Your holiday passport to South Florida: culture, flavors, music, and a lot more!

As the holidays start, South Florida comes alive with events that showcase its unique mix of cultures, traditions, and flavors.

Floricua brings you a list of amazing events to help you celebrate the season with family and friends in the tri-county area of Florida. From food trucks serving up authentic Puerto Rican dishes to exciting and colorful boat parades and cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Plenazo en La Terraza, Doral

Make your Thursdays in December special by celebrating at La Terraza Organic on Dec. 5, 12, and 19 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. 

These evenings will feature live plena music by D’Pura Cepa and Jacareo and authentic Puerto Rican food, making it a perfect way to enjoy the holiday spirit with friends and family. La Terraza, a Miami classic for 30 years, is known not only for its organic food but for supporting local chefs by offering them pop-up kitchen spaces at no cost. 

Holiday Market, Pembroke Pines

That same evening from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the Holiday Market at Pembroke Lakes Mall will bring Puerto Rican flavors to life with food trucks Ay Bendito and A La Varita, serving up freshly grilled lechón and pollo asado, among other authentic dishes from la isla. Live Puerto Rican music starts at 6:00 p.m with Jerry Montañez. This celebration of food and culture promises to be a highlight of the season and is a great way to connect with the local community.

40th Annual Wellington Holiday Parade, Wellington

For families looking for a classic holiday experience, the 40th Annual Wellington Holiday Parade takes place on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Wellington Town Center. Enjoy marching bands, holiday floats, and a special appearance by Santa Claus himself. 

Parranda pa’ Ti, Miami Shores

On the same day, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., The Shores Sunday Market in Miami Shores (9301 NE 2nd Ave., Miami Shores) will host Parranda pa’ Ti, a lively celebration of Puerto Rican culture and the holiday spirit. The event features live music by La Gran Familia with their traditional parranda, and the day will end with a festive Plenazo Navideño performed by Jacareo. 

Visitors can also enjoy an amazing atmosphere with local vendors and delicious Puerto Rican food presented by Ay Bendito and A La Varita. 

This family-friendly event is organized by La Mesa Boricua de South Florida and Great Markets USA, bringing the community together for a day of music, food, and Puerto Rican pride.

The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, Fort Lauderdale

The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, on the New River in Fort Lauderdale and is expected to reach the viewing area by 7:00 p.m.. Tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for children 10 and under, and free for children 3 and under, with seating provided. Parking is within walking distance, and rideshare is encouraged.

Parrandón Navideño, Coral Gables

If you want to celebrate Puerto Rican style, go to el Parrandón Navideño on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at the Trail Theater, located at 3715 SW 8th St., Coral Gables. Starting at 3:00 p.m., this festive concert will feature villancico, plena, and salsa performances, bringing the sounds and spirit of the season to life. Tickets are $30 and available for purchase. Organized by Afroborinken Roots, the event is made possible with support from local sponsors.

Asalto Navideño

Get ready for a day full of music, food, and holiday vibes at Asalto Navideño on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Hosted by Jacareo, this festive gathering will have DJ music pumping all afternoon, plus plenty of good eats from local favorites like La Terraza, A La Varita, and D’Pura Cepa. Whether you’re here for the music, the lechón, or just the holiday energy, this is the perfect way to celebrate some Puerto Rican holiday spirit. 

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