Shopping at the mall for the holidays? See events, deals, hours in Miami and Broward
Holidays at the malls aren’t just about shopping — though we can’t wait to see how you’ll surprise us this year. (Hint: We already got the $40 “Official Taylor Swift / The Eras Tour” book at Target but we’re not above re-gifting.)
This time of year, South Florida malls are all about posing for pictures with Santa, watching snow fall inside, and trying to figure out how late we can procrastinate on buying gifts on Christmas Eve.
Here’s a look at seasonal events and holiday hours at Miami-Dade and Broward malls:
Aventura Mall
19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura
▪ Photos with Santa: Runs through Dec. 24 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in the Holiday Village on the Lower Level near Bloomingdale’s. Holiday Village, which features seasonal decorations, treats and local crafts, is open through Jan. 5. Hours vary.
▪ Santa’s Sleigh and Mailbox: Snap pics of the kids in Santa’s red and gold sleigh, and here’s where they can drop their letters off to Santa in a seasonal mailbox. The installation is on the Upper Level in front of Zara.
▪ Aventura Train Station: An 18-by-30-foot model train display features dozens of scenes including snow-capped mountains, small towns, Mel’s drive-in, an ice-skating rink, and even a few Aventura Mall shops and restaurants. There are 100 scale-miles of track and more than 500 figurines, over a dozen animated accessories, a working drawbridge, party yacht, towns with lighted buildings. Catch the Aventura Train Station on the Lower Level near Rosetta Bakery, through January.
▪ The Aventura Market Holiday Edition: Features locally grown produce, cuisine, desserts. Artisans also sell clothing, accessories and décor, from Dec. 16 to 26 (closed on Dec. 25.)
▪ Dior Ball of Dreams: Holiday pop-up boutique pays tribute to Christian Dior’s appreciation of Château de Versailles and the costume balls that embodied the French art of hosting. Open through Jan. 5.
▪ Vernardos Circus: Broadway-style animal-free circus. The 10th anniversary edition runs until Dec. 15. Look for aerialists, jugglers, comedians and acrobats under a custom-crafted, Italian-made red-and-white striped tent that offers expansive seating.
▪ Gift Wrap for a Cause: Open Dec. 13-Jan. 2 and offering a selection of wrapping paper and cards on the Lower Level, next to Concierge. Proceeds benefit Voices for Children.
▪ Hanukkah Menorah: Standing eight feet, menorah of bent oak wood with flickering faux candles will be lit Dec. 25–Jan. 2 to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
Looking ahead: Christmas Eve hours 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Closed Christmas Day.
Brickell City Centre
701 S. Miami Ave., Miami
▪ Complimentary Gift-Wrapping: Gifts can be wrapped by Santa’s helpers for free from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday through Dec. 21. Gifts must be purchased from The Shops at Brickell City Centre.
▪ Visit Santa and his helpers: Go to Level 2 Garden Deck for complimentary photos and write your letters to send to the North Pole. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec.. 24
Looking ahead: Christmas Eve hours 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Christmas Day.
Broward Mall
8000 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation
▪ Photos With Santa: Runs through Dec. 24. Hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 15, then from Dec. 16-24 daily 11 a.m.-7 p.m.. Santa takes a break from 3-4 p.m. on Monday-Saturday and 3:30-4 p.m. on Sunday.
▪ Pet Photos with Santa: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays Dec. 9 and 16.
▪ Gift Wrapping: South Plantation High School Band & Guard offers gift-wrapping across from JD Sports near Macy’s during mall hours through Dec. 24. Proceeds will go toward supporting the school’s band and guard programs.
Looking ahead: Christmas Eve hours 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Christmas Day.
Coral Square Mall
9469 W. Atlantic Blvd., Coral Springs
▪ Santa Photos in Center Court: Through Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, near the mall’s north main entrance.
▪ Caring Santa: Sensory-friendly experience for children with special needs, and their families. Event runs 9:30 to a.m. 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 8.
Looking ahead: Christmas Eve hours 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Christmas Day.
Dadeland Mall
7535 North Kendall Dr., Kendall
▪ Santa Photo Experience: Runs through Dec. 24. Reservations encouraged but walk-ups are welcome.
▪ Caring Santa. Exclusively for children with special needs. Photo ops with Santa can be booked from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 3. Reservations are required.
▪ Breakfast with Santa: Features breakfast bites and holiday fun in the Dining Pavilion food court from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, followed by a parade led by Santa to the Santa Experience in Center Court from 11 a.m. to noon. Attendance fee is one new unwrapped toy per family for NBC 6 and Telemundo’s 51 Caravan of Joy Toy Drive. RSVP at breakfastwithsanta-dadelandmall.splashthat.com.
▪ Nightly Snow Fall: Snow in Miami? We remember that morning in January 1977. But malls bring it back bigger every year. The indoor snowfall at Dadeland Mall is about 10 minutes long and happens every night at 7 in the Fashion Wing near Tesla.
Looking ahead: Christmas Eve hours 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Christmas Day.
Dolphin Mall
11401 NW 12th St., Sweetwater
▪ Photos with Santa: Through Dec. 24. Reservations required. Special option is a Signature Santa visit for a private 15-minute photo shoot (limited time for $149.99). Details at shopdolphinmall.com/pages/photos-with-santa#holiday-events
▪ Pet Photos with Santa: 5 p.m.-7 p.m. on Monday.s, Dec. 9 at the mall’s Entry 4 location. A customized ornament is included with photo package purchases.
▪ Magical Snowfall: Nightly snowfalls, with festive music at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Jan. 5. Children under 12 get a magic wand to help bring the snowfall to life. No snow on Dec. 24, 25, 31, or New Year’s Day.
Looking ahead: Christmas Even hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Christmas Day.
The Falls
8888 SW 136th St., Kendall
▪ Santa Photo Experience: Runs through Dec. 24. Hours 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday-Friday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday. Reservations encouraged but walk-ups welcome. Make reservations at Falls Where Is Santa site.
Looking ahead: Christmas Eve hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and closed Christmas Day.
Florida Keys Outlet Marketplace
250 E. Palm Dr., Florida City
Christmas Eve: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Christmas: Closed.
Galleria Fort Lauderdale
2414 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
▪ Photos with Santa: Through Dec. 24.
▪ Gift Wrapping from Dec. 13 to Dec. 24.
Looking ahead: Christmas Eve hours 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Christmas Day.
Miami International Mall
1455 NW 107th Ave., Doral
▪ Santa Photos: Photos with Santa are available daily through Dec. 24. Walk-ups welcome but you can book, too.
▪ Breakfast With Santa: Features breakfast bites and holiday fun followed by a parade to the Santa set. The festivities start at 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Dec. 14, followed by the parade. Entrance fee for the event is one new unwrapped toy per family to benefit the Centro Mater Foundation.
Looking ahead: Christmas Eve hours 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Christmas Day.
Pembroke Lakes Mall
11401 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines
▪ Pictures With Santa: Runs through Dec. 24.
▪ Pet Photos With Santa: Start at 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 9-10.
Looking ahead: Christmas Eve hours 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Christmas Day
Sawgrass Mills
12801 W Sunrise Blvd., Sunrise
▪ Holiday Breakfast with Santa: Event at Rainforest Cafe features a holiday breakfast, pictures with Santa and holiday activities, 8:30 a.m. Dec. 15 and 22.
Looking ahead: Christmas Eve hours 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Chrustmas Day.
Shops at Merrick Park
358 San Lorenzo Ave., Coral Gables
▪ Thursdays With Santa: Visit Santa’s Workshop in the Courtyard every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. through Dec. 19. The activities are sponsored by Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Kids can meet Santa and share Christmas wishes.
▪ Merry at Merrick Shops at Merrick Park Holiday House: Photo op space that boasts a 360-degree visual experience to capture different looks from every angle for that Instagram image. The seasonal house is at the mall until Jan. 7.
Looking ahead: Christmas Eve hours 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Christmas Day.
Westland Mall
1675 W. 49th St., Hialeah
▪ Photos With Santa: Runs through Dec. 24. Photo packages start at $39.99. Reservations recommended but walk-ups are accepted.
▪ Pet Photo With Santa: Opportunities are 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 9 and 16.
Looking ahead: Christmas Eve hours 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Christmas Day.
