Christmas And Hanukkah 2019 Events Around Miami

MIAMI, FL — We may have just finished our Thanksgiving turkeys but it's already time to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah.

The first events are already underway. We'll keep updating this list through December so bookmark this page and refresh your browser:

Central Fare at Virgin MiamiCentral Craft Weekend

Virgin MiamiCentral is hosting a holiday craft weekend for kids on Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15. For this free event, the Downtown Miami food hall will partner with arts and crafts studio, Creative Cove, to provide kids with exciting hands-on projects. On Saturday, kids will be able to decorate and build their own gingerbread houses, and on Sunday they can work on making unique holiday ornaments. There will also be balloon artists and face painters both days. While the kids get crafty, parents can enjoy some of the delicious, diverse eats at Central Fare, including: World Famous House of Mac, CAO Bakery & Cafe, PF by Delicatessen Patagonia, Rosetta Bakery, Bucks Crepes, and anchor restaurant, La Estación American Brasserie by Juvia Group. The event is open to kids of all ages, and all the supplies will be provided free of charge. Attendees must ensure their spot for each, or both, days by registering per child for free. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days. Central Fare at Virgin MiamiCentral is located at 600 NW 1st ave, mezzanine level, Miami.

Miami Police Shop With A Cop

On Tuesday, December 10, 2019, the Miami Police Department in conjunction with the Target Corporation will host its annual “Shop with a Cop” event. Miami Police personnel will be spreading holiday cheer this season by shopping alongside deserving children from the community. Participants who were selected to participate in the program will each be given a $100 gift card that will allow them to purchase holiday gifts. The shopping spree is set to begin at 8 a.m. and will conclude at 3 p.m. It will take place at Target Store in Midtown, 3401 N. Miami Avenue.

North Beach Boat Parade

The North Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach is hosting is 6th annual boat parade from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. The tradition began when a few friends and neighbors decided to decorate their boats and docks to celebrate the holidays in Miami Beach style. This tropical holiday celebration is all about bringing families and the community together while proudly recognizing the service of Miami Beach police and fire personnel as well as the U.S. Coast Guard personnel. Throughout the years, neighbors have worked together to grow the event organically. This year, the North Beach Boat Parade has two proud sponsors: The City of Miami Beach and Urban Resource. This year's event is expected to be the largest ever. The viewing areas along the parade route are available on a first come basis free of charge. The best sports are along the Normandy Shores Golf Course, two pocket parks on Normandy Isle (Trouville Esplanade and Rue Bordeaux), Fire Station #4 at 69th St. Park, and Brittany Bay Park. "It’s a special opportunity for us to celebrate the holidays, honor our amazing men and women in uniform and bring the community together," explained Caroline Jones, president of the Stillwater Drive Neighborhood Association and founder of the North Beach Boat Parade. "We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world and a holiday boat parade is a perfect way to celebrate that." The parade begins north of the Stillwater peninsula then continues around Biscayne Point, Normandy Shores, Normandy Isle, and along the eastern shore of Allison Island. The finale can be seen best from behind Fire Station #4 at 69th Street.

Children’s Holiday At Miami Dade College North Campus

Miami Dade College’s (MDC) North Campus will transform again into a winter wonderland for its annual Children’s Holiday at North, which kicks off with Santa’s arrival from the North Pole on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. A spectacular parade made up of Santa’s little helpers, toy soldiers, several Disney characters and exciting marching bands will commence immediately after Santa’s arrival. Children will also be able to take a picture with Santa or hear a story from Mrs. Claus herself. Children will experience South Florida-style sledding on a 12-foot mountain of snow as well as several live performances that include a Polynesian dance group, a hip-hop dance team, a rendition of Disney descendants, a holiday ballet and much more. There will also be numerous educational and cultural interactive learning activities such as the Youth in Agriculture Pavilion, which features a petting zoo, a Human Rights Tent, the M-DCPS Magnet Schools Zone, STEM Interactive LEGO Tent and the Holidays-Around-the-World Center which showcases global holiday customs. Children will also have the opportunity to do some arts and crafts at Santa’s Pavilion and take pictures with princesses and characters at their respective tents. They can learn about overall wellness and receive dental hygiene or blood pressure services at the Health Pavilion. Families are encouraged to donate one new toy for needy children in the community. MDC’s North Campus is located at 11380 N.W. 27th Ave. For more information, call 305-237-1141.

Multicultural Festival of Lights Miami Beach Event

The fourth community event from the newly formed Normandy Fountain Business Association will be a Festival of Lights all-day event hosted at the Normandy Fountain, Sunday, Dec. 1 from noon to 8 p.m. In keeping with the Normandy Fountain Business Association mission to support local businesses, at noon the Metroflea Artisan Market begins with diverse booths available to help kick off the shopping season with holiday gifts from local merchants. At 5 p.m. The city of Miami Beach lights up the trees for the holiday season and Rabbi Hadar from Temple Moses will lead the lighting of the giant Menorah. Local businesses came together to build the new Menorah. The design was inspired by the historic design of the Normandy Fountain. Our own Miami Beach City Manager, Jimmy Morales, will flip the light switch. Musicians from local music school, Mimo Music, will serenade the audience with Christmas and Hanukkah favorites. In addition, the Miami Beach Police Department and Officer, Traci Sierra, will help with a Toy Drive during the festival of lights. To encourage donations, Painting With A Twist is offering a $5 gift certificate to everyone who donates. Toys should be new and not gift wrapped. All gifts will be sent to the Bahamas to help the children who suffered greatly through the most recent hurricane, enjoy the upcoming holidays.

Palmetto Bay Holiday Lights And Dine

The magic of holiday lights will be on display Friday, Dec. 6 at Palmetto Village Hall starting at 7 p.m. with a holiday dinner and kid-friendly live show. Enjoy a served buffet dinner for adults with special menu items for kids and lots of over-size holiday decor and lighting. Plus, meet the show characters and enjoy the lighting of the community's Christmas tree. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Each family is asked to bring one new, unwrapped toy. Adopt an angel and bring joy to a child this Christmas. Tickets may ONLY be purchased online no later than Monday, Dec. 2. Tickets will not be available at the door.

Palmetto Bay's Annual Light Up Your Holidays

This annual event at Village Hall, gets underway at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at Village Hall. The event is free and open to the public. Everyone will be treated to a cheery blend of student performances, carnival foods, arts and crafts, carnival rides and inflatables, a faux snowstorm, pictures with Santa and other special character appearances and surprises. Food and holiday craft vendors will add to the already awesome event with their delicious treats and unique merchandise. Each family is asked to consider bringing along a new, unwrapped toy for the Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program. There will be no parking available at Village Hall. Parking will be provided at Holy Rosary-St. Richard Catholic School, 18455 Franjo Rd. with IBUS trolley service to Village Hall. Disabled parking will be available at the Hagan Building, just north of Village Hall, located at 17625 S. Dixie Highway. Only vehicles with properly placed and active disabled decals will be permitted in this area. Decals will be checked. Click here for complete details including a parking/trolley map. Village Hall is located at 9705 E. Hibiscus Street.

A Christmas Carol, The Musical At Miracle Theatre

The production opens Saturday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. starring Musical Theatre for Young Audiences Director Earl Maulding as Ebenezer Scrooge. christmas carol, the>Don't miss this fabulous musical adaptation written especially for family audiences that will warm your heart as it reveals the true meaning of the holidays. The show will run Saturdays at 2 p.m. with special holiday performances on December 21 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 22 at 4 p.m. Buy your tickets here. The theater is located at 280 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables.

McBride Plaza Holiday Activities

Visit the plaza on Dec. 14 from 2 p.m. to 10 .pm. for fun holiday activities the entire family can enjoy from arts and crafts to ugly sweater contests, plus tasty treats, free trolley rides and a screening of "Elf." The plaza is located in Coral Gables.

Senior Game Day, Holiday Pot Luck

Seniors are invited to visit the Perrine Community House on Thursday, Dec. 12 at at 11 am for a holiday pot luck lunch and learn. Please email your RSVP and your dish here before Dec. 10. The Perrine Community House is located at 900 Southwest 97th Avenue in Palmetto Bay.

Holiday Tree Lighting And Bayfront Holiday Village

Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo invites you to Bayfront Park’s Holiday Tree Lighting at the Bayfront Holiday Village on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bring the whole family to Bayfront Park’s tree lighting and kick off the holiday season at the grand opening of the Bayfront Holiday Village. The tree lighting is at 7:45 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. In addition to the tree lighting, don't miss the Bayfront Holiday Village for free, family-friendly programming all season long through Dec. 25. Guests of all ages will enjoy daily, 50 foot Christmas tree LED light shows and waterfront roller-skating by Bayskate. With more than 50 local vendors, festive music and food and drinks, you won't want to miss this limited time holiday event. For more information on the Bayfront Holiday Village, click here.

Menorah Lighting and Celebration

Join the Village of Palmetto Bay along with Chabad of Palmetto Bay and Deering Bay for a Menorah Lighting and Celebration on Sunday, Dec. 29 starting at 6 p.m. The fun takes place at at Village Hall. For more information click on the link above or call 305-259-1234. Village Hall is located at 9705 E. Hibiscus Street.

Boynton Beach Police Shop With A Cop

Boynton Beach police will host three separate Shop with a Cop events. Officers will be at the Walmart at 3200 Old Boynton Road on Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon where Officers will shop with 30 students from Freedom Shores, Rolling Green and Citrus Cove Elementary Schools. The shopping event will be followed by lunch and demonstrations from the Boynton Beach Police Motor Units. Officers will be shopping at Marcy's on Thursday, Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon. Macy’s is located at 801 N. Congress Avenue. Officers will shop with 10 students from Crosspointe Elementary School. The shopping event will be followed by lunch and demonstrations from the Motor Units. Officers will be shopping at another Walmart on Tuesday, Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to noon. That Walmart is located at 3625 S. Federal Highway. Officers will shop with 30 students from Forest Park, Galaxy and Poinciana Elementary Schools. The event will be followed by lunch and demonstrations from the Motor Units.

Boynton Beach Police Toy Delivery to M&M Appliance

Boynton Beach police officers will leave police headquarters at 5:50 p.m. on Wednesday Dec. 11 and caravan with lights and sirens led by Santa. The caravan will travel east on Gateway Boulevard and south on Federal Highway to M&M where officers will deliver toys. This is our the department's 8th year of collecting toys for the Children’s Healing Institute, a non-profit organization that is the leading source for child abuse prevention and family crisis management expertise in the area.

Florida Panthers Hockey Holidays Ice Skating Rink

We're known for a number of things in South Florida but outdoor ice skating isn't one of them for obvious reasons. The Florida Panthers and Hoffman's Chocolates are hoping to change with the Hockey Holidays outdoor ice rink for the third year in a row at the Hoffman's Chocolate Factory in Greenacres. The outdoor holiday rink officially opened to the public on Nov. 16 with hours from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m on Saturday and Sunday. The rink will be closed on Tuesdays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The rink will be open through Dec. 30. The cost is $15 for an individual skate session; $13 for groups of 10 or more; $10 for military and first responders and up to four guests with a valid ID. There's no extra charge for skate rentals. Visit the website for information on hours of operation and directions.

Breakfast with Santa Fundraiser

Applebee's is getting into the holiday spirit with its annual Breakfast with Santa Fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 14. The fun begins at 8:30 a.m. to support the Marines Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, which distributes new toys to economically disadvantaged children. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast along with goodies and the opportunity to take a free photo with Santa Claus. Tickets to Breakfast with Santa can be purchased for $10 each by calling or visiting a local Applebee's. For every $50 gift card purchased, guests will receive a free bonus card valued at $10. Offer valid through Jan. 5. Bonus cards valid from next visit through March 1, 2020. Bonus cards may be used through Dec. 31, 2019. Breakfast with Santa will be hosted at Applebee's locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises in Florida, Georgia, New Jersey and Long Island. Florida locations hosting Breakfast with Santa events on Dec. 14 include those in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Venice, Doral, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Greenacres, Port St. Lucie, St. Augustine and Jacksonville. Applebee's of Okeechobee will host its Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 7.

'Pucks & Pints' Beerfest presented by Funky Buddha Brewery

Presented by Funky Buddha Brewery at the BB&T Center on Saturday, Nov. 30, the fun starts at 3 p.m. This event features beer samplings from local breweries, live music by Xotic Yeyo, giveaways and more. Participating breweries include Barrel of Monks, Broski Ciderworks, Concrete Beach Brewery, Copperpoint Brewing Company, Funky Buddha Brewery, Lagunitas, LauderAle, M.I.A. Beer Company, Sailfish Brewing Company, Saltwater Brewery and more. Customers must be 21 and older to attend the event. Three ticket options are available for fans to purchase. VIP Entry is available for $115 which includes a club endzone ticket to the Panthers vs. Predators game, early access into the beer garden at 3 p.m, parking, $20 loaded ticket for food and beverage and more. General Admission is available for $65 for an upper level ticket to the game, access to beer garden at 4 p.m and parking. Both ticket options include a 4 ounce sampling mug. The BB&T Center is located at 1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise.

Red Kettle Bell Kick-Off

The Florida Panthers are teaming up with the Salvation Army of Broward County on Nov. 30 immediately following the 7 p.m. Panthers vs. Predators game. Fans are encouraged to bring monetary donations on the JetBlue Tarmac post-game on Saturday with all proceeds going to benefit the Salvation Army Broward. Synonymous with the Christmas season, “ringing the bell” at a Salvation Army Red Kettle has been a tradition since 1895. It’s not just about ringing a bell, however. All proceeds from the Red Kettle stay in Broward County and support the Salvation Army’s feeding, shelter and social service programs. The holiday giving event takes place at
BB&T Center, 1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise.

Rooftop Holiday Picnic

Celebrate winter in Miami with Common Threads on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at a rooftop holiday “picnic” atop the Life House Collins Park Hotel. Enjoy delicious drinks and bites from some of Miami’s best local eateries while supporting a wonderful cause. The event takes place from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Enjoy libations and food from Miami’s hippest local eateries including Life House’s own Mama Joon, Palmar and The Halal Guys Brickell. Desserts will be provided by Versailles and Bachour, whose chef, Antonio Bachour, was recently named Best Pastry Chef in the U.S. by Esquire. Tickets cost $65 each and are available here. Proceeds from this event support Common Threads’ local cooking and nutrition education programs in Miami-Dade parks and schools. Event sponsors include Life House Collins, Biscayne Bay Brewing Company, Calma, Miami Cocktail Company and Publix. The hotel is located at 2216 Park Avenue, Miami Beach.

Breakfast with Santa Fundraiser

Applebee’s is getting into the holiday spirit with its annual Breakfast with Santa Fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 14. The fun begins at 8:30 a.m. to support the Marines Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, which distributes new toys to economically disadvantaged children. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast along with goodies and the opportunity to take a free photo with Santa Claus. Tickets to Breakfast with Santa can be purchased for $10 each by calling or visiting a local Applebee’s. For every $50 gift card purchased, guests will receive a free bonus card valued at $10. Offer valid through Jan. 5. Bonus cards valid from next visit through March 1, 2020. Bonus cards may be used through Dec. 31, 2019. Breakfast with Santa will be hosted at Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises in Florida, Georgia, New Jersey and Long Island. Florida locations hosting Breakfast with Santa events on Dec. 14 include those in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Venice, Doral, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Greenacres, Port St. Lucie, St. Augustine and Jacksonville. Applebee’s of Okeechobee will host its Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 7.

Jingle & Mingle at The Lincoln Eatery

Celebrate the holidays at The Lincoln Eatery. Miami Beach's first food hall has partnered with DIY craft genius and TV star, Amber Kemp-Gerstel of Damask Love, to create a larger-than-life gingerbread house installation, serving as the ultimate Instagrammable moment for the entire month of December. Additionally, the food hall will host Jingle and Mingle, a daylong event on Dec. 15, complete with festive, family-friendly programming. The meet and greet session will be followed by a cookie decorating workshop at 3 p.m., which will be hosted by Le Petit Bistrot at The Lincoln Eatery owner and pastry-connoisseur, Marilyn Arrebot. In addition to the meet and greet session and cookie decorating workshop, the eatery will further transform into a winter wonderland with a kids craft table, balloon twisting, festive face painting, and a photo-op with a giant gingerbread man. Those wanting to attend Jingle and Mingle can reserve their spot here.
Schedule of Events:

Southernmost Christmas Celebration

This holiday season head to the southernmost point of the United States at The Keys Collection, a collection of hotels anchoring the New Town neighborhood of Key West. Celebrate all things festive during the weekend of Dec. 7th as guests will experience a spectacular Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the property's famed Sunset Green event lawn, which will be transformed into a winter wonderland for the evening's festivities. Children and adults will sample holiday-themed food and beverage offerings served via a jolly holiday airstream including savory bites and sweet holiday treats. There will also be a selection of holiday-themed cocktails. The evening celebration will include a soundtrack of traditional holiday tunes and entertainment, including a showing of Elf displayed on a large screen on the expansive event lawn.

Carols for a Cause at Quarterdeck

Get your vocal chords ready because Carols for a Cause is happening at Quarterdeck on Dec. 11 (Fort Lauderdale location) and Dec. 18 (Davie location) at 5 p.m. Come for the food and stay for the caroling because Santa and his Christmas carolers will be there to bring the holiday spirit. Don’t forget to bring your appetite and a toy to donate to the restaurant’s toy drive in partnership with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. The Fort Lauderdale location is at 1035 SE 17th St. The Davie location is at 3155 S University Dr.

25 Days of Food Specials at Quarterdeck

Give yourself the gift of dining out this December and enjoy a scrumptious meal and thirst-quenching holiday spirits at Quarterdeck. The restaurant is running 25 days of food specials leading up to Christmas, including 10 of the most popular entrées at Quarterdeck. Each entrée special will be $15.99 with the purchase of a drink. This is a great chance to try some of the starring items on the menu while sticking to your holiday budget. The entrées offered include: Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs, Jambalaya, Lobster Mac & Cheese, Michelle Roll, Marinated Skirt Steak, Dragon Roll, Coconut Shrimp, Fajitas, Stuffed Shrimp, and Lobster Tacos. See HERE for a full calendar of Quarterdeck’s 25 days of food specials.

Shooters Waterfront

As the holiday season quickly rolls around the corner, come by Shooters Waterfront and enjoy this year’s Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Winterfest Boat Parade. Grabbing a bite at Shooters Waterfront is the perfect way to celebrate the parade’s 48th year floating around Fort Lauderdale. Sip on a thirst-quenching Cucumber Refresher ($12) while watching the decorative yacht floats pass by. As the show progresses enjoy sitting next to the palm trees while feasting on the restaurant’s Smoked Chipotle Meco BBQ- grilled Skirt Steak (32$) served with sambal mango- chili slaw and yucca steak fries. Another great option to share with the table is the Chicken Pesto Flatbread (14$). Gather your family, grab your camera and give your kids a memory they won't soon forget. Take pictures with Santa Saturdays in December during brunch.
December 7, 14 and 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mastro’s Ocean Club, Ft. Lauderdale

Sit along the Intracoastal Waterway at Mastro’s Ocean Club as the sun goes down during the 48th annual Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Winterfest Boat Parade and enjoy delicious fresh seafood and hand crafted cocktails. Menu highlights include the Lobster Cocktail, Chilled Alaskan Red King Crab claws, Bigeye Tuna tartar, and sauteed sea scallops, to name just a few. Matsro’s Ocean Club also has a diverse sushi menu that includes rolls like the Maguro Lime roll and the Clear Lobster roll. Sip a Smokin’ Cosmo cocktail and enjoy the spectacular display of holiday lights, music and seasonal decorations. Luxurious cabanas are also available with reservations.