If freezing over during the Holidays isn’t your thing, then we have the perfect recipe of warmth and family-friendly events to give you a balmy December and lots of cheer. From the biggest art events of the year to multiple winter wonderlands, musical performances, photo-ops with Santa and more - here’s what to do for a grand festive season and New Year in Miami:

Santa’s Enchanted Forest: December 1 – January 6

7900 SW 40th Street, Tropical Park

With lights you can spot from miles away, this winter wonderland is a must-see for the Holidays. This grand, Christmas-themed park and carnival is an annual staple and features more than 100 thrilling rides, acrobats, magic shows, fun games, adventure experiences, dazzling lights and, of course, Santa time. Choose from a ‘single day’ ticket, full ‘season pass’ or even add-on ‘Santa’s express’ tickets to experience this magical land.

Deering Holiday Wonderland: December 1 – 31

16701 SW 72nd Ave, Cutler

Another sweeping winter wonderland that will put you in the holiday mood right away is taking place at the Deering Estate. Enjoy ‘story-time and photos with Santa’ on the 8th of December. Take an evening stroll through the ‘festival of trees’ on December 12. Adults can enjoy ‘mistletoe & martinis’ on the 14th. December 16th is when you can learn how to make holiday wreaths with the family or take a ‘champagne bay cruise’ with your bae. And, the ‘festival of trees historic holiday décor’ display will stay put through the month.

The NightGarden at Fairchild: December 1 – January 6

10901 Old Cutler Rd, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Coral Gables

This winter wonderland features an impressive twist - instead of traditional lighting, huge glowing neon dandelions illuminate 23 acres of the botanical property. The list of wonderments doesn’t just end at that and goes on to include wise talking trees, holographic butterflies, flying fairies and floating orchids. It also features a lip-smacking culinary spread from some of the most enticing restaurants in Miami.

Art Basel & Additional Art Fairs: December 4 – 9

Various venues across Miami

It’s December and the who’s who of the international art world is set to take over Miami Beach. Catch celebrities, artists, models, socialites, collectors and the regular art lover, all rubbing shoulders at the most exciting art events and after-parties across the city.

The highlight of this week-long celebration, Art Basel takes place from the 6th to the 9th at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Find artworks from over 4,000 artists on display by over 200 international modern and contemporary art galleries. The satellite events worth a watch include Aqua Art Miami, Art Miami, the Pulse Art Fair, Scope Miami Beach, INK Miami, NADA Miami and Spectrum. It’s one big arty party you won’t want to miss.

The Nutcracker: December 14 – 24

1300 Biscayne Blvd, Adrienne Arsht Center, Arts & Entertainment District

One of the most cherished holiday traditions in Miami, The Nutcracker is again being performed by the very talented Miami City Ballet this December. Take the whole family to drift away into a magical world full of sugarplum fairies, toy soldiers and colorful characters. Tchaikovsky’s score truly comes alive with the live orchestra and lets you transcend as you create everlasting memories.

Pinecrest Gardens Nights of Lights: December 14 – January 1

11000 Red Road, Pinecrest

Here’s yet another gorgeous winter wonderland to explore with the family while you’re at it. The sparkling holiday lights, mechanical rides, pony rides, story and Santa time, performances by the Miami Royal Ballet, Greater Miami Youth Symphony and the FIU Chorus make it a must-see for tourists and locals.

Holiday Concert at the New World Symphony: December 15

400 17th St, Soundscape Park, South Beach

Another holiday staple in Miami, catch talented musicians of the New World Symphony playing the ‘Sounds of the Season’. Concert conductor Dean Whiteside will direct tunes such as the ‘Carol of the Bells’, ‘Chanukah 5776’, ‘Sleigh Ride’, choicest selections from ‘The Nutcracker’ and more for this free Wallcast.

Capital One Orange Bowl: December 29

347 Don Shula, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens

The countdown has begun for one of the most awaited college football games in Miami. While we’ll discover who takes on who as we get closer to the game, football fans better take note to book their tickets early since they are going fast. There’s also official merchandise on sale, so you can get your gear here for game day.

The 37th King Mango Strut: December 30

Commodore Plaza to Coco Walk, Coconut Grove

It’s quirky, it’s whacky, and it’s the best way to have a blast on the last Sunday fun-day of the year. The antithesis of the King Orange Bowl parade (and lone survivor); this is the parade that requires no x-factor auditions, no special skills and no entry fee. Simply pick out a witty theme, build a float, get your costumes on and strut your funny. Or, stand by and have a god laugh. The after-strut party comes complete with bands and lots of dancing.

New Year’s Eve: December 31

Various venues across Miami

From partying on the beach to luxury cruises, there’s no dearth of ways to ring in the New Year in Miami. The Fontainebleau will be playing host to the Sunset Social Hour at Sorso from December 5-31, where you can try a whole bunch of cocktails and Italian inspired snacks, every single day. Come D-day hop on a cruise to the Bahamas or enjoy a yacht party Under the Fireworks closer home. There’s Dance and Dessert to be had at the Biltmore. Mr. Worldwide will be back at Bayfront Park to rock the night. Have yourself a Five Star New Year’s Eve or step into the Hilton Bentley for one of the most exclusive parties in town. Or, book one of these fireworks viewing parties for a spectacular start to 2019.

AND, here’s a bonus link to help you find the perfect party venue for your Christmas party this year!