OCEAN DRIVE IGNITES THE SEASON WITH NEW HOLIDAY LINEUP AND CULTURAL EXPERIENCES FOR ALL AGES
Miami Beach’s Iconic Avenue to Become a Wonderland of Lights, Music and Art for the Holidays
The Ocean Drive Association invites locals and travelers to a dazzling wonderland of lights, music and festive energy by the beach to celebrate the holidays. Starting December 1, 2025, through January 31, 2026, the iconic palm-lined avenue will glow with holiday decor, twinkling light displays, public and private art installations, family-friendly experiences, and free musical performances featuring projection-mapping technology that reflects the city’s coastal charm and cultural vibrancy. Ocean Drive’s newly expanded holiday programming will bring together community partners, local artists and cultural organizations for an unforgettable winter spectacle. For easy access to all the experiences, visitors will be able to use Ocean Drive’s free, on-demand transportation service during the month of December.
Seasonal highlights include:
- Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights – December 13-14 & 20-21
Presented by Miami Beach Classical Music Festival (MMF), this annual holiday spectacular will delight audiences of all ages with live orchestral performances; festive characters like Santa Claus, the Grinch and Elsa; and mesmerizing projection-mapping displays. The festival is free and open to the public, featuring performances outside The Betsy (1440 Ocean Drive) on December 13 at 6:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m., followed by a holiday drone show. Additional performances will take place on December 14, 20 and 21 at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Holiday Drone Show – December 13
Taking place in Lummus Park between 12th and 13th streets, the Holiday Drone Show will light up the sky at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. with cutting-edge aerial technology, creating dazzling, choreographed patterns above Miami Beach. This free event promises a one-of-a-kind visual experience.
- Ocean Drive Promenade Music Series – Every Sunday in December
Presented by the Ocean Drive Association, with support from the City of Miami Beach and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), this free, weekly concert series invites visitors to enjoy live performances on the lawn at Lummus Park between 14th Street and 14th Place. Concerts begin at 5 p.m. on Sundays (with early start times at 4:30 p.m. on December 14 and 21). Bring a picnic blanket, lawn chair, or enjoy outdoor dining at one of the nearby local restaurants and enjoy enchanting evenings filled with jazz quartets, trios and other talented musicians.
- No Vacancy – Public Art Projects – Through December 20
No Vacancy is a juried contemporary art competition presented across a selection of iconic Miami Beach hotels. Designed to spotlight and support local artistic talent, the program transforms hotel lobbies, courtyards and public-facing spaces into immersive, site-specific installations that blend visual art, architecture and storytelling. The annual initiative invites residents, visitors and art enthusiasts to explore Miami Beach through a curated cultural lens, turning hospitality spaces into pop-up galleries that celebrate creativity and community. Featured works include “A Soft Pixelation” by Andrea Myers at Avalon Hotel Miami (700 Ocean Drive) and “Portal to Niña” by LIZN’BOW at The Betsy (1440 Ocean Drive), along with many others around the city.
- The Betsy Orb Installation – Through December 31
A highlight of Ocean Drive’s public art scene, “The Betsy Orb” is an egg-shaped architectural sculpture that bridges The Betsy’s two buildings. The illuminated piece adds to the festive atmosphere by creating a striking visual along the avenue. The Betsy is also part of the Miami Beach Culture Crawl.
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks – December 31
Ring in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display on the sands of Miami Beach by Lummus Park. This free, family-friendly celebration invites the community to gather along the shore for an unforgettable countdown to 2026.
- New Year’s Day Orchestra Concert – January 1, 2026
Miami Beach Classical Music Festival will host a free orchestra concert at Lummus Park on New Year’s Day at 6 p.m. to ring in 2026.
- 100 Years of Art Deco: A World Celebration in Miami Beach – Through January 31, 2026
“100 Years of Art Deco: A World Celebration in Miami Beach” is an open-air exhibition at Galeria Ocean Drive that traces the global reach of the art deco design movement while highlighting Miami Beach’s signature tropical deco style. Featuring more than 100 images from around the world, the installation offers a visual journey through the evolution of art deco architecture and aesthetics. The exhibition also includes community-led cultural events celebrating the enduring art deco spirit.
During the first week of December, Ocean Drive will also come alive as it hosts multiple acclaimed art fairs. Some of the top events that will draw global artists, collectors and culture lovers to the city include:
- SCOPE Art Show – December 2-7 at Lummus Park
Recognized as a premier platform for contemporary art, SCOPE Art Show brings together more than 90 exhibitors from over 20 countries. The fair showcases emerging and cutting-edge artistic talent, giving visitors a rare opportunity to engage with international contemporary works in an open-air, beachfront setting.
- Untitled Art – December 3-7 at Lummus Park
Untitled Art is a curated international art fair focusing on artistic integrity and balance, featuring over 170 exhibitors from 34 countries. Visitors can view contemporary and modern works in a variety of media, interact with artists and gallery representatives, and participate in a global dialogue about creativity.
For more information on Ocean Drive’s holiday programming and citywide events, visit oceandrivemb.com.
About the Ocean Drive Association
The Ocean Drive Association is an organization committed to preserving, enhancing and promoting the cultural and historical legacy of Miami Beach’s most famous street, Ocean Drive. Founded to unite residents, businesses and property owners, the Ocean Drive Association works collaboratively with the City of Miami Beach and community partners to ensure the district remains a world-class destination that balances its tourism economy with the needs of its local community. Recognized globally for its art deco architecture, oceanfront beauty and rich social history, Ocean Drive represents the heart of Miami Beach’s identity. The association serves as a steward of that legacy, fostering initiatives that celebrate its heritage, support local business vitality, and maintain the area as a safe, clean and welcoming environment for all who live, work and visit here. For more information, visit oceandrivemb.com.
