Can you believe it’s almost Christmas again? In my neck of the woods lights have already been hung, the Christmas shopping is on the way and the attractions in town with their lights on display and Santa’s meet and greet are in effect. That means there is a lot of places for you and the entire family to go after you’ve finished opening the gifts and eating Christmas dinner. In this article I will be mentioning some of the top places that you and your entire family can visit during the Holidays.
1. Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Santa’s enchanted Forest is a seasonal Christmas themed amusement park that opens annually from November through January. The theme park has been a part of South Florida since 1983 and has been ongoing ever since, except for last year when it had to temporary close its doors due to the Corona Virus pandemic. The park has re-opened this year since November 4th until January 2nd at its new location in Hialeah.
There is a lot to see and do at Santa’s Enchanted, get ready to meet Santa, taste some of the delicious foods that are there like ice cream, turkey legs, cotton candy, and fully loaded fries. Watch the entertaining live magic and acrobat shows, play fun games, and there are rides for everyone no matter the age.
The cost to go in for adults is $39.25, for children $29.91, and for seniors $65 and older also $29.91. The tickets are a bit pricier than normal but it does include the price for the rides, so you can ride all you want. The parking is free. There is also season pass and an express pass available. It’s best to try and buy tickets in advance. For more information and to purchase tickets you can visit their website by clicking here.
2. Zoo Lights Miami
Zoo Lights Miami is an annual event that is at Zoo Miami (Miami Zoo). The event showcases different light displays across the 750 acres lot located in South Miami. You will see trees decorated with different types of lights, as well as a Christmas tree whose light changes to different colors while the music plays in the background. I even believe I saw some of the lights on the Christmas tree shaped like animals. There are concession stands through out and you will find foods like cotton candy, dulce-de-leche funnel cakes, white claw, pretzels and more. For the adults’ you can also find beer, wine, and cocktails.
There is Santa’s meet and greet as well as meet the Grinch. You will also see Mr and Mrs. Giraffe dancing. There are live animal shows as well.
The Zoo lights event is only on certain nights starting from November 26th until December 30th and each night has a different theme.
- December 10th and 11th are Galactic nights so make sure to go dress in your best Star Wars outfit.
- December 17th and 18th are Santa and Elf look a like nights.
- December 19th and 22nd, Superheroes nights.
- December 23rd and 26th are PJ and Onesies night.
- Last but not least December 27th and 30th are Ugly Sweater nights.
Above are the remaining nights the event is on and the themes, you don’t have to dress up according to the theme if you are not into those type of things, you can just wear a regular outfit.
The parking is free, the entry fee for adults is $20.95, for children it’s $18.95. If you would like to get the hot cocoa and two cookies deal the fee is $23.95 for adults and $21.95 for children. There is also an additional $5 per person for the Snowman’s boat ride.
3. Night Gardens at Fairchild Gardens
Probably the most Magical place in South Florida is the Night Garden event in Coral Gables at the Fairchild Botanical Garden. This event is also a yearly event that opens up during the Christmas season. You will have a lot of fun at this interactive Garden that illuminates at night. Play with fake snow, experience the talking tree and make sure to download the app before you go so you can use it to find fairies as your stroll through the garden.
Walking through the rainforest while listening to the sound of mystical music will make you feel like you are in another world. You won’t be disappointed by the variety of light displays. The prices currently shows at $34 for adults and children 10 and under $29. Members of the Fairchild Garden gets a discount and also members get 4 free tickets. New Years Eve entry fee is a different price at $49 for adults and $44 for children.
For food there are Food Trucks available for you to purchase food and beverages from. The event last until January 2nd and opens from 6-9PM on some nights and 6-10 PM on other nights.
4. Garden of Lights
Garden of Lights at Flamingo Gardens in Davie Florida will start on December 17th until December 30th. At this event you can explore the gardens decored with lights, meet Santa and friends, and enjoy holiday treats at the Flamingo Cafe. There will be musical performances each night.
The cost to get in is $12.95 for adults and $9.95 for children 11 and under. This event is closed on Christmas eve and Christmas day.
5. Holiday Fantasy of Lights
This drive-thru event takes place every year at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek, north of the Fort Lauderdale airport. Put the car in cruise control has you take in the animated decors during this 3 mile drive.
Holiday Fantasy of Lights is open until January 2nd, 2022 and is starts from 6-10 PM each night. The cost is $22 per vehicle plus a $2.72 fee. You can get a $5 coupon by signing up for their mailing list. There is also an additional cost of $2 if you are interested in getting the 3D glasses for that 3D experience.
There are other places around that you can take your family out to see the lights, some of them are inexpensive or free of charge, like Plantation Baptist Church, it’s $10 per vehicle, Gulf Stream Park in Hallandale has a Christmas tree on display that plays music and changes colors every hour on the hour and there is no cost but you may or may not have to pay for parking. Also you can take the family driving into neighborhoods looking at the best decorated houses like the one at the corner of Northeast 16th Ave. and Northeast 137th Street.
Where ever you choose to go I am sure you will have fun, wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!
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