We found five Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Miami and Fort Lauderdale with 2026 dates: one parade and four tree lightings and lighting nights, four free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.
By date
Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.
Tree lighting · 5:30–8:30pm19NovThuLight Up the BeachTree lighting · 5:30–8:30pm4DecFriCoral Gables Christmas Tree LightingTree lighting · Show 5:30pm4DecFriLight Up SistrunkTree lighting · 5–8pm12DecSatSeminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
Parade · 6–8:30pmNothing matches that filter yet.
Christmas parades
Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.
New River, Stranahan House to the Broward Center · Downtown Fort Lauderdale
Good to know: Lit-up boats head east along the New River from Stranahan House. This is the 55th year.
Know one we missed?Send us the organizer’s page and we’ll check the date and add it.Suggest a parade
Tree lightings
Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.
Esplanade Park, Riverwalk · Downtown Fort Lauderdale
Good to know: Kicks off ten weeks of lights along the New River, with a kids’ zone, crafts and a visit from Santa.
Las Olas Oceanside Park · Fort Lauderdale Beach
Good to know: More than 50,000 lights on the beachfront and Olas, the 20-foot beach snowman at A1A and Las Olas. Kids’ zone with Santa and inflatables.
Merrick Park, in front of City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way · Coral Gables
Good to know: Christmas Park opens that night with carnival games, crafts and food vendors. The playground closes briefly during the lighting.
Sistrunk Boulevard between NW 9th and 11th Avenues · Fort Lauderdale
Good to know: A giant tree, live bands, a free toy giveaway and a kids’ zone with Santa and bounce houses.
Before you go
SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.Keep planning
November: things to do in MiamiEvery dated listing for the month, by weekDecember: things to do in MiamiEvery dated listing for the month, by week
Free things to do in MiamiFree days, free events and places that never charge
Indoor play in MiamiIndoor playgrounds, toddler times, museums and classes, with prices
Library storytimes in MiamiBaby, toddler and preschool storytimes by day and branch
Ice skating in MiamiHoliday and indoor rinks, skate aids and prices
Thanksgiving weekend in MiamiParades, turkey trots and what’s open on Thursday
Noon Year’s Eve in MiamiKid-friendly countdowns, home by nap
The Nutcracker in MiamiBallet and touring shows, sensory-friendly flaggedChristmas break in MiamiWhat’s open on Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1Birthday party places in MiamiStarting prices, ages and what’s included
This week in MiamiDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every ThursdayGood questions
Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade: Sat, Dec 12, 2026, 6–8:30pm; non-motorized boats pre-show at 5:30pm (Downtown Fort Lauderdale).
Light Up Lauderdale at Esplanade Park, Riverwalk: Thu, Nov 5, 2026, 5:30–8:30pm; lighting at 6:30pm. Light Up the Beach at Las Olas Oceanside Park: Thu, Nov 19, 2026, 5:30–8:30pm; lighting at 6:30pm. Coral Gables Christmas Tree Lighting at Merrick Park, in front of City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way: Fri, Dec 4, 2026, Show 5:30pm; Santa lights the tree at 7pm. Light Up Sistrunk at Sistrunk Boulevard between NW 9th and 11th Avenues: Fri, Dec 4, 2026, 5–8pm; tree lighting at 7pm.
Four of the five we list are free to watch: Light Up Lauderdale, Light Up the Beach, Coral Gables Christmas Tree Lighting and Light Up Sistrunk. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.
Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 29, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.
One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Miami that weekend, parades included.
