Christmas, Hanukkah Events In Miami: Parades, Tree Lightings, More

MIAMI, FL — There are plenty of things going on around the Miami area to celebrate the 2023 winter holidays.

Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, starts at sundown on Dec. 7, and ends at nightfall on Dec. 15. Christmas, of course, is on Dec. 25, but you don’t have to wait to start taking in all the sights and sounds of the season.

Menorah lightings in Miami-Dade County are:

• Chanukah at The Falls, Dec. 7, 6 p.m. This public menorah lighting is hosted by Chabad of Kendall & Pinecrest at The Falls - Center Stage in Miami.
• Chanukah at The Palace, Dec. 13, 5:30 p.m. This public menorah lighting is hosted by Chabad of Kendall & Pinecrest at the Palace Royale in Miami.
• Festival of Lights, Dec. 10, 3 to 5:30 p.m., at Ponce Circle Park in Coral Gables. The celebration features the lighting of the menorah, a fire truck parade, a chocolate gelt drop and tasty seasonal treats.

Christmas tree lights occur:

• Holiday Tree Lighting, Dec. 1, 6 p.m., in front of Coral Gables City Hall at Merrick “Holiday” Park.

Christmas parades, often complete with Santa Claus, festively decorated floats and marching bands, are a holiday tradition, both nationally and locally.

Attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is a bucket list item for many families. If you can’t be in New York City, the parade will be livestreamed on NBC and Peacock, the network’s streaming service, from 8:30 a.m. to noon Eastern Time.

Parades in the Miami area may not be able to match that in size, but the heart behind them is just as big. Parades to catch here at home include:

• Miracle on the Mile Parade, Dec. 10, 5 p.m. in Coral Gables. This event is presented by the Junior Orange Bowl
• Christmas on 15th Avenue, Dec. 16, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This holiday parade and festival takes place at 6849 NW 15th Ave. in Miami.