Each year, I look forward to celebrating the holidays because they’re a time for our family to connect through memorable and meaningful traditions that bring us joy.
Some traditions can be rooted in generations of family history, while others may be ones you create with your family now. Those, perhaps, may even become part of the traditions your kids pass on to theirs one day. Traditions help connect us to our past, our present, and our cultures. They’re a special way of creating memories to last a lifetime.
One of our favorite family traditions during the holiday season is driving around the surrounding neighborhoods in search of the best Christmas light displays. If we find a street that really stands out, we hop out of the car and walk to get a closer look. The lights help bring the magic of the holidays to life and seeing the giddy smiles on my girls’ faces as we pass elaborately decorated homes never gets old.
If your family is just as mesmerized by the holiday lights, consider checking out some of these impressive light displays and holiday events around Miami this year.
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.
The Homestead Miami Speedway has been transformed into a holiday wonderland. Magic of Lights is a unique and dazzling drive-through experience you can enjoy from the comfort of your vehicle. So, pile your family and friends in the car, grab your hot cocoa and snacks, and drive through the winding paths where spectacular light displays bring the magic of the holidays to life.
This year marks 100 years since the Deering Estate’s Stone House was built in 1922. To commemorate this significant milestone, the grounds have been adorned to reminisce the jazz and film era of the early 20th century — with a holiday twist, of course. Expect to spot dozens of lavishly decorated holiday trees, including the giant 17-foot tree in the Great Hall. The combination of century-old inspired décor and holiday lights will surely transport you to another time in history.
Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays
Here are a few residences to add to your list this year:
6140 SW 46 Terrace: This home has a Santa on a sleigh with reindeer on top of the roof, lots of lights, inflatables, 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.
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. Your kids will love it!
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.
3050 Lime Court, Coconut Grove: Michael Hornyak’s home is full of Christmas lights, snowflakes, and inflatables. Other homes in the area decorate as well, so be sure to check it out.
Enchanted Place, located at 1800 NE 137 Terrace in North Miami: Several neighbors join in on the fun so you can drive through and enjoy the lights — and you may even spot Santa.
2100 NW 112 Terrace, Pembroke Pines: 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.
Now it’s time to put on some Christmas music, turn up the volume, 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
