It’s that time again when sleigh bells are jing-jing-jingling and that big, jolly fellow with a long white beard starts making his rounds before Christmas in Miami. Get ready for all that holiday cheer and start buying your kiddos their famous “Santa picture outfits” because the time has come. Now you just need to find out where to see Santa Claus in Miami, and we're here to help!

Santa's Enchanted Forest

Anyone who has lived in or just visited South Florida during the holiday seasons knows about Santa’s Enchanted Forest. Nestled deep in Miami's Tropical Park lies a huge Christmas-themed fair packed with rides, games and, of course, Santa Claus himself! Santa’s Enchanted Forest opened the first day of November and ends the first week in January providing everyone with plenty of time to stop by and have some fun with jolly, ol' Saint Nick.

Dadeland Mall

Santa has already arrived at Dadeland and will stay until Christmas Eve. There will be themed days such as Ugly Sweater Day, Pet Photos, Holiday Pajamas Day, S'mores with Santa, and Cookies with Santa. Click here to reserve your time slot with Santa and skip the lines.

Related content: Get Your Holiday Shopping Done at Miami's Best Malls

Dolphin Mall

Let’s face it, chances are you need to go to the mall anyway to round up some Christmas gifts. Why not head on over to Dolphin Mall where the chance of snowfall is always 100%! That’s right, see snow in Miami with the Magical Snowfall in Dolphin Mall every night at 7 p.m. with extra shows at 9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Santa will be around for some nights of the Magical Snowfall, but he will definitely be at Dolphin Mall from November 8 to December 24 to take pictures with children and enlist them for Santa's Flight Academy.

On December 9, there will be a special sensory Santa for children within every spectrum of special needs and their families to have a private photo session with Santa. Reserve your complimentary ticket here, one per person/family. From November 28 to December 8, Santa will also be at Dolphin Mall to from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. to take pictures with pets.

The Falls

Santa will arrive at The Falls on November 16 and will stay until December 24 for meeting and taking pictures with your loved ones. Click here to skip the line and reserve your slot with Santa. 

Miami International Mall

Santa lands at International Mall on November 23 and stays until December 24. Santa will be in Center Court waiting to meet and take pictures with your little ones. Click here to skip the line and reserve your time slot with Santa!

Zoo Miami

Of course Santa doesn’t forget about our furry friends at the zoo. Zoo Lights will run from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays from November 23 to December 29.  Watch your favorite animals open presents while you drink hot chocolate and listen to Christmas carols before seeing Santa himself! Each weekend, the Zoo Lights will have a different theme, and you can click here to see all the themes. Presale tickets are $10.

Winterfest Boat Parade

Why see one Santa when you can see dozens? On December 15, you and your family can! The Winterfest Boat Parade is what the native South Floridians refer to as “The ocean's Thanksgiving Day parade” with hundreds of boats passing by with on-board circuses, Christmas tree lightings, winter wonderlands, and several Santa-themed boats. Gates to the grandstand open at 3:30 p.m., and the parade starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for children who are 10 years old and younger, and tickets for adults are $25.

With so many meet-and-greets and other events, you options are plentiful for for places to see Santa Claus in Miami. everyone.

Find more ideas for Christmas in Miami by registering on 305area, your free guide to the Miami area.

 

Cover photo from Unsplash .