Historic Holidays: Golden Age of Travel
Visitors explore the historic Richmond Cottage transformed with ocean-inspired holiday décor, twinkling lights, and nautical elegance celebrating Biscayne Bay. Decorated spaces feature blue and silver displays, maritime touches, and garlands inspired by coral and mangroves. The festive installations honor Charles Deering's love of seafaring while highlighting coastal conservation.
What to Expect
Nautical and ocean-inspired holiday decor across the historic Richmond Cottage.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Organizer
Deering Estate
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Visitors who enjoy historic homes and coastal holiday décor
Vibe
Coastal and festive
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $10–$18 is shown in the event heading. Admission is included with General Admission: adults ages 15+ $18 and children ages 4–14 $10, plus tax. Admission is free for Deering Estate Foundation Members and children under 4. – Get tickets
- Hours: 10:00 am–4:00 pm in the event heading; the display description says 10 AM–5 PM, with gates closing at 4 PM.
- Accessibility: Ask Miami-Dade Parks at least 7 days ahead for interpreters, CART or accessible-format materials; TTY users can call 711.
Tips & Advice
- Non-members should pick a date and buy General Admission tickets online before they go.
- Members can skip the reservation but need to bring both their membership card and ID to the Ticket Booth.
- Get there well before the gates close, because they shut an hour before the décor display ends each day.
- Pick a day other than December 25, since Deering Estate is closed on Christmas Day.
- If you need an interpreter, CART or other accommodations, ask at least 7 days before your visit so there's time to arrange it.
Special Events & Promotions
- The 2026 theme, "Tides & Tidings," fills Richmond Cottage with ocean-inspired décor.
- Deering Estate Foundation members and children under 4 get in free.
- Story-Time & Photos with Santa is a separate holiday event at the Estate.
- Holiday House Tour & Campfire is a separate event on select December dates.
- Mistletoe & Martinis and Tides & Tidings: Holiday by the Bay are separate holiday events this season.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's this year's holiday décor theme?
It's "Tides & Tidings," inspired by Charles Deering's love of seafaring and Biscayne Bay. Expect twinkling lights, blue and silver, garlands inspired by coral and mangroves, and maritime touches, with a theme of conservation running through it.
Who decorated the rooms in Richmond Cottage?
Each space has its own decorator. Pottery Barn did the Dining and Breakfast Rooms, and the Rotary Club did the Kitchen. 100 Ladies of Deering did the Garden, Film and Children's Rooms. Artists-in-residence did the Orientation Room, and the Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay Garden Clubs did the porches.
Do members need to reserve a visit?
No. Members just show their membership card and ID at the Ticket Booth on the day. Non-members choose a date and buy General Admission tickets online.
Is the Stone House open?
No, it's closed to the public for renovation and restoration. The rest of the Estate stays open to explore.
How do I request accessibility accommodations?
Contact Miami-Dade Parks at least 7 days ahead to ask for accessible-format materials, sign language interpreters, CART or other accommodations. TTY users can call 711.
More Christmas Events near Palmetto Bay
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.