Top Venues for Memorable Holiday and New Year’s Eve Celebrations This Year
+2 Top Venues for Memorable Holiday and New Year’s Eve Celebrations This Year
Top Venues for Memorable Holiday and New Year’s Eve Celebrations This Year
Top Venues for Memorable Holiday and New Year’s Eve Celebrations This Year
CREATIVE HOLIDAY CATERING IN FLORIDA
Constellation Culinary Group
Dedicated to providing best-in-class dining experiences for one-of-a-kind events, cultural centers, professional settings, restaurants and cafés, Constellation Culinary Group is the premier catering choice for any holiday party this season. From menu planning to setup and service, Constellation’s team of experts meticulously manages every aspect, whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner at your home or an extravagant New Year’s Eve party at a private event venue. Choose from various menu options featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients that can be personalized to fit any theme or dietary needs. Delight your guests with festive offerings like gourmet hot chocolate bars, winter-themed grazing tables, sparkling champagne towers, caviar carts and more. The brand also specializes in creative interactive culinary experiences like personalized cocktail pairings and chef stations. As the exclusive catering partner for some of Florida’s most well-known cultural institutions (including Pérez Art Museum Miami, Frost Museum of Science, Sarasota Art Museum, Norton Museum of Art and the Adrienne Arsht Center for Performing Arts), Constellation collaborates with the state’s top event planners to facilitate holiday celebrations.
Spuntino Catering
Founded in 2004, Spuntino Catering brings a refined touch to the culinary scene, boasting a multifaceted range of catering services for private gatherings, professional events and festive venues. With a client base including corporate companies and intimate parties, Spuntino delivers one-of-a-kind, memorable experiences. Spuntino has established roots with premier venues such as the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, Level Three and Villa Toscana, upholding a valuable and creative reputation. By utilizing engaging and Instagrammable catering presentations, Spuntino elevates any occasion and brings it to life. As one of Graspa Group’s unique concepts, Spuntino was built upon the foundation of warm and welcoming hospitality with a touch of Italian spirit, creating a sense of family and shared moments around the table.
EVENT VENUES IN FLORIDA
SGWS Wynwood
For holiday celebrations, Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits’ SGWS Wynwood has four different event spaces and can seat around 230 guests: The Mixology Lounge (110 guests), the Tasting Room (60 guests), the Founders Room (24 guests) and the Terrace ( 40 guests). It boasts a modern hospitality and education center with a sensory culinary experience, with menus and services exclusively curated by Constellation Culinary Group.
Lincoln Road
Whether you’re activating for a major brand or hosting a private event, Lincoln Road is the venue for you. The Lincoln Road BID holds a master special events permit from the City of Miami Beach, making planning an event on city streets a breeze. One of the most visited destinations for locals and tourists every year, Lincoln Road is situated in the heart of Miami Beach as the premier retail, lifestyle and cultural destination, home to over 200 restaurants, cafés and shops, entertainment and cultural offerings. The iconic promenade – often compared to Barcelona’s La Rambla or Paris’ Champs-Elysées – comprises eight blocks of unique pedestrian-only streetscapes, lush vegetation, unique architecture, fountains and follies. Not to mention, it is also near many of Miami Beach’s major cultural institutions, including the New World Center, The Fillmore Miami Beach, Colony Theatre, Miami Beach Convention Center and Miami Beach Botanical Garden. It’s also within walking distance of the destination’s top four- and five-star hotels, including The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, Sagamore South Beach and Loews Miami Beach.
Pinstripes at Esplanade at Aventura
Pinstripes, a leading experiential dining and entertainment brand, opened its first Florida location at the Esplanade at Aventura. Occupying 300,000 square feet across two floors, this expansive “eatertainment” locale seamlessly blends chef-driven dining with the excitement of bowling and bocce. The ground-floor “bistro” serves as the hub for an elevated culinary experience, featuring an extensive Italian-American menu with enticing seasonal entrées and craft cocktails, all within an ambiance complemented by an eclectic display of abstract art crafted to reflect Miami’s vibrant culture. Restaurant-style seating allows guests to enjoy their meals at booths, tables surrounding the bar, or in front of big-screen TVs airing major sporting events on the expansive rooftop patio. Pinstripes Aventura boasts 12 bowling lanes, five indoor and outdoor bocce courts, a thoughtfully curated wine cellar, and a spacious private event area featuring a dynamic ballroom suitable for 20-1,500 people.
HOTELS IN FLORIDA
Arlo Wynwood
Arlo Wynwood, the first hotel to open in Miami’s preeminent creative and cultural district, offers a colorful setting for festive gatherings, whether for a holiday celebration or a New Year’s Eve party. With 217 rooms with expansive windows that look out over the energetic Wynwood Arts District, the boutique hotel serves as a cultural hub and offers guests prime access to the best of the neighborhood. The hotel offers 16,626 square feet of customizable event space, including three Gallery Rooms, each with over 1,144 square feet of stylish decor. If your party crew prefers a cozy setting, the living room-inspired venue space features walls adorned with art by local artists and comfortable furniture. To set the vibes for an unforgettable fireworks show or breathtaking sunsets, ART Wynwood, located on the ninth-floor rooftop, can host up to 350 guests (or 75 seated), and the 360-degree views of the Miami skyline never disappoint! The party can also continue at Higher Ground, Arlo Wynwood’s lush third-floor courtyard resembling a sprawling garden oasis.
The Elser Hotel Miami
The Elser Hotel & Residences, a luxury 49-story tower in Downtown Miami, offers an ideal setting for holiday or New Year’s Eve parties. With 646 rooms ranging from studios to three-bedroom suites, the hotel provides sweeping views and easy access to world-class entertainment, arts and dining. Perfect for large gatherings, the expansive 19,000-square-foot sun deck boasts a 132-foot-long pool, a large sunbathing area and impressive views. Guests can enjoy an outdoor bar and an event lawn overlooking Biscayne Bay and South Beach, setting the stage for unforgettable holiday parties – you might even catch a surprise fireworks show taking place on Star Island, Bayfront Park or Biscayne Bay. The 16-foot LED screen adds a touch of excitement, perfect for showcasing live music, holiday movies or countdown celebrations. The Elser’s versatile spaces, including two-bedroom ocean-view suites, also provide a unique backdrop for more intimate gatherings, making it the ultimate venue for festive celebrations.
The Betsy South Beach
The Betsy, a 130-room, family-owned luxury oceanfront boutique resort in Miami Beach’s Art Deco District, is an outstanding choice for holiday and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Guests can enjoy live jazz performances nine times a week at The Piano Bar, classical music and opera pop-ups, and poetry readings, enriching the holiday experience with cultural sophistication. This holiday season, The Betsy invites the community to experience the dazzling Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights presented by the Miami Beach Classical Music Festival (December 13-15 and 20-22, with performances at 6, 7:30 and 9 p.m.). Attendees will be mesmerized by cutting-edge projection-mapping technology that transforms the hotel’s iconic façade into an interactive exhibit with vibrant imagery that moves in unison with the rhythm of the music. With 10 stunning indoor and outdoor venues, dedicated catering kitchen facilities, well-appointed accommodations and top-tier service, The Betsy is a festive destination for parties ranging from 10-1,500 guests.
Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club
Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection is the ideal venue for holiday gatherings, blending Miami Beach’s vibrant charm with European elegance. Located just steps from the beach along the Miami Beach boardwalk, this sophisticated setting offers a range of event spaces perfect for creating memorable holiday celebrations. With 10,000 square feet of versatile event space, the hotel boasts impressive venues designed to captivate and delight. The 2,585-square-foot Golden Palms Ballroom provides an elegant backdrop for grand celebrations such as New Year’s parties and holiday receptions, while the 1,600-square-foot Riviera meeting space, with its terrace overlooking the resort-style pool, offers a festive alfresco option for smaller gatherings. The 3,772-square-foot Cabana Pool Deck, surrounded by lush greenery and cabanas, creates a festive atmosphere for an intimate, outdoor event, t. Mingle in the sand under twinkling lights at Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill, located just off the boardwalk, for a magical evening under the stars. Cadillac is offering a special holiday promotion: Spend $5,000 and receive a complimentary bartender fee, one complimentary passed hors d’oeuvre per person, discounted event space rental and parking (subject to availability), plus triple Marriott points. For more information, contact sales@cadillachotelmiamibeach.com.
The Gates Hotel South Beach
Located along the Indian Creek Canal on beautiful Collins Avenue in the heart of Miami Beach, The Gates Hotel South Beach offers an ideal backdrop for holiday and New Year’s Eve celebrations. The hotel’s 7,000-square-foot third-floor plunge deck provides the perfect setting for holiday parties and festive gatherings. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the Miami skyline while mingling, dancing and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. The Lobby Bar is a chic and inviting space, featuring an integrated book display, a pool table and lounge seating. With pulsing Latin music, the crisp scent of citrus and the warm breeze from the nearby pool deck, it effortlessly captures the Miami vibe. Guests can seamlessly move between the Lobby Bar and the outdoor pool, which is nestled between the Pool Bar and the expanded deck. The pool deck, adorned with custom double-sided cabanas and vibrant fabrics, offers a relaxing oasis. Guests can lounge, enjoy outdoor dining at the communal table, or sip refreshing drinks from the bar while taking in picturesque views. For groups of 20-30 guests, the hotel offers an exclusive package that includes a complimentary round of drinks when booking a minimum of 20 guest rooms. For more information, contact sales@gatessouthbeach.com.
The Gabriel South Beach
The Gabriel South Beach, set amidst the lively energy of Ocean Drive, presents an unparalleled venue for your holiday celebrations. This boutique hotel features 132 stylish rooms, including a rooftop glass-bottom pool above the Floridita Building with stunning Atlantic Ocean views and unobstructed views of the New Year’s Eve fireworks at Lummus Park. With over 6,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor semiprivate space, the hotel is a thematic venue for both intimate gatherings and larger events. The mezzanine, located above the main lobby, features wood flooring and a subdued color scheme with light pinks, blues and browns. For celebratory dining, Meet Dalia presents a Mediterranean-American menu with indoor and outdoor seating ideal for holiday brunches, lunches and dinners. Alma Cubana offers an inviting atmosphere with authentic Cuban cuisine and scenic Miami Beach views, making it a great choice for seasonal meals and gatherings. That’s Amore provides a comfortable setting with traditional handmade pastas and pizzas, perfect for intimate dinners and New Year’s Eve celebrations. For group bookings of 15-30 guests, the hotel offers a special perk with a minimum of 15 rooms booked and a two-night stay: The party will enjoy a complimentary round of drinks. Contact the hotel’s sales team at sales@thegabrielsouthbeach.com for more information.
Amrit Ocean Resort
Celebrate the season in style at the newly opened Amrit Ocean Resort, a revolutionary luxury wellness resort and spa with 300 feet of private shoreline on the picturesque Singer Island. Amrit (pronounced Ahm-rit) is home to the largest spa in Florida, a four-story, 103,000-square-foot sanctuary of health that blends Eastern principles with Western luxury and offers unparalleled wellness services and therapies. Meaning “elixir of life” in Sanskrit, Amrit is founded on the belief that true well-being and longevity are achieved through the integration of the five pillars of wellness: mindfulness, nutrition, fitness, relaxation and sleep. These guiding principles are woven into every aspect of the property. Spanning seven beachfront acres, Amrit features 155 wellness-inspired guest rooms, including 25 suites with oversized ocean-view balconies and 40 two-bedroom sky villas boasting panoramic views of the Atlantic and Intracoastal Waterway – ideal for hosting groups of friends, family or corporate celebrations. With 10,000 square feet of indoor event space and 3.5 acres of flexible outdoor areas, Amrit sets the perfect stage for everything from intimate gatherings to extravagant events, offering customized experiences, retreats and packages. In celebration of Amrit’s grand opening, the resort is offering an incentive: Group guests can receive a $100 resort credit per guest, per stay, to use toward on-site dining or wellness and spa services. *Groups must book by December 31, 2024, to take advantage of this offer.
CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS IN FLORIDA
Frost Science Museum + Constellation Culinary Group
Featuring stunning architecture and sweeping views of Biscayne Bay, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science offers an array of unique spaces for your holiday or New Year’s parties. The museum in Downtown Miami has an exclusive partnership with Constellation Culinary Group, which offers customizable catering menus to create a sensory culinary experience that brings any holiday event to life, from sparkling champagne towers to decadent caviar bites. The museum is one of the only in the world with a four-level aquarium and planetarium, offering iconic views of Miami that are visible from any event space. Groups booking the Frost Planetarium can enjoy 1,450 square feet of immersive pre-function event space that can seat up to 60 guests in a theater, up to 70 guests for a cocktail reception, and up to 50 guests for a banquet format. Equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual and production capabilities, the museum offers dramatic indoor and outdoor event spaces that can accommodate everything from a small gathering to an elaborate holiday party for 3,000 of your closest friends. Other highlights include the 21,000-square-foot outdoor science plaza and a 3,255-square-foot rooftop terrace.
Pérez Art Museum Miami + Constellation Culinary Group
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) features sweeping views of Biscayne Bay, outdoor plazas with lush vegetation cascading from the canopy’s overhang, and a variety of vibrant indoor and outdoor spaces for holiday events, parties and gatherings this season. The venue has an exclusive partnership with Constellation Culinary Group, which offers customizable menus for groups large and small. Think: gourmet caviar carts, street food-inspired stations, deconstructed desserts and more. To enhance the festive atmosphere, Constellation Culinary Group can craft seasonal cocktails like mulled wine and hot toddies to elevate any holiday gathering. The 200,000-square-foot venue accommodates up to 500 guests and includes exclusive use of all spaces and galleries, discounts at the museum’s retail store and more. For New Year’s Eve celebrations, guests can enjoy breathtaking waterfront views and ring in the new year with sparkling fireworks displays over Biscayne Bay. Constellation Culinary Group creates sensory culinary experiences from intimate to grand functions, bringing each client or planner’s vision to reality with creative cuisine presented beautifully and served with choreographed precision.
Norton Museum of Art + Constellation Culinary Group
The Norton Museum of Art has dynamic indoor and outdoor spaces that allow for jaw-dropping views with over six acres of land, 19,750 square feet of event space and over five different spaces – each with its own unique flair –to choose from. Whether the event is corporate or social, food and beverage packages are provided by Constellation Culinary Group.
Arsht Center + Constellation Culinary Group
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County boasts a massive entertainment space for intimate or large holiday parties. Accommodating anywhere from 50-2,400 guests, the gorgeous venue – in partnership with Constellation Culinary Group – has many options for holiday events and celebrations, including an intimate dinner and a show at Teatro, located on the second floor of the center’s Ziff Ballet Opera House. The striking 2,500-square-foot dining room, designed by Johanna Dilone, creative director of Miami’s prestigious Gilded Group Decor, sets the stage for an immersive dining experience with a rich red color palette, a nod to the curtains on the theater stage. While groups can indulge in the ambiance and prix-fixe, two-course menu at Teatro, the team of experts at Constellation Culinary Group can also provide fully customizable menu options as the exclusive catering partner for the center. Indulge in festive cuisine, including holiday grazing tables, roast turkey or beef carving stations, seasonal soups and salads, holiday dessert stations and themed cocktails.
FLORIDA RESTAURANTS
LT Steak & Seafood at Betsy South Beach
LT Steak & Seafood is a casually elegant New American restaurant led by award-winning Chef Laurent Tourondel. Located within The Betsy, a Michelin Key hotel, LT Steak & Seafood offers a distinctive holiday experience for up to 120 guests in the airy indoor dining room, complemented by nightly live jazz from the adjacent Piano Bar – home to Miami Beach’s longest-running live music series. During the holiday season, the ambiance transforms with festive decor throughout, adding a warm and celebratory tone. Guests can enjoy family-style dining from the prix-fixe group dining menu, which draws international flavors from France, Asia and Latin America inspired by Chef Laurent’s extensive global culinary experience. For NYE, head upstairs to the rooftop deck for breathtaking views of the Miami Beach skyline and fireworks display.
The Alley at Betsy South Beach
Located in the breezeway of 14th Place between Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue, The Alley is a trattoria-style pizzeria, available exclusively for private parties and special events, that celebrates traditional Italian flavors with a contemporary flair. The intimate 1,327-square-foot space is ideal for holiday gatherings, accommodating up to 75 guests. The Alley is complemented by organic materials such as bamboo and raffia and decorated with eclectic art pieces, like the critically acclaimed “Neon Gandhi” by artist Val Kilmer, a glowing LED neon portrait of global peace activist Mahatma Gandhi. The charming outdoor area includes seating for 24 guests and offers an unparalleled view of the ever-changing art projections on “The Orb,” the internationally renowned egg-shaped sculpture by architect Allan Shulman that serves as both a unique canvas and a bridge connecting the hotel’s two historic buildings. The space is fully customizable, allowing for groups to add their own festive decor, such as themed centerpieces, holiday lighting and music, or other personalized touches to make any event feel special.
Delilah Miami
Delilah Miami, the city’s premier modern-day supper club, offers an elevated dining experience featuring technique-driven cuisine, white-glove service and an opulent, vintage-inspired setting. The stylish venue, adorned with a palette of light pink, teal and gold, includes a luxurious private dining room, perfectly tucked away for hosting intimate soirees this season. With intricate details like ceiling soffits, Turkish burl wood and bespoke caricatures of its A-list clientele by artist Blue Logan, the restaurant has earned a prestigious Restaurant & Bar Design Award for being one of the world’s most gorgeous restaurants. Delilah Miami is the ideal place to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Guests can revel in a lavish evening featuring a festive menu, followed by a countdown to midnight on the stunning waterfront patio, which offers breathtaking 180-degree views of Miami’s iconic skyline. At the stroke of midnight, guests can toast with a celebratory drink while taking in the spectacular fireworks display. A favorite among celebrities, Delilah Miami is also known for its strict “no photo” policy, ensuring an exclusive experience.
Higher Ground
Higher Ground at Arlo Wynwood is Wynwood’s go-to bar for American eats set in a lush, foliage-framed courtyard on the boutique hotel’s third floor. The spacious yet cozy indoor-outdoor spot, open to guests and the public, serves a quaint yet tasteful menu ideal for hanging out with a crew in a friendly ambiance. Guests looking to host an ideal holiday celebration can choose from multiple spaces at Higher Ground. The rooftop bar’s beautiful outdoor courtyard features gorgeous city views – perfect for a tropical holiday reunion. Alternatively, there are three private event rooms inside, each offering a unique and intimate setting for a festive gathering.
Uchi Miami
Uchi, the Japanese translation of the word “house,” is known for its nontraditional take on Japanese cuisine. The menu consists of hot and cool tastings, sushi, sashimi, makimono, yakimono, tempura and a changing omakase based on seasonal items. The Wynwood restaurant’s thoughtfully designed interiors subtly integrate organic elements and a modern aesthetic. Materials like metal, concrete and rope are softened by a neutral color palette, warm walnut paneling, cream sherpa banquettes, brightly colored botanical wallcoverings and soft accent lighting to achieve a refined simplicity. Uchi has a 175-seat open floor plan, a 14-seat sushi counter, a 14-seat walnut bar and a relaxing lounge that seats 10. A private dining room seats up to 24 and can be split into two separate areas.
ADRIFT Mare
ADRIFT Mare is a Mediterranean oasis on the 25th floor of Hotel AKA Brickell under the guidance of Michelin-starred “Gypsy Chef” David Myers. Whether basking on the expansive terrace or lounging in the intimate private dining spaces, guests are treated to captivating views of Biscayne Bay and unforgettable experiences tailored to any occasion. Perfect for a holiday dinner party, ADRIFT Mare can accommodate large parties of up to 20 in the main dining room or can be booked with a full restaurant buyout for up to 85 seated guests or a 200-guest reception. The private dining room can accommodate up to 45 guests seated or 60 for a reception. The dinner menu is envisioned for balmy evenings seaside, so guests can expect grilled meats, fresh seafood, and thoughtfully crafted pasta and vegetable dishes. Complementing the gastronomic journey are cocktails meticulously curated by renowned mixologists Moe Aljaff and Juliette Larrouy, drawing inspiration from prestigious bars worldwide. Set private dining menus with options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and canape-style events alongside beverage packages can be found at the link HERE.
The Canvas Bar
Local hangout haven The Canvas Bar in Edgewater offers a dynamic space ideal for groups, featuring a 2,750-square-foot dining area, a laid-back lounge with retro arcade games and a 1,500-square-foot outdoor patio. With an expansive menu of global comfort foods and craft cocktails, plus the option to extend the party to the hidden Kaona Room, a Polynesian-inspired speakeasy, The Canvas Bar provides an unforgettable backdrop for holiday celebrations, corporate events or social get-togethers.
Salumeria 104
Salumeria 104, with locations throughout Florida (Midtown, Coral Gables, Atlantic Beach and Weston), offers a rustic trattoria-style setting perfect for hosting holiday gatherings. Inspired by Chef Angelo Masarin’s Northern Italian roots, the restaurant’s ample dining rooms can accommodate a variety of party configurations, making it ideal for both intimate dinners and larger celebrations. The menu, focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients, signature salumi dishes and house-made Italian classics, is perfect for creating festive holiday trays featuring charcuterie and cheeses.
Sushi by Bou
Nestled inside Arlo Wynwood’s Higher Ground, Sushi by Bou offers an intimate venue for full buyouts this holiday season, ideal for groups seeking a stylish and nostalgic dining experience. The ’90s hip-hop-inspired speakeasy invites guests to start in the lounge with rare Japanese whiskeys or craft cocktails before moving to the 14-seat omakase counter for a thoughtfully crafted 12-course or 17-course journey. With a lively ’90s and ’00s hip-hop soundtrack, the chic 650-square-foot space featuring graffiti-inspired walls and plush velvet accents, can host up to 36 guests. Sushi by Bou’s warm ambiance, luxurious setting and creative menu – from O-Toro to the signature Wagyuni – make it the perfect choice for a one-of-a-kind holiday celebration.
Casa Sensei
Casa Sensei brilliantly blends traditional Latin American cuisine with Pan-Asian staples to create the best of both worlds. The dynamic environment presents an immersive dining experience in the restaurant’s elegant dining room, dog-friendly waterfront patio or via a scenic Riverfront Gondola Tour along Fort Lauderdale’s stunning canals. Up to six boat guests can enjoy the private dining getaway featuring Casa Sensei’s elegant East meets West menu for weekend brunch or an exciting dinner excursion. The stylish restaurant includes an Atrium Private Room accommodating up to 10 guests, an Atrium Semi-private Room that seats up to 25 guests. Casa Sensei hosts both formal and informal events and offers customizable catering menus for events from quinceñeras to bridal showers. Its dockside alfresco patio features a stunning Zen garden with fire globes and two sweeping terraces overlooking the tranquil Las Olas waterfront.
