Traditionally, Christmas involves tossing tinsel on a tree, unwrapping presents on Christmas morning, and taking a holiday lights tour with family. But as anyone from Miami knows, South Florida doesn't do "traditional."
Instead of celebrating on Christmas morning, many people enjoy festivities on "Nochebuena," or Christmas Eve. Instead of firs and pines, we have a state full of palm trees to decorate. Instead of illuminated houses, businesses and parks, Miami's got... Who are we kidding? We still love us some good, old-fashioned holiday light shows!
Attempting to map out your ride? Don't skip these essential South Florida spots for Christmas lights, decorations and all things ho-ho-holiday. (Click here for a South Florida Christmas Light Tour map.)
20+ Places to See Christmas Lights Near Miami (2022)
Sunrise Civic Center Campus
On December 2, 2022, the city of Sunrise will host their annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Guests can listen to carolers, participate in games and activities, take photos, and watch the Civic Center come to life as thousands of bright LED lights turn on.
Can't make it for the ceremony? Bummer. However, the Civic Center Campus gives us their best impression of Motel 6, as they plan to keep the lights on through the New Year.
Dadeland Mall in Kendall
By the time you read this, Dadeland Mall's tree will already be decorated and lit up. But you have the entire shopping season to see it in person. The mall also has numerous Christmas events scheduled, including events for kids to meet and take photos with Santa.
Lighting of the Greens Festival in Davie
Davie kicks off the holiday season at Bamford Sports Complex on December 3, 2022. The park will be lit up and participants can watch the Jingle Bell Horse Parade, enjoy live entertainment, visit with Santa Claus, and more. The entire area will be decorated throughout the month, up and through the new year.
Annie Adderly Gillis Park in Pompano Beach
The city of Pompano Beach plans to turn on their holiday tree before Thanksgiving, which means you'll have a full month and a half to visit and see the decorations at Annie Adderly Gillis Park.
Santa's Enchanted Forest
Not only can you see some dazzling holiday lights at Santa's Enchanted Forest, but you'll also be able to play carnival games, watch various live shows, visit Santa, and try a variety of rides. There's a reason why this is one of the most popular South Florida destinations around Christmas.
Enchanted Place of North Miami
No longer Miami's best kept holiday secret, Enchanted Place has grown into a behemoth. Every year since 1988, when the holiday decorations first went up, this South Florida home has embraced the challenge of going brighter and bigger. What will 2022 bring? Even larger inflatable Santas? More snowmen? A platinum Menorah? We'll find out.
Zoo Lights Miami
The Miami Zoo is the place to be come Christmastime. The entire area is decorated for the holidays – we're talking lights up the wazoo – and you can even take Santa photos or simply enjoy some milk and cookies. The Zoo has several holiday events lined up for 2022, as well, so get your tickets early.
Nightgarden at Fairchild
Take a pleasant stroll through Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens at night, and you'll witness some of the most stunning Christmas lights and decorations ever strung together. The entire 23-acre Coral Gables park is aglow from November through the first week of January. Truly unmissable.
Nights of Lights at Pinecrest Gardens
Running from December 11, 2022, to New Year's Day, Pinecrest Gardens is hosting their annual Nights of Lights event. The entire park and garden transforms into a holiday paradise, complete with tens of thousands of lights, treats, Santa, and a new holiday-themed maze.
Triangle Park in Hialeah
Looking for Christmas lights in Hialeah? Head to Triangle Park (Veterans Park) to get a glimpse of their enormous, well-lit Christmas tree and holiday décor. It's a great place to relax and enjoy an evening out with family.
Magic of Lights in Homestead
Want some drive-thru Christmas lights in Miami? Homestead's Speedway is your destination, and Magic of Lights is your show. You'll get to see your favorite holiday characters and synchronized holiday lights and animations, all from the comfort of your own vehicle.
Pedroso Home (6140 SW 46th Terrace)
For nearly a decade, the Pedroso family has been hosting one of Miami's Christmas displays. You'll find holiday lights in hedges, up trees, clipped to gutters – if an extension cord can reach, it's got lights. And then there are the dozens of inflatables, cut-outs, and other holiday decorations. It's a must-add spot on any "Miami Christmas lights tour."
Symphony of Lights at Gulfstream Park
Over 250,000 LED lights are strung up throughout Gulfstream Park, which makes it one of the largest, if not the largest, Christmas light shows in Hallandale Beach. Every hour, from 6:00 to 11:00 PM, you can watch the 10-minute animated holiday display, which features popular Christmas music and more decorations than you can bat an eye at.
Water Taxi Holiday Lights Cruises
Taking a Ft. Lauderdale Christmas light tour on the water is just one big benefit of living in South Florida. Take a cruise out to see all the illuminated waterfront mansions on Millionaire's Row, sip some cocktails, take photos, and catch up on your R&R.
Holiday Fantasy of Lights Drive-Thru Display
Coconut Creek's Tradewinds Park may be a favorite spot for hiking, disc golf, and fishing, but it's also known to get into the holiday spirit every December. That's because the park hosts Holiday Fantasy Lights, the drive-thru Christmas light show on everyone's list. It's been a South Florida tradition for nearly 3 decades!
The 100 Foot Christmas Tree in Delray Beach
Delray Beach's famous 100 Foot Christmas Tree, which was named the "Best Tree in the State of Florida," is plugged in on November 29, 2022, but you can bring the family to the Old School Square all season long. On select dates, they'll be hosting other Holiday Village activities, including a gingerbread house, carousel, boat parade, ice skating, and Santa photos.
Holiday in Paradise in West Palm Beach
Head to Sandi Land for one of the best holiday events in West Palm Beach. All December, Holiday in Paradise will offer Christmas lights, Ferris wheel rides, entertainment, and lots of other activities for kids and adults alike.
Palm Beach Zoo Lights
Like Zoo Miami, the Palm Beach Zoo is hosting their own Zoo Lights event this year. Zoo Miami is a local South Florida favorite, but if you live closer to WPB, their holiday event is certainly a great alternative.
Festival of Lights in Miami Lakes
Main Street: The hub for fun in Miami Lakes. Every November and December, it's home to Festival of Lights, the city's biggest and best holiday event. You don't need to visit on the event's date, either; head to Main Street all season long to view the decorations.
Bayfront Park in Miami
The Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony at Bayfront Park Miami is always a great time. Can't attend? No sweat. You can hit up the park throughout the month of December and witness its splendor. (We suggest visiting at dusk, when the lights are most impressive.)
Christmas Tree Lighting in Dania Beach
Dania Beach's City Hall gets the full Christmas treatment on December 1, 2022. Guests can ice skate (magic!), make crafts, take pictures with Santa, jump in bounce houses, get their faces painted, and enjoy a traditional tree lighting. Decorations will remain throughout the month of December.
1091 Ibis Avenue in Miami Springs
Fun, classy and elegant, the interactive Christmas lights show at this Miami Springs home will warm even the grinchiest of hearts. Each year, this is voted as one of the best Christmas displays in the area.
Bass Lake
Just north of Ibis, you'll find Bass Lake. You'll know you're in the right spot when you see the "Merry Christmas Happy New Year" lights, which reflect right off the water. These Miami Springs holiday lights have been lit up every year since the beginning of time, it seems.
Hunting Lodge Drive
Put the area around the Miami Springs Golf and Country Club on your holiday light show tour. Hunting Lodge Drive is a popular spot to see home Christmas decorations, but many of the neighborhoods surrounding the golf course participate, too!
About Braman Genesis
We may not have the biggest and best Christmas lights in South Florida, but we have some of the biggest and best selections of affordable luxury vehicles for sale in Miami. Whether you're shopping for yourself or someone else, visit our Genesis dealership to browse our inventory. Call our Genesis sales team at (786) 574-3093 to get a price quote or ask us about our current car deals and lease offers.