Best Christmas Lights & Holiday Displays in Miami (2026)
Garden walks, glowing lanterns, free Christmas trees, a drive-through and the South Florida holiday light outings worth planning a night around, with 2026 dates and prices.
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Miami does Christmas lights its own way: palms wrapped in lights, a botanical garden full of glowing sculptures, Art Deco facades turned into a projection show, and tree lightings that feel more like block parties. You can make a whole night of a ticketed trail, add a free tree to dinner, or head north for a drive-through without anyone leaving the car.
For a first big outing, start with NightGarden at Fairchild for atmosphere, Zoo Lights for a classic family Christmas, or Luminosa at Jungle Island for lantern art close to Downtown and the Beach. For a free night, go to Coral Gables Holiday Park or catch a Holiday Festival of Lights performance on Ocean Drive. Our Miami-Dade picks come first, then six Broward outings and four worth the drive to Palm Beach County. January dates fall in 2027, and prices can change by date, with parking and booking fees sometimes extra.
Skating at NightGarden and Homestead is in our holiday ice skating guide, and Santa's dates at Zoo Lights and Pinecrest Gardens are in where to see Santa in Miami.
Miami Christmas Lights at a Glance
| Display | Area | 2026–27 dates |
|---|---|---|
| NightGarden at Fairchild | Coral Gables | Select evenings, Nov 12 – Jan 3 |
| Zoo Lights Miami | South Miami-Dade | 17 nights, Nov 27 – Dec 30 |
| Nights of Lights at Pinecrest Gardens | Pinecrest | 15 nights, Dec 4–27 |
| Luminosa at Jungle Island | Watson Island | Nov 25 – Jan 10 |
| Christmas Wonderland | Tropical Park | Nov 12 – Jan 3 |
| Berry Bright Winter Nights at The Berry Farm | Redland | Select evenings, Nov 27 – Jan 3 |
| Ripley's Believe It or Not! Christmas Park | Hialeah | Nov 12 – Jan 3 |
| Nights of Lights at the Fair Expo Center | Westchester | Nov 27 – Dec 31 |
| Deering Estate: Tides & Tidings | Palmetto Bay | Daytime Nov 27 – Jan 6; evenings Dec 8, 16, 22 |
| Vizcaya Late: Holiday Evening | Coconut Grove | Dec 9 only |
| Coral Gables Holiday Park | Coral Gables | Dec 4 – Jan 5 |
| Shops at Merrick Park tree | Coral Gables | Lighting Nov 19 |
| Lincoln Road holiday tree | South Beach | Lighting Nov 21 |
| Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights | Ocean Drive | Dec 12–13 and 19–20 |
| Coconut Grove tree lighting and block party | Coconut Grove | Nov 29 only |
| Downtown Doral Park tree lighting | Doral | Lighting Nov 20 |
| Hialeah Triangle Tree Lighting | Hialeah | Lighting Nov 13 |
| Main Street Miami Lakes Festival of Lights | Miami Lakes | Kickoff Nov 21 |
| Homestead Winter Wonderland | Homestead | Select days, Nov 21 – Jan 10 |
| Symphony in Lights at Gulfstream Park Village | Hallandale Beach | Nightly, Nov 14 – Dec 31 |
| Holiday Fantasy of Lights | Coconut Creek | Nightly, Nov 21 – Jan 2 |
| Winter Wonderland at Flamingo Gardens | Davie | Nov 21 – Dec 30 |
| Water Taxi Holiday Lights Cruise | Fort Lauderdale | Select nights, Dec 4 – Jan 3 |
| Winterfest Boat Parade | Fort Lauderdale | Dec 12 only |
| Christmas on Las Olas | Fort Lauderdale | Dec 1 only |
| Palm Beach Zoo Lights | West Palm Beach | Select nights, Nov 20 – Jan 3 |
| Lantern festival at Mounts Botanical Garden | West Palm Beach | Select nights, Nov 18 – Jan 17 |
| Delray Beach's 100-foot Christmas tree | Delray Beach | Lighting Dec 1; up through Jan 1 |
| Sandi in West Palm Beach | West Palm Beach | Dec 3–31 |
The Big Miami Holiday Lights Outings
These are the ticketed nights worth building an evening around: garden walks, a lantern trail, carnival-style holiday parks and two historic estates dressed for the season. Book these first and leave time for dinner.
NightGarden at Fairchild
Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156, USA
Fairchild's tropical garden does most of the work here, with lit paths under the palms, oversized glowing flowers and a laser show you wander through at your own pace. It's the best date night of the bunch and a good call for friends who care more about atmosphere than rides. New this year is a real-ice skating rink, sold as a separate add-on. Details: Sun–Thu 6–10 p.m., Fri–Sat 6–11 p.m., New Year's Eve until midnight. Follow the NightGarden signs to the lowland-gate parking, not the gift shop lot. Some strobe effects. Tickets from about $31; skating is an add-on.
Zoo Lights Miami
12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177, USA
The classic family Christmas option: animal-shaped lights, a big illuminated tree, holiday music and Santa through December 23. Go for the lights and the mood rather than the animals, since most of them are asleep after dark. Details: 6:30–10 p.m. on Nov 27–28, Dec 4–5, 11–12, 18–23 and 26–30; tree lighting Nov 27 at 7 p.m. Separate evening ticket; daytime tickets and memberships don't cover it. Train ride extra; wheelchair, ECV and stroller rentals on site. About $23 for ages 13 and up, $21 for ages 3–12.
Nights of Lights at Pinecrest Gardens
11000 Red Rd, Pinecrest, FL 33156, USA
A garden full of lights with a neighborhood feel, plus performances, holiday vendors and a playground that keeps kids busy between photo stops. It's smaller and calmer than the big holiday parks, which is exactly why it works for younger children. Shows and Santa visits change by night, so check the calendar if you're after one. Details: 6:30–10 p.m. on Dec 4–6, 11–13, 17–23 and 26–27; tree lighting Dec 4 at 7 p.m. Crafts and classes can cost extra. This is the Red Road event, not the Fair Expo Center one with a similar name. Date-based tickets; parking is free.
Luminosa at Jungle Island
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132, USA
Oversized lantern scenes inspired by Little Havana, South Beach, the art districts and tropical Miami line a 1.35-mile route on Watson Island. Come for the light art and the photos rather than a Santa-centered Christmas. It's the most convenient big outing if you're staying Downtown or on the Beach. Details: Sun–Thu 5:30–9:30 p.m., Fri–Sat 5:30–10:30 p.m., booked by entry slot. Self-parking $20 per car. Wear comfortable shoes. Tickets from about $26.
Christmas Wonderland
7900 SW 40th St, Miami, FL 33155, USA
The everything-at-once night: a lit Tinsel Trail, a Christmas market and a full carnival midway with unlimited rides included, plus the new America 250 Wheel. Santa's Enchanted Forest: Memory Lane brings back original displays from the old Tropical Park favorite. Plan on it being the whole evening, ideally with ride-loving kids or a group of friends. Details: Mon–Thu 5–11 p.m., Fri–Sat 5 p.m.–midnight, Sun 4–10 p.m.; closed Nov 16, Nov 30 and Dec 7. Enter from Bird Road (extra Miller Road entry on Saturdays). Food, games and Santa photos extra. Reduced-stimulation evening Nov 18 until 7 p.m. $39.99 general, $29.99 ages 4–12, 3 and under free; rides and parking included.
Berry Bright Winter Nights at The Berry Farm
13720 SW 216th St, Miami, FL 33170, USA
Get there in the afternoon for the farm activities, eat, and stay as the lights come on around the 42-foot tree, with snowfall moments and movies on the lawn on Berry Bright evenings. It's the best fit for kids who need room to run before the lights. Give it the whole afternoon rather than squeezing it between other stops. Details: Tree lighting Nov 27 at 7 p.m.; book a date that includes the evening program. No evening lights Dec 24 or 31 (closes at 4 p.m.); closed Dec 25. From $14; parking and the evening program included.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Christmas Park
401 E 65th St, Hialeah, FL 33013, USA
Holiday trails and a Fairyland Journey share the grounds with rides, live shows and the odd exhibits Ripley's is known for. It's the big holiday night out for Hialeah and Northwest Miami-Dade families, and the rides are what make the ticket worth it. Details: Opens 5 p.m.; most nights close at midnight, some at 10 p.m. Enter Amelia Earhart Park from Palm Avenue. Last entry 45 minutes before closing. Ticketed; rides, shows and parking included.
Nights of Lights at the Fair Expo Center
10901 SW 24th St, Miami, FL 33165, USA
The Elf Express train carries you through the lights to an Elf Village, where holiday movies and family activities fill out the evening. Kids who like the ride as much as the destination will love it. Details: 6–11 p.m.; closed Mondays and Tuesdays through Dec 15, then daily Dec 16–31. Dec 31 needs a separate New Year's Eve ticket. Carnival rides and inflatables extra. This is the Coral Way event, not Pinecrest Gardens. Ticketed; parking $10.
Deering Estate: Tides & Tidings
16701 SW 72nd Ave, Miami, FL 33157, USA
Richmond Cottage is dressed in coastal colors and maritime details for the season, a quieter alternative to light trails and midways. Visit by day, or book one of three evening house tours that end at a campfire by the bay. Details: Daytime 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (last entry 4 p.m.), closed Christmas Day. Evening House Tour & Campfire Dec 8, 16 and 22, 5:30–9 p.m., with 6, 7 or 8 p.m. tour starts. The Stone House is closed for restoration. $18 daytime (ages 15+); $20 evening tour.
Vizcaya Late: Holiday Evening
3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129, USA
For one night, Vizcaya's Main House gets period-style decorations, a traditional tree and garlands, with music, lantern-making and the gardens open after dark. It's a good date or a quieter family evening with some history behind it. Details: Wed Dec 9, 6:30–9:30 p.m. Free parking; kids 5 and under free. Paths are uneven, with steps. The museum is closed Dec 11–15 if you're planning a separate daytime visit. $15 ages 13+, $10 ages 6–12.
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Free Christmas Trees, Streets and Neighborhood Celebrations
Not every holiday night needs a ticket. These trees, streets and community celebrations pair well with dinner, and all but Homestead are free. Lighting ceremonies are one-night parties: the tree usually stays up afterward, but the music and performers don't.
For dinner beside the Ocean Drive shows or under the Biltmore's tree, see our most festive Christmas restaurants.
Coral Gables Holiday Park
405 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA
The decorated park in front of City Hall is the easiest free family outing in Miami, with play areas that keep kids busier than a quick look at a tree. Pair it with dinner or dessert on Miracle Mile or Giralda Plaza. The park's official name is Merrick Park, but it's a separate spot from the Shops at Merrick Park. Details: Opens Dec 4 at 6 p.m., then daily 10 a.m.–10 p.m. through Jan 5 (Dec 12 and 19 open at noon). Go after dark for the lights. Santa photos extra. Some areas are sandy, with paved paths and access mats. Free.
Shops at Merrick Park tree
4310 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
A 50-foot tree in the center's garden court, easy to fold into dinner or holiday shopping. Come for the lighting ceremony if you want performances and a crowd, or any later evening for a quieter look. Details: Lighting celebration Thu Nov 19, 5:30–8:30 p.m., with the tree lit at 7 p.m. Free.
Lincoln Road holiday tree
Lincoln Rd Mall, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA
The low-effort South Beach plan: start at the tree near Euclid Avenue, stroll the pedestrian blocks and find dinner or something sweet. On a Festival of Lights date, it's a natural first stop before the show on Ocean Drive. Details: Lighting celebration Sat Nov 21, 6–9 p.m., tree lit at 7 p.m., music at 7 and 8 p.m. An RSVP doesn't guarantee a spot at the activities. Free.
Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights
1130 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA
Live orchestral music plays while projections light up the Art Deco facades on Ocean Drive, and the buildings become part of the show. It's the best free evening in Miami, but it runs on set dates and times, not nightly. Details: Dec 12 at 6:15 and 7:15 p.m.; Dec 13, 19 and 20 at 6 and 7:30 p.m. Watch from the 1400 block of Ocean Drive near The Betsy and Lummus Park, and arrive early for a spot. Dec 12 also brings the city's holiday drone show. Free.
Coconut Grove tree lighting and block party
2750 McFarlane Rd, Coconut Grove, FL 33133, USA
The Grove's tree lighting is a full neighborhood party, with decorated golf carts, music, a Whoville theme, the Grinch and Santa. Make dinner in the Grove part of the plan. Details: Sun Nov 29, 6–9 p.m., on Main Highway near Fuller Street and St. Stephen's. Leave extra time for traffic and parking. Free.
Downtown Doral Park tree lighting
8395 NW 53rd St, Doral, FL 33166, USA
A new 40-foot tree and an illuminated Government Center anchor Doral's season, with the restaurant district a short walk away. It's a handy festive night for families in western Miami-Dade. Details: Lighting ceremony Fri Nov 20, 6–9 p.m.; Santa photos extra. Later visits follow posted park hours. Not to be confused with CityPlace Doral. Free.
Hialeah Triangle Tree Lighting
290 Palm Ave, Hialeah, FL 33010, USA
Hialeah starts the season early, with Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving on a city fire truck, music and holiday characters in a park full of lights. It's a good hour out for local families without paying for a holiday park. Details: Fri Nov 13, 6–10 p.m., Veterans Park, 290 Palm Avenue (some maps list the street as President Donald J. Trump Avenue). Free.
Main Street Miami Lakes Festival of Lights
Main St, Miami Lakes, FL 33014, USA
Lights, shops, dinner and dessert all sit on one walkable street, with entertainment on kickoff night. It's an easy, unhurried evening for Miami Lakes and Hialeah families. Details: Kickoff Sat Nov 21; program times still to be posted. Free parking in the garage at 6621 Main Street. Free.
Homestead Winter Wonderland at Losner Park
104 N Krome Ave, Homestead, FL 33030, USA
Downtown Homestead gets a decorated park, an Enchanted Forest and a real outdoor ice rink. Skating is the main event, with a market and food to stretch it into an evening. Details: Opening and tree lighting Sat Nov 21, 5–10 p.m.; then select days through Jan 10, closed Mondays and some holidays. Buy tickets for the activities you want. Priced by activity.
A tradition to watch: Enchanted Place. This North Miami block near NE 137th Terrace and NE 16th Avenue has long drawn visitors for its resident-made decorations and canopy lights. The 2026 dates aren't out yet, so check for this season's update before you go, view from public space and keep driveways clear.
Christmas Lights Beyond Miami-Dade: Broward and Palm Beach County
Broward is close enough for a weeknight; Palm Beach County is its own trip. Gulfstream is the easy add-on from Aventura or Sunny Isles, while everything else deserves a dedicated evening. The first six picks are in Broward, the last four in Palm Beach County.
Christmas on Las Olas is also in our Christmas markets guide.
Symphony in Lights at Gulfstream Park Village
901 S Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009, USA
Ten-minute light shows set to music run every hour in Gulfstream's open-air Village Center, so you can have dinner, catch a show and still be home early. It's the easiest northern outing from Aventura, Sunny Isles or North Miami Beach. Details: Shows on the hour, 6–11 p.m.; Santa and snow on select dates only. Free self-parking. Head to the Village Center, not the racetrack. Free.
Holiday Fantasy of Lights at Tradewinds Park
3600 and 3601 W Sample Rd, Coconut Creek, FL 33073, USA
The drive-through pick: load up the car and roll past big animated displays without anyone getting out. Per-car pricing makes it good value for a family, though the line to get in can take as long as the route on busy nights. Details: Nightly 6–10 p.m., including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Card payments carry a fee. Use the north entrance on Sample Road. $34 per car.
Winter Wonderland at Flamingo Gardens
3750 S Flamingo Rd, Davie, FL 33330, USA
Lit garden paths, a big Christmas tree and seasonal entertainment in Davie, and a solid option for North Miami-Dade families willing to drive. The animal exhibits, museum and tram are closed during the evening event. Details: 5:30–9:30 p.m., last entry 8:30; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Kids 2 and under free; parking free. Paths are rustic in places. $24 ages 12+, $17 ages 3–11.
Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi Holiday Lights Cruise
335 SE 6th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, USA
Ninety minutes on the water past lit-up waterfront homes, with music on board and drinks for sale. It makes a relaxed date or an easy outing with visiting family. Details: Departures at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.; no cruises Dec 12, 24 or 25. Board at Stop F1, 335 SE 6th Avenue, between Stranahan House and Riverside Hotel, at least 15 minutes early. Parking extra. $49 adults, $25 ages 4–11.
Winterfest Boat Parade
80 Las Olas Cir, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, USA
South Florida's take on a holiday parade: decorated boats on the Intracoastal while crowds watch from shore. It's one night and takes real planning, so settle your viewing spot ahead of time and get there early. Details: Sat Dec 12; official viewing area opens at 4 p.m., parade starts at 6 p.m., boats arrive around 6:30. Official viewing is at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park (kids 3 and under free). Allow for bridge openings and road closures. Official viewing $40 adults, $30 ages 4–12.
Christmas on Las Olas
E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
For one night, Las Olas Boulevard becomes a holiday street party, with performers, vendors and activities between SE 6th and SE 11th Avenues. Go for the festival; for a dedicated lights trail, Flamingo Gardens or Tradewinds is the better pick. Details: Tue Dec 1, 5–10 p.m. Expect crowds; parking extra. Free.
Palm Beach Zoo Lights
1301 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33405, USA
The zoo's long-running holiday tradition adds a bioluminescence theme this year, with traditional holiday lights on one side of the zoo and nature-inspired displays on the other. S'mores are a family favorite, and some nights are set aside for adults 21 and up. Details: Select nights Nov 20 – Jan 3, with date-based timed tickets online. Check the calendar for 21+ nights before booking with kids. Date-based timed tickets.
Lantern festival at Mounts Botanical Garden
531 N Military Trl, West Palm Beach, FL 33415, USA
More than 500 handcrafted silk lanterns fill Palm Beach County's oldest public garden after dark. It's Palm Beach's answer to NightGarden and Luminosa, and worth the drive if lantern art is your thing. Details: Select nights Nov 18 – Jan 17; book a timed entry online. Date-based timed tickets.
Delray Beach's 100-foot Christmas tree
51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444, USA
The giant tree at Old School Square has animated scenes inside that you can walk through, and downtown Delray makes it easy to pair with dinner. Details: Lighting Tue Dec 1, 6–9 p.m., with the tree lit at 7. It stays up through New Year's Day. The walk-through is free; Holiday Village rides cost extra. Check walk-through hours before you drive up. Free.
Sandi in West Palm Beach
101 N Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, USA
A Christmas tree sculpted from sand comes to life after dark with music-and-light shows on the waterfront. It's a very Florida landmark and an easy anchor for a downtown West Palm evening. Details: Dec 3–31, 6–10 p.m. (New Year's Eve 8 p.m.–midnight); Dec 3, 10, 17 and 31 run modified schedules. The Great Lawn, 100 N Clematis Street. Rides and parking extra. Free shows.
Before You Go
Read the ticket, not the headline price. Evening events usually need their own ticket, separate from daytime zoo or garden admission, and skating, train rides, crafts and Santa photos are often extra.
Match the date to what you want to see. Lighting ceremonies and performances are one-night or set-time events, and Zoo Lights, Pinecrest Gardens, Berry Bright, Deering and Vizcaya run on select nights only. Check the card before you head out.
Check Christmas week closures. A season that runs into January doesn't mean a venue is open on Christmas. Zoo Lights skips Dec 24–25, The Berry Farm has no evening program Dec 24 or 31, and Flamingo Gardens and Deering close on Christmas Day.
Still need a tree at home? See where to buy a Christmas tree in Miami.
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