Miami Beach offers many holiday events and activities for families to enjoy the sun, including Santa's Enchanted Forest amusement park, the Winterfest Boat Parade featuring decorated boats, and Zoo Miami which holds wildlife shows and houses animals from around the world in their subtropical climate.

1. Holiday Fun in the Sun
PLANNING A HOLIDAY
VACATION IN MIAMI BEACH
Need to escape the wintertime blues? We’ve
gathered a list of some of our favorite South Florida
spots for family fun during the holidays. From light
shows to art festivals to boat parades, Miami just may
be your perfect destination for a holiday in the sun.

2. Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Santa’s Enchanted Forest is the world’s largest holiday theme park. Held annually in
Tropical Park, the amusement park-meets-Christmas extravaganza welcomes the
masses every year from late October to early January for over three decades. This
park features over 100 thrill and kid-friendly rides, interactive animal shows, and all
the carnival food one’s heart could desire. Santa’s is 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, rock climbing wall, high-flying
ejector seat or slingshot.
photo credit: santasenchantedforest.com

3. Winterfest
Boat Parade
“The World’s Most Watched Boat Pa-
rade” features dozens of intricately lit
yachts and boats. The 12 mile parade
route weaves through Fort Lauderdale’s
intercoastal waters and north to Pompa-
no Beach. Each year, participating boats
adopt a new theme and must decorate
their vessel accordingly.
Photo credit: facebook.com/winterfest.parade
Photographer: Tom Selio

4. photo credit: zoomiami.org
Zoo Miami
Zoo Miami mesmerizes visitors with
remarkable exhibits and creatures
from around the world. Favorite an-
imals include clouded leopards, ko-
modo dragons and tree kangaroos.
As the only US zoo set in a subtrop-
ical climate, Zoo Miami is home to
various conservation and outreach
endeavors, including volunteer ini-
tiatives for Everglades preservation.
When the heat starts to take its toll.
Dr. Wilde’s world provides a rainfor-
est-themed, air-conditioned refuge
for a hands on experience. There is
also a petting zoo and wildlife shows
to keep the kids engaged.

5. Jungle Island -
Winter Wonder Island Event
An island park off MacArthur Causeway, Jungle Island is home
to thousands of tropical birds, giant reptiles and exotic pri-
mates. The 18 landscaped acres showcase some 500 species
of plants and flowers. Jungle Island also hosts wildlife shows
all year around, but will also host special holiday shows such
as “Professor Hawk’s Holiday Bowl” and “Northern Lights Laser
Show” Other popular holiday attractions include the Elf Village
Theater - which will play scenes from popular holiday movies,
and a miniature holiday village. The mini village has over 1,000
accesories and props, all arranged in precise, charming detail.
Photo credit: facebook.com/jungleisland

6. Deering Estate
Each holiday season, the Deering Estate at Cutler hosts a Holiday
Wonderland event featuring beautifully decorated historic homes
and gardens. The century-old Richmond Cottage and Stone Man-
sion was the home of businessman and philanthropist Charles Deer-
ing from 1922 until his death in 1927. Decorations in the Richmond
Cottage along include over 600 yards of ribbon, 900 feet of garland
and thousands of handmade ornaments. Stroll the property at your
own leisure or join one of the daily guided house tours. Other an-
nual holiday events include a tree lighting ceremony, story time and
crafts with Santa and a holiday bay cruise.
Photo credit: facebook.com/deeringestate

7. Miccosukee Indian Arts Festival
Experience the culture, arts, entertainment and food
of local Native Americans during their annual festival,
held between Christmas and New Years. The Miccos-
ukee Indian Village is located in the Everglades, and
offer guests the chances to explore the land via airboat
rides. Don’t forget to check out one of their live alliga-
tor demonstrations.
Photo credit: http://www.miccosukee.com/

8. The Ice Palace
at Dolphin Mall
Within a 30-foot ice dome, you can
play in the snowfall, sing along to
your favorite Christmas songs and
watch scenes from popular holiday
movies. A new theme is featured
each year- 2015 will celebrate with
an interactive experience with the
Peanuts gang. Guests will be able
to compare icy handprints with
Snoopy and Woodstock, have their
picture taken at Snoopy’s doghouse,
and much more.
Photo credit: https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience

9. Holiday Fantasy of Lights at Tradewinds Park
Located in Broward county, The Holiday Fantasy of Lights will mark 2015 as its
21st edition, with 3 miles of giant animated holiday displays and illuminated trees.
It is the perfect place to gather with friends and family to celebrate the holiday
season. Drive thru the Lights is only $15 per car, and will run from November until
just after New Years.
Photo credit:
facebook.com/ JICP.HolidayFestivalofLights
cityguide.sheknows.com

10. w w w . o c e a n p o i n t r e s o r t . c o m
17375 COLLINS AVE
NORTH MIAMI BEACH, FL 33160
For Reservations: (786) 528-2500