While some debate whether Miami even has a winter season, we think the most important question is how are you going to spend the first few months of the new decade? (We see you, 2020.) Answer: With these can’t-miss events.
Absolutely Everything Cool You Have to Do in Miami This Winter
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Published Dec 13, 2019
Photo courtesy of Jungle Island
1. Rock an ugly sweater and sip on spiced eggnog at your nearest Miracle Christmas Cocktail Bar Pop-Up. There are four locations in South Florida, open through the end of the year. Through December 31
2. Jam out to tunes from some of the most talented jazz musicians from around the world, who will perform at various venues across Miami Beach during the third annual South Beach Jazz Festival. January 3 to 5
3. Swing by Jungle Island after dark for the Luminosa Chinese Lantern Festival, a one-of-a-kind event featuring large-scale lanterns. Along with the ’Gram-worthy lights, the experience includes stops for gourmet eats and cocktails along the way. Through January 8
4. Support the next generation of creatives during National YoungArts Week, which showcases the work of local up-and-comers through a lineup of jazz, theater, dance, classical music and film performances. January 5 to 12
5. Explore Fairchild, which has been transformed into a magical place called The NightGarden, where things like the Wise Talking Tree and Flying Fairies come to life through interactive light displays and live effects. During the experience, which is three times larger than last year’s edition, keep an eye out for the holographic butterflies as you wander through multiple acres of wonderment. Through January 12
Photo courtesy of Ice Cream We Love
6. Feast on frozen treats—you know, for a good cause—at Bal Harbour Shops’ Ice Cream We Love, benefiting Holtz Children’s Hospital. January 11 and 12
7. Catch Celine Dion in concert (her first tour since 2009!) when she performs at the AmericanAirlines Arena in January. January 17 and 18
8. Don’t miss Art Deco Weekend, the longest-running free cultural event in Miami Beach, which returns with more than 85 events. Expect guided tours, a dog show, retro fashion showcases and a swanky jazz lawn party. January 17 to 19
9. PSA: There is a Chocolate Festival, and it’s happening in January at Fairchild, complete with samples from artisan chocolatiers and demos by local chefs. January 24 to 26
10. You may not be able to score tickets to this year’s Super Bowl (which will take place right here in Miami), but that doesn’t mean you can’t rally your friends for an evening of wine while jamming to Jennifer Lopez and Shakira during halftime. February 2
11. Lace up for the annual Miami Marathon, which welcomes runners, joggers and walkers on a course that takes you through Miami Beach, Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne and the downtown area. February 9
Courtesy of J. Wakefield
12. Pull out your cutest koozie for WakeFest. Drink “around the world” as the city’s best local brewers, along with a handful of international brands, unite for an afternoon of beers and small bites. February 15
13. Miss Art Basel? Peruse contemporary art at the annual Art Wynwood, where more than 70 international galleries will come together to feature their best pieces. February 13 to 17
14. Ever dream of owning your own boat? Same. Well, for now, ogle some of the most beautiful ones around at the annual International Boat Show at Miami Marine Stadium. February 13 to 17
15. Get your winter dose of art and culture at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, where hundreds of artists and collectors will converge for gallery openings, showcases, culinary demos, interactive performances and more. February 15 to 17
Courtesy of South Beach Wine and Food Festival
16. Rub elbows with Food Network stars and local chefs, attend gourmet tastings and support charities that fight hunger at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival. February 19 to 23
17. The Miami Film Festival returns in March with dozens of screenings taking place in theaters across the city, including O Cinema Miami Beach, Olympia Theater and Coral Gables Art Cinema. March 6 to 15
18. HistoryMiami’s annual Miami International Map Fair is sure to ignite a little wanderlust in you. Check out antique maps, rare books and globes as nearly 40 of the most renowned map dealers from around the world showcase their collections. March 13 to 15
Photo courtesy of Fairchild
19. Ooh and aah at more than 10,000 stunning blooms during the annual three-day Orchid Festivalat Fairchild. March 13 to 15
20. Marvel at the court skills of the world’s best tennis players (including Florida native Sloane Stephens) at the Miami Open. Mingle with pros, A-list celebs and thousands of locals and out-of-towners during the two-week event in Key Biscayne. March 23 to April 5
21. Say goodbye to winter with Miami Music Week, which brings a slew of world-renowned DJs and musicians to the city’s clubs, concert halls and other venues (March 16 to 22). The week of performances also coincides with the 21st annual Ultra Music Festival (March 20 to 22).
