Here are just a few of the best Miami tours you can take in December:
- Wynwood Art Walk Tours – See the cultural side of Miami.
- Little Havana Walking Tours – Learn about cultural Cuban influence in Miami.
- Self-Guided Miami Walking Tours – Pick from a wide range of walking tours in Miami.
- Jewish Food Walking Tour – Hear about the history of the Jewish community while enjoying your snacks!
10 Amazing Places for Enjoying Miami in December
1. Pinto’s Farm
Pinto's Farm is a Redland-area attraction that's become extremely popular with local families over the years. That's probably because the farm always does it up right when it comes to holidays. During the Winterland at the Farm event all December long, the farm undergoes a huge transformation, including photos and hot chocolate with Nix the Snowman, Sprinkle the Gingerbread Cookie, and of course, Santa! But even when there aren't particular days to celebrate, a trip to Pinto's is always fun thanks to their petting zoo, pony rides, paddle boats, and hay rides.
2. Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Santa's Enchanted Forest, the world's largest holiday theme park, pops up annually in Miami's backyard. Situated in Tropical Park, the amusement park-meets-Christmas extravaganza welcomes the masses every year from late October to early January.
This South Floridian cultural institution features over 100 thrill and kid-friendly rides, interactive animal shows, and all the carnival food one's heart could desire. It is also the home to South Florida's tallest Christmas tree, as well as a popular holiday light show spectacular. Adrenaline lovers can also head over to the property's bungee jump, high-flying ejector seat, rock climbing wall, or slingshot.
3. Zoo Miami
As the only US zoo set in a subtropical climate, Zoo Miami mesmerizes visitors with remarkable exhibits and creatures from around the world. Favorite animals include clouded leopards, Komodo dragons, and tree kangaroos. They get ample competition from exotic standards like giraffes, lions, koalas, gorillas and colorful birds.
A petting zoo and wildlife shows also keep kids engaged. Zoo Miami is also home to various conservation and outreach endeavors, hosting hands-on and volunteer initiatives for Everglades preservation and The Florida Panther Recovery Program. Visiting a zoo can never be a bad idea, and Zoo Miami is no exclusion to that. Whether it be winters or during the summer, you can pay a visit to this place and will never complain about it.
4. Deering Estate
Teeming with natural, archeological and historical appeal, the Deering Estate proves endlessly engaging. Excavations at the bayfront compound originally owned by Charles Deering have uncovered the remains of prehistoric animals, and evidence suggests that Paleo-Indians were here more than 10,000 years ago.
Historic buildings also distinguish the 420-acre property; the 1922 Stone House, Richmond Cottage and 19th-century Richmond Hall. For an altogether different perspective of the estate, reserve a spot on the weekend canoe tour. The Deering Estate's monthly events include everything from moonlit concerts to nighttime kayaking to community-driven classes and seminars.
5. Jungle Island
Tropical birds have the run of this unusual island park off MacArthur Causeway. Approximately 1,100 macaws, parrots and other winged residents join giant reptiles and exotic primates to impart special character to the attraction.
Although the 18 landscaped acres showcase some 500 species of plants and flowers, don't make the mistake of expecting peace and quiet. Some of the opinionated inhabitants are neither shy nor retiring. Though it's noisy, the sight of a parrot riding a miniature bike is enough to make even the most jaded visitor smile. Other shows include Winged Wonders (singing Amazons and Andean condors), Reptile Giants (snakes, alligators, crocodiles) and Wild Encounters (apes, tigers, even a liger)!
6. Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden
Lush green and meticulously maintained, this garden showcases a wide range of tropical plants. Within its 83 acres, palms and cycads flourish, and a 16,000-square-foot conservatory shelters rare specimens of the green world.
The Fairchild also offers a butterfly garden, an arboretum and a rainforest, and it also houses a world-renowned research facility. Leisurely strolls through the grounds are sure to make you calm and relaxed as much as yoga, and you may even gain inspiration for your own little patch of paradise back home.
There are also art installations by world-renowned artists like Dale Chihuly, plus moonlight tours and movie nights. A small museum, gift shop and cafe take care of practical needs. Free tram tours run on the hour.
7. Art Basel
Every year, one of the largest art events in the world descends upon Miami. The internationally renowned Art Basel attracts the most notable galleries and art collectors around the globe to celebrate the work of the best living artists today. While the main event takes place at the Miami Beach Convention Center, there are numerous satellite festivals all around the city, including the Contemporary Digital and Art Fair at Mana Wynwood.
Additionally, Wynwood's plentiful galleries all open their doors to tourists and locals for dozens of special events. And of course, if street art is more your thing, you're in luck because some of the top talent in graffiti and street art also convene in Miami. You'll find that Wynwood and surrounding areas often find themselves painted over, and these works generally remain until the following Basel.
8. Miami Beach Botanical Garden
What's Miami without a little beach? This 2.6-acre (10,522 sqm) lush botanical oasis has native Florida plants and trees, and even a Japanese garden. The plant life here is as beautiful as the price of admission: free!
Well, they do ask for contributions, and special events may require tickets. Still, take advantage of this free paradise and it is sure to remain in your memory for a long time. The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 am to 5 pm. Note: They are closed Christmas Day.
9. Miami Children’s Museum
This is a fantastic museum for kids every month of the year! The museum has hundreds of interactive exhibits where kids have access to hands-on learning materials related to art, culture, community, and communication.
Your kid will definitely have a great time learning and you will have no complaints about it, either. Also, the entry to this place is free on every third Friday of the month from 3 pm till 9 pm. You can get more information on the museum’s website. This museum is included for free for Go Miami Card holders.
10. New World Symphony at the New World Center
The renowned New World Symphony is housed in the new Frank Gehry-designed New World Center. The venue resembles a geode inside, with sail-like convex panels overhead. A box-like exterior has latticed glass windows and a huge projection wall.
NWS is America's only full-time, post-graduate orchestral campus and laboratory. The acoustics in the semicircular concert hall are alarmingly effective, and the 756 seats are more than comfortable. People themselves bring blankets, folding chairs, picnics and bottles of wine, and sit back and enjoy the show in the urban SoundScape Park.
Are you planning to visit Miami in December? Let us know in the comments.
