If your calendar between now and New Year’s is wide open—or packed with visitors—you’re in luck. South Florida delivers all the holiday energy without the cold, offering festive cocktails, indulgent Christmas dinners, breezy brunches, and a few well-timed staycation escapes. From Miami to Fort Lauderdale, here’s where to go and what to book over the holiday break.
Start With Something Festive to Sip
Holiday indulgence starts with a great drink, and a few local spots are leaning all the way into the season.
In Little Havana, Café La Trova is serving a limited-edition Cuban Coquito all December. Creamy, spiced, and unapologetically festive, it’s available by the glass at the bar or bottled to go—perfect for holiday gatherings.
For something cozy but elevated, The Commodore inside The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove brings back its popular Cookies & Coquitos menu. Guests can sample different styles of coquito—paired with gourmet cookies—or order a full flight for a relaxed, lounge-style night out.
Over in Key Biscayne, Rum Bar and Dune Beach Bar at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne are celebrating with 12 Days of Cocktails from December 20 through January 1. Each day features a new holiday drink, all served steps from the ocean.
Eat, Brunch, Repeat
If you’re looking to make the most of your days off, brunch and happy hour are essential.
Rosemary’s Miami expands its hours for the season with a new “5-6-7 Happy Hour,” plus Friday brunch in addition to weekends. Expect Italian comfort food, spritzes, and a $35 two-course prix fixe that makes a weekday feel like a mini vacation.
For a lighter reset between indulgent meals, Fresh Kitchen is now officially 100% seed-oil-free across all locations. With restaurants throughout both Miami-Dade and Broward, it’s an easy go-to when you want something clean without sacrificing flavor.
Make It a Staycation
If your idea of the perfect holiday break involves checking into a resort without leaving South Florida, JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa delivers. The property is packed with seasonal programming—from holiday workshops and family activities to an over-the-top New Year’s Eve celebration—plus multiple dining options and a full spa.
On-site dining includes CORSAIR Kitchen & Bar for casual meals and Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina for a splurge-worthy night out.
Where to Book Christmas Dinner in Broward
If you’re planning to dine out on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, Fort Lauderdale has some of the strongest holiday tables in the region.
For a refined, chef-driven experience, MAASS at the Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale offers a polished holiday menu centered on live-fire cooking and seasonal ingredients.
Daniel’s, A Florida Steakhouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale leans classic with elevated holiday dishes and an award-winning wine list.
At the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, Takato delivers Christmas dining with ocean views and a Japanese-Korean menu that feels special without being stuffy.
For tradition lovers, Anthony’s Runway 84 hosts its beloved Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve—a nostalgic, Italian-American celebration that books quickly.
Other solid Broward options include STEAK 954 at the W Fort Lauderdale, La Fuga at Kimpton Shorebreak, Vitolo at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, and Burlock Coast at The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale, all offering Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day dining.
Plan Ahead: Food & Wine Festivals
If you’re already thinking beyond Christmas, two major culinary events are worth bookmarking. The Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival returns December 11–14, while the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival takes over Broward January 19–25 with tastings, beachside events, and celebrity chefs.
The Takeaway
Whether you’re sipping coquito in Little Havana, booking a Christmas dinner in Fort Lauderdale, or stretching the holiday spirit into January with a food festival, South Florida offers plenty of ways to celebrate without ever leaving town. Just be sure to make reservations early—holiday tables don’t stay open for long.
