Socially-Distanced Holiday Destinations in Miami for 2021

August 27, 2021

The holiday season in Miami always feels a bit different compared to states with cold winters. But that’s part of what makes the Miami holiday season so charming to some locals and travelers: no shoveling snow out your driveway or freezing during outdoor light shows. Miami offers a variety of social-distance-friendly holiday activities for groups of family and friends, community organizations, and youth groups.

How to Travel in Miami for the Holidays

If you’re a local, you probably already know that Miami traffic is hectic. If you’re out-of-towners, welcome to it. Groups traveling in Miami will need an efficient and comfortable ride—that’s where Falcon Charter Bus comes in. A charter bus rental can help alleviate any travel-related stress that you may be dreading around the holidays. Falcon Charter Bus offers professionally operated transportation services customized to your schedule, anywhere in Miami! So rather than splitting into multiple cars on the way to a holiday event, everyone can ride in a cozy minibus or spacious charter bus rental with a professional driver. Put holiday movies on your charter bus’s TVs for the kids, play festive music with an onboard sound system, and get cozy in plush reclining seats! Call (305) 359-3962 to rent a Miami charter bus with Falcon today!

A holiday light display shaped like a lion

Zoo Lights at ZooMiami

Address: 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177

Phone: (305) 251-0400

Zoo Miami is one of the best holiday destinations in the city. Every holiday season, the zoo hosts Zoo Lights, a month-long celebration for visitors of all ages. The zoo is adorned with millions of glittering lights and animal-shaped light displays throughout the park. Visitors can also enjoy holiday performances, animal encounters, River Boat rides, contests, storytelling, and photos with Santa.

To keep guests safe, ZooMiami is limiting capacity and requiring tickets to be purchased in advance online. Group discounts for general admission to the zoo are available for groups of 10 or more, but discounts may not apply during special holiday events.

Charter bus rental tip: Parking at the zoo is free, and buses can drop off passengers in the roundabout near the ticketing office.

Christmas at Deering Estate

Address: 16701 SW 72nd Ave, Miami, FL 33157

Phone: (305) 235-1668

The historic Deering Estate offers an elevated yet fun holiday experience for groups. Holiday events at the estate range from strolls among lights and decorations in the gardens to tours of the historic home decorated to the nines in custom holiday decor. Walk around the estate’s beautiful grounds and explore extravagant rooms with holiday decor created by designer-in-residence Alfredo Brito. Deering Estate also hosts kid-friendly events like storytelling with Santa!

Holiday events at Deering vary from day to day, and ticket pricing ranges from $7-15 per person. It’s highly recommended your group purchase tickets in advance, as tickets are limited and may sell out. Face coverings will be required while indoors at the estate.

Charter bus rental tip: Parking at Deering Estate is free. A spacious parking area can be found at the estate’s Visitor Center.

Flower lanterns on the water at a lights festival

Luminosa at Jungle Island

Address: 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132

Phone: (305) 400-7000

Luminosa is the perfect tropical event for groups looking to enjoy a winter event that isn’t centered around Santa, snow, and winter wonderlands. Luminosa is Jungle Island’s seasonal take on a traditional Chinese Lantern Festival. The event brings dazzling lights and lanterns shaped like parrots, flamingos, jellyfish, parrotfish, coral reefs, and tropical rainforests. Visitors can explore more than 13 acres of illuminated trails, acrobatic shows, and live music.

The special event is open after hours at Jungle Island, so your group will need to purchase evident tickets rather than general admission to the island.

Charter bus rental parking tip: Most parking at Jungle Island is located in a nearby garage but additional surface lot parking with oversized spaces is available across the street.

NightGarden at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden

Address: 10901 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156

Phone: (305) 482-1148

Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden is hailed as one of the best botanical gardens in the country. Visitors can explore the beautiful, expansive gardens as they’re illuminated for the annual NightGarden. During NightGarden, Fairchild will be transformed into an enchanting space with magical lights and interactive experiences like scavenger hunts. NightGarden also hosts a special event on New Year’s Eve to ring in the new year!

It’s highly recommended that you purchase tickets online to save a few dollars rather than purchasing at the gate. Admission for children two and under is free. Parking is free but often fills up quickly.

Charter bus rental tip: Oversized vehicle parking may be limited during NightGarden. Before booking tickets, consider inquiring about group discounts and parking options for your group.

View from a decorated boat for a holiday boat parade at sunset

The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade

Address: 3030 Holiday Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Phone: (954) 767-0686

The Winterfest Boat Parade is actually located in Fort Lauderdale, but you won’t have to sweat the drive with a comfortable charter bus rental. 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of this seasonal aquatic parade. Everything from private boats to corporate megayachts make parade appearances and are adorned in holiday lights and decorations for spectators. The parade starts at the Stranahan House, coasts on Fort Lauderdale’s New River, and enters the Intracoastal Waterway for 12 miles.

As such a long parade, your group will need to pick out the best place to watch. Spectating at unofficial viewing areas is completely free, but you’ll probably want to grab food or drinks in the area beforehand. If you want to view the parade from an organized and reserved viewing area, tickets can be purchased in advance for the Grandstand Viewing Area.

Charter bus rental tip: All parking for the event will be located in public parking areas. Groups traveling by charter bus will need to organize parking in surface lots or metered street areas.

Enjoy the Holidays in Miami with Falcon Charter Bus

Relax on your tropical holiday with a bus rental and pro driver to handle the Miami roads. Enjoy holiday lights, treats, and the company of your favorite people—the Falcon Charter Bus team will make sure you travel safely and comfortably. A representative will be available 24/7 to get you a free quote for your Miami bus rental at (305) 359-3962.