As the holiday season draws near, Miami Beach transforms into a vibrant winter haven, merging festive flair with its signature warmth and sun-kissed shores. November and December mark an ideal time to explore, with cultural treasures like the celebrated No Vacancy art exhibition and SCOPE Miami Beach returning, alongside seasonal festivities like the Urge Miami Thanksgiving Festival. Recently honored with a 2024 Travel Weekly Magellan Silver Award for City Destination, United States, Miami Beach is set to offer an extraordinary holiday experience.

Thanksgiving kicks off the winter celebration, inviting visitors to indulge in beachside relaxation, exquisite dining, and luxury hotel specials. Renowned hotels and restaurants, including the Fontainebleau Miami Beach and The Setai, present lavish Thanksgiving brunches and dinner buffets that fuse traditional classics with local flair. For a more intimate dining experience, favorites like Joe’s Stone Crab and Nikki Beach offer prix-fixe menus blending seasonal tastes with the coastal charm of Miami Beach.

“The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year on Miami Beach, our visitors can fully immerse in the spirit of the season while enjoying world-renowned events and celebrations,” says Peggy Benua, Chairwoman, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. “We are proud to have been recognized with a silver award by the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards in the city destination category, showcasing how our city scene appeals to all travelers during all four seasons.”

Miami Beach is set to captivate visitors this holiday season with a dazzling blend of art, culture, and festivities. No Vacancy 2024, Miami Beach’s premier public art exhibition, will run from November 14 to December 12, transforming iconic hotels and public spaces into immersive art installations by both local and international artists. Participating hotels, including the Faena Miami Beach, The Betsy Hotel, and the W South Beach, will showcase these unique pieces, merging the city’s luxury ambiance with inspiring creativity. Additionally, SCOPE Miami Beach 2024, celebrating its 23rd edition, kicks off on December 2, inviting art lovers to enjoy curated projects, panel discussions, VIP tours, and a variety of Wellness and Educational programs—all set against the stunning backdrop of Miami Beach’s sands.

The excitement continues with one of the world’s largest LGBTQ events, the 2024 Urge Miami Thanksgiving Festival. From November 29 to December 2, this ultimate holiday celebration features five events across Miami Beach, with part of the proceeds supporting the Winter Party and Miami Beach Gay Pride.

Holiday cheer extends beyond these headline events, as Miami Beach’s famed shopping districts glow with festive lights and vibrant markets. Shoppers can explore holiday markets, luxury boutiques, and artisan vendors for unique gifts, especially along Lincoln Road, which will host Black Friday deals and the annual Lincoln Road Holiday Lighting Ceremony. The Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights, from December 11 to January 1, 2025, will brighten the season further with music, lights, and spectacular projection mapping displays showcasing holiday traditions from around the world. Presented by the Miami Music Festival, the festival will also include live performances, appearances by beloved holiday characters, and dynamic visuals along Ocean Drive, including at The Betsy Hotel.

Visitors can indulge in exclusive holiday packages offered by beachfront hotels like The Ritz-Carlton South Beach and The Miami Beach EDITION. These packages include luxurious accommodations, beachfront dining, and access to top seasonal events. To conclude this unforgettable holiday experience, guests can ring in the New Year with a beachside fireworks display, celebrating the start of 2025 under Miami Beach’s starry skies.

“Whether you’re here for the art, the food, the festivities, or the award-winning atmosphere, Miami Beach offers an unforgettable holiday experience,” adds Grisette Marcos, Executive Director, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. “Travelers can download the EXP Miami Beach Tours App, also a 2024 Travel Weekly Magellan Gold winner in the Hospitality Marketing-Mobile App category, to help plan their upcoming stay.”

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