The best Christmas events in Miami to celebrate the holidays in 2020

This is your beloved Nutcracker reimagined, live and outdoors in Downtown Doral Park—in the heart of Miami-Dade. Marvel at vibrant, candy-colored costumes and spellbinding projections as the company dances to its reinvented version of The Nutcracker. The purists, meanwhile, can put down the pitchforks: It’s still Balanchine and it’s still Tchaikovsky.

Stock up on artisanal gifts for everyone on your list at Fairchild Gardens’ holiday market. Taking place over a weekend, the two-day event will be equal parts a shopping experience as well as an arts-and-crafts activity. On Saturday and Sunday from 9:30am to 11:30am, expert floral stylist Anna Noriega of Aloré Events will be showing folks how to make their own wreaths (tickets must be purchased in advance). Rather leave the heavy lifting to someone else? You’ll find plenty of festive items to take home as well. Sat, Sun 9am–4pm

Charles Deering’s waterfront home is even more beautiful during the holidays, when it transforms into an illuminated wonderland. Witness the rustic decór inspired by the Christmas celebrations local pioneers held at the turn of the 20th century, including the vintage nautical accents in sparkling blue hues designed as a tribute to Deering as his lifelong love of the sea. The holiday decorations stick around through January and in between, visitors are invited to partake in storytime with Santa (Dec 12), a festive bay cruise (Dec 13) and more.

Spend an evening strolling the grounds, specially decorated for the holidays just as they would have been more than 100 years ago when James Deering called the museum home. Wander through the Main House after dark (an opportunity that comes but twice a year) and celebrate the season with a walk through the lighted gardens, sitting in on an intimate discussion about Vizcaya’s history and taking in the beautiful holiday scene.

Phuc Yea gets festive AF with a full lobby makeover of garlands, decorations and a whole lot of Christmas lights. Plus, the restaurant introduces a Merry Phucing Xmas cocktail menu with drinks to keep you feeling jolly all season long—think Drink Up Grinches with gin and a very apropos Nice List, a frozen take on the classic coquito that’s perfect for Miami winters. Sundays are a full day affair with holiday music, movies and appearances from the real-life Grinch.

The Downtown bar is keeping things festive all month long with its outdoor holiday village. Stop in every Thursday through Sunday until the end of the year for live music, tons of holiday decor and Christmas lights (read: plenty of photo ops) and dozens of themed cocktails to toast to the season. Through Dec 27

Kids who still communicate with Santa Claus the old-fashioned way can drop off their letters to St. Nick at Brickell City Centre, where the big guy himself will be there to receive them. Take a look around Santa’s mailroom and get a behind-the-scenes peek at his magical workshop. Free photo ops are available through Christmas Eve. Daily at various hours

Deering Estate leans hard into the holiday season with all kinds of over-the-top decorates and festive activities that everyone is invited to experience. The waterfront mansion opens its doors on December 4 and December 16 or two nights of holiday film screenings, storytelling by Mrs. Claus and the opportunity to write and drop off your letter to Santa Claus.

The Wynwood arcade turns its outdoor area into a holiday village for folks of all ages. From time snowfalls and visits from Santa Claus (including a weekend breakfast opportunity) to holiday tunes and themed activities, FunDimension transforms into a magical place. Stop by on December 18 to watch City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez light the village’s official tree. 

Because eight nights of celebrations aren’t enough, the Society of Young Jewish Professionals is throwing the ultimate singles event—think of it like an IRL JDate on steroids. Dance, drink and connect with old friends and new prospects at this annual rager. The venue for 2020 has yet to be announced, though organizers do promise a safe, socially distanced no matter the space. Either way, the show will go on.

It wouldn't be the holidays without a production of A Christmas Carol. And since most theaters remain closed, Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre is making it so we can all watch at home. Tune in to watch the timeless classic directed by Tony-winning Michael Arden and starring Tony-winning Broadway actor Jefferson Mays in 50 different roles. Through Jan 3, 2021

Listen to Christmas carols and festive holiday songs from around the world performed by the renowned New World Symphony at the drive-in at Dezerland Park. This year’s program includes selections from The Nutcracker and Sleigh Ride, plus Navidad Latina, a medley of Latin holiday songs, and Chanukah 5776 by Sam Hyken, which honors the Jewish Festival of Lights. Tickets can only be purchased by subscribers, and packages are available.

Eat, drink, shop and even get a workout in at the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort’s first-annual holiday event. Taking place over two weekends, the outdoor soirée will be well-attended by Santa, who’s in town to pose for pictures, and local fitness instructors, who’ll lead hour-long classes to get you in shape for the eating fest to come. Bring your wishlist to stock up on items from Miami-based vendors, such as Anatomie—makers of luxury athleisure—as well as bid on silent auction items aimed at raising money for the Miami Beach hospitality community. Dec 11, 12, 18 and 19 4–8pm. Free with $20 suggested donation.

Turn your holiday festivities all the way up with Live Arts Miami’s production of Holiday Sauce...Pandemic!—a riveting and dysfunctional celebration by 2020 Ibsen Award winner and MacArthur Fellow Taylor Mac and featuring longtime collaborators. The virtual vaudeville event combines music, film, burlesque and irreverent remixes of the carols you know and love. The show is free to watch but donations are encouraged and will go toward the support of artists and help fund Miami Dade College’s Pride Scholarship for LGBTQ Students. Dec 12 (and available to watch through Jan 2)

South Beach Wine & Food Festival had a great run of socially distanced, fundraising bake sales this summer and they’re giving it another go this month. Order up all kinds of specialty items to liven up your holiday celebrations, including a pasta kit from Macchialina, cookies from Night Owl and fresh stone crabs from George’s. Orders must be placed by December 20. 

It’s the holidays—time to indulge in the city’s top eats!