Ways to Celebrate the Holiday Season in Miami Beach 2023

‘Tis the season for festivity. There are plenty of events happening around town that will give you that fuzzy holiday feeling. Get ready for the most wonderful time of the year with these ways to celebrate the 2023 holiday season in South Beach.

We always work hard to provide the most up-to-date information. Attractions and events mentioned may be closed or canceled without notice. We recommend checking individual websites for operating hours and updates before visiting.

Get Stuffed this Thanksgiving in Miami Beach

Thanksgiving marks the unofficial start of the holiday season and what better way to celebrate than by feasting? A few of SoBe’s top restaurants are preparing a multi-course feast for those who want to avoid the kitchen. Places like Barton G., Sérêvène, Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante, and Jaya all have Thanksgiving spreads planned.

See Christmas Lights and Visit the World’s Largest Holiday Theme Park at Santa’s Enchanted Forest

Santa’s Enchanted Forest is back, Nov. 8 - Jan. 7, 2024 with over 100 rides, games, shows, and attractions. Their twinkling Christmas lights and displays are unparalleled! The park is a 20-minute car ride from SoBe, but the world’s largest holiday theme park is always the South Florida event of the season.

Shop at the Best Places for Gifts in Miami Beach

Shop South Beach for a slice of holiday spirit. The Sagamore is only steps from Lincoln Road Mall, SoBe’s legendary outdoor shopping destination. Grab a hot chocolate from PAUL French Bakery and Café and find that perfect something for someone you love at Lincoln Road’s designer boutiques, souvenir shops, and upscale chains. 

As Miami’s original “Art Hotel,” we at The Sagamore are all about “art”. Need a gift for the art lover on your list? Check out our Miami Beach gift guide for art lovers.

Check out the Displays at Zoo Lights

For those traveling across the bridge, Zoo Miami’s Zoo Lights returns on select nights Nov. 24 - Dec. 30 with more than one million bright and dazzling tree lights, a 26-foot-tall LED holiday tree, Santa appearances, themed photo ops, and animal appearances.

Hang Out with Santa, See the Seashell Menorah, and Listen to Live Holiday Music at Lincoln Road

Lincoln Road is lit up for the holidays with their towering 30-foot Christmas tree (see the Lighting Ceremony Nov. 24, 6 - 8 p.m.). Be sure to check out Miami Beach artist Roger Abramson’s oversized menorah sculpted out of thousands of seashells. Plus, Tropical Santa will be in the Santa Cabana every Fri. through Sun. from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., Nov. 24 - Dec. 24.

Other Lincoln Road holiday events include a Jazz Holiday Concert ft. Leesa Richards, Nov. 25, 7 - 9 p.m., ‘Snowfall on Lincoln Road’, every Fri. through Sun. from 6 - 9 p.m., and ‘Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights’, Dec. 1 - 2, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. The classical music festival celebrates the magic of the season with live musical performances, projection mapping displays, and beloved holiday characters.

See George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at Adrienne Arsht Center

Across the bay from SoBe, the Adrienne Arsht Center presents live performances of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker leading up to Christmas Day. The classic tale of Little Marie, her Nutcracker Prince, and the army of mice in their winter wonderland plays from Dec. 15 - 24.

Meet Jewish Singles at MatzoBall Miami

If eight nights of Hanukkah celebrations weren’t enough, MatzoBall celebrates its 37th year at LIV Nightclub with an all-night party for Jewish singles to dance, drink, and connect with old friends. The annual rager is Sun. Dec. 24, 10 p.m. - 4 a.m.

Watch New Year’s Eve Fireworks over Biscayne Bay

Watch fireworks over Biscayne Bay from South Beach or cross the bridge to attend the largest New Year’s Eve celebration in South Florida. The late night street party at Bayfront Park in downtown draws a crowd in the tens of thousands. As soon as midnight comes, watch the Big Orange descend (Miami’s equivalent of the ‘Ball Drop’ in Times Square!).

Happy Holidays!

Show us what you get up to this holiday season in SoBe with #TheSagamoreHotel and make sure to give us a follow on The Sagamore Instagram for more seasonal recommendations. Check out our special offers to begin planning your SoBe holiday escape today.

Now for a limited time, Florida residents save up to 20% off your nightly rate.

See what our past holiday guests are said about us:

“We booked a Pool Cabana for Christmas Day and had a wonderful time…The staff were amazing. Super friendly and attentive. I’d definitely recommend the Sagamore pool for a great day!” - Leslie Cormier, Google

“Had the pleasure of staying at the Sagamore from Dec. 12 until Jan. 7th. As someone who travels frequently for work it's difficult to find hotels that emulate the comforts at home. However, at the Sagamore I felt exactly that. I was greeted [by] friendly/ familiar staff day in and day out…very helpful and was able to accommodate me…when I had to extend my trip unexpectedly even at the peak of the Christmas/ New Years craze.” - Travels12, TripAdvisor

“We rented 2 rooms…for my family over the Christmas holidays and couldn't have been more happy. The location, cleanliness, comfort of the beds, and size of the suites made me a believer. Many happy smiles and friendly attitudes from all of the help.” - bruck402, TripAdvisor

“Elegant, glamorous, beautifully appointed. We stayed for 2 nights Thanksgiving Weekend…the "Art Hotel." Art everywhere. We stayed in a suite, kitchen, living room, king size bed, it was a dream. Bed comfortable, very clean and upgraded…Pool is on the Ocean…Hotel is located 1 block from the famous Lincoln Road with restaurants, music, and boutiques…I would recommend this hotel to anyone.” - zingadella1013, TripAdvisor