Where to see Christmas lights in Miami

Get in the holiday spirit by surrounding yourself with nearly a million bright, animal-shaped lights draped throughout Zoo Miami. Families can stroll through the park and enjoy carousel rides and nightly carollers. Santa will be around for photos, plus milk and cookies will be served (for an additional fee).   

Vessels ranging from LED-adorned paddleboards to corporate megayachts and privately owned seacrafts are decked out with lights, music, live entertainment, decorations and revelers as they travel east through the Intracoastal Waterway and north to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. They don’t call it the “greatest show on H2O” for nothing. Events get underway at 6:30pm, but eager attendees are encouraged to show up early for the best views.

With more than 55,000 twinkling bulbs to adorn its 50-foot tree, Merrick Park’s annual lighting ceremony is one of the highlights of the season. This year’s spectacle includes a performance by the Miami Royal Ballet, a Santa Clause sighting and plenty of pop-up shopping opportunities and giveaways.     

CityPlace Doral isn’t holding back for its first major holiday event. Festivities begin just before sunset and include performances from Dance South Florida, Dream Dance Studio and Impetu Dance Center, among several local troupes, and live music by Flavio Amador and the Playtime Band. A musical holiday-themed fountain show debuts alongside the 30-foot Christmas tree.   

Charles Deering’s waterfront home is even more beautiful during the holidays, when it transforms into an illuminated wonderland. Witness the first spark of the season during the annual lighting festival, featuring hot chocolate, holiday music and a letter drop-off for Santa.

Miami’s most recognizable Christmas tree comes to life at 7pm the day after Thanksgiving. The 50-foot stunner overlooking Biscayne Bay, which is an artificial tree designed to look like a Rocky Mountain pine, is decked in thousands of bulbs.

Kids of all ages can’t help but get in the holiday spirit when Santa makes his yearly arrival via fire truck down Miracle Mile to flip the switch on the city’s giant tree. Stay for the food, rides, face painting and entertainment.

Little Haiti turns its Christmas tree lighting ceremony into a full-fledged holiday party with performances, music and kid-friendly activities. The evening begins with a brief presentation in the center’s theater, followed by roller skating in the courtyard and a special appearance from Santa Claus.

While there may be more scaffolding and caution tape than in previous years, CocoWalk’s annual tree lighting ceremony is not one to miss. Start your holiday shopping early at a special pop-up market while the kids enjoy music, crafts and a visit from Santa Claus.