Miami Lights Up for Christmas: The Season’s Best Light Installations and Shows

From sophisticated proposals like “Santa’s Enchanted Forest” to displays in shopping centers like “Symphony of Lights”, passing through luminous animals in Zoo Miami, the spirit of the holidays offers numerous options

The magic of Christmas is brought to South Florida through the decorations and lights prepared for the holiday season. In different parts of Miami and its beaches there are incredible facilities for family outings that also provide excellent opportunities to take spectacular photos.

NightGarden

While not your typical light installation, the NightGarden is the biggest light show of the 2022 season. The Coral Gables Tropical Botanical Garden transforms into a psychedelic neon playground at night. Packed with twinkling displays, technicolor mazes and treasure hunts led by virtual fairies, it also offers an enchanting snowfall experience. Flowering fields of dandelions and a talking tree complete the show.

Where: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156

When: until January 8, 2023, from Wednesday to Sunday from 6pm to 10pm (on Saturday, until 11pm)

How much: general admission, USD 30; children $25; students, military and seniors, USD 28.60; discounts for groups and depending on the day of purchase

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Zoo Lights

Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177

This Christmas celebration alludes to the diversity of animal species on the planet: more than a million sparkling lights shaped like lions, zebras, elephants, rhinos, giraffes and, of course, flamingos and crocodiles arranged throughout Zoo Miami. Families will be able to stroll through the park and enjoy carousel rides and nightly carols. Santa Claus will be on hand for photos and will serve hot chocolate and cookies (for an additional fee). The star of the show is the 26-foot (8-meter) tall LED Christmas tree.

Where: Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177

When: December 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30, from 6:30pm to 10pm

How Much: General admission $20.95; children, $18.95; discounted packages are available

The Enchanted Place of North Miami

The Enchanted Place of North Miami, 1800 NE 137th Ter, North Miami, FL 33161

Known by many as South Florida’s best-kept Christmas secret, The Enchanted Place has sparkled every holiday season since 1988. It’s a community effort spearheaded by residents of some 30 homes who each year decorate their North Miami street with thousands of of flashing lights. All are welcome to stop by and pose for photos among lighted Santas, Christmas trees, snowmen, and Menorahs.

Where: The Enchanted Place of North Miami, 1800 NE 137th Ter, North Miami, FL 33161

When: Until the end of December, from 7pm to 10pm

free activity

Symphony of Lights

Gulfstream Park Village, 901 S Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009

The sprawling Gulfstream Park Village property is illuminated by more than 250,000 lights, synchronized with the sounds and music of the festivities. In addition to a massive Christmas tree, there will be a 10-minute light show every hour, revealing the magnitude of the mall’s light redevelopment that combines horse racing, casino and events. There are many restaurants where to dine.

Where: Gulfstream Park Village, 901 S Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009

When: Until December 31 (Santa Claus will be available for photos on the 21st and 24th), from 6pm to 11pm

free activity

Santa’s Enchanted Forest

Santa’s Enchanted Forest, 7400 NW 87th Ave, Miami, FL 33166

The enchanted forest of the most famous resident of the North Pole returns for its 39th season of brilliant lights, games and unique experiences in Miami. Packed with roller coasters, rides of all kinds, shows and photo ops with Santa Claus and his helpers, plus a wide variety of food, the forest has moved from Hialeah Park to a much larger new location in Doral.

Where: Santa’s Enchanted Forest, 7400 NW 87th Ave, Miami, FL 33166

When: until January 8, 5pm to midnight

How much: general admission, USD 42.99 and season pass, USD 67.29; children and seniors, USD 34.58 and UD $57.94.

Designer Christmas Tree Installation

Bal Harbor is the most exclusive shopping center in South Florida and its Christmas decorations leave no doubt about that. In the spirit of the Sapins de Noël celebration in Paris, where the best fashion and jewelry brands create dazzling Christmas trees, the two-story mall features a cutting-edge installation throughout its lush tropical garden. Highlights include the 16-foot (5-meter) tall Ribbon Tree in the central courtyard and Neiman Marcus’ rainbow explosion, the Glitterville Tree.

Where: Bal Harbor Shops, 9700 Collins Ave, Bal Harbour, FL 33154

When: daily, until 10 pm

free activity

Nights of Lights

Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 Red Rd, Pinecrest, FL 33156

Kick off your holiday season with an elaborate light show in the winter wonderland maze of this botanical garden turned stage. By 2022, larger multi-colored light displays are in preparation and the Upper Garden under the stars opens. You can enjoy food, cocktails and festive concerts on certain nights.

Where: Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 Red Rd, Pinecrest, FL 33156

When: until January 1, from 6pm to 9pm

How much: general admission, USD 20; children, $15

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light up the night

CityPlace Doral 8300 NW 36th St, Doral, FL 33166

A fountain show synchronized to festive tunes leads to the lighting of the gigantic Christmas tree and surrounding palm trees. Among other activities for the whole family that this mall offers, the light show lasts 10 minutes and happens once an hour.

Where: CityPlace Doral 8300 NW 36th St, Doral, FL 33166

When: until December 31, from 7pm to 11pm

free activity