As the holidays grow nearer and the country’s festivities begin to crank up, Miami is no exception. In the coming month, Miami Beach is set to transform from an idyllic summer beach to a wintery wonderland full of scenic beauty, holiday events, and festive cheer.
World-renowned cultural events such as the annual No Vacancy art exhibition and SCOPE Miami Beach, alongside festive celebrations and specials like the Urge Miami Thanksgiving Festival, are all returning this holiday season, making it a perfect time to visit and experience Miami Beach in its full glory. Miami Beach is highly acclaimed for its holiday festivities, so much so that it was recently honored with a 2024 Travel Weekly Magellan Silver Award for City Destination, United States.
“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, the Chairwoman of 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.”
No Vacancy and SCOPE
No Vacancy is Miami Beach’s premier public art exhibition, which will be held from November 14 to December 12, 2024. No Vacancy is a citywide event that showcases site-specific installations from local and international artists. These artistic works transform Miami Beach’s most iconic venues into immersive art experiences, with each wholly original work unlike anything else you’ve ever seen.
Participating hotels, such as the Faena Miami Beach, The Betsy Hotel, and the W South Beach, serve as the backdrop for these installations, allowing the artists to put their particular spin on the city’s luxurious ambiance.
In addition, SCOPE Miami Beach 2024 will also celebrate its 23rd edition and run from Monday, December 2, through Sunday, December 8, 2024. SCOPE Miami Beach features a wide range of curated projects, panel discussions, sponsor programs, VIP tours, Wellness and Educational programming, and exciting nighttime events that attract a mix of seasoned collectors and tastemakers, all taking place along the sands of Miami.
Urge Miai Thanksgiving and Miami Music Festival
Alongside these massive events, the Urge Miami Thanksgiving Festival will return in 2024; one of the world’s biggest LGBTQ events will return to Miami Beach for an ultimate weekend holiday event. From Friday, November 29 through Monday, December 2, 2024 (during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend), five different events will take place on Miami Beach, and a portion of the proceeds for each will benefit the Winter Party and Miami Beach Gay Pride.
Taking place from Wednesday, December 11, 2024, to Wednesday, January 1, 2025, and presented by the Miami Music Festival, the second annual festival will feature a series of live performances spanning a variety of genres. It will include appearances by signature holiday characters. Vibrant imagery will be projected onto five consecutive buildings along Ocean Drive, including the Betsy Hotel.
Beyond the season’s notable events, Miami Beach’s world-famous shopping districts and streets come alive with holiday lights and festivities. The Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights will also make the holiday season a bit brighter with a blend of music, lights, and projection mapping displays that celebrate the rich tapestry of international holiday traditions.
Experiencing the Festive Beauty of the City
Visitors can take advantage of special holiday deals at beachfront hotels, with many offering exclusive packages for November and December. The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, The Miami Beach EDITION, and others are rolling out the red carpet with luxury accommodations, beachfront dining, exclusive access to the season’s top events, and easy access to celebrations, including the New Year’s Eve Fireworks display on the beach, where visitors can ring in the new year under the stars.
“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, the Executive Director of 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.”
