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Christmas Weekend 2024 in Miami Top Things To Do: Christmas Lights, Santa Visits, Christmas Parades

Prepare to be mesmerized when Cirque Dreams Holidaze visits The Kravis Center. Photo courtesy of the event
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12/18/24 - By James Smith

Looking for the best things to do in Miami and South Florida this weekend? Here are some great family-friendly events and activities to add to your schedule.

It's the third full weekend of December, and with Santa's arrival imminent, why not check out all the Christmas and holiday season activities across Miami and South Florida?

Let's begin with a new take on a timeless Christmas classic. Scrooge! A Fractured Christmas Carol offers a reimagined version of the Dickens tale at Sandrell Rivers Theater in Miami. Also at Sandrells, enjoy a meet-and-greet with Miami's premiere Black Santa Claus, who is sure to deliver some holiday cheer. There is still time to take in The Nutcracker, presented by the Fort Lauderdale Youth Ballet or Cirque Dreams Holidaze at The Kravis Center.

While we wait on St. Nick, you might also want to take some time to enjoy holiday lights shows or other must-do seasonal events in and around the area, or maybe plan for a great Christmas week staycation in Miami.    

As always, if you have an event you think we should check out, feel free to e-mail us. Don't forget to bookmark this page and share with a friend.

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Say hello to Black Santa at Sandrell Rivers Theater. Photo courtesy of the event
Say hello to Black Santa at Sandrell Rivers Theater. Photo courtesy of the event

Best Things To Do This Weekend in Miami with Kids

Holiday Movies Under the Stars at Town Center at Boca Raton

Boca Raton—FREE
Thursday, December 19
Town Center at Boca Raton hosts a festive movie screening series Holiday Movies Under the Stars on Thursday, December 12 and 19 for shoppers to experience the holiday magic straight from the North Pole. The featured films include two holiday classics, The Polar Express and The Grinch. READ MORE

Cirque Dreams Holidaze at The Kravis Center

West Palm Beach
Thursday, December 19-Sunday, December 22
This annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around an infusion of contemporary circus arts. As lights dim and the music swells, audiences will have visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads as a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life on stage. READ MORE

Holidays Around the World at Miami Children's Museum

Miami
Thursday, December 19-Sunday, December 22
Across the world, families and friends gather to celebrate different things. This December, learn about some of the popular holidays observed here in the United States and a variety of holidays observed all over the world.  READ MORE

Sea of Lights at Miami Seaquarium

Miami
Saturday, December 21-Sunday, December 22
Sea of Lights returns to Miami Seaquarium with 300 dazzling light displays, festive holiday shows, and seasonal cheer for the whole family. READ MORE

Black Santa at Sandrell Rivers Theater

Miami
Friday, December 20-Sunday, December 22
Enjoy a meet-and-greet with Miami's only Black Santa Claus. Santa is bringing the North Pole to the Sandrell Rivers Theater. Fantasy Theatre Factory invites you to a delightful holiday photo-op with Santa at Santa's Workshop; you can also enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate with other holiday treats. Santa's Workshop doors are open to all. READ MORE

The Nutcracker Presented by the Fort Lauderdale Youth Ballet

Fort Lauderdale
Friday, December 20-Sunday, December 22
This holiday favorite, performed by the Fort Lauderdale Youth Ballet, features spectacular dancing, beautiful costumes, and the timeless music of Tchaikovsky. READ MORE

Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights

Miami Beach
Friday, December 20-Sunday, December 22
Presented by the Miami Beach Classical Music Festival and produced by artistic director Michael Rossi, this dazzling event promises to captivate audiences of all ages with a blend of live musical performances, festive characters, and projection mapping displays to celebrate the holidays. READ MORE

North Pole Pajama Party

Fort Lauderdale
Saturday, December 21
All aboard the Polar Express for this South Florida family winter tradition. Wear your comfiest pajamas and embark on a festive adventure. Explore Museum of Discovery and Science exhibits with a frosty twist, from floating dry ice bubbles to snowy liquid nitrogen shows. Admission includes an invitation to see The Polar Express in the IMAX Theater. READ MORE

Wilton Wonderland

Wilton Manors—FREE
Saturday, December 21
This FREE holiday event offers a cheery morning filled with story time, holiday crafts, and games. kid-friendly activities for the whole family and a jolly ol’ time with Santa and his helpers. READ MORE

Christmas with Santa at Larry's

Coral Springs—FREE
Saturday, December 21
Don't miss Santa's special arrival by fire truck. Celebrate the season at Larry's with free professional photos with Santa, free face painting, caricatures, free treats, and more. READ MORE

Saturdays with Santa at Hive

West Palm Beach—FREE
Saturday, December 21
Santa Claus is coming to Hive. Bring your children for a fun photo-op with Santa and enjoy Christmas cookies provided by Hive Bakery & Cafe. READ MORE

Sea of Lights at Miami Seaquarium

Miami
Saturday, December 21-Sunday, December 22
Sea of Lights returns to Miami Seaquarium with 300 dazzling light displays, festive holiday shows, and seasonal cheer for the whole family. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at Fun Dimension

Miami
Saturday, December 21-Sunday, December 22
Join FunDimension for a magical holiday experience. Enjoy a delicious morning with Santa as the little ones share their wishes and soak up the holiday cheer.  READ MORE

Scrooge! A Fractured Christmas Carol

Friday, December 20-Sunday, December 22
Embark on an unforgettable journey this holiday season with Fantasy Theatre Factory’s Scrooge! A Fractured Christmas Carol, a dazzling, reimagined version of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale! Brace yourself for a festive fusion of past and present, where the 1840s meets today, London meets Miami, and tradition dances with a modern twist for a story that celebrates the goodness within us all. READ MORE

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