Christmas in Miami can guarantee that you do not in fact get a “White Christmas”. But there are many ways to enjoy the warmer weather while still getting in the Spirit of Christmas. This year you can enjoy a chance to visit Santa’s Enchanted Forest at its biggest location yet!
What To Do at Santa’s Enchanted Forest?
The park has over 100 games, shows, rides, and attractions. It is open from November 9, 2022 – January 8, 2023, for 2 whole months of holiday fun!
Rides
There are rides for kids (over 36″), families (42″-53″), and thrill rides (over 54″). Something for everyone. From bumper cars to roller coasters, there are plenty of rides in each category to keep everyone in the family entertained. There are nearly 20 rides in each category.
Shows
One of the ways that Santa’s Enchanted Forest separates itself from all other carnivals is through all the shows they offer. While it’s jam-packed with rides, getting to see at least some shows helps put you in the spirit further!
There are a variety of shows available to watch. The shows happen multiple times throughout the day and evening. There are LED robots that will interact with you. There’s also a motorbike show in the “globe of death” as well as a freestyle motorcycle show.
Dale Scott the magician will be there with shows for kids. Finally, there are acrobats from two different performing companies. So if the rides are not your speed, you will have plenty of shows to keep you entertained.
Attractions
No fair would be complete without some traditional attractions. All the attractions are holiday themed! There are traditional games of darts, ring toss, basketball, and water gun races. Additionally, there is face painting and an inflatable obstacle course.
Holiday-specific attractions include South Florida’s Tallest Christmas tree, Christmas Light Spectacular, Mistletoe Lane, and millions of dazzling lights.
What To Eat
With 40 acres to explore you are sure to work up an appetite! Luckily there are many different food options to choose from. Now I know what you’re thinking as you read through this article. Considering all the fair foods you know and love!
Now you will definitely find some of those here! Turkey leg? Check! Kebabs? Absolutely! Fried Oreos? Without a doubt, sign me up!
But this is SOUTH FLORIDA! Home of authentic Latin American food! Now that is why you’re here! Whether it’s Cuban, Puerto Rican, Mexican, or Peruvian, you’re not going to be disappointed to learn that Santa’s Enchanted Forest has them all.
Arepas
This Colombian and Venezuelan treat is great to eat on the go! It is made with maize and cheese. The maize dough is cooked on a griddle and stuffed with lots of melted cheese. They are perfect to eat while walking around.
Ceviche
While you might not consider raw fish as fair food this is worth it! Peruvian or Ecuadorian ceviche is raw fish mixed with citrus juice. Different places may add additional tangy veggies to the ceviche. Try the original and expand from there.
Coladas
Now I am not a nighttime coffee drinker, but if you need something to keep you up until 1:30 am this is the drink for you. It comes in a small cup with smaller shots to share with your party. Now don’t take this lightly, this coffee is sweet but STRONG. It is not for the faint of heart nor do I recommend drinking it alone.
It’s worth it I promise.
Empanadas
I live for empanadas! They come from many different Latin American cultures. Each country has its own twist. In South Florida, you’ll mostly see Colombian or Venezuelan-style empanadas. I like the beef ones the best.
These are little hand pies that are easily carryable for the fair. They are dough circles, filled with a variety of different fillings, and then fried.
Santa and The Lights
Of course, of course, for a Christmas-themed fair, there must be a Santa! Santa’s Enchanted Forest prides itself on a very authentic Santa. He makes appearances all throughout the day and night.
Children can do the traditional sitting on his lap and take a photo. Be sure to check the schedule ahead of time to find out when you can visit with Santa. Obviously, there will be a pretty long line to get a moment with Santa. It is his theme park after all!
Personally, I come for the food and rides. Seeing Santa during the Christmas season is pretty easy to do in many different places so why do it here? There’s going to be huge lines and you’ll miss all the other activities.
Of course, this is a personal decision. Plenty of people have a tradition of getting the yearly Santa picture at the park. Just consider your priorities when you’re- visiting. For me, I like to enjoy the rides and shows over spending hours in line for Santa. You might prefer seeing Santa.
The Christmas Tree Light Show
Fun fact: Santa’s Enchanted Forest boasts the largest Christmas tree in all of South Florida!
So no this is not a real tree, but it is quite beautiful. The park installs over 3 million lights each year. Not all of the lights are on the Christmas tree, but it does have the most. When you walk in you’ll get drawn in by the many lights in preparation for their excellent light show.
The light show is choreographed to Christmas music to make it a spectacular moment for everyone. If you have younger kids definitely check out the times for the tree ceremony so you can make your way there before the masses. This has to be a must-do on your list!
If you really love lights check out Christmas Town USA in North Carolina and while you’re there check out the Chinese Lantern Festival.
Where is Santa’s Enchanted Forest?
PARK ADDRESS:
7400 NW 87th Avenue Miami, Florida 33166
The park has 3 entrances this year with over 40 acres to explore.
When to go to Santa’s Enchanted Forest?
Santa’s Enchanted Forest will be open every day between November 9, 2022 – January 8, 2023. The hours are 5 PM-Midnight. Note that the park will often remain open until 1:30 AM on busy nights and weekends.
The box office closes at 10:45 PM Monday- Thursday and at 11:15 PM on weekends. The park is also open on all holidays during this time. Check out their website to get more details.
Important things to know before you go
Tickets
There are a variety of ticket packages. If you want to visit multiple times, then the season pass is for you. There is a single-day ticket ($34.59-$42.99). You can also get a VIP Parking pass ($20-$35).
On select peak nights and weekends, you can also add on a fast pass ($28.04). There are also group tickets if you have a larger group outing together. Finally, there are discounts for the military and seniors.
You can purchase the tickets online. Pre-purchasing the tickets can help you avoid the box office line. However, each ticket for Santa’s Enchanted Forest is specific to the person purchasing it. You need to show an ID (or phone) to get your ticket. There is a caveat to the online ticket route, though.
While you might be prepared with your ID, this is something that can slow down the line. Inevitably there will be people who are not prepared for this request at the gate.
Bag Policy
There are no restrictions on the size of the bags you can bring, but you will be asked to walk through a metal detector. All bags are subject to search before entering the park. Additionally, there are metal detectors at each entrance.
Parking
There is ample parking available at the park, but you need to pay for it. I would recommend pre-paying for parking so you can avoid the line. You’ll find that the line to pay is significantly longer and takes a while to get through. You will need cash!
Pre-purchase the tickets online and save yourself time.
Final Thoughts: Santa’s Enchanted Forest
This is a very busy and large fair. It can be so much fun and there is so much to do and see. It’s definitely a must-do activity for the Christmas season.
If you are visiting Miami and want some more ideas of unique things to do check out my favorite things here.
