Christmas Wonderland opened Thursday at Tropical Park, bringing holiday lights, rides, games, food, music and Santa to South Florida residents. The event, which runs through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027, is expected to draw families from across Miami‑Dade seeking a warm, community‑centered holiday experience.
According to NBC6, this year’s lineup includes the new America 250 Wheel, which rises 230 feet above the park. Executive Producer Tony Albelo noted that the Bayside Ferris wheel, “just under 200 feet,” is the largest traveling Ferris wheel in the entire world.
Among the first visitors were Kiana Latiff and her two sons, who were first in line. Latiff said, “Just the energy alone is pretty electric. We’re pretty excited,” and added, “It’s one of my favorite holidays, just the spirit of it, warm, cold, we do it tropical style. Being from South Florida, we’re used to the heat, so we still make it magical.” Ron Liberda and his family, experiencing the carnival for the first time, described it as “great, it’s nice, it’s good as it can get.”
HyperLocal Loop highlighted that the holiday season is officially arriving in Miami‑Dade County as Christmas Wonderland returns to one of the area’s most popular green spaces. Tropical Park, a cherished gathering spot for residents, transforms into a dazzling holiday destination, reinforcing the sense of community that defines the region. For many households, a visit to the event is a yearly ritual—a chance to step away from everyday life and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season alongside neighbors and loved ones.
Tickets are available online, and the event is located at 7900 SW 40th St., Miami, FL 33155. Visitors are encouraged to check local listings for specific dates, hours, and any additional details as the season progresses.
What’s next: Christmas Wonderland will remain open through Jan. 3, 2027. Families planning to attend should purchase tickets in advance and monitor local announcements for any updates on operating hours or special programming.
Sources: nbcmiami.com, hyperlocalloop.com
