Miami is lighting up with holiday events. Are they on your list? Check out the favorites
You probably haven’t even thought about basting your turkey yet, but in case you hadn’t noticed, it’s starting to feel pretty festive ‘round these parts.
In a blink of an eye, pumpkins and front yard skeletons have given way to pine cones, wreaths and elves on shelves.
The good thing about living in Miami is that even though temps are holding steady and and we’re not likely to see a hint of snow, there are a bunch of holiday events to get you in the mood to send your list to the North Pole.
So here’s our updating roundup:
Santa’s Enchanted Forest
If you haven’t been to this 40-year-old, iconic amusement park/carnival, anchored for the third year at a sprawling site in Medley, you really shouldn’t bother calling yourself a local.
Aside from gloriously greasy food, lovably tacky decor and fake Santas galore in life-size dioramas, there are a few new attractions. Among them: a lit-up screen that says “Xmas Love” separated by a glowing heart, ideal for couples’ selfies; a giant ornament you can “enter;” and the thrilling King Swing, which lifts you roughly 100 feet off the ground, then gives you a spin.
Director Buddy Cormican thinks even the most jaded of folks will be pleased with all of the Forest’s offerings.
“We’re here to keep the Christmas spirit alive,” said the Coral Gables native. “For people of all ages, from zero to abuela.”
Info: Santa’s Enchanted Forest, 7400 NW 87th Ave., Medley www.santasenchantedforest.com
Hours: 5 p.m.-midnight daily through Jan. 7.
Tickets: From $42.99 age 9-adults; $34.58 kids 8 and under and seniors; season pass $67.29 adults; $57.94 kids 8 and under and seniors.
Luminosa Festival of Lights
Speaking of enchanted: Jungle Island is bringing back this annual event that’s more glittery than a red-carpet awards ceremony. Amble along the 1.35-mile trail, glowing with hand-crafted lanterns showcasing the craftsmanship of over 150 Chinese artisans. Organizers say 150,000 feet of silk, 120 tons of steel and 500,000 feet of LED strips were used to make the dazzling outdoor exhibit come to life.
Info: Jungle Island, 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Watson Island. www.jungleisland.com
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Nov. 21-Feb. 28
Tickets: Adults from $29.90, children (ages 3-10), ranging from $20.93, and special rates for students, seniors (65+), and military personnel from $25.42.
Christmas Wonderland
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with a blast from the past location. The new Christmas Wonderland is at Santa’s Enchanted Forest’s old home at Tropical Park. The Bird Road site has been partially transformed into “a magical realm of joy,” with more than 50 rides, including the largest traveling Ferris wheel in North America; Cirque de Soleil-style shows; and the can’t-miss centerpiece called “IGloo,” a 360- degree dome, where you can quite literally chill.
Info: Tropical Park, 7900 SW 40th St, Westchester. miamiwonderland.com
Hours: 5 p.m.- midnight daily Closed Nov. 27 and Dec. 4, 11 and 18. Runs Nov. 16 through Jan. 7.
Tickets: From $29, ages 3-10, adults $39, ages 11 and up. Infants 2 and under are free.
Nightgarden at Fairchild
The popular outdoor light display is always a classy way to ring in the holidays. Chit-chat with the sassy talking tree (Kanye West’s fave), track down a fairy hiding among the illuminated flowers or just walk along the beautiful pathways that glow with a kaleidoscope of colors.
Info: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables; 305-667-1651, nightgarden.com
Hours: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays: 6 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays: 6 p.m.-11 p.m. Through Jan. 7.
Tickets: 11 and up nonmembers, $35; 10 and under nonmembers $30; members 11 and up $30, members 10 and under $25; seniors, students and military $33.30;
Nights of Lights
Nature is also all aglow at Pinecrest Gardens, which is even more gorgeous when it’s sprinkled with thousands of gleaming lights. Starting Dec. 9, this lush landmark, on the National Register of Historic Places, will resemble something out of a fairytale. Kids will love the myriad activations like the tree that “dances” to holiday tunes, face-painting stations, storytelling and concerts. (Mom and Dad may enjoy the beer tastings.)
Info: Nights of Lights at Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 SW 57th Ave., Pinecrest. www.pinecrestgardens.org
Hours: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Dec. 9 through Jan. 6.
Tickets: From $18, Eventbrite
