Sunny Isles Beach will light up Gateway Park for its annual Winter Fest on Saturday, Nov. 21, and Sunday, Nov. 22.

The two-day holiday kickoff features a park lighting ceremony on Saturday evening, plus entertainment, interactive experiences and what the city calls "seasonal cheer." Festivities continue Sunday. Both days run 5 to 9 p.m., according to the city's November Islander newsletter.

The event falls under the city's Cultural & Community Services Department, led by director Colin Summers. Imani Harris serves as the department's special events coordinator.

Wristbands required — deadline is Nov. 20

Wristbands are required and will not be available at the gate. The final day to purchase is Friday, Nov. 20, according to the city's Winter Fest page.

Pricing is per person, per day:

  • Resident ID Cardholders: $10
  • Non-residents: $50

Residents must hold a valid city-issued Sunny Isles Beach Resident ID Card to get the resident rate. Cards can be renewed or applied for at sibfl.gov/residentid.

Where to pick up wristbands

Wristbands must be purchased by Friday, Nov. 20, and collected in advance:

Pelican Community Park

  • Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Sunday: 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (inside gym office)
  • Final pickup: Friday, Nov. 20, at 8:30 p.m.

Government Center

  • Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Final pickup: Friday, Nov. 20, at 5 p.m.

Gateway Center

  • Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Final pickup: Friday, Nov. 20, at 4 p.m.

Parking and details

Free event parking is available at Gateway Garage and Bella Vista. Gateway Park is at 151 Sunny Isles Blvd.

The event drew record attendance in 2025, according to the city's February 2026 Islander. That newsletter noted Winter Fest, along with Egg Scramble, City Anniversary and Boogie by the Beach, all saw the largest community turnout the city had recorded.

For questions, contact the Cultural & Community Services Department at 305-792-1706 or [email protected].

Upcoming community calendar

  • Teens Only Friendsgiving: Thursday, Nov. 19, 4–6 p.m. at The Spot, 215 185th St. Pre-registration required.
  • Building Department Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting: Friday, Nov. 20, 3:30–5:30 p.m. at 18050 Collins Ave.
  • Winter Fest: Saturday, Nov. 21, and Sunday, Nov. 22, 5–9 p.m. at Gateway Park, 151 Sunny Isles Blvd.
  • Holiday Toy Drive: Nov. 16 through Dec. 21. New, unwrapped toys for children ages 6 months to 16 years accepted at Pelican Community Park, Gateway Center and the Government Center.