Christmas in Miami

By Sarah Harris
Published: July 18, 2024

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.

Sarah Harris
Go City Travel Expert

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Miami in March

Planning on travelling to Miami this spring? Well, you’ve come to the right place! From fantastic tropical gardens and natural resort centers to fascinating museums and historical sites, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re in a group or travelling solo, trust us when we say that you’ll find no shortage of interesting things to do here. However you choose to explore The Magic City, we’re sure that you’ll have a blast. We’ve spent a lot of time in the city and are sharing our favorite things to do here to help you plan the perfect trip. So, without further ado, grab a notepad and let’s dive in! Explore the Area Perhaps one of the things Florida is best known for is its jaw-dropping natural attributes. If you’re looking to get in touch with Mother Nature, you won’t have to search far. Standing out for its unparalleled beauty and unique holdings, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is well-recognized as one of the best parks of its kind in all of the United States. Established way back in 1936, this unique attraction is home to the expansive and rare collection of avid plant collector and botanist David Fairchild, which he brought back from his travels. Spring is a fantastic time to visit, since the spectacularly manicured displays will be in full bloom. In addition, this famous green space is home to the largest palm collection in America, with over 500 species to be enjoyed. Quiet and serene, this exquisite display of greenery is not to be missed. If you only visit one garden in Miami, let it be this one. March is a wonderful time to visit Miami, since it should be warm enough to enjoy all of the city’s best outdoor attractions without being too hot and humid. If you’re looking for something a little different, Coral Castle is a great stop carrying a lot of fascinating history. Standing out as one of the city’s most unusual visitor attractions, this interesting sculpture park dates way back to the early twentieth century. Carved out of 1, 100 tons of oolite limestone in a time when no modern construction methods were available, the structure is just as famous for its creative process as it is for its looks. In fact, the ‘’castle’’ has been bewildering scientists, engineers and scholars ever since its opening. For a truly mind-bending experience steeped in history, head just a little south of the city to check out the park for yourself. Exciting and quirky, this place provides a truly one-of-a-kind experience to remember. Find Fun Activities There’s nothing quite better than a trip to the zoo – and trust us when we say that Miami could not be better for this type of experience. The most obvious place to hit up in the city if you’re looking to see some impressive animals is, of course, Zoo Miami. Spread over an impressive 750 acres of land, the institute is in fact recognized as the only tropical zoo in the continental United States. The zoo’s broad and impressive collection includes over 3, 000 animals across 500 species to be enjoyed. Highlights include jaguars, warthogs, spotted hyenas, hippos and much, much more. If you want to get up close with your favorite furry (or slimy) friends, don’t worry – this place has interactive experiences of all kinds! We recommend checking times before setting off, so you’ll be sure to catch any feedings, live educational shows, and special tours that you want. Both fun and educational, we love this place for bringing that sense of childlike wonder back into our lives. Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of March (or any time of year, really) is visit the Miami Seaquarium. The perfect stop for all animal lovers, this place offers a unique and captivating experience that’s well worth the visit. First opened in 1955, the Miami Seaquarium is well-recognized as one of the oldest oceanariums in the United States. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy the extraordinary spectacle of over 10, 000 exotic sea and freshwater specimens. Indeed, this is one of the largest collections of marine animals in the entire world as it stands - so take good advantage of this! Amongst the oceanarium’s collection, you’ll find everything from colorful tropical fish and jellyfish to sharks and orcas. In addition, the institute houses semi-aquatic animals, including penguins, turtles, and seals. Undoubtedly one of the best aquariums in the world, this attraction is surely not to be skipped! Learn Something New Though Miami is perhaps best known for its scenic sugar-sand beaches and unique tropical beauty, its cultural amenities are not to be ignored. Working to share the power of science in a fun and digestible way, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum has been a long-time favorite for visitors and locals alike. Perfect for those with curious minds, you’ll find that the institute covers a wide range of topics in a clear and easy manner. No matter where your interests may lie, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Learn about magnetism and electric currents through immersive exhibitions. Catch a comprehensive glimpse of what life looks like under the sea at the aquarium. Or, dive deep into the fascinating details of the universe at the planetarium – the choice is yours! With so much to do, see and experience, it’d be easy to get lost and spend the entire day here. No doubt, Miami is a fantastic place to visit all year round. Still, we especially love the Magic City in springtime for its light breeze, balmy weather, and smaller crowds. The best things to do in the city run the gamut – from seriously fun to fantastically entertaining, this place has it all. Immerse yourself in the culture of the city and make memories to remember. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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Miami in February

Exciting and buzzing with life, Miami is one of the most popular visitor destinations in the United States – and with good reason. With daily high temperatures ranging around the mid-70s, February is a fantastic time to visit. This is perfect weather for strolls on the beach, a visit to the zoo, or exploring the city’s coolest neighborhoods. With so much to see, do and experience, you’ll be spoiled for choice. If you aren’t quite sure where to start, don’t worry – we’ve done all the research for you. Have a read through our comprehensive list of the best things to do in Miami in spring. No matter how you choose to spend your time in the Magic City, we’re sure you’ll have a blast! See the Sites One to definitely add to the top of the travel bucket list is witnessing the majesty of nature close up. With its fantastic tropical climate and undeniably beautiful greenery, Miami presents some of the best zoological gardens in America. Blending the beautiful backdrop of Miami with incredible exotic creatures, Jungle Island delivers the best of both worlds and more. This place has been delighting animal lovers from near and far since 1936, making it our top recommendation for those looking to see some of the natural world’s most impressive specimens. The site has over 3, 000 animals to show, and over 100 exhibits to be enjoyed. Formerly known as ‘’Parrot Jungle’’, you can expect to see a lot of interesting birds in more varieties than you ever thought existed. This place is also home to Miami’s only private beach, which functions as a kids’ waterpark. The park features obstacle courses, riptide rapids, slides, and a climbing wall to keep the little ones occupied – as if the colorful animals weren’t enough! A thoroughly captivating and magical experience for those of all ages, this one should rank way up high on the itinerary. Whilst travelling, one of the best ways to appreciate the area is by visiting a public garden. Our top pick of Miami’s best green spaces has got to be Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for its unique collection of exotic flora. This historic garden is home to some beautiful plants and rare specimens which have been carefully cultivated since the mid-1900s. Spanning over 83 acres of land, this must-see attraction offers a fully immersive rainforest experience for you and your loved ones. Walking through the site, you’ll be able to enjoy thousands of types of plants you wouldn’t normally get to see. In addition, the site is home to the largest palm collection in America, as well as the biggest collection of tropical bamboo in the world. Walking through the site, you’ll also be able to view a lot of interesting wildlife which thrives there, including fish, birds, lizards and crocodiles. Perhaps most captivating, though, is the garden’s small butterfly emporium, with countless species to be enjoyed. No doubt one of the most serene spaces in the city, this place works to showcase the true beauty and wonder of the natural world in all its glory. We recommend setting aside a whole day for this if you’re looking to cover the whole space. Learn Something New The best vacation memories aren’t accordingly made when you’re just kicking back. For those who are looking to incorporate education into their travel experience, we recommend checking out the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum. Both inspiring and fun, this place works well to explain a wide range of topics for a broad audience. The institute houses both a planetarium and an aquarium – so there’s a little something for everybody here. Go back in time to explore the wonders of the natural world. Learn about the amazing story of evolution from start to finish. Or hear about the development and future of scientific discovery. No matter where your interests may lie, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Some of the best trips include a day at the museum. If you’re looking for art and culture in Miami, look no further than the Pérez Art Museum. Situated just downtown, the institute has long served as the perfect spot for creative and intellectual thought. The gallery’s ongoing core collection draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural diversity, while you’ll find many rotating exhibits focusing on important social topics. In total, the museum has over 2, 000 pieces, covering a wide range of styles. In its unique and impressive repository, you'll find everything from avant-garde and surrealist paintings to modern and contemporary sculptures. Famous artists featured here include Frank Stella, Dan Flavin, and Christo and Jeanne-Claude. For anybody wanting to squeeze in a little bit of education on their travels, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend the day. Try Something Different Whether or not you consider yourself a spiritual person, there’s something quite special about visiting sacred sites on your trip. Standing out as the oldest visitor attraction in the city by a long shot, the Ancient Spanish Monastery is not only a mesmerizingly beautiful place to spend the day but well-recognized for its fascinating and storied past. Construction for this unique site began in 1133 AD, near northern Spain. For nearly 700 years following the initial construction, the monastery was run by Cistercian monks. It wasn’t until the 1920s that the monastery first landed on American soil, after being deconstructed brick by brick. By the mid-twentieth century, two entrepreneurs had decided to buy the stones to put back together, one by one, with the intention of building a tourist attraction – the Ancient Spanish Monastery as it is now known. The attraction has been branded as ‘’the biggest jigsaw puzzle in history’’ by Time Magazine, and we can certainly see why! Though the site’s past is pretty far-fetched, the monastery retains much of its architectural excellence. Upon entrance, you’ll be able to appreciate its hand-carved columns, sweeping arches, and beautiful shrines. No doubt one of the most unbelievable attractions in the city, this place is definitely worth a visit. We love Miami. Forever fun and bursting with cool things to do, the city lures those from near and far and its beautiful weather and beachy vibes. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
Couple in Miami
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Romantic Things to Do in Miami for Valentine's Day

Miami is an incredibly romantic city. Warm weather, breezy beaches, great nightclubs, delicious food – you name it, Miami’s got the perfect date night in store. If you’re going to be spending Valentine’s Day in sunny South Beach, or on another romantic occasion, then you’re probably searching for a few ideas. Fortunately for you, we've got a few suggestions in mind: Enjoy a day trip to Key West Tour the city's Art Deco district Peruse the Pérez Art Museum Tour Florida's Everglades Dine on world-class cuisine And more! Soak Up Artistic Inspiration Prefer paintings and sculptures? The Pérez Art Museum is a must-see for you. It’s filled with amazing, internationally and internationally-inspired artwork from predominantly modern and contemporary styles. They often have rotating special exhibits, too, like this year's "On the Horizon," featuring contemporary Cuban art. Or, if you love architecture and artwork, then you will not want to miss out on a visit to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, one of the most magnificent buildings in the entire state and truly the most beautiful estate as a whole. Depending on when you take your romantic vacation to Miami, there are also likely to be a number of film or art festivals floating around – like the Coconut Grove Arts Festival that happens annually in February. Roam the Beaches It may seem like a no-brainer, but spend some time outside while you’re in Miami this February! The weather is going to be lovely (and possibly much warmer than where you’re used to), so take advantage of its temperate climate and enjoy a little beach time. South Pointe Beach and Key Biscayne are typically recommended as having the best views, but there are a ton of other options, too. If you want to be out but the beaches sound too touristy for you, try a walk along the very romantic pedestrian walkway on Lincoln Road. Or, opt for something more active with a bike ride around South Beach. Take a Nighttime Tour of the City If you're new to Miami and want to see a bit of the city, but hope to do so in a more romantic way, then a night tour seems like a good fit. This option from Big Bus will highlight the sexy and sultry aspects of Miami at night - including the evening illuminations that distinguish Miami's skyline. Of course, it's also a smart sightseeing opportunity, too, because the tour will showcase Miami's best landmarks and hotspots. It will give you some ideas for what to do the next day, too! Remember to Save on Attraction Admission So there you have it. Our list of some romantic things to do in Miami, just in time for Valentine's Day. Remember, some of these great options are included on the pass for Miami by Go City®, where you can save on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the special events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with your pass.
Katie Sagal

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