Miami Beach Transforms into a Festive Paradise This December for All to Enjoy

Experience the Magic of Miami Beach this December

Miami Beach is poised to become a tropical holiday oasis this December, inviting both locals and tourists to immerse themselves in an extraordinary cultural experience. As the holiday spirit takes over the beach city, visitors will find a rich lineup brimming with art events, eye-catching installations, brilliant light displays, invigorating seaside activities, and enticing seasonal hotel deals.

The beauty of Miami Beach is not just in its picturesque views of ocean waves but also in the vibrant array of cultural programming that takes place during this festive time. Known for its charming Art Deco architecture, Miami Beach exemplifies how a holiday by the sea radiates with unique charm and excitement.

A Unique Invitation to Celebrate

As Peggy Benua, Chair of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA), aptly states, “Our destination invites all to experience the season in a unique way, filled with inspiration that has been designed to bring joy and connection through art, wellness, relaxation, and immersion during the month of December.” With efforts focusing on providing a variety of activities, the city has created an exceptional pathway to trade in winter coats for beach attire without losing that holiday cheer.

Visitors will have their calendars filled with marquee fairs, including Art Basel Miami Beach, INK Miami Art Fair, and the beloved No Vacancy Miami Beach holiday event, showcasing twelve iconic hotels paired with renowned artists for exclusive site-specific installations. Artists featured in these installations will vie for a generous prize pool of $35,000, awarded based on both jury selection and public voting. Notably, these art displays in hospitality settings are open for everyone to enjoy, offering free access to captivating art experiences.

From December 3-7, the INK Miami Art Fair is slated to return for its 19th edition at the Suites of Dorchester (1850 Collins Avenue). This exclusive art fair, which caters entirely to paper works, showcases a selection of limited edition prints, masterworks, and fresh releases from numerous national and international publishers, free of charge for registered attendees.

Whimsical Art Installations and Exhibitions

Attendees will also be treated to an extraordinary exhibition called the Imaginarium, celebrating 25 years of extraordinary storytelling in whisky packaging and design at the Wolfsonian. Running from December 3, 2025, through January 4, 2026, this exhibition offers an interactive experience laden with original sketches, rare labels, and immersive displays. Additionally, in an effort to support local culture, Compass Box will collaborate with Bonhams auction house to auction unique and rare whisky items while benefiting the Wolfsonian-FIU.

The joy of the Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights returns this season, illuminating the city with vibrant art through various events spread across two weekends—December 13-15 and December 20-22, 2025. This exciting festival will feature dynamic projection mapping and live orchestra performances, turning the historic Art Deco facades into animated canvases of light and music on Ocean Drive.

Rethinking Holiday Wellness

But Miami Beach isn't just about art; it’s also a haven for wellness this season. The AvMed Orange Bowl Beach Run on December 14 will invite families and runners to join a celebratory 5K or 10K run along South Pointe Park. Participants will earn medals and receive race shirts, all while supporting community initiatives through Orange Bowl Cares. With a playful twist, runners can sport college-themed attire to honor the spirit of the upcoming Capital One Orange Bowl event scheduled for January 1, 2026.

As Grisette Roque Marcos, Executive Director of Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority, emphasizes, “December on Miami Beach is a celebration of culture, community, and the season.” To help plan the perfect getaway, prospective visitors are encouraged to download the new EXP Miami Beach Tours App and check out the newly-launched experiencemiamibeach.com for efficient planning and up-to-date information.

With excellent offers available at accommodations like the Marriott Stanton South Beach—providing up to $100 credit on three-night stays—and the Hilton Cabana Miami Beach Resort—a resort offering a 20% discount on food and beverages and reduced valet charges—guests can indulge in a memorable holiday season by the beach.

For further insights into events and experiences this holiday season, Miami Beach is ready to welcome you with open arms and dazzling lights to celebrate the magic of December.