Written by: Featured Holidays

Celebrate the Holidays at Deering Estate

Deering Estate is the perfect destination for history and nature lovers year-round, but the holiday season is when it really comes to life.

Few places in South Florida offer a unique glimpse back in time quite like Deering Estate. For history buffs, it’s a chance to travel back to the 1920s and see what life was like for Charles Deering, an industrialist from Chicago and the first chairman of the International Harvester Company. When he moved to his estate in Miami, he also became an early preservationist, environmentalist, art collector and philanthropist; and all these legacies endure to this day in the form of Deering Estate.

Nature lovers will discover myriad treasures on the estate’s 450-plus acres, featuring abundant hiking trails, kayak rentals, fishing opportunities, educational lectures and more. Overall, more than 170 species of birds have been observed at the estate, including rare species such as the Mangrove Cuckoo, the Black-whiskered Vireo and more. The estate also boasts ancient historic burial mounds and fossil sites, and the area has evidence of Native American settlements dating back 10,000 years.

Celebrate the Holidays

Where Deering Estate really shines, however, is with its special events for the community; and the holiday season is one of the best times to visit. “The Historic Holiday Décor and holiday events have become a staple holiday tradition for guests over the years,” says Cathy Guerra, the sales and marketing manager for Deering Estate. This season, the Deering Estate celebrates the holidays through the looking glass with décor inspired by the fantastical world of Lewis Carroll.

Upcoming Events

Whether you’re a South Florida resident or an out-of-town visitor, there are plenty of reasons to put Deering Estate on your list this holiday season. Here are just a few possibilities:

Historic Holiday Décor: Holidays in Wonderland, A Lewis Carroll Story

Daily, November 24, 2023–January 7, 2024 (closed on December 25)

Tour the historic houses at the Deering Estate as they come alive with holiday accents and festive decorations. This year’s theme draws inspiration from the fantastical world of Lewis Carroll. See Carroll’s beloved characters such as Alice, White Rabbit, Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts featured in several historic rooms, galleries and hand-decorated holiday trees.

Holiday Evening Strolls

December 1 and 13

Enjoy a family-friendly holiday evening on December 1 and 13 as you stroll the main grounds and experience the Historic Holiday Décor: Holidays in Wonderland, A Lewis Carroll Story. Guests can also enjoy the warmth of a campfire and showings of holiday films. Children can bring their letters to Santa, and special guests will be on-site to read holiday stories to the children.

Mistletoe & Martinis

December 8

The Deering Estate Foundation will host its sixth annual Mistletoe & Martinis, a signature holiday event, on Friday, December 8, from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Join us for an enchanting evening as the Deering Estate comes alive with the sights, sounds and libations of the holiday season with a fanciful nod to Alice in Wonderland. Enjoy an evening of strolling the estate and savoring lavish hors d’oeuvres, delicious martinis, exquisite sweets and a variety of live music and entertainment. Whimsical-themed dress is encouraged.

Holiday Bay Cruise

December 10

On Sunday, December 10, take a break from holiday shopping and enjoy a relaxing cruise on Biscayne Bay that departs from Deering Estate. Have a complimentary glass of champagne as you disembark and explore the grounds. Limited space available. The vessel complies with Coast Guard Regulations and is ADA accessible.

Story Time and Photos with Santa

December 16

Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s visiting the Deering Estate on Saturday, December 16. Enjoy story time with Santa’s elves, photos with Santa (for an additional fee) inside the Great Hall and holiday arts and crafts activities.

Ample Opportunities

Of course, Deering Estate has plenty to offer beyond holiday events. “Guests can have a relaxing day at the Deering Estate by strolling the main grounds and enjoying a picnic on the main lawn,” says Guerra. “They can also experience the Historic Holiday Décor: Holidays in Wonderland at their leisure.” Whether you’re interested in history, nature, the holidays — or all three — you’ll find something the whole family will love in this majestic Miami landmark.


Deering Estate is located at 16701 SW 72nd Ave. in Miami. For more information or to become a member of the Deering Estate Foundation, call 305.680.5219 or visit deeringestate.org.

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Last modified: November 7, 2023