Driving around to admire holiday lights is a cherished tradition for many during the festive season. South Florida residents and visitors alike enjoy exploring neighborhoods in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties that go all out to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or the winter season.
With South Florida’s mild weather, it’s the perfect place to take in stunning light displays. From drive-through extravaganzas to immersive walking experiences, there’s something for everyone. Popular events include The NightGarden at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables, Fantasy of Lights at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek, and Zoo Lights in West Palm Beach.
So, turn on your favorite holiday tunes and set off on a magical journey through South Florida’s most spectacular light displays. Whether driving through dazzling neighborhoods or exploring festive parks, the region offers a mix of public and private displays that promise holiday cheer.
Miami-Dade Holiday Light Displays for 2024
Pinecrest Gardens Nights of Lights, Pinecrest
- Where: 11000 SW 57th Ave., Pinecrest
- When: Dec. 6, 2024 – Jan. 4, 2025, 6–9 p.m.
- What: Experience glittering, larger-than-life light installations in a magical garden setting.
- Admission: $18 for children under 18, $22 for adults 18+.
Fairchild’s Night At The Garden, Coral Gables
- Where: 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables
- When: Through Jan. 12, 2025
- What: A fairyland of thousands of lights, featuring a “talking tree” and whimsical displays.
- Admission: $26–$41, depending on the date. Parking is free.
Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami, South Dade
- Where: 12400 SW 152 St.
- When: Nov. 29 – Dec. 30, 2024
- What: An immersive 3D holiday experience with over 1 million lights, animal-shaped displays, and themed nights.
- Admission: Pre-purchased online tickets: $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for children (ages 3–12). Special packages available.
Deering Estate: Holidays in Wonderland, South Dade
- Where: 16701 SW 72 Ave.
- When: Nov. 29, 2024 – Jan. 7, 2025
- What: Explore vintage holiday decor inspired by Alice in Wonderland in this historic estate.
- Admission: $18 for adults, $10 for children (ages 4–14). Free for Deering Estate Foundation Members and children under 4.
Sea of Lights at Miami Seaquarium
- Where: 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne
- When: Through Dec. 30, 2024
- What: Experience a magical holiday lights celebration featuring over 300 luminescent displays, whimsical exhibits like a surfing Santa, reindeer, and a gingerbread house. Enjoy holiday-themed shows, photos with Reef Santa, and send letters to Santa at his mailbox. S’mores are also available for an additional fee.
- Admission: $32.99 for ages 10 and older, $24.99 for kids ages 3–9, Tickets available online.
Fireside Nights at Fruit & Spice Park
- Where: 24801 SW 187th Avenue, Homestead
- When: Saturday, Nov. 30, 6–10 p.m. (one night only)
- What: Celebrate the holidays with a festive fireside event featuring holiday lights, hot cocoa, cookies, and charming photo opportunities. Take a guided garden tour at 7:30 or 8:30 p.m. and enjoy food from local food trucks.
- Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6–11, Free for kids 5 and under, Garden tour: Additional $5 fee.
Photo Courtesy – Miami Zoo
City of Miami Holiday Light Displays
South Florida’s urban heart comes alive with dazzling displays and festive decor. Here are some must-visit locations:
- Bayfront Park (301 Biscayne Blvd.): Admire the majestic Christmas tree surrounded by the glittering downtown skyline.
- Brickell CityCentre (701 S. Miami Ave.): Featuring Santa’s post office display, decorative trees, lights, and holiday decorations.
- Christmas on Fuller St. (Fuller St., Coconut Grove): A charming holiday neighborhood tradition.
- CityPlace Doral (8300 NW 36 St.) and Downtown Doral Park (8395 NW 53 St.): Both locations offer vibrant lights and festive attractions.
- Miami Lakes Main Street (6700 Main St.): Stroll through a holiday wonderland adorned with seasonal decorations.
- Lincoln Road (660 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach): A bustling pedestrian promenade dressed up with holiday lights.
- City of North Miami at MOCA Plaza (770 NE 125 St.): A festive plaza with a holiday vibe.
- Palmetto Bay Village Hall (9705 E. Hibiscus St.): Delight in a community display of lights and decorations.
- Enchanted Place (NE 16 Ave. and 137 St., North Miami): A neighborhood favorite with stunning residential displays.
- Holiday Village and Train Station at Aventura Mall (19501 Biscayne Blvd.): Visit the Holiday Village on the lower level near Bloomingdale’s and the Train Station on the lower level near Macy’s.
Where to See Holiday Lights in Broward County
Exploring holiday lights is a cherished tradition during the festive season, and in South Florida, this experience often comes with a unique twist—palm trees adorned in dazzling lights instead of evergreens. The warm, inviting weather only adds to the charm of enjoying outdoor displays, whether on land or from the water.
In Broward County, you’ll find a variety of spectacular light shows, from grand displays like the Holiday Fantasy of Lights at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek to festive neighborhood setups celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, and Florida’s winter season.
Symphony in Lights, Hallandale Beach
- Where: Gulfstream Park Village, 901 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach
- When: Nov. 30 – Dec. 31, every hour from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- What: Enjoy a free, dynamic light show featuring more than 250,000 LED lights synchronized to holiday music.
- Admission: Free, with complimentary parking or valet service available.
Water Taxi Holiday Lights Tour, Fort Lauderdale
- What: Experience the holiday magic from the water with a lights excursion along the Intracoastal Waterway.
- When: Select dates during the holiday season (check availability online).
- Cost: $45 for adults, $15 for kids ages 5–11 (free for children under 5).
- Tickets: Reservations and online payment required.
Flamingo Gardens Garden of Lights, Davie
- Where: 3750 S. Flamingo Road, Davie
- When: Dec. 13–23 and Dec. 26–30
- What: A stunning holiday lights display complemented by live music and festive vibes.
- Admission: $20 for ages 12+, $15 for ages 3–11, Free for children under 2, $5 for members
- Tickets: Online purchase recommended.
Christmas Lights in the Acres, Plantation
- Where: Plantation Baptist Church, 11700 NW 28th Court, Plantation
- When: Select evenings, weather permitting
- What: A synchronized light show featuring popular holiday music.
- Cost: $10 per vehicle (tickets available via app).
Holiday Fantasy of Lights Drive-Through, Coconut Creek
- Where: Tradewinds Park, 3600 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek
- When: Open nightly, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- What: A 3.5-mile drive-through light show featuring festive displays and optional special effects glasses ($2/pair).
- Admission: $28 per vehicle, $60 for buses/large vehicles with 12+ passengers.
Christmas at the Oasis, Pembroke Pines
- Where: The Oasis Church, 12201 SW 14th St., Pembroke Pines
- When: Nightly, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- What: A free drive-through holiday lights display. Additional activities, including train rides, hayrides, snowfall, and s’mores, are available Friday through Sunday for a small fee.
- Cost: Free, with a suggested donation of $10 per car.
Ocean Way Holiday Lights, Deerfield Beach
- Where: 401B SW 4th St., Deerfield Beach
- When: Throughout December
- What: An animated holiday light display.
- Admission: Free to view; parking costs $2–$4 per hour.
South Florida transforms into a glittering wonderland during the holiday season, offering a mix of dazzling light displays, festive events, and unique local traditions. Whether you’re exploring iconic spots like Miami’s Bayfront Park, enjoying drive-through displays in Broward County, or experiencing interactive light shows in Palm Beach, there’s something magical for everyone. Make your holidays unforgettable by visiting these enchanting destinations, and don’t forget to bring your loved ones along to create cherished memories under the glow of South Florida’s holiday lights.