Free Events in Miami in December: Your Convertible-Ready Guide
- miamiconvertibles
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
December in Miami hits different. While the rest of the country is layering up, we’re rolling down Ocean Drive with the top down, sun on our face, and a playlist that just feels like vacation. And if there’s one thing I love about Miami during the holidays (besides Mustangs in perfect 75-degree weather), it’s the insane lineup of free events. Yup — free. Miami knows how to throw a party without breaking your wallet.
So whether you’re cruising in a Mustang Convertible or a doorless Jeep Wrangler from Miami Convertibles Car Rental, here’s your go-to list of best free events happening in Miami this December.
Holiday Boat Parades
Miami’s waterways become a stage for dazzling boat parades during December. These events showcase beautifully decorated boats adorned with lights and holiday themes, cruising along the bay and canals. The parades are family-friendly and offer a magical way to experience Miami’s waterfront.
Key locations: Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach, and Coconut Grove
What to expect: Festive music, creative boat designs, and a lively crowd
Tips: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the shore or consider watching from a public park nearby
Holiday Spirit: Parades, Lights & Community Celebrations
Miracle Mile Holiday Tree Lighting (in Coral Gables, FL) — Usually around early December: tree lighting, “snow” confetti, live performances, Santa — full holiday magic and totally free for the family. Visit Florida+1
Junior Orange Bowl Parade — A festive parade featuring floats, marching bands and festive cheer. An awesome way to see local culture and get into the holiday mood. Visit Florida+1
Art Walks and Gallery Nights
Miami’s art scene shines in December with numerous free art walks and gallery nights. These events allow you to explore local galleries, meet artists, and enjoy live performances.
Wynwood Art Walk: Held on the second Saturday of the month, this event features open galleries, street art, and food trucks.
Coconut Grove Art Festival: Although the main festival has an entry fee, many galleries in the area host free open houses and exhibitions during December.
Little Havana Art Nights: Experience Cuban culture with art exhibits, live music, and dance performances.
Outdoor Concerts and Performances
Miami offers a variety of free outdoor concerts and cultural performances throughout December. These events often take place in parks, plazas, and community centers.
Bayfront Park Concerts: Enjoy live music ranging from jazz to Latin rhythms in a scenic waterfront setting.
SoundScape Cinema at New World Center: Free outdoor movie screenings with occasional live music before the film.
Holiday-themed performances: Look out for free choir concerts and holiday shows in public spaces.
Music & Community Hangouts
Dan + Claudia Zanes Holiday Sing Along at Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts — Happening mid-December, this free, family-friendly holiday sing-along offers a cozy, musical way to celebrate the season without spending a dime. Miami Events Calendar
Spontaneous Free Concerts, Street Music & More — Between Wynwood block-parties, gallery openings, and holiday markets, expect live music and pop — often free or donation-based — especially in artsy neighborhoods or community events.
Holiday Markets and Craft Fairs
For those who love holiday shopping without the crowds or costs, Miami hosts several free-entry markets and fairs featuring local artisans and festive treats.
Miami Flea: A weekend market with vintage finds, handmade crafts, and food vendors.
Holiday Market at Lincoln Road: Browse unique gifts and enjoy street performances along this popular pedestrian mall.
Farmers Markets: Many farmers markets offer special holiday editions with free live music and activities.
Wellness, Markets & Chill-Vibes
Holistic Spirit Holidays Festival at the Warner House Miami Hispanic Cultural Arts Center — December 13–14: free wellness workshops, meditation, holistic healing, local vendors, live music, creatives — ideal for a peaceful, chill weekend with friends or family. Miami Events Calendar
Holiday Markets & Local Artisan Pop-Ups — December brings seasonal markets: handmade gifts, crafts, art, food vendors. Great for strolling around with a coffee, maybe finding a cool local gift — and often free entry. AllEvents+1
Nature and Outdoor Activities
Miami’s warm December weather invites outdoor activities that are free and family-friendly.
Holiday-themed nature walks: Some parks offer guided walks focusing on local flora and fauna with a festive twist.
Beach cleanups: Join community efforts to keep Miami’s beaches beautiful while enjoying the outdoors.
Yoga in the Park: Free yoga sessions in public parks, often with a holiday theme or music.
Cultural Festivals and Celebrations
Miami’s diverse population means December is full of cultural celebrations that are open to the public at no cost.
Dia de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles): A Colombian tradition celebrated with candle lighting and music in Little Havana.
Kwanzaa events: Community centers host free workshops and performances celebrating African heritage.
Hanukkah celebrations: Public menorah lightings and cultural programs in various neighborhoods.
Art, Culture & Creative Vibes
Wynwood Art Walk Block Party — Happening the second Saturday each month, this open-air block party in Wynwood bursts with street art, murals, live music, food trucks, vendors and gallery openings. A perfect casual night out without spending a dime. MiamiScapes
Free Art-Week Pop-Ups & Exhibitions — During Miami Art Week / Art Basel Miami Beach season (first week of December), there are numerous free exhibitions, public-art installations, gallery strolls and “open studio” style events — a great way to soak up Miami’s creative energy without buying tickets. Axios+2AllEvents+2
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) Free Second Saturdays — Every second Saturday of the month PAMM opens its doors for free, with art-making for kids and adults, guided tours and family-friendly vibes. Great stop if you want some culture during the daytime. The Miami Guide+1
Tips for Enjoying Free Events in Miami
Plan ahead: Check event websites or local listings for dates and times as some events may change yearly.
Use public transportation: Parking can be limited during popular events, so consider using Miami’s Metrorail or buses.
Dress comfortably: Miami’s December weather is mild but can be cool in the evenings, so bring layers.
Stay hydrated: Even in winter, outdoor activities can be warm under the sun.
Arrive early: Popular events fill up quickly, especially those with limited space.
Miami in December offers a rich calendar of free events that highlight the city’s culture, creativity, and community spirit. From boat parades to art walks, outdoor concerts to cultural celebrations, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy the season without spending money. Use this guide to plan your visit and experience the best of Miami’s festive offerings.
Bonus: Turn It Into a Convertible Adventure
Because you’re all about rides, here’s how a day could go:
Pick up a Mustang or Jeep early, cruise through Coral Gables with the top down, catch the tree lighting or parade, then head over to Wynwood for art + street-music + food trucks, wrap it with a sunset stroll at a market or festival.
Or kick off with a museum or wellness-festival, grab lunch in a local spot, then unwind at a free concert or gallery-walk at night.
This is the season where Miami feels like a dream and the perfect way to explore these free events is behind the wheel of a Mustang Convertible or a Jeep Wrangler with the doors off.
Here’s how a perfect December day could go:
Morning: Roll out in a Jeep Wrangler, sunshine spilling in, and head to a holiday market or PAMM’s free Saturday.
Afternoon: Cruise across the Julia Tuttle Causeway toward Wynwood. Mural-hop, snack-hop, vibe-hop.
Evening: Slide over to the Beach in a Mustang, catch the Ocean Drive sunset concert, then stroll under palm trees wrapped in holiday lights.
Miami becomes your playground — and with half of December’s coolest events being free, it’s practically an invitation to explore.
🎯 December’s Top Free or Cheap-Entry Events in Miami
📅 Date / Recurring | 🎉 Event / Experience | 📍 Area / Notes |
Every 2nd Saturday of the month | Wynwood Art Walk Block Party — street-art, galleries open late, food trucks, live music & vendors | Wynwood Art District — starts ~6:00 pm, totally free (MiamiScapes) |
2nd Saturday of month (Sat Dec … ) | PAMM Free Second Saturdays — free admission, art-making, guided tours, performances | Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) — family and art lovers welcome (The Miami Guide) |
Every Sunday, 5:00 pm | Ocean Drive Promenade Music Series — open-air classical / live-music concerts by local performers | Ocean Drive / South Beach — sunset + music + beach vibes (MiamiScapes) |
Week of Dec 2–7 (during art-week) | Miami Art Week 2025 & its public fairs / gallery shows — many free pop-ups & exhibitions | Wynwood, Design District, Downtown & across greater Miami (Resident Magazine) |
Dec 3–7 (sample dates) | Art Miami 2025 — the city’s long-running contemporary art fair | One Herald Plaza / Biscayne Bay — gallery/fair vibe for art lovers (Wikipedia) |
Dec 6, 2025 | Christmas Market Miami 2025 — holiday-market fun, local vendors, festive atmosphere | German American Social Club area (or as listed in event guides) (AllEvents) |
Dec 6, 2025 (morning → afternoon) | Art Basel Holiday Garden Party - Galería Adelmo — art + garden + holiday vibes for free | Gallery in Miami, part of the holiday + art-week programming (AllEvents) |
Select Dec evenings (during Art Week) | Free/Pop-up exhibitions, open-studio nights, “wine & art” evenings — e.g. DESIGN. LIGHT. TASTE – ART BASEL 2025 | Miami (Lighting Loft or other venues) — for the design/arts crowd (AllEvents) |
Weekend of Dec 27 (and other dates) | City of Miami Beach Holiday Extravaganza — seasonal holiday event on the beach, free to attend | Lummus Park / Miami Beach waterfront (AllEvents) |
Dec 20, 2025 | A Christmas in Wynwood 5th Annual Toy Drive — community holiday event / toy drive, festive, often free entry | Wynwood neighborhood — good local-community vibes (AllEvents) |
Dec (various) | Free live-music nights, street performances, gallery receptions around Wynwood / South Beach / Art-Districts | Check weekly event listings — often get free shows or pop-ups (AllEvents) |
Recurring/pop-up } | Holiday markets / pop-ups / local vendor fairs / small community festivals — great for browsing, strolling | Midtown Miami, Wynwood, local community centers — check event-listing sites (AllEvents) |
Third Friday of month (Dec) | Viernes Culturales — a cultural evening in Little Havana: music, art, street vibes, heritage celebrations | Calle Ocho / Little Havana — great local-culture immersion (The Miami Guide) |
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