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.

Santa’s Enchanted ForestSanta’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

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

photo credit: zoomiami.org

Zoo MiamiZoo 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.

Jungle Island - Winter Wonder Island EventAn 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

Deering EstateEach 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

Miccosukee Indian Arts FestivalExperience 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/

The Ice Palace at Dolphin MallWithin 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

Holiday Fantasy of Lights at Tradewinds ParkLocated 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

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17375 COLLINS AVENORTH MIAMI BEACH, FL 33160

For Reservations: (786) 528-2500