Miami's Holiday Light Displays: Santa's Enchanted Forest and Beyond

The "Magical City," otherwise known as Miami, is truly a shiny city under the sun, especially at night. With a population of more than 370,000, this city is a great destination for the holidays with all its glamorous attractions to suit the tastes of both the locals and tourists. Don't be deceived by this city's seemingly bustling chaos, because ultimately, this is a place where grown-ups and kids alike can cherish the spirit of Christmas.

There are tons of things you can do during the holiday season in Miami. One of which is to check out the different amazing light displays all over the City. Most of which are free to your eyes' content.

1.Santa's Enchanted Forest - this is a half a mile of light displays (over 3,000,000 lights are used), carnival attractions with over 100 rides, a petting zoo, and of course, a visiting Santa. This is one of the world's largest Christmas theme parks and it's got a 92 foot tall Christmas tree that will certainly amaze you. Its opening weekend dates run from Nov. 8-11but the carnival runs until January 6, 2008.

Location: 7900 SW 40^th Street, Miami, FL 33155
Time: 5pm to 12mn
Season Pass: $35.51+ tax (10 yrs old and above); $ 25.93 + tax (9 yrs old and under)
*You only need to pay admission fee, all the rides are free thereafter.
*Free Parking
*One time admission tickets are also available.
http://www.santasenchantedforest.com/

2. Hollywood Beach Candy Cane Parade - on December 8, 2007 (Saturday), watch floats decorated in flashy lights with this year's theme, "Penguins in Paradise" parade through Hollywood Boulevard Other attractions during this parade include marching units, pipes, drums & bands. Be there early to get a good spot to watch. Afterwards, there's going to be music at the Beach Theater.

Location: Hollywood Beach Broadwalk & A1A
Time: 7pm
*Free
http://www.hollywoodfl.org/Parks_rec/special_events.asp

3. Holiday Fantasy of Lights at Tradewinds Park - a 2-mile stretch of more than 65 animated and static holiday light displays that depicts huge animated creatures and holiday symbols. This is a drive-through light display that runs from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day. While you're in the area, you may also want to see the Buttlerfly World which is a beautiful tropical garden that is home to thousands of butterflies and hummingbirds.

Location: 3600 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33066
Time: 6pm - 10pm
Admission Fee: $7-$10

4. Sandoway's Holiday House Celebration - beautifully decorated garden with shining lights all over the place. This is especially attractive because it presents a festive atmosphere through nature decors. House is open from Dec. 4, 2007 to January 5, 2008.

Location: 142 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach, FL 33483
Time: Varies on dates

Other sites where you can see beautiful light displays in Miami would include the Town Center at Boca Raton, the Fall Shopping Center at 8888 SW 136th Street, and the Aventura Mall at Biscayne Boulevard. However, as mentioned earlier, Miami is packed with light displays during the holidays so even if you're just driving by the streets, you'll be amazed at how attractive the lights are all over the place.