10+ Things to Do in Miami in Winter 2019 - December & January Activities & More

If you’re looking to escape the chill of winter, then we’ve got just the place for you. Head to sunny South Beach for warm weather, beautiful beaches, and cool drinks. Miami is the perfect destination for a winter getaway and we just know you’ll love the amazing combination of nature and culture that Miami brings to the table. If you’re looking for things to do in Miami in Winter 2019-2020, check out our list of some of the best holiday activities and attractions.

Save on Winter Attraction Admission

Regular admission to a number of these attractions are included on the Go Miami pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available Miami passes, attractions & prices. Please note, some of these special Winter events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Miami pass.

Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami

When: Select nights from November 29-December 29, 2019 Celebrate the holiday season with a fun and family-friendly event at Zoo Miami. Hundreds of thousands of lights adorn the entire park, many in the shape of some of the zoo’s most beloved residents. You’ll also be able to marvel at magnificent trees and other fun holiday décor. There are plenty of great seasonal activities in store for the kids, too, from carousel rides and photos with Santa to yummy holiday treats (think hot chocolate and cookies) and cheerful carolers plus other great holiday music. Be sure to stop by the Zoo gift shop for some special gifts! Getting in: Zoo Miami tickets are included with the Go Miami pass, however, Zoo Lights admission is a separately timed and ticketed event.

Holiday Evening at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

When: December 18, 2019; 6:00 pm Visit Vizcaya decked in period-accurate holiday decor and enjoy an evening of live music from Vizcaya's pipe organ, hot chocolate, light appetizers, desserts, and arts and crafts. This event is designed to recreate the atmosphere of the house as it might have been during James Deering's life, about 100 years ago! Getting in: Vizcaya tickets are included on the Go Miami pass, however, Holiday Night is a separately ticketed event exclusively for members and not included on the Go Miami pass.

Santa’s Enchanted Forest

Where: 7900 SW 40th Street When: October 31, 2019 through January 5, 2020 It’s the world’s largest holiday theme park and carnival and a popular South Florida tradition for the whole family. In addition to your favorite rides and attractions like roller coasters, Ferris wheels, and all kinds of thrilling speed rides, there are also a number of special shows and events at this festive theme park. Participate in Christmas karaoke, stroll down Mistletoe Lane, and check out South Florida’s tallest Christmas Tree. Getting in: Admission to Santa's Enchanted Forest is a separately ticketed event and not included on the Go Miami pass.

George Balanchine's The Nutcracker

Where: Miami City Ballet When: December 13 - 29, 2019 For a few days this month at the Adrienne Arsht Center, you can a see spectacular production of the famous Nutcracker Ballet, filled with beautiful scenery, costumes, and talented dancing. Kids and adults alike will love this classic holiday attraction, with its unforgettable dance numbers and timeless story. It’s not called the Number 1 holiday spectacular for nothing! This year, it's actually a re-imagined presentation designed by Cuban-American creative couple, Isabel and Ruben Toledo. While they retain the original inspiration from Balanchine, they're also adding their own unique aesthetic. It's a must-see. Getting In: Nutcracker performances are separately ticketed and are not included with the Go Miami Card.

Christmas with the Chimps at Lion Country Safari

When: December 19, 2019 -10.30am Visit America's first cageless zoo and celebrate the holidays with Christmas with the Chimps, when Santa Claus visits the chimpanzees and comes bearing gifts. This is the only opportunity throughout the entire year that guests can get out of their vehicles to watch the chimps. Kids can also partake in some free holiday coloring activities, while their parents browse the gift shop for chimp-themed items. Getting in: Lion Country Safari tickets are included with the Go Miami pass.

Holiday Celebrations at the Miami Children's Museum

When: Various dates in December, 2019 - check the online calendar. The Miami Children's Museum hosts a bunch of events throughout the month of December to celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year. All events are geared towards kids and include fun and festive activities. Check online for a full list of events and dates and times. Some upcoming things to do include:

• Tropical Holiday Celebration - December 14-24 2019 - catch a ukelele caroling session, visit Santa for a photo, and listen to a storytelling of The Grinch.
• Mini Merry Monday - December 16, 2019 - kids will have a chance to meet Santa, listen to carolers, paint snowflakes, and more.

Getting in: Miami Children's Museum tickets are included on the Go Miami pass and all holiday events are included with admission, unless otherwise noted.

Get out on the Water

When it comes to leisurely sails and cruises, Miami has options! Hop on board a relaxing cruise on Biscayne Bay, where you’ll get the best sightseeing, including the downtown Miami skyline, Fisher Island, Miami Beach, and Millionaire’s Row. If you’re more interested in what’s under the sea than what you can see on land, the Glass Bottom Boat Cruise is for you. Aboard the Key Largo Princess, you’ll sail off to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which is the only undersea park in the United States. In the colorful coral reef, keep your eyes open for sea fans, sea plumes, and hundreds of fish from the small and exotic to the big ones that fishermen are after. Getting in: Biscayne Bay Cruise tickets and Glass Bottom Boat Cruise tickets are included on the Go Miami Card.

Marvel at Nature

For the truly adventurous, travel inland a bit and you’ll get to experience the amazing Everglades in a way as unique as the ecosystem itself. An Everglades Airboat Tour immerses you in the lush vegetation, among the exotic wildlife, so you can see animals like the Florida alligator in their natural habitat. Sure beats shoveling back home, am I right? Getting in: Everglades Airboat Tour tickets are included on the Go Miami pass.

Explore Architecture

Wintertime brings unbeatable mid 70s temperatures in Miami, perfect for strolling along the beautiful Art Deco District in South Beach for which Miami is known around the world. If you’ve not been before, or if you’re interested in art history or architectural design, take the Official Art Deco Walking Tour to get the full experience. You could also opt to take a bike ride through the Art Deco district to see the sights and get some exercise. Getting in: The Official Art Deco Walking Tour tickets  and Miami Bike Rentals are both included on the Go Miami pass.

Relax on the Beaches

No, we didn’t forget about the #1 reason you’re visiting Miami this year. Soaking up the sun on the beach all day (while protecting your skin with sun block, of course) is probably one of the activities you’re most looking forward to, and we don’t blame you! If you’ve got the winter blues, it’s nothing a game of beach volleyball or a quick dip in the ocean can’t fix.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

So there you have it. Our list of a few things to do in Miami in the winter, including holiday events, other seasonal activities in December, January, and more. Remember, many of these options are included on the Go Miami pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the Winter events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go Miami pass. We hope you plan to add a few of these fun options to your winter vacation itinerary.