Key Takeaways Heading into 2025
As the year wraps up, Southeast Florida’s real estate market continues to show strong growth and rising demand.
- Southeast Florida homeowners gained record equity, with up to $542K in Miami-Dade, well above the $310K national average.
- Job growth, migration, and rising luxury demand fuel continued price appreciation.
- Miami-Dade now has the second- highest share of million-dollar home sales at 23%, up from 8% in 2019.
Source: Miami Realtors
Coco’s Corner
Grab your Winter Wonders Passport and join Coco on a festive adventure! Earn stamps by visiting holiday hotspots like the Bayfront Park Christmas tree, Pinecrest Gardens' Night of Lights, or spotting menorahs, wreaths, and twinkling lights across Miami. Check them all off and ask your grown-ups for a fun prize—maybe a holiday dessert, a hot cocoa treat, or a festive craft kit.
Holiday Checklist:
Use the checklist below to track your discoveries and add a star for everything you find!
- 🎄 Spot a Christmas tree
- 🕎 Find a lit menorah
- ✨ See twinkling holiday lights
- 🌟 Spot a wreath on a door
- ❄️ Look for a snowflake decoration
- 🎅 Snap a photo of an inflatable Santa or reindeer
- 🍭 Find a candy cane decoration
- 🌺 Spot a poinsettia plant
December Dining:
New Spots Around Miami
Miss Crispy Rice
Coral Gables
The world’s first crispy rice bar has relocated to Coral Gables! The beloved Japanese eatery offers nigiri, handrolls, crispy rice, and omakase. Try their 7-course, 11-course, or 16-course dinner menu.
Caracas Bakery
Coral Gables
Known for artisanal sourdough, sandwiches, and pastries, a new location is coming to Coral Gables this December or January, offering the same beloved treats we all crave.
Fookem’s Fabulous
Coconut Grove
From his “Pie Mobile” bicycle cart to a brick-and-mortar storefront, Joshua Abril has delighted Miami with his fabulous key lime pies. Order a whole key or mini pie, with flavor options rotating daily.
Tina in the Gables
Coral Gables
The same team behind Miami Slice and La Latina has opened a new cafe offering classic breakfast and brunch options, sandwiches, arepas, salads, and rotisserie meats in a cozy ambiance.
Mika
Coral Gables
Chef Michael White debuts his latest restaurant offering Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a roomy and refined environment, where hospitality is priority number one.
Carbone Vino
Coconut Grove
The sister restaurant of the ever-popular Carbone, Carbone Vino will serve up Italian fare and wine. Unlike its sister location, the new spot will accept walk-ins and offer bar seating.
Façade
Coral Gables
For freshly baked sourdough, pastries, or coffee, check out Façade. Enjoy coffee and carbs solo or with friends around the bakery’s signature communal table.
Jon & Vinny’s
Allapattah
The iconic LA eatery hosts a special residency at the Rubell Museum. Enjoy incredible “California-Italian” pasta dishes, plus desserts and a full bar.
Holiday Happenings
Zoo Lights
Select days through Dec 30
6:30 PM-10 PM
12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177
See Zoo Miami transform into a holiday wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, animal sculptures, and holiday fun.
Night of Lights at Pinecrest Gardens
Select days, Dec 6 - 29
6 PM - 9 PM
11000 Red Rd, Pinecrest, FL 33156
Stroll through dazzling holiday light displays and festive scenes that bring the magic of the season to life.
Carolers in Downtown Coral Gables
Through Dec 19, 2024, Select Days
7 PM - 9 PM
Miracle Mile and Giralda Plaza, Coral Gables, FL
Enjoy the melodic voices of local high school choirs performing in festive attire along Miracle Mile and Giralda Plaza. Each evening features a different group of talented students, creating a joyful backdrop for holiday shopping and dining.
Both Sides Now
Select days, Dec 13 - Jan 05, 2025
GableStage at The Biltmore, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, FL 33134
Experience the music and lives of Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen in this intimate theatrical cabaret, running select dates. Get tickets here before they’re sold out!
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the Adrienne Arsht Center
December 13 – 24
1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
Miami City Ballet presents George Balanchine's The Nutcracker, featuring stunning choreography, live orchestra, and dazzling costumes in a magical holiday spectacle.
Deering Estate Holiday Events
Select days in December
3:30 PM - 10 PM
16701 SW 72nd Ave., Miami, FL 33157
Celebrate the season with festive events at the Deering Estate, including the signature Mistletoe & Martinis event, caroling, bay cruises, and holiday fun for all ages.
Nova Exhibition Miami
Dec 18 – Jan 31, 2025
Tue-Sun: 11 AM – 8 PM | Fri: 11 AM – 6 PM
Greenwich Studios, 12100 NE 16th Ave., North Miami, FL 33161
Drawing more than 260,000 visitors in previous cities, the immersive installation honoring the lives lost and survivors of the tragic 2023 Nova Music Festival in Re’im, Israel now arrives in Miami, providing a sacred space for reflection and solidarity.
Tropical Winter Wonderland at Miami Children’s Museum
Through Dec 31
10 AM – 6 PM
980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami, FL 33132
Enjoy a playful holiday adventure featuring an outdoor sock skating rink, festive photo ops, and kid-friendly holiday shopping at the Miami Children’s Museum.
A Very Merry Garden & NightGarden at Fairchild
Through Jan 5, 2025 & Jan 12, 2025 Respectively
Daytime: 10 AM – 5 PM | Nighttime: 5 PM – 10 or 11 PM
10901 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156
Celebrate the season at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden with festive daytime activities like the Reindeer Round-Up, Storytime with Mrs. Claus, and special appearances by Santa. After sunset, experience the enchanting NightGarden, featuring glowing trails, projection art, a talking tree, magical snowfall, and photo-worthy installations.
Luminosa: A Festival of Lights at Jungle Island
Through Mar 8, 2025
5:30 PM - 10:30 PM
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132
Experience the magic of Luminosa, featuring 40 breathtaking Chinese lantern installations, live performances, food, and more.
A Classic with a Twist
We all know Marilyn’s go-to is a classic martini—simple, elegant, and timeless. But to celebrate the season with a Miami twist, here’s a refreshing take infused with vibrant winter citrus for a little holiday cheer!
Ingredients:
- Martini glass
- Shaker
- 2 oz. Grey Goose vodka
- 1 oz. fresh squeezed blood orange juice
- 3 pitted Italian Castelvetrano olives
- 1 thin slice of blood orange (for garnish)
Preparation:
- Add Grey Goose vodka and blood orange juice to the shaker.
- Hold the vermouth!
- Top with ice and shake gently.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with Castelvetrano olives and a slice of blood orange for a festive, citrusy twist.
Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays and best wishes for a joyful New Year from all of us at the Marilyn Cromer Team! We’re grateful for your trust and support this year and look forward to helping you find more reasons to celebrate in 2025. Cheers to a bright and beautiful year ahead!
Cheers to 2025
Here are three spots in Miami to watch fireworks and welcome in the new year.
Bayfront Park
301 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
Enjoy a free celebration featuring live music and the iconic Big Orange drop, culminating in a spectacular fireworks show over Biscayne Bay.
The Biltmore Hotel
1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Don your finest cocktail party attire and usher in 2025 in style. Experience a luxurious New Year's Eve with a gourmet dinner, live music, and an incredible fireworks display above the golf course.
South Pointe Park
1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Celebrate at this scenic park with stunning views of the ocean and a vibrant atmosphere as fireworks light up the sky over Miami Beach.
Giving Back This Holiday Season
This season, give back and spread joy by participating in these local toy drives supporting families and children in need. Spread holiday cheer and make a difference in the community.
Nicklaus Children's Hospital Toy Drive
Bring a new, unwrapped toy Dec. 19-20 to the Holiday Harbour Toy Drive at Regatta Grove (3415 Pan American Drive) to support pediatric patients, and receive a complimentary cocktail.
Coral Gables Police & Fire Departments
Donate new, unwrapped toys through Dec 20 at drop-off locations: Public Safety Building (2151 Salzedo St.), Fire Station 2 (525 S. Dixie Hwy), or Fire Station 3 (11911 Old Cutler St.).
Coconut Grove Christmas Tree Lot
Donate toys while picking out a tree through Dec 24 at 3400 Main Hwy; proceeds support local charities.
