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Tree lightings and free holiday events around Miami-Dade

Christmas tree lightings and winter fests are happening earlier and earlier each year. Here's where to watch when they flip the switch and hundreds of lights bring the tree to life! And even though we don't have much winter weather in Miami-Dade, there are winter festivals to be found.

We will add more tree lighting events as they are announced.

City of Doral holiday happenings

The City of Doral is hosting a variety of Christmas events at their parks from a concert to a bazaar, to story time and a holiday celebration.

Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 from 6-9 p.m.
Park & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Downtown Doral Park, 8395 NW 53 Terr.
Santa Claus will be present to light the tree to mark the beginning of the holiday season. Photos with Santa available for $5. 

Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 from 4-8 p.m.
Holiday Bazaar
Downtown Doral Park, 8395 NW 53 St.
A great place to find unique artisanal holiday gifts.

Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 from 6-8 p.m.
Holiday of Miracles Winter Carnival & Toy Drive Event
CityPlace Doral, Fountain Plaza, 8300 NW 36 St.
Free photos with Santa, carnival games and food, festive holiday characters, falling snow and a clown show by Petunia y Cantaleta.

Saturday, Dec. 13 and 20 and Sunday, Dec. 14 and 21, 2025 from 4-10 p.m.
Holiday Market
CityPlace Doral, 8300 NW 36 St.
Stroll the boulevard and shop for handmade holiday themed items.

Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Miami Symphony Orchestra at the Park
Downtown Doral Park, 8395 NW 53 St.
Holiday concert

 

Miami Symphony Orchestra performs a holiday concert in Downtown Miami. Photo courtesy of Miami DDA.

Miami-Dade

Downtown Miami Holiday Spectacular presented by the Miami Downtown Development Authority. The 24-foot Christmas tree on Flagler St. will be lit, along with a menorah and The Miami Symphony Orchestra will perform. Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 from 6-10 p.m., Flagler St. and SE 3 Ave.

City of Hialeah Tree lighting ceremony Mr. and Mrs. Claus will preside over the tree lighting and flip the switch to light the tree! Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 at 6 p.m., Veterans Park, 290 Palm Ave., Hialeah

Fourth Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 at 6 p.m., Westchester Cultural Arts Center at Tropical Park, 7930 SW 40 St. 

Bayfront Park Tree Lighting and Movie Night Santa Claus makes a special appearance plus, bounce houses, food trucks, music and screening of a holiday film, all under the stars. Bring chairs and blankets. Friday, Nov. 22, 2025 from 5-10 p.m., Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd., near the fountain.

40th Annual Festival of Lights Christmas tree lighting on Main Street, performances by bands and dance troupes, face painting, cookie decorating, snow cones, arts & crafts, letters to Santa and a Santa House at My Gym. Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 from 3:30-7:30 p.m., tree lighting at 6:30 p.m., Main Street Miami Lakes, New Barn Road and Main Street.

City of Homestead Tree Lighting Winter Wonderland Experience debut with tree lighting, live performance on ice and a holiday market pop-up. Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 from 5-10 p.m. at Losner Park, 104 N. Krome Ave., Homestead.

Lincoln Road Miami Beach Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony with a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus and performances of holiday classics by the Miami Beach Classical Music Festival orchestra and singers at 7 and 8:30 p.m., 660 Lincoln Rd., Euclid Ave., Miami Beach.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Lighting of the tree with a golf cart parade, Santa's grand arrival, caroling performance by St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Choir, snowfall and snow zone, holiday decorations, hot cocoa and seasonal treats provided by local businesses and circus acts adding to the festive atmosphere. Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025 from 7-9 p.m. at Fuller St. in Coconut Grove.

Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Circle The annual tree lighting ceremony on the Circle with photos with Santa, holiday music, tree lighting and other holiday-themed activities. Saturday, Nov. 30, 2025 at 6 p.m., Curtiss Circle, Curtiss Parkway and Westward Dr., Miami Springs. 

Light up North Miami. The annual tree lighting on the MOCA Plaza with hot chocolate and cookies, a visit from Santa Claus, musical performances, giveaways and fun photobooths. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 from 6-8 p.m., MOCA Plaza, 770 NE 125 St., North Miami.

Light Up Your Holidays Tree Lighting Ceremony Lighting of the 40-foot Christmas tree, dance and musical performances, letters to Santa, craft vendors, pictures with Santa and food for purchase. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 from 6-9 p.m., Palmetto Bay Village Hall, 9705 E. Hibiscus St.

Downtown Miami Holiday Village presented by the Miami Downtown Development Authority. Three consecutive Sundays from 2-6 p.m. beginning with Dancing Through the Holidays on Dec. 7, 2025 then a Hannukah Celebration on Dec. 14, 2025 and ending with Santa's Arrival Dec. 21, 2025. 174 E. Flagler St. 

Aventura Mall Holiday Happenings Walk through the mall and enjoy holiday displays at every corner including photos and visits with Santa in the Lower Level by the Skims store, to reindeer benches in various areas, the model train station featuring snowy holiday scenes along the 100 scale miles of track on display at the Lower Level near the Rainbow Valley Playground and Santa's Sleigh and Mailbox on the Upper Level near the Zara store. 

North Miami Beach Snow Fest & Holiday Parade. Tree lighting ceremony with festive holiday music, rides, holiday-themed festivities, food for sale and snow! Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 from 5-10 p.m., North Miami Beach City Hall, 17011 NE 19 Ave., North Miami Beach.

CITY OF CORAL GABLES HAPPENINGS

City of Coral Gables Tree lighting ceremony. Grand opening of holiday park, tree lighting with Santa Claus, carnival games, and holiday craft and food items for sale. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 from 5:30-10 p.m., Coral Gables City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables.

Strolling Carolers. Holiday carolers from local high school choirs will stroll along Miracle Mile and Giralda Plaza from Thursdays to Saturdays from 7-9 p.m. Dates are Dec. 4-6, 2025, Dec. 11-13, 2025 and Dec. 18, 2025. Click here to see which high schools will be performing when.

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More Free and Cheap South Florida Holiday Events

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Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Circle
When
November 30, 2025 @ 6:00 pm
What
Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Circle
Where
Westward Dr. & Curtiss Pkwy.
Cost
FREE
Add to Calendar: Google Outlook/iCal
When
November 30, 2025 @ 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
What
Coconut Grove Christmas Tree Lighting
Where
Fuller Street Coconut Grove
Cost
FREE
Add to Calendar: Google Outlook/iCal
When
Weekly on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday @ 7:00 pm-9:00 pm (December 4, 2025 - December 18, 2025)
What
Strolling Carolers
Where
Miracle Mile
Cost
FREE
When
December 5, 2025 @ 5:30 pm-10:00 pm
What
City of Coral Gables Tree lighting ceremony
Where
Coral Gables City Hall
Cost
FREE
Add to Calendar: Google Outlook/iCal
When
December 5, 2025 @ 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
What
Light Up North Miami
Where
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
Cost
FREE
Add to Calendar: Google Outlook/iCal
When
December 6, 2025 @ 6:00 pm-9:00 pm
What
Light Up Your Holidays Tree Lighting Ceremony
Where
Village of Palmetto Bay city hall
Cost
FREE
Add to Calendar: Google Outlook/iCal
When
December 11, 2025 @ 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
What
Holiday Miracles Winter Carnival & Toy Drive Event
Where
CityPlace Doral
Cost
FREE
Add to Calendar: Google Outlook/iCal
When
Weekly on Sunday and Saturday @ 4:00 pm-10:00 pm (December 13, 2025 - December 21, 2025)
What
Holiday Market at CityPlace Doral
Where
CityPlace Doral
Cost
FREE
When
December 13, 2025 @ 5:00 pm-10:00 pm
What
North Miami Beach Snow Fest & Holiday Parade.
Where
North Miami Beach City Hall
Cost
FREE
Add to Calendar: Google Outlook/iCal
When
December 14, 2025 @ 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
What
Miami Symphony Orchestra at the Park
Where
Downtown Doral Park
Cost
FREE
Add to Calendar: Google Outlook/iCal
Josie Gulliksen

About Josie Gulliksen

Josie Gulliksen is a freelance writer and major arts advocate and enthusiast who loves everything cultural and is excited to live in such a thriving community as Miami. A Miami native, aside from Miami on the Cheap, she currently writes for Artburst Miami and contributes to Edible South FL and Miami Media Group. She has contributed to Miami.com, Biscayne Times and Miami New Times. She worked for nearly a decade at Miami Today as Calendar Editor and arts writer and then worked for 13 years in public relations. She has her own blog Scene Around South FL at josiegulliksen.com

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