Miami Beach Shines Bright This December With Art Basel, Light Festivals, And Exclusive Holiday Offers For U.S. Visitors Looking To Celebrate By The Sea

Published on November 30, 2025

Miami Beach is the perfect destination to celebrate the holiday season, offering a vibrant mix of art fairs, dazzling light displays, and exclusive seasonal offers. The city’s iconic Art Deco architecture, coastal charm, and festive ambiance create an unforgettable experience for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re exploring world-renowned art events or enjoying the holiday lights along Ocean Drive, Miami Beach offers a unique blend of culture, relaxation, and celebration, making it the ideal place for a memorable winter getaway in the U.S.

Miami Beach, U.S., is gearing up to transform into a festive paradise this December, offering both visitors and locals a vibrant selection of holiday events, cultural activities, and unforgettable experiences. With its iconic Art Deco architecture, refreshing coastal breeze, and the inviting seasonal ambiance, the city provides a unique way to celebrate the holidays by the sea. From renowned art fairs and dazzling light displays to exclusive hotel offers, Miami Beach ensures a joyful holiday season that promises to be like no other, making it the perfect destination for a memorable winter getaway.

During the holiday period, Miami Beach will host a range of prominent art events, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers. The prestigious Art Basel Miami Beach returns alongside the INK Miami Art Fair, both offering visitors an unparalleled chance to experience world-class artwork. INK Miami Art Fair, returning for its 19th edition from December 3–7, 2025, will take place at the Suites of Dorchester (1850 Collins Avenue). The fair is renowned for showcasing works on paper, from limited edition prints to new releases and masterpieces, presented by leading publishers from across the globe. This satellite fair of Miami Art Week continues to be a highly anticipated event, with free admission available upon registration.

Miami Beach also boasts the return of No Vacancy, Miami Beach, an award-winning art-in-hospitality program that combines the city’s thriving art scene with its iconic hotels. Until December 20, 2025, twelve notable hotels will collaborate with a selection of talented artists to create unique, site-specific installations. Visitors can explore diverse mediums, including textile-based visuals and grand ceramic works, while having the chance to vote for their favorite installations. The juried selection will award $35,000 in prizes, making this event even more exciting. Best of all, these installations are free for the public to enjoy.

For those seeking an artistic and immersive experience beyond the fairs, the Wolfsonian-FIU will host “Imaginarium: The Fantastical World of Compass Box and Stranger & Stranger.” From December 3, 2025, through January 4, 2026, this unique exhibition celebrates 25 years of creative storytelling in whisky packaging and brand design. The interactive installation showcases original sketches, rare labels, and captivating displays, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the artistic evolution of the Compass Box brand. Additionally, an online auction will feature rare whisky editions, with proceeds benefiting the Wolfsonian-FIU.

The holiday season also shines through with the Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights. This dazzling event, running over two weekends (December 13–15 and December 20–22, 2025), transforms Ocean Drive into a mesmerizing spectacle. Historic Art Deco buildings become dynamic canvases, animated with light projections and synchronized to live orchestral music. Visitors can enjoy snow effects, character appearances, and even a thrilling drone light show, making it a festive highlight of the season. Each evening, the street comes alive with a magical blend of music and visuals, turning Miami Beach into a holiday wonderland.

For those looking to stay active and embrace the festive season in a healthy way, the AvMed Orange Bowl Beach Run on December 14, 2025, offers a chance to run along the beautiful South Pointe Park. Participants can choose between a 5K or 10K run, with medals and race shirts awarded to all who take part. The event supports the Orange Bowl Cares initiatives, which benefit the local community. Runners are encouraged to don their favorite college team’s colors in celebration of the upcoming Capital One Orange Bowl, scheduled for January 1, 2026.

Miami Beach also offers special holiday packages at top hotels for those looking to enjoy a seasonal getaway. The Marriott Stanton South Beach, an oceanfront retreat, provides guests with up to $100 in credit per night for stays of three nights or more. Meanwhile, the Hilton Cabana Miami Beach Resort offers a 20% discount on all food and beverages and discounted valet parking, making it a perfect choice for a relaxing holiday escape.

For more details on how to experience the holidays in Miami Beach and to explore additional holiday events and offers, visitors can check out the newly launched www.experiencemiamibeach.com or follow @ExperienceMiamiBeach on Instagram for the latest updates.