Christmas Light Displays: A List of the Must-See Places in Miami

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Anticipation builds each year as the holiday season approaches, bringing with it the cherished opportunity for our family to unite through enchanting traditions that fill our hearts with joy.

Some traditions can be rooted in generations of family history, while others may be freshly crafted with our loved ones. Those, perhaps, may even become part of the traditions your kids pass on to their children one day. These traditions serve as threads connecting our past, present, and cultural roots — an extraordinary means of weaving memories to be treasured for a lifetime.

Among our most beloved holiday rituals is the pursuit of magic woven in twinkling lights. We embark on a festive journey through nearby neighborhoods, seeking out the most captivating Christmas light displays. When a particular street or house captures our attention, we delight in stepping out of the car, getting a closer look, and immersing ourselves in the luminous spectacle. These holiday lights transform our surroundings, infusing the season with an enchantment that never fades — and we are so very thankful to these homeowners for the smiles they create and the magic they spread. Witnessing the sheer delight on my girls’ faces as we pass by elaborately decorated homes fills my heart with joy.

For families equally captivated by the allure of holiday lights, consider exploring the following impressive Christmas light displays and holiday events around Miami.

Image: A family poses for a photo in front of a Christmas Tree at Christmas Wonderland

Decked Out Homes to Visit

Here are a few residences and neighborhood Christmas light displays to add to your list this year:

3050 Lime Court, Coconut Grove: Michael Hornyak’s home is full of Christmas lights, snowflakes, and inflatables. If you’d like to get out of the car, you can park around Coconut Grove Elementary School and walk from there. Some of their neighbors decorate as well, so be sure to check them out. There’s a home decorated with UM colors that has bubbles (AKA snow), which is also festive.

6140 SW 46 Terrace: This home has a Santa on a sleigh with reindeer on top of the roof, lots of lights, an inflatable pathway, and decorations galore.

SW 36 Street and 75th Court (corner house): This house includes loads of lights, as well as a gigantic Christmas tree with Santa at the top. So fun!

9240 SW 16 Street: The home, located near Coral Park High School, has an eye-catching light display, inflatables, and a big Santa arch in the front yard.

9241 SW 70 Street: The owner does all the decorating himself and he usually has a train in front of his house, a dancing Santa, and Christmas messages lit up on the roof.

8385 SW 94 Street: This house is nicely decorated with lots of bright lights and a Santa out in front.

13240 N. Calusa Club Drive: This Kendall gem has tons of vibrant lights and inflatables. With its green tones and Grinch-inspired decorations, some refer to it as the Grinch House.

10705 SW 139 Court: The magic starts at 6 p.m. and music plays during the first 15 minutes every hour. They even have chairs where you can sit and enjoy the show and the impressive decorations. Your kids will love it!

12331 SW 109 Terrace: Do you remember the ever-popular Christmas Castle house? Well, they’re back this year! The Hannah Family has scaled back a bit, but the home boasts an incredible, light-filled Christmas celebration complete with lights, music, and trains. Follow @christmascastle on Instagram for updates.

15981 SW 146 Terrace: The homeowner decorates with tons of Christmas lights, and I hear he lights up the house for various other holidays during the year.

Old Cutler and SW 166 Street: There’s a house on this corner that I hear is amazing! It’s a local favorite.

Enchanted Place of North Miami, located at 1800 NE 137 Terrace: Several neighbors join in on the fun so you can drive through and enjoy the lights — and you may spot Santa during your visit. They even have their own Facebook page.

2100 NW 112 Terrace, Pembroke Pines: If you love Disney, you have to check out this incredible home that’s decorated with Disney characters. I hear this one is located behind Pembroke Lakes Elementary and the gentleman who puts on this display has been doing it for decades.

1297 NW 192 Terrace, Pembroke Pines (Chapel Cove community): This house has lights that move with the music, and they put on a show for the entire neighborhood.

Christmas Lights in the Acres, Plantation: I hope to finally make it there this year! It’s a bit of a drive for me, but I hear it’s totally worth it.

2700 SE 6 Street, Pompano Beach: The Macek family goes all out with decorations and turns on their lights at 6 p.m.

Image: A outdoor light display of a reindeer pulling a sleigh

Spectacular Holiday Events Around Miami

Dive into the magic of the enchanted NightGarden at Fairchild Botanical Garden, where state-of-the-art technicolor lights, festive projections, and lifelike holograms can be spotted throughout this 23-acre space. Explore rainbow-colored pathways, interact with the talking wise old tree, join a Fairy Quest, and enjoy delicious food and drinks from some of Miami’s most popular food trucks.

On select nights throughout December, head to Zoo Miami to experience the thousands of holiday lights lighting up the walkways. Stroll the grounds to discover paper lantern versions of all your favorite zoo animals or take a ride on Snowman’s River Boat. After all the fun, stop for hot chocolate and cookies. And be sure to snap a picture with the 26-foot LED holiday tree before you leave!

Visit Pinecrest Gardens’ Nights of Lights to discover thousands of twinkling lights and larger-than-life installations illuminating the whimsical botanical landscape. Then, stroll through the holiday maze, catch story time with Mrs. Claus, or make it a date night by grabbing a signature Pinecrest Gardens cocktail and heading over to the Banyan Bowl for a festive holiday performance.

This year the Deering Estate celebrates the holidays with Historic Holiday Décor: Holidays in Wonderland, A Lewis Carroll Story. Each room of the Stone House and Richmond Cottage is adorned with whimsical holiday decorations that bring to life the fantastical characters of Wonderland, including Alice, White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts. Highlights include a recreation of Carroll’s literary studio and a table set for a Mad Tea Party.

New this year, Christmas Wonderland dazzles the skyline with festive magic. Located in Tropical Park on SW 40 Street, you’ll find many beautiful light displays and exhibits, amazing photo opportunities, delicious food and treats, thrilling rides, and more. My family really enjoyed our visit to this holiday theme park, and we plan to return next year.

Now it’s time to put on some Christmas music, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and head out on your very own adventure with your kids. I’m sure they’ll remember these outings for years to come.

What are some of YOUR favorite places to see Christmas light displays? Please comment below if you know of any others that should make the list so we can add them next time.

Merry wishes and joyful dreams,
Vanessa

For more local holiday fun for the whole family, be sure to check out our 2023 Holiday Events & Activities Guide!

1 COMMENT

  1. My husband and sister said I should mention that we followed your list and saw all but three houses and every single one other than the grinch experience were so lovely. Some of the homeowners came out to say hello to the kids and one even gave out candy canes. That other family followed your list as well, we were both talking about how easy it was to find great houses thanks to the list. the grinch house was their fourth stop and their only bad experience (as it was for all that witnessed this) Thank you for such a great list!

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