December is a great time to enjoy the beaches near Miami, including the internationally famous South Beach, for sunbathing and sightseeing. The water can be a bit chilly, but the hardy can indulge in swimming, boating, jet skiing, and parasailing. If you'd rather have climate-controlled swimming, check out the city of Coral Gables' Venetian Pool, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or water parks like Grapeland. Nature lovers can visit the Metro Zoo, Monkey Jungle (with 30 species of primates), and Jungle Island.
Miami and Miami Beach draw big names in the music world for concerts from rock to classical in venues like the Gusman Center. The Germain Arena offers public skating and special events like the Cirque du Soleil. Science fans can enjoy the Miami Museum of Science and Planetarium, and museums for all ages include the Miami Children's Museum, the Miami Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Historical Museum of Southern Florida, Fairchild Botanical Gardens, and the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens among many more. Sports fans can take advantage of football games with the University of Miami and the Miami Dolphins, professional basketball with the Miami Heat, and pro hockey with the Florida Panthers.
Each year, Miami Beach and Basel, Switzerland, together present an international art show, "Art Basel," which takes place in December in Miami Beach (and in June in Switzerland). Other annual events in December include the Greater Miami Dog Club Show, the Israeli Film Festival, the Miccosukee Indian Arts Festival, and the Florida Dance Festival. Sample a variety of Christmas-themed events, including Santa's Enchanted Forest, the Winterfest Boat Parade, and the Miami City Ballet's performance of "The Nutcracker."
