Christmas in Miami

By Sarah Harris

Christmas in Miami

Miami is a fantastic place to visit any time of the year, though we especially love it around Christmastime. Though the city often conjures up the image of long days spent at the beach, we can assure you that it’s a great spot to visit in the winter. This is largely because it’s shoulder season, meaning that the crowds have calmed down and the weather is more comfortable for touring. Still, with its perennial subtropical climate, the city is never fully cold-cold, so you can enjoy most of the area’s fantastic outdoor attractions just as you normally would. In addition, Miami pulls out all the stops for Christmastime, with fantastic activities and events cropping up all over the shop. Still not sure how to plan your trip to Miami during December? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! If you’re making your way to the Magic City during the festive season and aren’t quite sure where to start, have a read through our list of what to see and do in the area. However you choose to enjoy the best time of the year, we’re sure it’ll be just magical.

See the Sites

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As one of the most popular visitor hotspots in the United States, Miami has countless points of exploration and adventure to be enjoyed. If you’re looking to see the sites during the holidays, you’ll be in luck, since many of the attractions pull out all of the stops for Christmas. There are so many places to choose from, but one of our favorites has got to be Zoo Miami for its true dedication to exotic wildlife and conservation initiatives. We especially love this spot because it’s a fantastic place to see animals without putting them in any discomfort. If you’re the type who likes to see wildlife up close, this place offers animal encounters, feedings, and educational presentations – so don’t miss out! During the holiday season, you’ll find that the zoo switches it up with a dazzling light show, glowing animals and a Santa Claus meet-and-greet. In addition, there are rides, themed nights and arts and crafts to be enjoyed. Combining the allure of the animal world with the magic of Christmas, there’s absolutely no way to hate this one.

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Unlike a lot of other American cities, Miami’s weather doesn’t noticeably cool down in the wintertime. This means that Christmas is actually one of the best times to explore the city‘s wonderful outdoor attractions. If you’re looking for something out in the wonderful natural backdrop of area, we recommend checking out Jungle Island. Combining the lush tropical greenery of Florida with a jungle full of extraordinary animals, this place is recognized as one of the oldest tourist attractions in the Miami area. The attraction was first opened under the name ‘’Parrot Jungle’’ in 1936, and still lives up to its original basis with an expansive collection of native and exotic birds. Still, that’s not all there is to see here. Visitors can also expect to see everything from giraffes and hippos to lions and tigers. During the holidays, the park transforms into a dazzling Chinese lantern festival, with enormous, handcrafted pieces representing every type of animal you could think of. Whether you’re travelling with kids or just looking to capture that perfect Instagram shot, this place should rank way up high on the itinerary.

Get Festive

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When travelling, it’s always a good idea to explore the city's art scene. Creative types and lovers of the performed arts will be pleasantly surprised by what the city has to offer during the jolliest time of the year. Supporting a wide array of local talent, City Theatre’s Winter Shorts has been a longtime winter classic for visitors and locals alike. Running from early December, this fun play festival is known for its focus on short seasonal pieces. From indisputable classics like A Christmas Carol and popular musicals to fun humor pieces, there’s a little something for everybody here. One of the event’s most popular showstoppers is Santa Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, which runs each and every year without fail – but of course, since the plays are only around ten minutes or so long, you’ll be able to squeeze in a number of pieces. Showcasing a true dedication to theater, music and comedy, we couldn’t think of a better way to get into the holiday spirit. A fantastic visual and cultural experience, this one is great for those of all ages.

Soak Up the Atmosphere

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Whilst Orlando may usually have the monopoly on theme parks in the United States, things are a little bit different when Christmastime rolls around. Recognized as one of the world’s largest Christmas-themed amusement parks, Santa’s Enchanted Forest is where it’s at for those who like to go all out the holidays. Boasting over 100 rides, games, and shows to be enjoyed, this pop-up seasonal attraction is the perfect spot for spending time with friends and family. Aside from all of the hustle and bustle, there are seasonal snacks, captivating light displays and the grand opportunity to take a photo with Santa himself! We recommend setting an entire day aside for this one, because it’s incredibly busy and there’s so much to see and do here. We love this place because it truly rekindles our sense of childlike wonder.

If you’re travelling away from home during the holidays but still want to soak up those sweet Christmas vibes, you might enjoy the next item on our list. Taking place during Christmas day, the Winterfest Boat Parade is a great seasonal event with fun and festivities all around. Kicking off from downtown Fort Lauderdale, this can’t-miss extravaganza gives a uniquely Miami twist to the meaning of Christmas. The parade draws in over a million visitors each year, making it one of the city’s most popular seasonal attractions. At the event, spectators can enjoy live music, entertainment, and corporate mega yachts adorned with hundreds of thousands of lights. Dubbed as ‘’the best show on H20’’, this spectacular event is not to be missed.

With so much to experience and endless amounts of holiday cheer, we couldn’t think of a better place to spend Christmastime than Miami. And now, you don’t have to miss out! Enjoy the city to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

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Is Miami Expensive to Visit?
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Is Miami Expensive to Visit?

Are you heading to Miami this year but worried about the budget? Check out our guide to money in Miami, discover if it's expensive to visit the city, and check out our tips to squeeze your cents! Including: Can you go to Miami on a budget? What is the cheapest month to go to Miami? Can I enjoy Miami without a car? Is Miami Expensive to Visit? and more! What is the cheapest month to go to Miami? Miami's off-season tends to run from mid-spring to the end of summer, so if you travel at any point between April and September, you'll likely find cheaper deals on flights and accommodation. While it may seem strange that Miami's off-season is right in the middle of the northern hemisphere's typically sunniest period, Miami is built different. The summer's scorching heat keeps many away, but if you can handle it, make the most of the deals!   Is Miami Expensive to Visit? There's no beating about the bush with this one. Yes, Miami is expensive to visit. In fact, it's one of the most expensive cities on the planet. The cost of living is over 20% higher in Miami than in the rest of America, which means your hard-earned wages won't go as far. This doesn't matter so much for residents, who typically earn more than the national average to cancel this out. However, for humble visitors such as yourself, those Miami wages won't play a part. Accommodation is much the same, because Miami's housing market is 47% higher than the national average. Nearly 50%! In layperson's terms, rich people move to Miami and drive the price of housing up. Sadly, this has a knock-on effect on rented accommodation too, including many hotels. In fact, you're likely to find cheaper hotels in Vegas than Miami, if you don't know where to look. Is Miami Expensive to Visit: Accommodation As we mentioned earlier, where you stay will determine the answer to this question. If you choose a hostel that's inside or adjacent to the areas you want to visit, you can effectively squeeze your cents at the cost of luxury. If you don't mind sharing bathrooms, kitchens, and - dare we say - bedrooms with other travelers, hostels will drive your Miami budget down dramatically. On the flip side, if you want to live in the lap of luxury and won't settle for anything less than 5-star treatment, you'll pay for it. Miami is absolutely full to the brim with extravagant, expensive hotels, as well as upmarket Airbnbs, that will eat into any modest budget and then some. So, if you want to find a happy medium, what do you do? Well, you're best off deciding your budget and then doing some research! Mid-range offerings like the Eurostars Langford Hotel are reasonably priced, offer a good location near most of Miami's best bits, and still let you sleep in your own room - ace! Alternatively, you could shop around on Airbnb and try to find deals that suit your finances, but you may need to book months in advance to ensure you get something budget-friendly. Is Miami Expensive to Visit: Attractions Paying to get into each of Miami's biggest attractions on an individual basis is sure to add up. So, why not save money and see them all with Go City? Pick from our All-Inclusive Pass or our Explorer Pass - whichever suits your trip - and skip the queue and save at some of Miami's best experiences! See Miami's Seaquarium, snorkel in Fort Lauderdale, check out the white-knuckle thrills at Fun Spot America, and much, much more! So grab a Miami pass and save while you sightsee!
Dom Bewley
Miami
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Getting Around Miami - How to Get Around Miami for Tourists

Miami can seem like a maze for first-time visitors, but where there's a will, there's a way! We've put together a go-to guide packed with information for getting around the city like a pro.
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Best Art Galleries in Miami

Miami is well known across the globe for its pristine beaches and exciting nightlife. Still, if you’re already a seasoned visitor to the Magic City, we won’t have to tell you already that the area has far more to offer. To get a fuller sense of the city, we think it’s pretty important to check out the local art scene – and what better way to do it than by stopping by the galleries? Holding some of the best collections and exhibitions in the state, these attractions are well worth the visit. From contemporary art and sculpture gardens to graffiti and technological exhibitions, there’s a little something for everybody here. If you’re not quite sure where to start, don’t worry! We’ve spent a lot of time in Miami and are listing all of our favorites below. No matter which place you choose, there’s no going wrong here. See the Sites The Rubell Museum undoubtedly makes the list for its private collection of world-class contemporary art. This sprawling museum complex is made up of six former industrial buildings and features forty galleries to be explored. Inside, visitors can enjoy over 7, 000 works by more than 1, 000 artists. Works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Barbara Kruger, and Cindy Sherman are all shown in the museum, so it’s hard to spotlight just a few masterpieces, but perhaps the most famous pieces are Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroee, 1967 and Damien Hirst’s Dance Naked, 1997. If you’re looking to see pieces which truly changed the history of art, this is the ticket. If you’re anything like us, then the art gallery is the perfect way to spend the day. For those who are particularly interested in contemporary art, we recommend checking out Pérez Art Museum. Formerly known as the Miami Art Museum, the establishment was relocated just downtown in 2013, and is currently the most popular establishment of its kind in the city. The institute provides a fantastic visual experience with a focus on 20th- and 21st-century work from around the globe. Though its collection is on the smaller side, it packs a lot of punch, featuring artists such as Dan Flavin, Hernan Bas and Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Great for those of all ages, we love this spot because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. Get Cultured Habitually waxing and waning, art has a powerful effect on the way we view the world. For those who like to keep in touch with what’s new on the scene, the David Castillo Gallery might just be your jam. With a focus on current working artists, this small yet sparky gallery is a great stop for all art lovers. Its impressive and forward-thinking collection largely features women, queer artists, and artists of color in order to present a different point of view. A total treat for postmodern art enthusiasts, this place is practically bursting open with all things unique. Inside, you’ll find everything from abstract and mixed media paintings to surreal videography and floating installations. A little out there and a lot of fun, this place most certainly knows its audience. If you're looking to quench your thirst for quirky art, this is the right choice. Another one of our favorite places to visit in the city is the Bass Museum. Located right in the heart of Miami Beach, this is a great spot for anybody with an interest in contemporary art. The institute’s program embraces all styles of work – from paintings and photography to fashion and installation, this place has it all. Walking through this beautiful and intimate space, you’ll no doubt be wowed by the bold pieces and the work behind them. Although the majority of these works are not from world-famous names, the work is well worth seeing for the innovation and creativity which they display. A fantastic cultural jewel, this popular attraction would make the perfect low-key day out. Try Something Different Miami may well be known for all of its glitz and glam, but there’s a quirky side of the city just waiting to be discovered. Located in the coolest neighborhood of Miami, Wynwood Walls is a trendy street art destination bringing all of the best creatives together from around the globe. Covering over 80,000 square feet of abandoned warehouse walls, this is one of the largest open air street art installations in the world. The brainchild of community revitalizer Tony Goldman, this unique space works to give street art credit where credit is due. From evocative political messages and ideas of resistance to fantastic humor pieces and fun pop culture references, the walls tell their own story. Whether you’re an alternative artist yourself or just looking for that perfect selfie backdrop, this is the place to be. We recommend sticking around to explore the surrounding area, which has some great eateries, bars and fashion boutiques. For those who are looking for something a little different, Artechouse Miami offers a fantastic experimental experience like no other. Standing out from all the other creative attractions in the city, the institute works to showcase the future of art through dazzling technology-driven exhibitions. As the nation’s first institute of its kind, this place truly delivers something special. Inside, visitors can enjoy trippy digital artworks from a wide range of up-and-coming artists. Prepare for bold colors, pretty patterns and captivating imagery. Most certainly, you’ll be blown away by what this place has in store. Undoubtedly unique and thoroughly hypnotic, we love this spot for bringing something new to the table. So, there you have it! Six great galleries in Miami that are sure to blow a day at the beach out of the water! Whether you’re looking to learn something new or mix it up for date night, the Magic City is brimming with awesome galleries to check out. From fun contemporary collections and quirky intimate spaces to outdoor street art exhibits, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. Explore the city to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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