Welcome to your ultimate guide to experiencing the best of holiday dining and wine celebrations in Miami this December. If you’re looking to elevate your holiday season with rich flavors, lively events, and elegant settings, you’re in the right place. In this blog we’ll explore the top festivals, tastings, and wine-soaked celebrations that transform the Magic City into a food-and-wine lover’s paradise during the holidays.
Miami has long been a culinary destination where cultures blend and creativity thrives, and during December the city turns up the magic even more! Think sparkling lights, beachfront dinners, pop-up wine bars, festive vibes and gourmet comfort. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer stay, these events are perfect excuses to pair indulgent cuisine with a luxury villa stay.
In the sections below we’ll cover 10 standout festivals and events; each accompanied by details on the theme, location, what to expect, and how to make the most of your experience. We’ll also tie in how a stay with Jatina Group can complement your plans with comfort, concierge-level service and an unforgettable backdrop. Let’s dive into the delicious world of holiday food & wine festivals in Miami.
Nestled at a chic waterfront venue in Miami Beach, this event opens the holiday festival calendar with an evening of wine tastings, gourmet bite-sized dishes and live music. Expect a relaxed yet upscale crowd, casual chic attire, and a pace that invites conversation and exploration rather than rushed sampling.
For many visitors this mixer becomes the perfect warm-up to more intensive weekend festivals. You’ll have access to curated wine flights from local vineyards and small-batch producers, paired with inventive bites from Miami’s rising chef talent.
If you’re staying with Jatina Group, this is a great night to settle in. Arrive early, check into your villa, enjoy a sunset cocktail by the pool, then walk or ride-share to the mixer for an elegant start. The concierge team can arrange private transport or even a pre-event wine delivery.
Tips: arrive before 7 pm to beat the main crowd, pick comfortable shoes for walking between tasting stations, and ask about the “guest pour” specials which often feature rare wines.
Wynwood transforms for one weekend in December into a culinary playground with street-food markets, wine pop-ups and chef-led masterclasses. It’s one of the most fun of the holiday food events in Miami.
Over the course of two days you’ll find neighborhood venues hosting wine events Miami-style: from biodynamic producers to sparkling winemakers. Accompanying the wine are street-style food stalls, gourmet tacos, Latin fusion, razzle-dazzle desserts and a lively atmosphere fueled by DJs and art installations.
For attendees staying in a Jatina Group villa nearby, this weekend is ideal: enjoy the freedom of heading back “home” mid-day for poolside relaxation, then return fresh for the evening’s festivities. With the concierge you might even arrange an in-villa chef dinner following the event.
Be sure to check for early bird ticket tiers, some masterclasses sell out fast (especially the “wine & chocolate” pairing). Also, late-night rideshares may surge, so plan ahead or book a private driver.
A refined experience among the city’s many festival options: board a private yacht on Biscayne Bay for one of the most luxurious wine events Miami offers. Guests sip premium wines, enjoy canapés on deck and watch the skyline light up as the sun sets.
This event is ideal for small groups, couples or those seeking something beyond the typical festival hustle. The ambiance is calm, elegant and exclusive. A sommelier leads the tasting and shares stories behind each bottle, paired with small bites prepared onboard or by a villa chef.
If you are staying with Jatina Group in a waterfront villa, ask the concierge about bundled packages: villa + yacht charter + tasting. It creates a seamless luxury experience from land to sea.
Since this is a ticket-limited affair, book early. Dress is resort chic (think linen, light blazer). Also consider seasickness straps if you’re not used to the water especially since a smooth ride enhances the wine experience.
In the leafy charm of Coral Gables, a daytime brunch event pairs seasonal fare with wines and bubbly. This is one of the standout holiday food events in Miami where you can relax, brunch elegantly and sip your way through estate-grown and imported wines.
The setting is garden-style, often beneath canopy trees and holiday lights, creating a relaxed yet elevated vibe. Think fresh citrus salads, roasted local vegetables, grilled seafood, and paired wines ranging from crisp whites to light-bodied reds. After brunch there’s often a short cooking demo or wine talk, so you’ll leave with new knowledge and a satisfied palate.
Visitors staying in a villa with Jatina Group can choose to attend mid-morning then return for a quiet poolside afternoon. It’s a great way to balance out the high-energy evenings of other festival nights. The concierge may even arrange a mid-afternoon wine delivery to the villa for lounge time.
Pro tip: Bring your own tasting notebook as some of the boutique wines you’ll sample are not widely distributed. And if you find a favorite, ask about “buy the bottle” options at the event.
Just outside the city, the Redland region offers a slower-paced wine experience perfect for a day trip. This is more of a discovery stop than a festival, but for wine lovers it’s a hidden gem in the calendar of wine events in Miami.
You’ll visit boutique wineries that produce tropical-fruit wines (guava, lychee), and more traditional varietals grown in warm-climate vineyards. Tours include tastings, vineyard walks and paired lunches featuring local produce. It’s a great counterpoint to the high-energy festival scene.
If you’re staying in a Jatina Group villa, you could dedicate a full afternoon here: pick up a car or have the concierge arrange transport, enjoy the tour, then return to your base for a relaxed evening. It’s also family-friendly and offers a change of pace.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes (vineyard terrain) and bring a light sweater for the evening breeze. Also if you find a special bottle you like, ask about shipping options or safe carry-home packaging.
Coconut Grove turns festive in December with a holiday market featuring artisan food vendors, live music and pop-up wine bars; one of the most charming of the holiday food events in Miami. It’s ideal for an afternoon of browsing, sampling and casual indulgence.
In the heart of the market you’ll find a wine pavilion hosting wine events in Miami style tasting flights; local and imported wines, short talks by sommeliers, and a cozy lounge area for lingering. Food vendors bring seasonal specialties: warm soups, spiced desserts, Latin-inspired street food, and more.
For those staying with Jatina Group, this market makes for a delightful early evening outing. Grab a bottle or two to take back to the villa, enjoy the market, then dine in-villa with a private chef or catered spread. It’s a great blend of local flavor and private luxury.
Tip: Bring a tote bag for your purchases (wine, food crafts). Arrive early for the best finds, and if visiting with kids, note there’s a kid’s craft zone by the ice rink (if set up).
One of the most glamorous brunch-inspired “wine events Miami” options: a rooftop or beach-front venue in South Beach hosts an all-sparkling wine brunch. Think Champagne, prosecco, high bubbles and a festive ambiance.
The menu generally features seafood towers, fresh fruit, truffle-scrambled eggs and pastries with seasonal twists (cranberry compote, gingerbread donuts). The wine list is forward-thinking: Spanish Cava, Californian sparkling, Boutique Champagne houses, all complemented by jazz or lounge music.
For your stay with Jatina Group, this event is perfect for a “slower start” day: late morning brunch, followed by a relaxing afternoon on your villa terrace or at the beach, and then an optional evening event. If you’re traveling as a group, ask the concierge about a private villa rooftop cocktail hour before or after the brunch.
Dress code: resort luxe (no flip-flops). Reservations often include one or two glasses of bubbly with a buffet or brunch menu so factor that into your booking.
For those seeking something more refined, this gala event combines premium wines and top-shelf whiskeys with gourmet starters and decadent desserts. It belongs firmly in the category of “wine events Miami” aimed at connoisseurs.
Held in a posh hotel ballroom or luxury estate (sometimes with a red-carpet dress code), attendees enjoy a seated dinner, live auction, and interactive pairing stations. Wines may include aged Burgundy, Napa Cabernets, Provençal rosé, while whiskeys range from small-batch bourbons to single-malt Scotches.
If your villa stay with Jatina Group has you celebrating a special occasion (anniversary, milestone), this kind of gala provides a memorable evening out. The concierge can arrange pre-gala transport, recommend attire, or even set up an in-villa afterparty with matching wines and whiskeys.
Tip: Bring business cards (networking often happens), keep track of bottles you like for possible purchase, and ask about auction bidding conditions if you’re interested.
A more intimate holiday event, this evening gathering takes place outdoors—perhaps on a rooftop, terrace, or beachfront and features dessert pairings with fortified and sweet wines (Port, Madeira, late-harvest Riesling).
Guests are offered a tasting flight of sweet wines alongside decadent desserts: dark chocolate truffles, fig-and-almond tartlets, caramelized nuts, citrus zest pastries. The mood is relaxed, romantic and perfect for couples or small groups.
When staying in a Jatina Group villa, you might choose to attend this event, then continue the evening back at the villa with a fire-pit lounge, wine selection, and stargazing. The concierge could arrange an in-villa dessert masterclass or private sommelier if desired.
Tips: Bring a light wrap (Miami breezes at night), ask about vegetarian or gluten-free dessert options when booking, and arrive early to get the best outdoor seat.
Capping off the December calendar is the ultimate celebration: a New Year’s Eve gala combining a multi-course dinner, wine & cocktail pairings, live entertainment and a midnight toast. This one is a flagship “Miami food wine festival” type event for the holiday season.
Hosted at a premium hotel, beachfront club or luxury estate, the evening features themes (black & gold glamour, tropical-elegance), champagne bars, chef stations, dessert tables and often an after-party with DJ or band. Wine pairings span from sparkling at arrival to elegant reds at dinner, and top off with dessert wines or cognac post-midnight.
For those staying with Jatina Group, this is where the full villa experience shines. You might book a villa for a group, host a private pre-party, attend the gala, then return back to the villa or have the after-party there. The concierge can arrange everything from private transport to late-night snacks, a mimosa bar, or quiet morning brunch the next day.
Book early. Tickets sell quickly, especially for top views or rooftop access. Given the timing, consider booking the villa for the full holiday stretch to avoid last-minute availability issues.
Another layer of the December food-and-wine scene: an upscale charity gala where proceeds support local causes. Expect fine wines, chef-curated plates, and live auctions (wine lots, vacation packages, exclusive dinners).
Guests often arrive in cocktail attire, enjoy a reception with premium bubbles, followed by a seated dinner with paired wines, silent auction stations, live entertainment, and a final toast. It’s a social affair with substance; great for networkers or those who want to combine indulgence with impact.
If you’re staying in a Jatina Group villa, this could be your one major night out of several quieter days of festival wandering. The concierge can coordinate group arrival, valet parking or shuttle, and follow-up in-villa wind-down with dessert and digestifs.
Tip: Bid high on rare wine lots early (they often go quickly), take note of bottles you sample you might buy later, and factor in valet or rideshare timing which can surge after the event.
A more casual but utterly festive-charming event: a pop-up in downtown Miami featuring seasonal desserts (gingerbread, hot chocolate, warm pastries), paired with mulled wine, hot spiced cider, and rich dessert wines. Perfect for a day of exploring before your main festival nights.
This event qualifies as one of the holiday food events in Miami that caters to families, pairs, and groups looking for a lighter, daytime outing. It’s walkable, friendly and filled with holiday cheer rather than full-on gourmet intensity.
Given staying in a Jatina Group villa, you might attend this event midday, grab dessert, stroll the city, then retreat for a spa session or quiet villa afternoon before evening festivities. It’s a nice balance.
Pro tip: arrive with a modest appetite (you’ll likely want to snack later), bring a jacket (even Miami evenings can get breezy), and grab your desserts to go if you prefer to enjoy at your villa terrace.
While technically not a public festival, this private in-villa experience is one of the most meaningful ways to enjoy the December food & wine scene in Miami so it warrants its own heading. It blends with the theme of holiday indulgence and complements all the other events.
Your stay with Jatina Group offers the possibility of hiring a private chef, selecting a curated wine list, and arranging a sommelier-led pairing dinner right in your villa. You’ll be free from crowds, enjoy personalized menu choices, and pair wines to your preferences. It makes for a quiet and luxurious counterpoint to the public festivals.
Use this night for intimate celebrations, family gatherings or a special treat after a few festival-filled days. The concierge can source rare wines, arrange themed decor (holiday lights, table settings) and ensure the evening unfolds seamlessly.
Make the reservation ahead of your villa stay, choose your wines with the sommelier (red, white, sparkling, dessert) and specify dietary preferences. Then simply arrive and unwind while the rest is handled for you.
To end the season on a lively and slightly less formal note, this waterfront food truck festival features gourmet mobile kitchens, wine tasting tents and holiday entertainment; perfect for families or groups wanting one more festivity before New Year’s.
Held on a bayfront park, you’ll find music, food trucks offering creative bites (fusion tacos, artisanal pizzas, dessert trucks), and wine tents where you can sample a handful of wines for a fixed fee. It’s relaxed, social and festive without being overly formal.
For a villa stay with Jatina Group, it’s a fun outing for a daytime or early evening event when you want everyone together, but not the full weekend festival intensity. You can picnic, mingle, sample, then return to the villa for games, movies or a final cocktail night.
Tip: buy the wine-tasting wristband early, bring a portable blanket or picnic mat, and bring small bills for food and tips. Parking may be limited so ride-share is recommended.
December in Miami offers a rare blend of festive holiday charm and world-class food & wine culture. From high-glamour galas and yacht tastings to relaxed pop-ups and in-villa experiences, the city gives you multiple ways to celebrate. Whether you gravitate toward Miami food wine festival scale events or prefer intimate wine events in Miami at your villa, there’s something for every palate and pace.
Choosing a villa stay through Jatina Group elevates your experience; giving you a private base, flexible schedule, and concierge support to attend events, host private dinners, or just unwind in serenity. Make sure to plan early (tickets, transport, reservations), pick your top 3-5 events, and then build your villa-stay around what matters most to you.
Ready to turn your holiday food & wine dreams into reality? Explore Jatina Group’s luxury villa rentals and concierge services today! Book your stay, choose your events, and make this December unforgettable.
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