The holiday season in Miami is a time of warmth, festivities, and a vibrant fusion of cultures. As Christmas approaches, the city comes alive with dazzling decorations, cheerful spirits, and an array of celebrations. Whether you’re a local looking for something new or a visitor eager to experience Miami’s unique holiday charm, here’s a curated guide to where you can celebrate Christmas Eve and Day in 2023.
Fi’Lia Brickell at SLS Brickell
Join us in celebrating Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at Fi’Lia Brickell with a delightful festive brunch experience. Indulge in our signature homemade holiday Porchetta priced at $32 and treat yourself to the tempting French Toast “Donuts” available at $12. As you savor these delectable offerings, immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere complemented by a Live DJ. To enhance your brunch experience, we are offering a two-hour Holiday Beverage Package for $35 per person. Revel in the joyful ambiance and toast to the season with a curated selection of beverages. This festive brunch will be available on both December 24th and 25th, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Join us for a joyous celebration of flavors and holiday cheer at Fi’Lia Brickell.”
Celebrate the holiday season with us on both December 24th and 25th, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.! Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, it’s time to indulge in festive delights at Fi’Lia. Savor a unique dining experience with our Woodfired Whole Branzino, accompanied by a choice of two side dishes, specially crafted for two people at $86. Enhance your celebration with a delightful holiday treat—our special Coconut Panna Cotta with a cinnamon pineapple compote, priced at $12. For those seeking a broader culinary experience, our full à la carte dinner menu will also be available!
ADRIFT Mare
Celebrate Christmas in-style at ‘Gypsy Chef’ David Myers’ latest concept ADRIFT Mare at the Hotel AKA Brickell and immerse yourself in a culinary experience that is a feast for the eyes and the palate. On Christmas Day from 5:30PM to 10:30PM, the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant is offering a specialty three-course holiday menu for $98 per person (minimum 2 people). The feast begins with a choice of starting plate including Parker Rolls with salted maple butter; Lobster Roll prepared with lemon and saffron aioli; Oysters served with mignonette sauce; and Cos Lettuce with aged parmesan and truffle dressing. For the main course, guests can choose between Prime Rib Roast with bordelaise sauce or Grilled King Crab Legs served with capers and lemon butter, both accompanied by sides to share including truffle stuffing, crispy potatoes, saffron rice and sautéed broccolini. Save room for a sweet ending and indulge in either one of the two decadent dessert options – a Caramel Custard Tart with sesame ice cream or a Dark Chocolate Tart with vanilla ice cream. ADRIFT Mare is located at 1395 Brickell Avenue on the 25th floor of Hotel AKA Brickell. Complimentary valet parking is available at the hotel through December 31. For more information, visit www.adriftmare.com; Telephone: (305) 503-6500.
Anthony’s Runway 84
Tis’ the season to celebrate Christmas Eve Goodfellas style at one of South Florida’s most legendary dining institutions, Anthony’s Runway 84. On Sunday, December 24 from 3PM to 10PM, the cool, contemporary Italian supper club is featuring a spectacular Feast of the Seven Fishes for $90 per person (minimum 2 guests per table). The decadent meal will begin with several starting plates including Roasted Peppers and Sicilian Stuffed Peppers, Baccala Salad and Seafood Salad, followed by the second course offerings of Fried Calamari, Baked Clams Oreganata and Mussels Marinara. For the final course, guests will enjoy Zuppa Di Pesce Fra Diavolo which features linguine with lobster, shrimp, clams, mussels and calamari. In addition to the prix-fixe menu, a limited a la carte menu featuring Runway 84 signatures will be available on Christmas Eve. A la carte highlights include several pastas such as the Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, Rigatoni Cauliflower and Linguine & Clams ($34 – $39), Runway specialities including Chicken ‘Vodka’ Parmigiana, Veal Chop Danielle and 16 oz. New York Strip ($40 – $78), and seafood entrees such as Swordfish ‘Runway’ Style and Local Snapper ($49 – $52), as well as an array of appetizers and side dishes. Advance reservations are required and can be booked on RESY – HERE. Runway 84 is located at 330 West State Road 84 in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, visit www.runway84.com or contact the restaurant at events@runway84.com; Telephone: (954) 467-8484.
Brasserie Laurel
Celebrate Christmas at chef/owner Michael Beltran’s upscale neighborhood French boîte, Brasserie Laurel, in downtown Miami. On Christmas Day – Monday, December 25 – from 5PM to 10PM, the contemporary brasserie is featuring an exquisite prix-fixe Christmas Feast, served family-style, for $90++ per person. To start, guests will enjoy a Seafood Plateau featuring caviar, oysters and lobster cocktail, as well as Striploin Tartare prepared with bearnaise, pickled mushrooms, pickled radish, gruyere and cured egg yolk. For an additional $25, the restaurant’s exquisite Foie Gras with rum canelé, berry gastrique and pickled blackberries is also on offer. The main course will feature family-style servings of Salmon en Croute made with salmon farce, Beurre Blanc and salmon roe, and Prime Rib served with horseradish cream and prime au jus; both accompanied by several side dishes including Pommes Aligot, Bibb Salad and Grilled Mushrooms. The holiday feast concludes with two indulgent desserts: Rum Baba with whipped crème fraîche and Poached Pear with caramelized white chocolate and crème anglaise. Advance reservations are encouraged and can be booked – HERE. Brasserie Laurel is located at 698 NE 1st Avenue, G170 at Miami Worldcenter at the base of Miami Worldcenter’s Caoba residential tower. For more information, visit www.brasserielaurel.com; Telephone: (305) 330-9048.
Bourbon Steak
Celebrate Christmas at Chef Michael Mina’s acclaimed American steakhouse Bourbon Steak at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa. Available Monday, December 25th from 5PM to 11PM, the menu features a choice of appetizer including Chef’s oyster selection, Michael’s tuna tartare, foie gras, Jumbo shrimp cocktail, roasted bone marrow and more. Indulge in entrees including filet mignon, Delmonico ribeye, Amish roasted half-chicken, Miso-glazed sea bass, branzino or glazed short rib among others. All are accompanied by a trio of farm fresh side dishes of truffle mac and cheese, potato puree with garlic chips, and classic creamed spinach with crispy shallots. Dinner ends on a sweet and festive note with Bûche De Noël with Amaretto Diplomat cream and cherry foam; Apple Tart Tatin with butter pastry, Citrus caramel sauce and vanilla gelato or Citrus Panna Cotta with Blood orange gelee and chocolate crumble. The Christmas Day menu is priced at $180 per adult. Bourbon Steak Miami is located inside JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa at 19999 W Country Club Drive in Aventura. Reservations are encouraged and can be made at www.opentable.com/bourbon-steak-miami or by calling (786) 279-6600.
Eva
Celebrate Christmas in the heart of Coconut Grove’s CocoWalk with a Mediterranean feast at Eva, chef/owner Michael Beltran and Ariete Hospitality Group’s latest concept. On Christmas Day – Monday, December 25 – from 5PM to 10PM, the casually sophisticated new Mediterranean restaurant is offering a spectacular Christmas Menu for $75++ per person; $45 per child under the age of 12. Through the unique culinary prism of Chef Beltran and Executive Chef Ashley Moncada, the menu features several dips including Spicy Feta and Hummus, as well as starting plates such as Arugula with figs, goat cheese, toasted walnuts and balsamic glaze, and Baked Eggplant prepared with garlic confit, feta cheese and parsley. For the main course, guests can enjoy Roast Chicken served with chestnut stuffing and stewed green beans, and Roast Lamb accompanied by lemon potatoes and tzatziki. The holiday feast concludes on a sweet note with a special Orange Pie with chocolate baklava and ice cream. Advance reservations are encouraged and can be made – HERE. Eva is located at 3015 Grand Avenue at CocoWalk in the heart of Coconut Grove. For more information, visit www.evacoconutgrove.com; Telephone: (305) 603-9009.
Lona Cocina & Tequileria
Celebrate Christmas Eve oceanside at Fort Lauderdale’s iconic Mexican hotspot Lona Cocina & Tequileria. On Sunday, December 24 from 11:30AM to 3PM, Lona is celebrating the holidays with an enhanced Christmas Eve Brunch for $60++ per person. The brunch price for food only (excludes alcohol) is $50++ per person and the price for kids (ages 5-12) is $40++ per person. In addition to the much-loved Guacamole Bar, Tacos Station, Ceviche Station, Omelet and Waffle Stations, Lona is adding a Christmas Roast Beef & Turkey Carving Station just for the occasion. Of course, no brunch is complete without celebratory libations and as such, the $60++ brunch price includes bottomless beverages such as Lona Margaritas, Bloody Mary’s and mimosas. In addition, Lona will be open on Christmas Day and will offer the full a la carte menu along with a specialty holiday entree of Short Rib Mole served with battered beech mushrooms. Reservations are encouraged and can be booked on OpenTable. Lona is located at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort at 321 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. Discounted valet is available. For more information, visit www.lonarestaurant.com; Telephone: (954) 245-3069. Follow on Instagram: @LonaRestaurantFLL
Ocean Social by Chef Tristen Epps
Celebrate Christmas at Ocean Social by Chef Tristen Epps, the signature restaurant at the iconic Eden Roc Miami Beach. Perfectly perched where the sea meets the sky, Ocean Social delivers soulful yet elevated coastal cuisine in an unparalleled oceanfront setting for you and your family’s unforgettable holiday celebration. On Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24th and Christmas Day, Monday, December 25th from 5PM to 9PM, Ocean Social is offering a four-course holiday feast for $110++ per person. The decadent menu by Chef Tristen Epps begins with a choice between Local Fish Crudo – yellowfin tuna tataki, golden beet Aguachile, beet tartare, Thai chili, red vein sorrel and micro cilantro, or Foie Gras Ganache Tart – winter citrus, coco crumble, orange puree and herb salad. For the second course, guests can enjoy a choice of Potato & Crab Dumpling – Gulf Crab, lobster cream, petite Brussels sprouts, shellfish sabayon and toasted hazelnut, or Lamb & Honeynut Squash Lasagna – braised lamb, Taleggio fondue and wild kale. The decadent main course offers three selections to choose from including Szechwan Honey Glazed Dry Aged Duck – aged duck breasts, Szechwan honey glaze, black truffle duck leg, charred red cabbage, shaved truffle and cabbage cream; Mishima Wagyu Eye of Rib – porcini rubbed wagyu eye of rib, onion custard brulee, potato pave and winter black truffle; and King Salmon – carrot puree, jerk carrot, carrot top salsa verde and salmon roe. The holiday feast concludes with a choice of dessert – Chocolate Ganache Bar – brown butter eggnog ice cream and honey nut pumpkin, or Coquito “Basque” Style Cheesecake – caramelized pineapple sorbet and toasted hazelnut coconut crumble. Ocean Social by Chef Tristen Epps is located at 4525 Collins Avenue at the Eden Roc Miami Beach. Advance reservations are encouraged and can be booked on OpenTable – HERE. For more information, visit www.edenrochotelmiami.com/ocean-social; Telephone: (786) 961-6043.
Toro Toro
Celebrate Noche Buena and Christmas with a Pan-Latin holiday feast at Toro Toro, chef/restaurateur Richard Sandoval’s acclaimed restaurant inside the InterContinental Miami. On Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24th beginning at 6PM, and Christmas Day, Monday, December 25th from Noon to 11PM, Toro Toro is featuring several seasonal a la carte dishes, created by Executive Chef Armando Febles. Bein the feast with Cassava al Carbon – guajillo romesco, zucchini salsa verde, pickled chiles and herb oil ($18); Scallop Crudo – avocado Aguachile, charred limes, chili oil, toasted pistachios and fresno peppers ($27) and Beet Mélange Salad – butternut squash purée, sherry vinaigrette, charred avocado, crispy quinoa, Marcona almonds and feta cheese ($18). Entrée highlights include Bone-in Beef Short Rib – grilled calabaza-maple purée, red wine sauce, dried chile and citrus breadcrumbs ($58); Seared Halibut – potato-fennel espuma, mint purée, roasted fennel and aji amarillo beurre blanc ($54); Porchetta – Meyer lemon salsa, boniato purée, grilled broccolini and chile morita salsa macha ($49); and Crispy Maitaki and Tempura Squash Blossom – charred cauliflower purée, truffle chipotle ponzu and pickled red radish ($39). Also on offer, several pristine steaks at market price including Wagyu Tomahawk, 32oz. Porterhouse and 32oz. Dry-Aged Ribeye. The decadent feast will finish on a sweet note with dessert selections including Croquembouche Tree and Sticky Toffee Pudding with pasilla caramel. For children ages 3 – 12, Toro Toro will offer a Kids Menu featuring Petit Filet Mignon with French fries and grilled broccolini ($24) and Grilled Chicken with mashed potatoes or French fries ($18). Advance reservations are encouraged and can be made on OpenTable – HERE. Toro Toro is located at InterContinental Miami at 100 Chopin Plaza in downtown Miami. For more information, please visit www.torotoromiami.com; Telephone: (305) 372-4710.
Quinto
Decadence awaits this Christmas Eve at Quinto at the EAST Miami Hotel – an elevated South American terrace restaurant overlooking the Miami skyline – known for its signature open-fire-style kitchen and a unique combination of rustic charm and casual comfort. Priced at $70 per person (plus tax & gratuity), guests can enjoy a special 4-course pre-fixe menu available on Sunday, December 24th. The evening begins with an Amuse-Bouche of Huevo Relleno with a stuffed egg, smoked eggplant, and caviar followed by an appetizer choice of Lengua de Res made with beef tongue, salsa verde, roasted avocado, and pickled red onion, or Polenta Rellena with oyster mushroom ragoût, polenta, and black bean sauce. Entree choices include Prime Rib featuring fire-roasted prime rib, potato chips, parsley salad, and fried oyster mushroom, or Merluza Confitada with seared Chilean confit sea bass, and creamy coconut rice. End the night with a tantalizing Mousse de Arroz con Leche – rice pudding mousse, cranberry cream, fig jelly, and tres leches sauce. Reservations are available beginning at 6PM. Quinto is located at 788 Brickell Plaza at EAST Miami. Validation for valet parking is available. Telephone: (786) 805-4646. For more information, please visit www.quintomiami.us
R House
Situated in the heart of Wynwood Arts District, one of Miami’s most culturally askew neighborhoods, R House is a contemporary Latin-inspired restaurant & bar heralded for its soulful menu and bustling weekend Brunch scene. On Christmas Eve (12/24), stop by this local gem’s sought-after Brunch for its limited 11:30AM seating. Hosted by Athena Dion (Miss Ultimate Miami Drag Queen), the famed R House Brunch features an impressive spread of tasty items to nosh on while enjoying Miami’s most storied Drag performances. Priced at $60pp plus tax and gratuity, the family-style menu includes bottomless mimosas, white wine sangria and mojitos. New menu highlights include Cayenne Fried Chicken with spicy cilantro sauce; R Cuban Breakfast Croissant with mojo pork, serrano ham, Swiss cheese, scrambled egg; and Cinnamon Sweet French Toast with guava syrup, cream cheese, tropical fruit, coconut flakes. Additional a la carte offerings include an Acai Bowl, Sweet Chili Chicken Wings; Truffle Parm Hand-Cut Fries; and Guacamole. R House is located at 2727 NW 2nd Avenue in Wynwood. Brunch on Christmas Eve is offered in one seating at 11:30AM and will be closed on Christmas Day. For more information visit www.rhousewynwood.com or call (305) 576-0201.
Jaya at The Setai
Celebrate an elegant South Florida Christmas with Jaya at The Setai. Guests can enjoy a special holiday version of The Setai’s signature jazz brunch on Sunday, December 24th or Monday, December 25th from 11:15AM – 3:30PM. Priced at $125 per adult and $75 per child (ages 5-12), brunch offers a courtyard experience with live jazz, endless Roederer Champagne, special holiday dishes and a varied collection of Asian, seafood and dessert stations alongside elevated breakfast classics. Those interested in celebrating at dinner can indulge in Jaya’s signature dishes along with specials including Scallops & Caviar, Green Pea Soup, Grilled Filet Mignon, Grilled Lobster and more. Jaya’s à la carte Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner service will be offered from 6PM – 11PM. Reservations for brunch and dinner at www.thesetaihotel.com/miami-beach-restaurants/jaya. Jaya is located at 2001 Collins Avenue at The Setai Miami Beach.
TO-GO DESSERTS
Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop
Seasons greetings from the Magic City’s favorite bake shop! With the return of Winter favorites, Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop is your one-stop shop for indulgent holiday treats. Beginning Friday, December 1st, seasonal desserts return to the pie emporium for the month of December including the Cafecito Pie, the bake shop’s signature Salted Caramel Pie with a shot of espresso inside; and the indulgent Apple Cheesecake. In addition to seasonal specials, bake shop staples are also worth savoring this holiday season including Pecan Pie, Apple Pie, Guavaberry Pie, Key Lime Pie, Carrot Cake and Red Velvet Cheesecake + more! Fireman Derek’s – Wynwood is located at 2545 N. Miami Avenue; Telephone: (786) 703-3623; Fireman Derek’s – Coconut Grove is located at 3435 Main Highway; Telephone: (786) 502-2396. Fireman Derek’s – Fort Lauderdale is located at 250 N. Federal Highway, Suite 1; Telephone: (954) 533-0810. For more information, visit www.firemandereks.com. Follow on Instagram: @FDPies.
Chug’s Diner
‘Tis the season for holiday gatherings and celebrating with delicious treats to-go from Chug’s Diner! During the week of Christmas (no pre-sales), Coconut Grove’s favorite Cuban diner is offering festive Cookie Tins for purchase (prices range), as well as Pastelito Boxes featuring a dozen of Pastelito Papi’s tasty Cuban pastries for $48. Chug’s Diner will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 7:30AM to 3PM for dine-in service. Chug’s is located in the heart of Coconut Grove at 3444 Main Highway. For more information, visit www.chugsdiner.com; Telephone: (786) 353-2940.
TO-GO MEALS
Casa Mariano
Let Casa Mariano take care of the cooking this year. Chef Mariano Araya of Doral’s renowned Casa Mariano combines holiday favorites with his Mediterranean-inspired menu to offer guests the ultimate Christmas Day experience. The Holiday To-Go feast is available for 10 people (priced at $350) including a choice of one protein, three sides, and one dessert. Menu options include 12-Hour Sous Vide Short Ribs, Stuffed Turkey Breast, Chicken Roulade, Sweet Potato Mashed with Goat Cheese, Parmesan Asparagus, and much more. Appetizers are also available a la carte, featuring Handmade Short Ribs Empanadas ($60 for 12), and Manchego Croquettes ($36 for 12), among others. All options can be purchased online at casamariano.com beginning Wednesday, December 6th. Orders must be placed by Friday, December 22nd. For additional information please call (305) 392-0507. Casa Mariano is located at 8200 NW 27th St Suite 106 in Doral.
Finka Tap & Table
Invite Chef Eileen Andrade into the kitchen this year with festive favorites and her signature Miami flair. Finka Tap & Table is offering the ultimate To-Go Holiday Menu with everything from main dishes, sides, desserts, and even Beverage Director Alex Aportela’s Homemade Coquito ($35). Main dishes include Whole Roasted Chicken for 2-3 people ($25), Masitas De Puerco for 10 people ($59), Roasted Pork Leg for up to 24 people ($159), and Pork Shoulder for 8 people ($65). The side options are extensive and feature specialties such as Korean Style Brussel Sprouts ($6), Chimichurri Roasted Fingerling Potatoes ($5), and Croquetas Islas Canarias ($10 for $18). Traditional favorites such as truffled mashed potatoes ($6), macaroni and cheese ($8), and pork gravy ($6) are also available. Delicious desserts include Chocolate Chip Banana Bread ($8), Guava Cheesecake ($50), and Cuban Style Flan ($15). All items can be purchased by calling 305-227-8818 beginning Wednesday, December 6th. Orders must be received by Friday, December 22nd. For more information please visit finkarestaurant.com. Finka Tap & Table is located at 14690 SW 26 Street in Kendall.
Miami, with its diverse cultural influences and festive spirit, offers an array of options for celebrating Christmas Eve and Day in 2023. Whether you’re drawn to the glitz and glamour of upscale galas, the enchantment of holiday theme parks, or the joyous community gatherings, the Magic City ensures a Christmas experience that’s as unique and vibrant as the city itself. Embrace the warmth of the season, create lasting memories, and unwrap the magic of Christmas in Miami.
