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Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2025 in Miami: Holiday Lights, Turkey Trots, and More Great Things To Do

Enjoy holiday illuminations at Christmas Lights in the Acres. Photo courtesy of the event
Enjoy holiday illuminations at Christmas Lights in the Acres. Photo courtesy of the event
11/26/24 - By Lindsey Scannell

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

It's Thanksgiving weekend, and we are packing on the fun (and maybe a few pounds) in Miami and South Florida. 

Before the big feast, families can enjoy kid-friendly turkey trots and fun runs in Boca Raton, Key West, Miami, and throughout the region. Afterward, take in community Christmas events in Lake Worth, Plantation Acres, and Stuart. It soon will be the season of holiday lights, so make sure you check our rundown of must-do holiday events in the region.

Still hoping to head out for Thanksgiving dinner? While there is still time, glimpse our list of kid-friendly restaurants open on the holiday. 

Want more ideas for the Thanksgiving holiday break? Check out our Christmas Events and Holiday Activities Guide and get the details about all the fun happenings in the area this holiday season. 

Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at Mommy Poppins.

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Get your pre-dinner steps in at Turkey Trot Miami. Photo courtesy of the event
Get your pre-dinner steps in at Turkey Trot Miami. Photo courtesy of the event

Things To Do Thanksgiving Weekend in Miami and South Florida

Zoo Lights at Palm Beach Zoo

West Palm Beach—OPENING WEEKEND
Wednesday, November 26, Friday, November 28-Sunday, November 30-
The holidays sparkle at Palm Beach Zoo when Zoo Lights transforms the entire park into a glowing wonderland of eco-friendly lights, festive music, and magical moments. Stroll twinkling pathways, cozy up with cocoa, and marvel at the 24-foot animated holiday tree and a dazzling light show choreographed to holiday favorites.  READ MORE

Flamingo Gardens Winter Wonderland

Davie
Wednesday, November 26, Friday, November 28-Sunday, November 30-
This festive event transforms Flamingo Gardens’ 10-acre arboretum of lush botanical gardens and wildlife sanctuary into a wonderland of lights, joy, and holiday cheer. In addition, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is joining the celebration as the presenting sponsor of Santa’s Village in the gardens. READ MORE

'Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil at The Kravis Center

West Palm Beach
Wednesday, November 26, Friday, November 28-Sunday, November 30
‘Twas the Night Before… is Cirque du Soleil’s first holiday show, based on the classic poem A Visit from Saint Nicolas by Clement Clarke Moore. Memorable lines from this classic inspired Cirque’s story about a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holidays. READ MORE

Holiday Fantasy of Lights

Coconut Creek
Wednesday, November 26-Sunday, November 30
Running nightly, this local holiday tradition in Tradewinds Park is a 2½-mile drive-thru route, featuring dozens of static and animated light displays and illuminated trees. READ MORE

Luminosa: A Festival of Lights

Miami
Wednesday, November 26-Sunday, November 30
Be transported to Luminosa, a lush jungle illuminated with breathtaking and larger-than-life lanterns. Traverse through hundreds of artistic lanterns highlighting the spirit of Miami, with an ambiance and vibe found nowhere else in the world. READ MORE

Christmas Wonderland at Tropical Park

Miami
Wednesday, November 26-Sunday, November 30
Now in its third year, Christmas Wonderland transforms more than 14 acres of Tropical Park into the one of the largest holiday attractions in the U.S. Guests can stroll through six immersive holiday worlds, including Santa’s Village, Arctic Delight, and Sweet Street, explore the half-mile Tinsel Trail of synchronized light displays, and enjoy unlimited carnival rides, from three roller coasters to the 150-foot Eye in the Sky Ferris wheel. READ MORE

Fort Lauderdale Turkey Trot

Fort Lauderdale
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27
The Fort Lauderdale Turkey Trot is a Broward County tradition, attracting more than 3,300 participants annually, including runners, joggers, and walkers. ​Featuring a 5k run/walk race, the course runs along beautiful and scenic A1A, Fort Lauderdale’s iconic beach road. READ MORE

Palm City Turkey Trot 5K Run

Palm City
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27
Gather with friends and family on Thanksgiving morning at Palm City Presbyterian Church for the annual Palm City Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run. READ MORE

Miramar Turkey Trot

MIramar
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27
The community is invited to the City of Miramar's second annual Turkey Trot, taking place Thanksgiving morning. Race time is 7am. READ MORE

Tamarac Turkey Trot 5K

Tamarac
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27
Enjoy one of South Florida’s most cherished Thanksgiving Day traditions—the 45th annual Tamarac Turkey Trot 5K Run. Since its inception in 1980, this Thanksgiving morning race has been a tradition for Tamarac residents, neighbors and friends, who gather to kick off their holiday weekend with fun and fitness. READ MORE

Turkey Trot Miami

Miami
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27
Turkey Trot Miami offers family fun for all runners, joggers, and walkers with a distance for every age and pace. The 5K, 10K, and Thanksgiving-themed finish festival are all centrally located within Tropical Park. Even the tiniest of runners can race. Register your little ones (ages 2-9) to take to their own course this Thanksgiving. READ MORE

Levis JCC Turkey Trot 5K

Boca Raton
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27
The 16th annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk has become a local tradition. On Thanksgiving Day—Thursday, November 27—the whole family is invited to run, walk, or trot. The race also features a Youth 1 Mile Fun Run. READ MORE

Southernmost Turkey Trot 5K & 1 Mile Rooster Romp

Key West
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27
Gather your flock for the second annual Southernmost Turkey Trot 5K and 1 Mile Rooster Romp, with proceeds benefiting Reef Relief, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving and protecting our coral reef ecosystem. READ MORE

Key West Harbor Walk of Lights

Key West—FREE
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27-Sunday, November 30
Kick off the holidays island-style at the Key West Harbor Walk of Lights. The Key West Historic Seaport glows with dazzling light displays, festive music, and nautical cheer. Wander along the waterfront as boats, palm trees, and historic landmarks shine in colorful lights reflecting off the water. It’s one of the most magical ways to celebrate the season in paradise—and it’s completely FREE. READ MORE

Christmas at Stuart Main Street

Stuart—FREE
Friday, November 28
This beloved family event features the annual lighting of the 30-foot Christmas tree, as well as other fun activities for the whole family such as arts and crafts, face painting, and photos with Santa. READ MORE

Zoo Lights Miami

Miami
Friday, November 28-Saturday, November 29
Wander through a wild wonderland glowing with over 1 million dazzling lights, while enjoying festive music, tasty holiday treats, and surprise encounters along the way. READ MORE

Christmas Lights in the Acres

Plantation Acres
Friday, November 28-Sunday, November 30
This drive-thru holiday lights show entertains each year with a dazzling display of Christmas lights to tour through. READ MORE

Lake Worth Beach Holiday Tree Lighting

Lake Worth—FREE
Saturday, November 29
Visit the Lake Worth Beach Cultural Plaza for the annual tree lighting ceremony that kicks off the holiday season. Enjoy live performances, meet-and-greet with Santa, family-friendly activities, and more. READ MORE

5k Hog Trot

Key West
Saturday, November 29
Recover from a big Thanksgiving meal by taking part in the 31st annual 5K Hog Trot. Proceeds benefit The Florida Keys SPCA, which is dedicated to protecting animals in need throughout the Keys and providing them with a safe, loving environment. READ MORE

Disney's Moana Live-to-Film Concert

Miami
Saturday, November 29
Disney Concerts and AMP Worldwide present Disney’s Moana Live-to-Film Concert North American tour, featuring a full-length screening of the beloved animated movie accompanied by a live ensemble of top Hollywood studio musicians, Polynesian rhythm masters, and vocalists. READ MORE

End of Season Christmas Celebration at Sun Splash Waterpark

Cape Coral
Sunday, November 30
Celebrate the end of the water park season and kick off the holiday season with holiday-themed Ohana Games, meet-and-greets, and story time with Santa, and Sun Splash's very own holiday hero—Santa Sharkey. READ MORE

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