Sunny Isles Beach will switch on its holiday lights at Gateway Park on Saturday, November 21, 2026, as Winter Fest returns for two days of entertainment on Sunny Isles Boulevard. The City of Sunny Isles Beach lists Saturday's hours as 5 to 9 p.m., with the annual park lighting ceremony that night and additional entertainment on Sunday, November 22.

Winter Fest is the city's opening act for the holiday season, and wristbands are on sale now through the city's online registration system.

What Happens Each Day

The city splits the weekend in two. Saturday, November 21 is lighting night: the park lighting ceremony takes place that evening, inside the 5 to 9 p.m. event window. Sunday, November 22 brings additional entertainment. The city describes the weekend as two days of festive entertainment, interactive experiences and seasonal activities, and it lists the event for youth, teens, adults and seniors alike.

Sunday's exact hours are not spelled out on the event page, so check the Winter Fest 2026 listing closer to the date before planning a Sunday visit.

Wristbands and Prices

Entry is by wristband, priced per person, per day:

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

Because the price is per day, a family planning to attend both the Saturday lighting and the Sunday entertainment needs a wristband for each person for each day. Wristbands are sold online through the city recreation catalog. Residents who want the lower rate need a valid city resident ID card, so anyone without one should sort that out with the city before buying.

About Gateway Park

Winter Fest takes place at Gateway Park, 151 Sunny Isles Blvd., Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160, the city's five acre park at the western entrance to Sunny Isles Beach. According to the city, the park has a performing arts stage, a butterfly garden, a play area with an interactive water feature and a community gathering space, with a parking garage on site. The city's parks page also lists picnic tables and benches, restrooms and free WiFi, and notes that the park hosts live performances, holiday celebrations and city events through the year. Gateway Center, a 15,000 square foot community facility, sits next door.

The park's standing rules prohibit pets other than service animals, glass containers, alcohol and smoking, and bicycles, skateboards and scooters are not allowed inside. Plan to leave those at home or in the car.

Before You Buy

Check which day fits your plans before buying. The lighting ceremony happens only on Saturday, so anyone who wants to see the park switch on should buy for November 21. Sunday is the day for the additional entertainment the city lists, and it may suit families who would rather visit after the opening night crowd. Children count as people for the per person price, so buy a wristband for every member of the group.

Parking

The city says free event parking is available in the Gateway Park Garage at 151 Sunny Isles Blvd., the same address as the park.

How to Go

Buy wristbands in advance through the online catalog, bring your resident ID card if you bought at the resident rate, and use the free garage. Questions go to the city's Cultural and Community Services Department at 305-792-1706 or [email protected].

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