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For Your December Bucket List: Miami

Destinations

It's not just Art Basel that makes Miami a sought-after travel destination in December. Here's all you need to know that makes the vibrant beach metropolis so appealing.

World-class art

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Of course, for art and design fans, Art Basel Miami Beach is the main reason for a trip to Miami in December. Every year, top-tier galleries from around the world present works by emerging and established artists at the Miami Beach Convention Center. This year, Art Basel Miami Beach will take place from December 6 to 8. More than 250 galleries from 35 countries have announced their participation. They'll showcase works by over 4,000 artists. Around the main exhibition at the Convention Center, there's a wide variety of other art-focused events. One highlight will be the multimedia live performance by William Kentridge. He brings his works (which sell for over 1 million dollars) to life on the stage of the Arsht Center.

Art of Black Miami

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This year, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitor Bureau (GMCVB) is also celebrating the tenth anniversary of Art of Black Miami (AOBM). The program is a nationwide initiative aimed at increasing the visibility of Black artists and honoring their contributions. Originally launched in the historic neighborhoods of Little Haiti, Little Havana, Coconut Grove, and Historic Overtown, it has since become a nationwide initiative. Today, AOBM plays a vital role in tourism by highlighting and supporting the destination's vibrant art scene.

Great weather

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Another reason why Miami is a great idea in December is the weather. Daytime temperatures typically hover around 25°C (77°F) with plenty of sunshine. December marks the end of hurricane season and the beginning of the dry season in terms of rainfall. This means ideal conditions for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and, of course, beach days. Visitors can enjoy up to 10 hours of daylight and comfortable water temperatures.

Christmas mood in Miami

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Who says it always has to be the Christmas tree? Also decorated palms can spread quite a lot of festive cheer. In this respect, the city has a lot to offer anyway. There is, for example, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, which is transformed into a Christmas wonderland with Christmas events in December.  “Very Merry Garden” transformed. The Tropical Park calls the Christmas Wonderland aus. Natürlich samt üppiger Deko, Glühwein und Streetfood. Im InterContinental Miami eröffnet mit “Frosty’s Hideaway” eine weihnachtliche Pop-Up Bar und im Design District eröffnet Gucci’s Holiday Snow Globe. This is an installation that pays homage to the brand.

Miami for Foodies in december

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It's well-known that Miami boasts an exceptionally vibrant restaurant scene, with new openings continually making waves. Recently, Pickle has joined the South Beach lineup, focusing on Greek and Turkish family-style cuisine. Additionally, a branch of the Colombian club-restaurant concept Andrés Carne de Res has opened, bringing its iconic atmosphere to Miami Beach. Speaking of Colombian cuisine, Michelin-starred chef Juan Manuel Barrientos has launched his restaurant Cartagena in the SLS South Beach Hotel. The remarkable Faena Hotel Miami Beach has also added a new brunch and dinner spot, Campo at Casa Faena. Visitors now have the opportunity to be among the first guests at these exciting new venues.

Claudia Hilmbauer
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