Posted by: 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.
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, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.
Park & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Doral Government Center, 8401 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. Buy tickets on Eventbrite.
Saturday, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m.
Holiday Bazaar
Downtown Doral Park, 8395 NW 53 St.
A great place to find unique artisanal holiday gifts.
Friday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m.
Holiday Celebration at the Park
Doral Central Park, 3000 NW 87 St.
Bring the kids to enjoy inflatables, a snow slide, live performances and holiday character appearances. Tickets are $5 and can be reserved on Eventbrite.
Saturday, Dec. 14 at 5 p.m.
Miami Symphony Orchestra at the Park
Downtown Doral Park, 8395 NW 53 St.
Holiday concert
Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m.
Storytime with Mrs. Claus
Doral Cultural Arts Center, 8363 NW 53 St.
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. 15 from 6-8 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. 15 at 6 p.m., Veterans Park, 290 Palm Ave., Hialeah
Christmas Tree Lighting and story time with Mrs. Claus, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Thursday, Nov. 21 at 5:30 p.m., Westchester Cultural Arts Center at Tropical Park, 7930 SW 40 St.
Fourth Annual Flagami Tree Lighting. City of Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes, District 4, hosts a tree lighting ceremony with live entertainment, hot chocolate, cookies and cafecito. Friday, Nov. 22 at 6 p.m., SW 8 St. and 73 Ct., Miami.
Bayfront Park Tree Lighting ceremony. Watch the lighting of the tree and bring an unwrapped toy for the Toys to Tots donation drive. Wednesday, Nov. 27 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd., Miami.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Lighting of the tree with live bands, a barbershop quartet performance, holiday decorations, hot cocoa and seasonal treats provided by local businesses and circus acts adding to the festive atmosphere. Sunday, Dec. 1 from 6-9 p.m. at Fuller St. in Coconut Grove.
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. Thursday, Dec. 5 from 6-8 p.m., MOCA Plaza, 770 NE 125 St., North Miami.
Palmetto Bay Village Hall Tree Lighting. Lighting of the 40-foot tree, pictures with Santa, snow performances and holiday character appearances. Food will be available for purchase. Saturday, Dec. 7 from 6-9 p.m., Palmetto Bay Village Hall, 9705 E. Hibiscus St., Palmetto Bay.
Tree Lighting at Esplanade in Aventura Mall. Tree lighting plus, Santa hats for the first 200 children, live performances by holiday carolers, The Salty pop-up with seasonal limited-edition donuts, a take home activity hosted by LEGO and an appearance by Chip City mascot Chippy who will hand out seasonal cookies and be available for selfies. Sunday, Dec. 8 from 6-8 p.m., Aventura Mall Esplanade, 19505 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura.
Movie Night Under the Stars. Screening of the holiday classic “Elf” starring Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart and Mary Steenburgen. Friday, Dec. 13 from 7-9 p.m., Vice Mayor Robert C. Welsh Jr. Park, 7435 SW 66 Ave., South Miami.
Winter Wonderland in North Miami. North Miami's Vice Mayor Mary Estimè-Irvin hosts the Winter Wonderland event with a holiday market, music, rides and food for purchase. Friday, Dec. 20 from 6-8 p.m. at Griffing Park, 475 NE 125 St., North Miami. RSVP here.
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. 6 from 5:30-10 p.m., Coral Gables City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables.
Hot Chocolate with Santa. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa with Santa at Holiday Park at 405 Biltmore Way. Click here to find available dates and secure a spot!
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. 5-7, Dec. 12-14 and Dec. 19. Click here to see which high schools will be performing when.
Santa Claus on a Fire Truck. Don't miss the 14th Annual Coral Gables holiday tradition when the City of Coral Gables Fire Department parades Santa around on their shiny red fire truck. Dates are Saturday, Dec. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through Coral Gables.
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