Best Things to Do in December in Miami

The renowned New World Symphony is housed in the new Frank Gehry-designed New World Center. The venue resembles a geode inside, with sail-like convex panels overhead. A box-like exterior has latticed glass windows and a huge projection wall. NWS is America's only full-time, post-graduate orchestral campus and laboratory. The acoustics in the semicircular concert hall are alarmingly effective, and the 756 seats are comfortable. On nights the symphony plays (season runs September through May) concerts can be heard and seen outside via sound speakers and video projections. People bring blankets, folding chairs, picnics and bottles of wine, and sit back and enjoy the show in the urban SoundScape Park.

Pinto's Farm is a Redland-area attraction that's become extremely popular with local families over the years. That's probably because the farm always does it up right when it comes to holidays. In April, kiddos of all ages love to come here and hunt for easter eggs during their Easter at the Farm event. Come Fall, the farm is transformed into an epic pumpkin patch, complete with spooky decor and pumpkin-related crafts. And during the Winterland at the Farm event all December long, the farm undergoes yet another transformation, including photos and hot chocolate with Nix the Snowman, Sprinkle the Gingerbread Cookie, and of course, Santa! But even when there aren't particular days to celebrate, a trip to Pinto's is always fun thanks to their petting zoo, pony rides, paddle boats, and hay rides.

The luxurious Adrienne Arsht Center is the place to go to catch the Florida Grand Opera, jazz concerts, flamenco festivals, the Miami City Ballet, experimental theatre, traveling Broadway shows, Teatro Avante, quality comedy, and shows and other programming for children and families. Located between Downtown and Midtown, the Center features two separate performance areas: the Ziff Ballet Opera House and the Knight Concert Hall, meaning that multiple, simultaneous shows will be going on at all times. The Arsht is accessible by public transit via the MetroMover, but there's also a large lot right across the street and valet parking available.

Santa's Enchanted Forest, the world's largest holiday theme park, pops up annually in Miami's backyard. Situated in Tropical Park, the amusement park-meets-Christmas extravaganza welcomes the masses every year from late October to early January. This South Floridian cultural institution has been in play for over three decades and features over 100 thrill and kid-friendly rides, interactive animal shows, and all the carnival food one's heart could desire. Santa's is home to South Florida's tallest Christmas tree, as well as a popular holiday light show spectacular. Adrenaline lovers can also head over to the property's bungee jump, high-flying ejector seat, rock climbing wall, or slingshot.

Long-time Miami locals remember this 20-acre strip of land in the heart of Pinecrest as the original location of Parrot Jungle. The old parrot-themed park has since moved away by the Port of Miami, and what remains has been transformed into a gorgeous botanical gardens with enough shade to keep visitors cool year-round. For younger visitors who might not be too enthralled with gazing on exotic plants, flowers, and trees, there is also a butterfly exhibit, petting zoo, children's playground, and a splash-n-play area in which to cool off. The park frequently hosts community events all year long, including a farmer's market every Sunday, concerts and movie nights, and more.

As the only US zoo set in a subtropical climate, Zoo Miami mesmerizes visitors with remarkable exhibits and creatures from around the world. Favorite animals include clouded leopards, Komodo dragons, and tree kangaroos. They get ample competition from exotic standards like giraffes, lions, meerkats, koalas, gorillas and colorful birds. When the heat starts to take its toll, Dr. Wilde's World provides a rainforest-themed, air-conditioned refuge for hands-on fun. A petting zoo and wildlife shows also keep kids engaged. Zoo Miami is also home to various conservation and outreach endeavors, hosting hands-on and volunteer initiatives for Everglades preservation and The Florida Panther Recovery Program.

Teeming with natural, archeological and historical appeal, the Deering Estate proves endlessly engaging. Excavations at the bayfront compound originally owned by Charles Deering (whose brother James built Vizcaya) have uncovered the remains of prehistoric animals, and evidence suggests that Paleo-Indians were here more than 10,000 years ago. Historic buildings also distinguish the 420-acre property � the 1922 Stone House, Richmond Cottage and 19th-century Richmond Hall. For an altogether different perspective of the estate, reserve a spot on the weekend canoe tour. The Deering Estate's monthly events calendars hosts everything from moonlit concerts to nighttime kayaking to community-driven classes and seminars.

Tropical birds have the run of this unusual island park off MacArthur Causeway. Approximately 1,100 macaws, parrots and other winged residents join giant reptiles and exotic primates to impart special character to the attraction. Although the 18 landscaped acres showcase some 500 species of plants and flowers, don't come expecting peace and quiet. Some of the opinionated inhabitants are neither shy nor retiring. Though it's noisy, the sight of a parrot riding a miniature bike is enough to make even the most jaded visitor smile. Other shows include Winged Wonders (singing Amazons and Andean condors), Reptile Giants (snakes, alligators, crocodiles) and Wild Encounters (apes, tigers, even a liger).

Lush and meticulously maintained, this garden showcases a wide range of tropical plants. Within its 83 acres, palms and cycads flourish, and a 16,000-square-foot conservatory shelters rare specimens. The Fairchild also offers a butterfly garden, an arboretum and a rainforest, and it also houses a world-renowned research facility. Leisurely strolls through the grounds are sure to provoke plenty of "oohs and aahs," and you may gain inspiration for your own little patch of paradise back home. There are also often art installations by world-renowned artists like Dale Chihuly, plus moonlight tours and movie nights. A small museum, gift shop and cafe take care of practical needs. Free tram tours run on the hour.

Every year, one of the largest art events in the world descends upon Miami. The internationally renowned Art Basel attracts the most notable galleries and art collectores around the globe to celebrate the work of the best living artists today. While the main event takes place at the Miami Beach Convention Center, there are numerous satellite festivals all around the city, including the Contemporary Digital and Art Fair at Mana Wynwood. Additionally, Wynwood's plentiful galleries all open their doors to tourists and locals for dozens of special events. This year, for example, Wynwood Walls will be celebrating their 10th anniversary just before and during Basel. And of course, if street art is more your thing, you're in luck because some of the top talent in graffiti and street art also convene in Miami during this week. You'll find that Wynwood and surrounding areas often find themselves painted over during the week, and these works generally remain until the following Basel.