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Don't just listen to jazz, but get a chance to make some of your own beats at South Beach Jazz Festival. Photo courtesy of MasterWing Creative Agency
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12/17/25 - By James Smith

Looking for the best things to do in Miami and South Florida this weekend? Here are some great family-friendly events and activities to add to your schedule.

As Miami and South Florida continue our approach to the holiday season, this weekend we again offer special wishes to those celebrating Hanukkah. The traditional Jewish festival of lights continues through Monday, December 22.

South Florida continues its celebration of Hanukkah with events in Palm Beach and West Palm Beach, and there is even a unique celebration of Hanukkah and Shabbot, fittingly called Shabbanukah in Hollywood.   

Holiday lights shows celebrate the season in Miami Beach and West Palm Beach. If you haven't take in a performance of the Nutcracker, you can do so this weekend in Fort Lauderdale at The Parker.

For even more weekend inspiration, check out our South Florida Activities Calendar, which is updated regularly with the best Miami and South Florida happenings for kids and families. As always, if you have an event we should check out, feel free to e-mail us. Don't forget to bookmark this page and share with a friend. 

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The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey put on an unforgettable show full of incredible talent. Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey put on an unforgettable show full of incredible talent. Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment

Best Things To Do This Weekend in Miami with Kids

READy, Set, Go: Music & Movement

Pinecrest—FREE
Thursday, January 8
Explore the ways that music and movement support language development in young children, plus learn about activities that creatively use music and movement to build fundamental literacy skills like listening, focused attention and comprehension.  READ MORE

South Beach Jazz Festival

Miami Beach
Thursday, January 8-Sunday, January 11
The 10th annual South Beach Jazz Festival takes place at venues throughout Miami Beach. The festival celebrates awareness, accessibility, opportunity, and inclusion in the arts through cultural programming. Showcasing artists of all abilities—students, emerging artists, local legends, and international stars—the festival highlights Miami Beach as a world-class cultural destination. READ MORE

Museum of Ice Cream's Pinkmas

Miami
Thursday, January 8-Sunday, January 11
Step into the sweetest holiday celebration of the season. This year, spaces have transformed into a breathtaking forest of pink, where holiday magic meets immersive wonder. Wander through a larger-than-life snow globe, uncover dazzling surprises around every corner, and reconnect with the childlike joy that makes this season unforgettable. READ MORE

Paw Patrol Adventure Play at MODS

Fort Lauderdale—FINAL WEEKEND
Thursday, January 8-Sunday, January 11
Based on the hit series, PAW Patrol, this immersive exhibit invites children and families to embark on daring rescue missions and work together to overcome challenges. Step inside Adventure Bay to meet Marshall, Chase, Skye, and the rest of the PAW Patrol squad as they demonstrate the strength that lies in working together toward a common goal. READ MORE

Free Friday Drum Jam

Miami—FREE, OPENING DAY
Friday, January 9
Everyone is invited to try out the instruments, learn from each other, and just jam out. It is always different and always fun. Come and learn something new every Friday night. READ MORE

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents The Greatest Show On Earth in Miami

Miami
Friday, January 9-Sunday, January 11
The Greatest Show On Earth is back with a high-energy, music-driven experience, featuring bold circus performances, unforgettable characters, and a nonstop party vibe. This new production moves at the speed of today’s world—fast-paced, dynamic, and full of energy—bringing audiences closer than ever to the talent and heart that make The Greatest Show On Earth unforgettable. READ MORE

Art Deco Weekend

Miami Beach
Friday, January 9-Sunday, January 11
The Miami Design Preservation League presents the 49th annual Art Deco Weekend, a three‑day, open‑air festival that turns Ocean Drive and Lummus Park into a living showcase of Miami Beach’s iconic Art Deco architecture, vintage style, live music, and community culture. READ MORE

Junior Galaxy Explorer Competition

Fort Lauderdale
Saturday, January 10
Builders ages 6–12 are invited to bring a custom-built LEGO spacecraft from home or build one onsite at MODS in the Junior Galaxy Explorer search. The winning builder will represent MODS at the grand opening of LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s newest attraction and receive exclusive prizes, including a family hotel stay. READ MORE

Rock N' Ride Concert and Car Show

Tamarac
Saturday, January 10
Car enthusiasts and their families are invited for a day of fun, featuring a car show and concert. Bring the family to enjoy food trucks, inflatable rides and entertainment. READ MORE

The Great Plantation Campout

Plantation
Saturday, January 10
Grab your tents, sleeping bags, and sense of adventure for a night under the stars. Activities include a family field day, making s'mores, a night hike, and campfire karaoke.  READ MORE

Family Movie Night in Jupiter

Jupiter—FREE, OPENING DAY
Saturday, January 10
Bring your own chairs and blankets, and come early to get a good seat at this free, outdoor, family-friendly movie night shown on a two-story inflatable screen. READ MORE

Dogs’ Day in the Garden

West Palm Beach—OPENING WEEKEND
Sunday, January 11
Bring your dog for a garden stroll on the second Sunday of each month (except during events and plant sales). READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

James Smith
James Stephen Smith is a seasoned journalist who transitioned from reporting at Newsday to a more relaxed life as a father and director of media relations at St. John's University. He manages the university’s messaging while also contributing to Mommy Poppins, a site he discovered after his third daughter was born in 2011. Fun fact: James nearly made it on Jeopardy but missed a Final Jeopardy question on art history—only to watch a colleague nail it and become a two-time champion.
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