New year, same Miami. January 2026 brings peak weather and nonstop energy, making it one of the best months to experience everything the city has to offer. Here’s your curated guide to the top things to do in Miami this January.
1. CELEBRATE ART DECO WEEKEND
Now in its 49th year, Art Deco Weekend returns to Miami Beach from January 9–11, showcasing the city’s most iconic architecture. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Air, Land & Sea,” explores how travel innovations of the 1920s and ’30s shaped Miami Beach’s Art Deco style.
2. CELEBRATE AND HONOR DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING
Miami comes alive in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with meaningful events throughout the city. One highlight is Liberty City’s annual MLK Parade, a cherished tradition that traces the eight-mile route Dr. King traveled during his frequent visits to Miami. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 19, offering a powerful way to reflect, celebrate, and honor his enduring legacy.
3. GROOVE TO THE SOUTH BEACH JAZZ FESTIVAL
Jazz lovers, rejoice! The South Beach Jazz Festival returns for its 10th edition, January 8–11, bringing soulful sounds and unforgettable performances to venues across Miami Beach. More than a music festival, this celebrated event champions disability awareness, accessibility, opportunity, and inclusion, all expressed through the universal language of jazz.
4. NHL WINTER CLASSIC
The Florida Panthers will host the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic against the New York Rangers on January 2, 2026, at loanDepot Park in Miami. The historic matchup marks Florida’s first outdoor regular-season NHL game and the southernmost outdoor game in league history.
5. LIFE TIME MIAMI MARATHON & HALF MARATHON
The Life Time Miami Marathon & Half returns January 25, 2026, for its 23rd edition, welcoming more than 25,000 runners from all over. Participants will race through Miami’s iconic streets in the full 26.2-mile marathon or the 13.1-mile half-marathon, making it one of the most scenic and sought-after destination races in the world.
How are you kicking off the new year
