractions and tours that have reopened post-covid closures
Where to Have Thanksgiving Dinner or Order Take Out
Staycation Time!
- Plan your Staycation and Thanksgiving Celebration! Hotels with Festive Dining and Holiday Events
- Check out these last minute flash deals on top Miami, South Beach, Coconut Grove Hotels

Booking.com

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...

* Shark Valley is temporarily closed due to high water levels after Hurricane ETA

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...

Christmas at the Deeering Estate

The magic of "Vintage Florida" Historic Holiday Decor: Visitors can tour the historic houses at the Deering Estate as they come alive with holiday accents and decorations. As part of this year's Historic Holiday Decor, the magic of "Vintage Florida" comes to life with cherished holiday traditions that bring a feeling of warm nostalgia and a welcome respite from the modern world.

The Deering Estate has assembled a team of top designers that will once again transform the homes for the holiday season, led by its award-winning Designer-in-Residence, Alfredo Brito.

When? November 27, 2020 to January 8, 2021
How Much? Estate admission: Adults $15, Children (4 - 14) $7

Holiday Evening Strolls: Stroll the main grounds and the Historic Homes as they light up in the night. Enjoy the warmth of a campfire and showings of holiday films! Children can also bring their letters to Santa to drop off. Wrap up the night as Mrs. Claus arrives to read bedtime stories to the children from afar.

When? December 4 and 16, 2020 - 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
How Much? Adults $15, Children (4 - 14) $7

Where? The Deering Estate at 16701 SW 72nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33157

More info: www.deeringestate.org

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, animal presentations, arts & crafts (limited spaces available), hot cocoa and cookies, Snowman's River Boat Rides ($3 per person)

When?: Select nights from November 27 - December 27, 2020 - 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Where?: Zoo Miami at 1 Zoo Boulevard, 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, FL 33177
How Much?: $19.95 per adult and $17.95 per child age 3 - 12 plus tax (Members save $3)

More Info Here: www.zoomiami.org

Nights of Lights at Pinecrest Gardens

Pinecrest Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland dotted by thousands of twinkling lights that go up, through and around the whimsical botanical landscape. This year they are adding a whole new section of sparkling holiday lights and amazing surprises in the Lower Gardens.
Eat yummy treats, have a signature Pinecrest Gardens cocktail and enjoy magical Story Time with Mrs. Claus. Stay tuned for Santa Claus special appearances on the Banyan Bowl stage!
On select evenings, admission includes a holiday concert performance in the historic Banyan Bowl.

When? November 27, 2020 - January 3, 2021 - 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Where? Pinecrest Gardens at 11000 Red Road, Pinecrest, Florida 33156
How Much? $7 in advance, $10 at the gate

More info and tickets: www.pinecrestgardens.org

Santa's Spectacular a Drive-Thru Musical Extravaganza at Tamiami Park

It's an experience unlike any other as you sing-along to your holiday favorites with the many actors, singers, and dancers.

At the holiday market, find the perfect gift for everyone on your list from one of the many artisan vendors, grab a bite to eat from local favorites, and sip on holiday-inspired craft cocktails.

The perfect place for families to celebrate the season safely - Santa's Spectacular brings the spirit of the season to Tamiami Park.

When? November 28 - December 23, 2020
Where? Tamiami Park
How Much? Pre-sale $45 per vehicle

More info and tickets: santa-spectacular.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 classical sounds of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and other popular artists.

A 15-minute light show will begin at the top of every hour from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm

All guests are required to maintain social distancing of 6 feet and face coverings are requested to protect yourself and others.

When? November 16 - December 31, 2020
Where? The Village at Gulfstream Park at 901 S. Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
How Much? FREE

More info: www.gulfstreampark.com

Light Up The Night at CityPlace Doral

A magical atmosphere awaits at CityPlace Doral as the entire place is decked with multi-colored LED lights... the palm trees lining the outdoor shops and the center's Christmas tree will welcome you as well as a striking and colorful water fountain show choreographed to everyday favorites and holiday classics.

The Opening Night Celebration on November 21st will feature live entertainment by Latin singer and DJ Dayana Falcon and will kick off at 8:00 pm.

The holiday lights and fountain shows will be on display until December 31, 2020.

When? November 21, 2020 - December 31, 2020 - 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm Holiday Fountain Show at the top of the hour.
Where? CityPlace Doral at 8300 NW 36th Street, Doral, FL 33166
How Much? FREE

More info: www.cityplacedoral.com

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.