MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Some South Florida residents — and a lot of tourists — made the most of a warm Christmas and spent the day sunbathing and people-watching on South Beach.
Monday night, people were out and about on Ocean Drive. “It’s party time, day and night out here,” said one reveler.
“To be able to walk out here in a tank top in December. It’s Christmas; it doesn’t even seem like it,” said Kansas City resident Marlon Roberts.
Tourists walked down the iconic street to partake of everything local businesses have to offer. “They’re projecting the music, they’re venting the smell of food onto the street,” said New York visitor Emmanuel Wilson King. “This is where you want to be.”
Travelers from around the world traded the brutal cold and came hundreds, even thousands of miles for bright lights, good food and, of course, that South Florida weather.
“Compared to being back at home — we’re used to ice storms, we’re used to being outside bundled up, with earmuffs, with coats on, with boots,” said Roberts.
Revelers descended on Ocean Drive, leaving behind miserable freezing temperatures and soaking up the Miami Beach glitz and glam. “The food, the drinks, the people, the scenery, I love it all,” said one man.
Earlier in the day, tourists were seen ditching the white, fluffy stuff for white, sandy beaches. “Right now, it’s 13 degrees, and they got, like, six inches of snow,” said Indiana traveler Ebony Foor.
Carey Socol, who came down from New York with loved ones, was still trying to take in all the sights, Monday afternoon. “It’s so nice to be in the warm weather in our sandals and just walking around the beach,” she said. “It’s great.”
“We’re used to wearing tons of clothes to go outside, and [it’s great] to be able to be in a swimsuit on Christmas Day,” said Foor. “I sent pictures back home, and they just can’t believe it.”
Also feeling thankful was Minnesota resident Tom Kenemore. “You can’t compare this weather to Minnesota right now,” he said. “It’s beautiful. I haven’t gotten in the water yet, but I can’t wait. It’s amazing.”
Although this holiday getaway is short-lived for many, they admitted there’s no better place to spend Christmas. “That’s why I feel so free in Miami. I can wear what I want,” said one man.
“It’s the beach, it’s constant festivities, and it’s a good place to be,” said Roberts. “It’s a good vibe.”
Some first-time visitors assured 7News they are planning to turn this trip into a yearly tradition.
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