Holiday Activity Guide

Miami Youth Ballet presents The Nutcracker in collaboration with The Moss Center: Clara's magical journey to the Land of the Sweets, set to Tchaikovsky's beloved score, with dancers from Miami Youth Ballet and Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami. Saturday, December 5, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 6, at 3 p.m., at The Moss Center, 10950 SW 211th Street, Cutler Bay.

The magic of the holidays comes to life on stage. Ayala Ballet Conservatory presents its annual production of The Nutcracker, a holiday tradition that brings together students from all its locations to share their talent and passion for dance: a performance filled with music, elegance, fantasy and holiday spirit for all ages. Sunday, December 13, shows at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., in downtown Miami.

Dazzling laser light shows inside Frost Science's 67-foot planetarium dome, with colorful effects synchronized to holiday favorites including The Nutcracker and Holiday Magic, along with music from ABBA and Taylor Swift. Each show offers a different musical experience. Saturday, December 19, 7–11 p.m., at 1101 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami.

Monster Jam returns to Miami with thrilling races, gravity-defying stunts and freestyle performances from fan favorites like Grave Digger, plus the Miami debut of Power Rush. Saturday, January 30, 2027, at 5 p.m. and Sunday, January 31, at 3 p.m., at loanDepot park, 501 Marlins Way, Miami.

A free, festive scavenger hunt throughout IKEA's showroom: families explore the displays while searching for hidden holiday gnomes, turning a shopping trip into a fun seasonal adventure. November 1–December 31, during store hours, in the showroom on Level 2, 1801 NW 117th Avenue, Sweetwater.

A sweet and creative holiday experience: kids decorate their own pre-assembled gingerbread houses with colorful candies and festive decorations, make homemade pizza and enjoy hot cocoa with healthy marshmallows. Parents are welcome to join their little ones. Friday, December 11, and Monday, December 14, 4:30–6:30 p.m., at 570 NE 81st Street, Miami.

A gingerbread decorating workshop inspired by Santa's elves, where kids make their own festive gingerbread decorations. Free for IKEA Family members, with RSVP. Friday, December 11, 6–7 p.m., in the Swedish Restaurant at IKEA Miami, 1801 NW 117th Avenue, Sweetwater.

Kids and families get creative decorating festive gingerbread houses, adding a delicious touch to their holiday celebrations and making sweet memories together. Free for IKEA Family members. Saturday, December 12, 2–3 p.m., at IKEA Miami, 1801 NW 117th Avenue, Sweetwater.

Special activities designed for babies and their families to celebrate a little one's first winter and New Year's: sensory play, festive storytelling, hands-on STEM discoveries and fun photo opportunities. Saturday, December 12, and Thursday, December 31, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., at the Museum of Discovery and Science, 401 SW 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale.

The magic of snow in Miami on a sensory-friendly holiday morning: families with diverse sensory and accessibility needs explore the museum's exhibits in a quieter environment with adjusted lighting and sound, plus a hands-on activity creating artificial snow while discovering the science behind polymers. Saturday, December 19, 10–11:30 a.m., at 1101 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami.

Ring in 2027 early with a New Year's Eve celebration for the whole family: music, dance-offs, hands-on science experiments, party crafts and a bubble wrap dance floor before counting down to the ball drop at noon. Kids can also add their New Year's resolutions to the museum's gallery wall. Thursday, December 31, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., ball drop at 12 p.m., included with museum admission, at 401 SW 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale.

All aboard for a fan-favorite return: ICE! featuring The Polar Express invites guests to rediscover the beloved Christmas journey in a frozen world carved from millions of pounds of ice. Whether it's a first visit or a favorite tradition, it's a holiday experience worth sharing again, part of Christmas at Gaylord Palms. November 13, 2026–January 3, 2027, at 6000 W Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee. From $34.22 for adults and $24.22 for kids 4–11.

Gather with family and friends for animal encounters, thrilling rides, holiday-inspired treats and festive shows like Christmas on Ice, with twinkling lights and heartwarming moments with Santa from day to night. November 13, 2026–January 4, 2027, included with park admission, at 10165 N McKinley Drive, Tampa.

Deck the halls with tons of color: holiday fun the Crayola way, with handmade gifts from the heart, a seasonal scavenger hunt, holiday photo ops and more. November 21, 2026–January 3, 2027, at Crayola Experience, 8001 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando.

Authentic Native American arts, crafts, clothing and jewelry at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum's Holiday Market: families browse handmade gifts, support Seminole artists, enjoy traditional food vendors and explore the museum while learning about Seminole culture and traditions. Admission to both the market and the museum is free. Friday–Saturday, December 11–12, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., at 34725 W Boundary Road, Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, Clewiston.