Life is hard, but you can find sweetness at Miami’s beloved chocolate festival

We have heard of these strange, exotic people who don’t live for chocolate. We know there are vague rumors of their existence, but they remain an eternal mystery.

For most of us, though, the return of the Festival of Chocolate this month is worth a celebration. Don’t we all need something sweet in our lives right about now?

The annual two-day event at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, now in its 15th year, includes cooking classes and demonstrations as well as activities for kids. Also: lots of chocolate.

You can even buy a chocolate orchid or a cacao plant to take home (and get a few tips on keeping them alive). Even the food vendors will be incorporating a little touch of chocolate in their menus.

Best of all, there are rumors of spirits-and-chocolate pairings.

The garden also offers 83 acres with trees and plants so that you can stroll around in socially distanced comfort and walk off all the chocolate you just ate.

Festival of Chocolate

Where: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Miami

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 15-16

Tickets: Adults $24.95; seniors $17.95; students with ID $15.95; kids 6-17 $11.95; 5 and under free; Fairchild members free; fairchildgarden.org