An awe-inspiring spectacle of vivid lights synchronized to popular holiday songs, the Christmas Castle is bound to get even the Scroogiest of Scrooges in the Christmas spirit. The 40-foot-tall structure is programmed to pulsate nightly to everything from the sounds of Walt Disney World’s Christmas parade to Michael Bublé’s “Cold December Night.” Admission is free but there will be donation boxes for the Dan Marino Autism Foundation. 12331 SW 109th Terrace, Miami. closed Dec 12, 13. In addition to the usual primates, pachyderms, big cats and tropical birds (not to mention the wild animals you’ll likely encounter at your company’s holiday party), Zoo Miami brings us a bright new menagerie of creatures. You’ll find giraffes, zebras and more made up of thousands of lights, as well as carousel rides, Santa meet-and-greets and hot chocolate and cookies (available for purchase). Dec 18–30 (closed Dec 24, 25). The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Kick off the holiday season Florida-style with a gleaming procession of merry mega-yachts draped in thousands of twinkling bulbs.

For its 45th edition, themed “Comics & Cartoons Rockin’ the Night Away,” the Winterfest Parade welcomes Miami’s own Pitbull as grand marshal, as well as reindeer, Santa and all of your favorite characters-turned-floats meandering along Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway for 12 miles. Events get underway at 6:30pm, but eager attendees are encouraged to show up early for the best views. christmas trees for sale denver coHugh Taylor Birch State Park, 3109 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Sat Dec 10 at 3:30pm; benjamin moore exterior paint historic colorsgrandstand viewing-area tickets $25, along the parade route free.christmas decoration stores san diego

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Bob B. Brown Holiday Lights at Deering Deering Estate is one of Miami’s most stunning waterfront attractions, which makes celebrating the holidays there not just festive but also fitting given the city’s typically warm winters. Join for an evening stroll of the property and discover all of the beautiful Christmastime decorations inside the home and surrounding the large estate, including festooned palm trees. christmas tree rental in singaporeAfter the guided tour, stick around to shop wares and special decorations from local vendors. wall decor for sale in philippines16701 SW 72 Ave. Dec 14 6:30pm–9pm. $12, children $7, children under 4 free.christmas tree shop ontario

It’s nothing but manses for miles the moment you enter the Village of Pinecrest (celebrities who’ve called the neighborhood home include Timbaland, Romero Britto and Pitbull) so expect light displays as grand as the homes. The brightest lights tend to be on main arteries SW 104th Street and Ludlam Road (67th Avenue). In Coral Gables, the Merrick Park in front of City Hall (405 Biltmore Way) and surrounding areas are festooned with impressive illuminations and a giant mailbox where children can drop off letters for Santa. Downtown, not all skyscrapers lining Brickell Avenue will be in the holiday spirit, but areas near 5th Street will. Stroll through the plaza at 600 Brickell—which is typically decked out with an oversized wreath and palm trees lit by green, red and white lights—and up the Brickell Avenue Bridge for the best views.Driving around town is sure to bring “oohs and ahhs” with the colorful Christmas lights adorning the neighborhoods. There are, however, a few places that exceed the norm when it comes to holiday decorations.

Twinkling lights, animated characters, and music make these places in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area a ‘must-see’ for Christmas 2014. Put these attractions on your list. Take the family to tour the historic houses of the Deering Estate elaborately decorated with holiday accents and plenty of lights. The Holiday Wonderland is a tradition where local organizations and garden clubs show the fanciest of décor that brings the spirit of Christmas alive. The Deering Estate, 444 acres, located on Biscayne Bay is breathtaking and was the home of Charles Deering until he died in 1927. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and can lecture about the history of this home and the occupants. A beautiful place to see any time of the year, but during the holiday, it is extra spectacular. Date: now through Dec. 31, 2014 Time: 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Location: Deering Estate at Cutler, 16701 SW 72 Avenue, Miami, Florida Cost: The Holiday Wonderland is free with paid admission to the estate – Adults $12;

Children (4 – 14) $7 Call 305-235-1668 for more information Bring the entire family to the Jungle Bells hoopla. There will be all kinds of light displays, including snow, fireworks and concerts. During this winter event, the venue sets up a tented area with snow (something we don't see in this area) and snow games. The children will enjoy this winter event along with all the other activities Jungle Island has to offer. Jungle Island is a kid-friendly venue with all kinds of exotic animals and birds for the youngsters to see. There have timed shows and even a petting area to check out while you are there. Date: Dec. 18, 2014 through Jan. 4, 2015 Time: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Location: 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, Florida Call 305-400-7000 for further details Your family will love the Zoo Lights full of animal-shaped light displays, holiday music, ice skating (yes, in Miami) and carousel rides. You will be given free 3-D glasses upon admission to make the displays “pop.”

Set in one of the world's best zoos, Zoo Miami is a popular place for the children to visit. Make sure to take a peek at the animals while you attend the holiday light show. The animals are not caged and safely enclosed in natural environments. Check the website for information on the informative exhibits. Date: Dec. 19 through Dec. 30, 2014 (closed Dec. 24 and 25) Time: 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. Location: 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, Florida Cost: Regular package $9.50 plus tax per person Exclusive online Santa package $13.50 plus tax per person Call 305-251-0400 for more information Night of Lights in Pinecrest Enjoy the colorful lights of Christmas along with pony rides, stories, music, puppets and more. Located within a 20-acre park in the city of Pinecrest. This park features over 1,000 varieties of rare and exotic tropical plants and palm trees. Can you imagine how beautiful this setting is with the twinkling lights of Christmas? You can leisurely stroll around the area and partake in the activities along with the kids.