A Drag Queen Christmas has become a winter highlight for fans of drag and live performance, and the Miami stop always feels like the heart of the tour. What started as a single holiday revue in the early 2010s has grown into an annual circuit of shows that bounce across North America, bringing together queens from different seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race and other drag competitions. Over the years the event has built a following that is equal parts party and family reunion, with returning audience members trading stories about past seasons and first‑time visitors nervously excited to see their television favorites in person.
For 2025 the tour celebrates its eleventh year on the road. According to event listings the national run now covers thirty‑eight cities, making it the longest‑running holiday drag tour in the United States. The show is hosted once again by Nina West, whose goofy energy and old‑school glamour have become a hallmark of the production. She introduces a rotating cast of winners, all‑stars and fan favorites from Drag Race, and keeps the evening moving between lip‑sync numbers, live vocals and quick interactions with the crowd. The Miami performance is scheduled for Monday, December 29, 2025 at the Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater. The time has not yet been confirmed, but it traditionally begins in the early evening to allow patrons time to settle into their seats, grab a drink and catch up with friends before the curtain goes up.
Last year’s Florida leg of the tour shows how important the state has become to the schedule. In 2024 the company played Jacksonville on December 26, Coral Springs on December 27 and Tampa on December 28, before wrapping up at the Fillmore Miami Beach on December 29. That pattern of building momentum across several towns before reaching the finale in Miami is expected to continue in 2025, giving fans from across Florida multiple chances to see their favorites. The Miami date, however, is something special. The tour producers have remarked in past interviews that South Florida’s mix of queer culture, beachside relaxation and Art Deco glamour makes it the perfect place to end the year. By the time the show arrives on the beach the cast is warmed up, the jokes are polished and there is a palpable sense of celebration in the air.
What makes A Drag Queen Christmas stand out from other holiday events is its blend of camp and polish. Promotional material for the show promises a two‑hour performance full of live vocals, lip syncs, choreography and comedy. A description on an independent theatre guide notes that audiences can expect seasonal classics, new takes on holiday standards and even original numbers. Queens such as Onya Nurve, Jewels Sparkles, Crystal Methyd, Suzie Toot, Bosco and Lydia B. Kollins have been part of recent casts, and the producers frequently swap out performers so no two cities feature exactly the same line‑up. A mix of winners, runners‑up and congeniality titleholders means that some acts lean into high‑energy dance routines while others deliver heartfelt ballads or rib‑tickling comedy. Audience participation is also part of the fun—Nina West often pulls eager fans on stage for impromptu runway walks or holiday sing‑alongs.
If you have never visited the Fillmore Miami Beach, the building itself is worth the trip. The theater opened in 1950 and later hosted The Jackie Gleason Show and other television productions, and its curved façade and neon signage still evoke the mid‑century heyday of Miami Beach. Inside, the auditorium combines Art Deco details with modern sound and lighting, creating a backdrop that feels both vintage and fresh. The venue seats just over 2,600 people, but because it was designed for television the sightlines are excellent and even seats in the balcony offer clear views of the stage. Staff keep the atmosphere relaxed, allowing the audience to cheer, laugh and sing along without feeling self‑conscious, and security teams do their best to maintain a safe space for queer and trans attendees.
The show is designed for adults, and the producers make it clear that attendees must be at least eighteen years old. That rule isn’t about excluding younger fans so much as acknowledging the bawdy humor and risqué costumes that are part of modern drag. Drinks are available throughout the evening, and there are usually branded souvenir booths selling everything from holiday ornaments to autograph books. VIP packages, which include early admission, premium seating and a meet‑and‑greet with the cast, tend to sell out quickly. If you opt for the VIP experience be prepared to arrive a couple of hours before the show and have your camera ready; the queens are friendly and approachable but the line moves fast.
Visiting Miami for the event also offers an excuse to make a mini vacation out of it. The Fillmore sits on Washington Avenue, just a short walk from the nightlife of Collins Avenue and the white sands of South Beach. During the day you can explore the murals at Wynwood Walls, wander through the pastel‑colored buildings of the Art Deco district or lounge by the ocean. Little Havana’s Calle Ocho offers Cuban coffee and live music, while the Pérez Art Museum on Biscayne Bay provides a quieter cultural fix. December weather in Miami is typically mild and sunny, though evenings can be breezy, so pack layers if you plan to stay out late. Hotel prices rise during the holidays; if you’re traveling from out of town you may want to book early or look for vacation rentals just across the causeway in the city of Miami proper.
At its core, A Drag Queen Christmas is about community. The OutClique interview with cast member Plasma captured the sense of camaraderie that develops on tour, where seasoned legends share dressing rooms with newcomers and everyone bonds over love of performance and chosen family. That feeling spills over into the audience. Long‑time fans often bring friends who have never been to a drag show, and the mix of holiday cheer and queer joy has been known to convert skeptics. When the cast leads the crowd in the show’s closing number the energy is infectious; you might find yourself humming a carol in the taxi on the way back to your hotel or teaching a drag step to strangers at a bar.
As the 2025 edition approaches, check the official event page regularly for updates on show time and final line‑up. Given the show’s popularity and the limited number of seats at the Fillmore, securing tickets sooner rather than later is wise. Whether you’ve attended previous iterations or are curious after watching drag on television, the Miami stop of A Drag Queen Christmas 2025 promises a spirited night out, a chance to connect with a diverse crowd and a reminder that the holidays are as much about laughter and self‑expression as they are about tradition. Enjoy the glitter, sing along, and don’t forget to shout “Amen!” when Nina West asks if you’re having a good time.