Prepare for a December to remember in Miami. as the city gears up for Miami Art Week, igniting the start of a bustling high season with a whirlwind of events, parties, and must-see exhibitions spanning South Beach, Wynwood, and beyond. While the Magic City’s winters boast warmth instead of frost, the holiday spirit is in full swing, offering a plethora of festive activities, from holiday villages and ice skating to indulging in Christmas dinners at delectable Miami restaurants and witnessing New Year’s fireworks. Whether you opt for a delightful Christmas dinner at a savory restaurant or explore the enchanting Christmas Wonderland, Miami’s allure lies in its rich cultural scene, scenic beaches, luxurious hotels, and exquisite dining establishments. For those contemplating a December visit to Miami, dive into a curated list of essential events that will undoubtedly tempt you to plan a memorable trip to this vibrant city.
So, mark your calendars and prepare to immerse yourself in the pulsating energy of Miami’s most scintillating happenings.
Best Miami Events In December 2023:
Dec 4 – Dec 10, 2023 – Art Basel and Miami Art Week
As the vibrant city of Miami prepares to host the illustrious Art Basel Miami Art Week in 2023, art enthusiasts and collectors from around the world are gearing up for an immersive experience at some of the most prestigious art fairs. Miami Art Week kicks off the first week of December, from Monday, December 4 to Sunday, December 10, 2023. Promising an exquisite gathering of cultural magnificence, the week will host over 20 international art fairs featuring thousands of artists. These remarkable exhibitions will grace venues across Miami and Miami Beach this December.
Dec 5 – Dec 10, 2023 – Untitled Art Miami Beach
Leading independent art fair Untitled Art announces 163 exhibitors in its 2023 edition, representing 38 countries and showcasing nearly 600 artists in its largest, most international and diverse presentation to date. The 2023 fair will be held on the sands of Miami Beach between Ocean Drive and 12th Street from Wednesday, December 6 to Sunday, December 10, with a VIP and Press Preview on Tuesday, December 5. Get tickets
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Dec 5 – Dec 10, 2023 – Scope Miami Beach
Following the record-breaking success of its 21st anniversary, SCOPE Miami Beach returns for its 22nd edition on the iconic sands of Miami Beach. With over 130 highly curated exhibitors and a schedule filled with experiential programming, SCOPE promises an engaging experience for art enthusiasts. Morning wellness, panel discussions, performances, and exclusive evening events add a dynamic dimension to this critically acclaimed show.
Dec 2 – 3, 2023 – Smorgasburg Miami Filipino Street Food & Ube Festival
Smorgasburg Miami, Miami’s largest outdoor-food market, will be starting the month of December with a weekend-long event celebrating Filipino food, culture and the world of ube – a sweet and colorful ingredient often found in Filipino cuisine. On Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3, the market will be decorated and will feature special vendors, artists and activities for guests of all ages.
Dec 1 – Dec 23, 2023 Miami Beach Festival of Lights
This holiday season, locals and visitors alike can experience a series of dazzling spectaculars of music and light as the Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights takes to South Beach December 1 through December 23.
Dec 6: Around the World in 25 Bites at Julia & Henry’s
From 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Wed., Dec. 6, Julia & Henry’s is kicking off Art Basel weekend with the launch of its first-ever “Around the World” event. Guests will be issued exclusive passports designed by Latin Grammy Award-winning designer Pedro Fajardo, which will act as an all-inclusive ticket to explore all 25 of Julia & Henry’s culinary concepts, each of which will be giving away a bestselling item from their menu.
Dec 5-10: Pretty Woman: The Musical
December is a blockbuster month for the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County in Downtown Miami. Mark your calendar for Pretty Woman, a lively adaptation of the beloved romantic film starring Julia Roberts. Set to an original musical score that includes songs by Grammy Award-winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, the iconic love story is brought to life in a captivating and theatrical way. Get your tickets now and use promo code PWFRIEND to enjoy 15% discount!
Dec 9: Experience music, wine, beer, and martinis on Miami Beach’s Washington Avenue
Embark on a delightful stroll, making stops at 12 different places, where you can indulge in the delightful flavors of 12 different Wine, Beer, or Martini options. Experience the ultimate tasting adventure on Washington Avenue. Join us for this exceptional event with celebrity guests. Get your tickets now through the Miami Guide and use promo code MIAMIGUIDE for your 50% discount!
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Now – Jan 7 2024 Christmas Wonderland At Tropical Park
Tropical Park is transformed into a Christmas Wonderland this holiday season when it gets decked out with holiday displays and light shows for a magnificent midway of thrilling carnival rides. Kids can explore Santa’s Village and meet jolly old Saint Nick plus enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus, while grown-ups can gather at the snowy ice bar. There’s also a Cirque du Soleil-style aerial show featuring hoops, balance boards and swords as well as a daredevil motorcycle show.
Dec 8 – 10: Art With Me
This Tulum-imported electronic music and art festival returns to take over 30 acres of verdant waterfront at Virginia Key Beach Park during Miami Art Week 2023. Following 2022’s epic lineup, which included the likes of Jamie XX, Moderat and SG Lewis, this year’s Art With Me is shaping up to be another banger with techno legends Underworld, French duo Polo & Pan, Lee Burridge pres. All Day I Dream, a DJ set from Channel Tres and more. The three-day, all-ages event will once again feature large-scale art installations and galleries, craft and organic food vendors, yoga and dance classes, breathing and mindfulness workshops, and children’s activities in an idyllic, boho-inspired setting. Get your tickets now through the Miami Guide and use promo code MIAMIGUIDE for your discount!
Nov 10, 2023 – Jan 2024 – NightGarden at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
The beloved NightGarden holiday light event returns. This whimsical family-friendly event transforms Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden into a magical wonderland with stunning illuminations, spectacular special effects, talking trees, interactive mysteries and colorful lights everywhere. Food trucks will sell food and beverages onsite.
Dec 13, 20 and 27 SoundScape Cinema Series
December in Miami is the perfect time to enjoy a movie under the stars. The SoundScape Cinema Series at the New World Center in South Beach invites you to do just that in a beautifully landscaped park where movies are projected onto the concert hall’s monumental 7,000-square-foot projection wall. Held on Wednesday evenings, December’s movies are “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” and “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.”
Dec 17 and 24: Miami Dolphins Vs. New York Jets
The Miami Dolphins have one of the most high-powered offenses in the NFL, putting up a franchise-record 70 points earlier this year. The Fins are poised to make a run at the Super Bowl, led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and speedy receiver Tyreek Hill. They’ll take on the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens at 1 p.m. Dallas Cowboys December 24
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Dec 25, 2023 – Christmas in Miami
Celebrate the Holidays at Miami’s Best Restaurants for Christmas 2023 and leave it to the professionals to prepare your Christmas meal during the Holidays.
Now – Dec 23 Miracle In Miami
The Miracle in Miami Christmas-themed pop-up bar is back, so if you’re looking for some holiday cheer, make your way to Better Days in Downtown Miami for some over-the-top décor, holiday-inspired cocktails and a fun, festive crowd.
Dec 31, 2023 – New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Check out the best New Year’s Eve Parties and Dinners in Miami! There’s no better place than Miami to ring in the New Year. From a lavish soiree at The Biltmore’s Country Club Ballroom with a premium open bar and fireworks on the golf course, to the Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s poolside bash featuring Marshmello and Khalid, there’s no shortage of fabulous parties to ring in 2024. After your big night out, ease into New Year’s Day on a cushy lounge chair at the beach.
Dec 31 New Year’s Eve At Bayfront Park
For an iconic Miami New Year’s celebration, Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami hosts a spectacular party with fireworks lighting up Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. You’ll enjoy cocktails, live entertainment and a champagne toast to ring in 2024. See more ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Miami.
Nov 24 – Dec 10: Wynwood Walls’ Miami Art Week
Wynwood Walls Lead Curator and Goldman Global Arts CEO/Co-Founder Jessica Goldman Srebnick, is excited to announce its 2023 Art Week artist lineup and theme – The Power of Purpose – highlighting Wynwood Walls as one of the best venues in the world to see leading street artists.
Now – April 21, 2024: Sharks Exhibit At Frost Science Museum
Dive into the Sharks exhibition at the Frost Museum of Science in Downtown Miami. Explore shark diversity and habitats with life-sized models, 3D displays, and a 360-degree view of a hammerhead shark. The three-level aquarium offers live shark views.
Now – Dec 31: Teremana Tequila Mana For A Cause
The Miami Guide proudly collaborates with the Teremana Tequila Mana For A Cause Charitable Holiday Campaign in a heartfelt mission to back our dedicated hospitality workers. From now through December 31st, you can make a difference by simply visiting one of the fantastic participating bars and restaurants. Sip on the finest cocktails and savor delectable cuisine at renowned establishments like Joia Beach, Café La Trova, Byblos Miami, Beaker And Grey, Grails Miami, Mickey Burkes, Mikes At Venetia, Baby Jane Cocktail House, Noodle Bar, Rao’s At The Loews South Beach, The New Schnitzel House, and Yardbird. Each visit is a toast to the bartenders and service staff who have made Miami’s hospitality scene unforgettable.
Dec 21 Candlelight Open Air: Holiday Jazz and Soul Classics feat. Ella Fitzgerald
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Miami. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Bad Bunny at The Plaza Turf in Jungle Island under the gentle glow of candlelight.
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December, 2023 – Concerts & Shows at the Kaseya Center in Miami
From marquee NBA matchups to music’s hottest performers, downtown Miami’s premier venue, Kaseya Center (formerly American Airlines Arena), is the place to be for a night of entertainment. No matter the occasion. Get Kaseya Center tickets, so you can experience it live. You have quite a few to choose from this month with Lauryn Hill and more.
December, 2023 – Hard Rock Live Concerts & Shows
Check out all upcoming events at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood. Primed as the epicenter of South Florida entertainment, the new venue hosts state-of-the art technical capabilities that supports A-list celebrity performances as well as award shows. You have quite a few to choose from this month with Bruno Mars and more.
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Miami December Sports
Winter is a great time to catch one of our professional sports teams in action! The Miami Dolphins are heading towards the end of football season. Miami Heat basketball is underway, and Florida Panthers hockey seasons. Make sure to add a Miami Game Day to your Miami vacation – it’s an absolute MUST in Miami!
🏀 Miami Heat Basketball
See the Miami Heat play live at the Kaseya Center. If you’ve attended a Miami Heat game before, you know the excitement and energy of the crowd makes for a truly unforgettable experience. Get Miami Heat tickets, so you can experience it live.
🏈 Miami Dolphins
If you’ve attended a Miami Dolphins game before, you know the excitement and energy of the crowd makes for a truly unforgettable experience. With Miami Dolphins tickets from Vivid Seats, you can experience it live.
🌤️ Miami weather in December
In December, Miami graces visitors with mild and pleasant weather, offering a delightful escape from winter’s chill. With average temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the high 70s Fahrenheit (15-25°C), the city becomes a haven for those seeking a balmy holiday retreat. While the occasional cool breeze may sweep through, the sun-soaked days and comfortable evenings make December in Miami an ideal time to explore its vibrant neighborhoods, relax on the sandy beaches, and partake in the array of outdoor festivities that define this coastal paradise.
Ride Alto in Miami
Anywhere you go in Miami, arrive in style with Alto! Use code THEMIAMIGUIDE to enjoy $20 off your first 2 Alto rides!
What event are you most excited about? We will be updating this list leading up to end of month, so make sure to bookmark the page, check back often and let us know if you would like to be included!
Miami is packed with exciting events that offer something for everyone. Whether you are a music lover, sports fan, or beach enthusiast, there is an event that is sure to capture your interest and provide a memorable experience.
