Historic Holiday Décor, Winter Camp, Sunrise Photography & More At The Deering Estate
Designated as one of Miami-Dade County's seven “Heritage Parks,” Deering Estate offers a variety of recreational and cultural experiences for everyone to enjoy. Miami Living brings you some of these culturally-rich opportunities to participate in and enjoy.
Historic Holiday Décor: "Caroling through the Season"
The Deering Estate invites you to step back in time and experience the magic of the season with “Historic Holidays: Caroling through the Season.” The Richmond Cottage, the first floor and basement of the Stone House, and outdoor areas of the Estate will come alive with the nostalgic charm of traditional holiday carols.
Each room will be adorned with festive décor inspired by the beloved songs that have filled our hearts for generations. Under the creative direction of the Deering Estate Designer-in-Residence, Alfredo Brito, and in collaboration with talented local designers, Deering Estate Artists-in-Residence, the 100 Ladies of Deering, local garden clubs, and volunteers, the Estate will transport visitors to a bygone era where carolers, sleigh bells, and warm hearths evoke the true spirit of the holidays.
This year’s theme celebrates the joy of gathering and the timeless melodies that unite us all in festive cheer. Highlights include rooms themed to classic carols such as “Frosty, the Snowman,” “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas” each bringing to life the lyrics through intricate and immersive holiday displays.
The Historic Holiday Décor will be on display daily through Tuesday, January 7, 2025 (10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Gates close at 4:00 p.m.).
Please note that Deering Estate is closed on Christmas Day.
Holiday Membership Offer
Renew or become a New Member of the Deering Estate Foundation and receive 10% off your Deering Estate Foundation membership. Must purchase by December 31, 2024.
Purchase online and use promo code: xmascarol24.
Winter Camp
The Deering Estate offers a winter break camp, and each session has a different theme! Campers will have fun while also learning about different fields of science. Two, three-day sessions of Winter Camp: Session I: Dec. 23, 26 & 27 & Session II: Dec. 30, Jan. 2 & 3.
Fireside Nights at Fruit & Spice Park
Plan a visit to Miami-Dade Parks Fruit & Spice Park this holiday season for Fireside Nights! On Saturday, December 21 & 28, and January 4, bring your blankets and lawn chairs, sip on steaming hot cocoa, and indulge in delicious cookies as you soak up the magical atmosphere. Capture the moment with plenty of sparkling holiday photo-ops, perfect for creating lasting memories with your loved ones.
Sunrise Photography
You can enjoy taking photos of the sunrise over Biscayne Bay this Saturday, December 21st from 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Once the sun has finished rising, you will be able to enjoy general admission to the Estate during the same day.
National Audubon Society: Christmas Bird Count
Every December, the National Audubon Society holds a nationwide Christmas Bird Count (CBC) that helps protect species and their habitats by tracking long-term trends in bird populations. This year's bird count will be held from December 14 to January 5.
Deering Estate is part of the Biscayne Bay IBA (Important Bird Area) recognized as a globally important habitat for the conservation of bird populations. Deering Estate staff will be participating in the Kendall Christmas Bird Count this Saturday, December 21.
On the Water Adventures & Biscayne Bay Cruises
The Deering Estate offers a variety of “On the Water” adventures where participants can enjoy a variety of kayak tours on Biscayne Bay, including the popular and scenic Lighthouses of Biscayne Bay Cruise on Saturday, December 28 and a Historic Kayak Adventure on Saturday, January 4th.
Moon Viewing
On Friday, January 10th, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., spend a relaxing evening outdoors and enjoy the open space and bay vistas during reduced after-hours admission to Deering Estate. Guests are welcome to bring blankets, chairs, and small picnic baskets.
Community Action Day
Perfect for individuals who are looking to volunteer for a few hours at Deering Estate, our Community Action Day on Saturday, January 11th provides great family-friendly opportunities ranging from beautification and plantings to environmental stewardship and conservation, all while building community.
Activities may include invasive plant removal, planting, mulching, and cleaning up litter in and around Deering Estate. Volunteers must be 15 years of age or older.
MIAMI short FILM FESTIVAL: Best of Fest 2024
Deering Estate in partnership with the Miami short Film Festival presents “Best of Fest 2024” on Sunday, January 12th. Enjoy the screening of some of the winning short films from the 23rd edition of the Miami short Film Festival. The screening will be indoors at the Deering Estate Theater.
Daily Nature Preserve Tours
Join our naturalist staff for a hike through the Deering Estate's protected natural areas. Along the way, learn about native plants and animals and the Cutler Burial Mound. Staff-guided Nature Preserve Tours are offered once daily at 12:30 p.m. from October 1 through May 31.
The tour is free with the purchase of general admission. All guests, including Deering Estate Foundation Members, are required to sign-up at the Main Gate before the tour begins in order to ensure their space. Space is limited.