The holiday season is here once again, so we’ve prepared this go-to guide of fun attractions and events going on in Miami from December 1-31, 2017. These celebrations are fit for revelers of all ages, so make sure to gather the whole family for some holiday cheer. Enjoy the festivities and be safe as you take advantage of all that South Florida has to offer during the holiday season.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Tropical Park, Miami, FL
November 2, 2017 – January 7, 2018, everyday 5 p.m. – Midnight
There’s something for all ages at this festive event, which is celebrating its 35th year in 2017. Younger children can enjoy rides like Dumbo, Daytona Race Cars, and Buzzing Bees, while older kids get their thrills on such attractions as the Polar Express, Crazy Mouse, and Wildcat. Other holiday fun includes Christmas karaoke, life-sized holiday displays, face painting, and photos with Santa. Plus, Santa’s Enchanted Forest boasts South Florida’s tallest Christmas tree, which is transformed into a light show complete with LED lights that are synchronized to your favorite holiday carols.
Ticket prices are based upon Season or Single Day Passes, but children aged two and younger are free.
The Nutcracker
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, Miami, FL
December 15 – 24, 2017
This holiday classic, performed by the Miami City Ballet and live Opus One Orchestra, is getting an upgrade: The Arsht Center has retired its decades-old sets, props, and costumes to pave the way for a new production. Still, Tchaikovsky’s original score and George Balanchine’s take on the story of The Nutcracker remain the same, with Marie and the Nutcracker Prince fighting the Mouse King, meeting the Sugar Plum Fairy, and finally being ushered off in a reindeer-drawn sleigh. The details of the reboot version are still a secret, with the reveal set to take place on Opening Night.
Check the website for show times and tickets.
Pinecrest Gardens Nights of Lights
Pinecrest, FL
December 15, 2017 – January 1, 2018, everyday 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Pinecrest Gardens is South Florida’s Cultural Arts Park, offering educational and performance art programs throughout the year. But every December, the grounds get a holiday-inspired makeover adorned by festive decorations and illuminated by thoughts of twinkling lights. The 2017 version of the Nights of Lights spectacle is presented by Live Like Bella, a philanthropic organization benefitting childhood cancer. Event-goers are treated to photos with Santa, Christmas music, storytelling, and snacks reflecting the flavors of the season. General admission is $5, and children under two get in free.
Winter Wonderland at the Plantation Historical Museum
Plantation, FL
Now Through January 6, 2018; Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – Noon, 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
This multi-cultural celebration of winter features a Kwanzaa display and a Hanukkah exhibit set amid 45 themed trees and animated characters. Special musical performances range from the talented United Methodist Bell Choir to signing and storytelling by children’s author, Darryl House. The Plantation Historical Museum stays true to its roots by including presentations on the history of the city, diorama of the Seminole and Tequesta cultures, and a piece on the “Many Faces of the Everglades.” Admission to the Winter Wonderland and Plantation Museum is free, but donations are appreciated.
Miami Outboard Club Holiday Boat Parade
Bayfront Park, Miami, FL
December 16, 2017; 7 p.m.
What started as a fun cruise around Bayfront Park for area boat owners has turned into a major annual event, with around 50-60 watercraft participating in this year’s 20th Anniversary of the MOC Holiday Boat Parade. This event is one of the biggest of the year, supporting the MOC’s family and community activities. Admission is free, and organizers will be collecting donations of toys and money to benefit the children of Miami.
The viewing area will feature food trucks, music, and a bounce house for the kids. At the conclusion of the parade, around 9:00 p.m., there’s a fireworks show.
Magical Snowfall at Dolphin Mall
Dolphin Mall in Doral, FL
November 22, 2017 – January 7, 2018; 7 p.m.
Additional 9:00 p.m. Snowfall on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Come experience a rare sight in South Florida: It’s snowing every evening in the Ramblas Plaza section of the Dolphin Mall. This popular annual tradition encourages children to wave their magic wands and make snow fall, with some seeing the frosty phenomenon for the first time. While the snow is the highlight of this event, there are plenty of other holiday attractions around the Dolphin Mall. Kids can join Santa’s Flight Academy, where they’ll try on a virtual flight suit and learn to operate the sleigh. Plus, the mall opens up to our four-legged friends for pictures with Santa, and there’s live music every weekend featuring the sounds of talented local acts.
Zoo Lights
Zoo Miami, Miami
December 1-2, 8-9, 13, 15-16, 22-23, 26-30, 2017; 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Once again, Zoo Miami will host its much-loved Zoo Lights event, which features more than a half million sparkling lights adorning trees and other attractions throughout the venue. The festivities run every Friday and Saturday night in December, plus additional evenings between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. In addition to viewing the magnificent display of lights, families can enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, holiday music, and photos with Santa and the Zoo Squad. There are also boat rides cruising along Snowman’s River, and the gift shop is open for those last-minute presents. Cost of admission is $9.95.
New World Symphony’s Sounds of the Season
New World Center, Miami Beach, FL
December 16, 2017, 7:30 p.m.
For music lovers, Sounds of the Season performed by the New World Symphony is an event not to be missed. The concert is presented outdoors via the organization’s WALLCAST, which features an enormous video wall that projects holiday-themed images synchronized with the music. This year, Conductor Dean Whiteside will be at the helm, leading some of the world’s most talented musicians through a series of favorite holiday songs. Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky, Hyken, and Anderson are just a few of the biggest names on this year’s program.
The performance is free to the public and takes place at the NWS SoundScape Park, so bring a blanket to spread on the lawn. Guests are welcome to enjoy a picnic during the show, and adults are free to sip alcoholic beverages on park grounds.
Winterfest Eve Celebration and Concert
Village Green, Key Biscayne, FL
December 2, 2017, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.; December 3, 2017; 4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
This festival kicks off Saturday with an Eve of Winterfest Concert, featuring live music, rides for the kids, and food from local restaurants. The fun continues Sunday with more of the same, plus games and pictures with Santa. Don’t miss the arrival of Old St. Nick at 4:30 p.m., followed by the lighting of the huge Christmas tree at 6:00 p.m. Winterfest festivities overlook Village Green on Key Biscayne, offering amazing views of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Miami Art Week, Art of Black Miami, and Art Basel Miami Beach
Pop-Up Locations throughout Miami
Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami, FL
December 7 – 10, 2017
Art enthusiasts flock to Miami Art Week every year to visit art galleries, fairs, and showcases throughout the city. There are more than 20 stand-alone and pop-up locations for this year’s event, featuring every artistic medium and genre you can imagine. Highlights include:
- Aqua Art at the Aqua Hotel, Miami Beach;
- Ink Miami Art Fair, focusing on tattoo art;
- Art of Black Miami, which celebrates the art and culture of local, national, and international artists of multicultural heritage; and,
- Fridge Art, a fair benefitting the Abandoned Pet Rescue of South Beach.
The main event during Miami Art Week is Art Basel Miami Beach, which is considered one of the premier modern and contemporary art conventions in the world. More than 260 galleries and 73,000 artists, dealers, and collectors descend upon the Miami Beach Convention Center to view hundreds of thousands of works.
Ticket prices vary by location and event.
City Of Miami Beach New Year’s Eve Celebration
Miami Beach, FL
December 31, 2017
The holiday season culminates as Miami Beach counts down to the New Year, complete with a dazzling fireworks display at midnight. The show lights up the entire beach and Ocean Drive, and its free for the public. However, if you’re willing to pay for a select viewing spot, there are numerous hotel packages and cruise deals that put you right in the thick of the extravaganza.
Whether you and your family enjoy one or all of these fun events in Miami, our team at Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP wishes you a warm and happy holiday season. While legal services may be far from your mind at this special time of year, please know that our injury attorneys are here to help if you need us. Please call at 786.504.7874 or toll free at 800.610.9491 to reach our office in Miami, FL.
Winter Break Vacation Safety
With winter break on the horizon for families in Florida, many parents are planning to spend some time at the local resorts and hotels. The increased crowds can pose a security issue for many establishments that are not used to catering to large groups of patrons at once. Parents should screen their choice of hotels carefully to ensure their safety. According to LodgingMagazine.com, to maximize guest safety, property owners should assess their security processes, equipment and operations so they can make immediate improvements as needed.
Safe Shops, Stops, and Hotels
Lighting, fire safety, slip-and-fall prevention and lodging safety are just a few of the areas property owners should be concerned about, states Hospitality & Catering News. Hotel and resort owners who make these issues top priority can improve their standing with their guests and in the industry, thus improving their chances of success.
Property owners should hold training sessions on workplace safety. They should instruct workers on how to respond to various conditions and situations that can occur and affect guest safety like spills, broken elevators and missing lights. They should review protocols that are in place to resolve those issues, such as placing signs to notify guests of hazardous conditions.
Hotel & Business Fire Preparedness
Resort owners should install and maintain fire safety and prevention equipment in hallways, bedrooms and other required locations. Fire escape plans should be clear, easy to understand and located in communal areas and near fire escapes. Staff members should receive regular fire safety training sessions so they know how to respond to fire-related situations.
It does not take much for resort owners to improve and maintain high safety standards. With the right precautions, equipment and protocols, property owners and guests can avoid accidents and injuries during winter break.
Avoid damaged sidewalks
Some sidewalks may require repairs after sustaining damage during the winter. These surfaces may have cracks, gaps and uneven pieces that can make walking on them dangerous. According to GuideOne Insurance, “sidewalks with cracks larger than a quarter inch are hazardous and can cause unsuspecting people to trip over them.” Although you may not expect to see sidewalks with serious defects, you should stay on guard for them and avoid them whenever possible.
Stay away from poorly maintained parking lots
Parking lots can withstand lots of traffic and wear and tear with regular maintenance. But when property owners fail to inspect and maintain their parking lots, the risk of injury for their patrons and guests increases. Common parking lot hazards that can lead to slips, trips, falls and injuries include cracks, debris and holes, poor design, no signs and not enough lighting.