Greetings,

The holiday season is in full swing, considering the challenges of hosting and attending our usual gatherings and festivities.

Stay safe, and enjoy the best of Coral Gables in the coming days.

Robert and Robin Burr

please enjoy this image that reminds us of the beauty and serenity of our majestic city

steps and pond at Fairchild Garden

Coral Gables scenic photo illustrations ©  Robin and Robert Burr.

Fratellino On The Mile
Hosted by chef and third generation restaurateur Beto DiCarlo, Fratellino (Little Brother) presents Italian traditional family recipes in a warm, friendly and inviting atmosphere with outdoor seating on Miracle Mile. Among readers' favorites are the imported top of the line chilean sea bass pan seared with fresh asparagus, sundried tomatoes in a lemon white wine sauce; the Fettuccine alla Papalina, made with prosciutto di parma, shitake mushrooms, green peas and fresh herbs over a light cream sauce; the Burratina: fresh homemade burrata mozzarella served with thin slices of prosciutto di parma, basil and extra-virgin olive oil, served with roasted red peppers and tomatoes; Pappardelle ai Porcini: a classic Tuscan dish with large pasta noodles and fresh imported porcini mushrooms, white truffle oil and parmigiano; Fillet Mignon alla Gorgonzola, grilled to your preference with a light gorgonzola cheese sauce. Takeout and curbside pickup are available. Call 786-452-0068. https://m.facebook.com/FratellinoRistorante1/

Through January 3rd
Miracle Theatre Benefit - A Christmas Carol
Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre and producer Hunter Arnold present a special filmed version of Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic A Christmas Carol starring one of the finest stage actors of our time, Tony winner Jefferson Mays. This streaming video event benefits Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre as well as other community, amateur, regional theaters across the country which have been devastated by the pandemic. Tickets for A Christmas Carol are now available to purchase online. 

Friday, December 4 from 7 to 9pm
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
Coral Gables City Hall is the location for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Spectacular, a two-hour show for the whole family from 7 to 9pm. Santa will light up the tree at 7:30pm. Cost is $20 for a group of four. Purchase tickets in advance, available on a first come, first serve basis. Holiday Park, across from City Hall, opens the night of Friday, Dec. 5 with limited playtime until Sunday, Jan. 3. Weekdays from 3 to 9pm and weekends from 10am to 10pm. Call 305-460-5600. https://www.coralgables.com/departments/CommunityRecreation/HolidayEvents

Saturday, December 5 at noon
The Harpy: Virtual Lunch with Megan Hunter
Participate in this live Crowdcast event, hosted by Kristen Roupenian in conversation with "The Harpy" author Megan Hunter. Part revenge tale, part fairytale, The Harpy is an electrifying story of marriage, infidelity and power by the author of the #1 Indie Next Pick, The End We Start From. Told in dazzling, musical prose, The Harpy is a dark, staggering fairy tale, at once mythical and otherworldly and fiercely contemporary. It is a novel of love, marriage and its failures, of power, control and revenge, of metamorphosis and renewal. This is a free event, and donations to support virtual events are appreciated. Buy the book or $26. https://shop.booksandbooks.com/book/9780802148162

Starting Saturday, December 5
Actors' Playhouse Reopens Miracle Theatre for Madeline's Christmas
"In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines." So begins this delightful story of Madeline's Christmas. The day begins like any other day for the girls and their caretaker Miss Clavel, but soon ends in disaster when everyone but Madeline gets the flu. Saddened that they may not be able to go home for Christmas, the girls and Miss Clavel take to their beds. Can Madeline save the day for everyone with the assistance of a mysterious Rug Merchant? Discover the answer in this delightful musical based on the popular book series by Ludwig Bemelmans. The Miracle Theatre is located at 280 Miracle Mile. Special Holiday Performance on Sunday, December 20 at 5pm. For complete details, call 305-444-9293. http://www.actorsplayhouse.org

Sunday, December 6 at 2pm
Honoring Pearl Harbor Day - Miami Military Museum
Celebrating the 79th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day, Anthony Atwood presents a program on the history of the Military in South Florida on Sunday, December 6th at 2pm, via zoom online interactive video. Ten Floridians, including two from Dade County, are still on USS Arizona. We remember them and discuss the Pearl Harbor Remembrance hosted annually at the museum. The Miami Pioneers and Natives of Dade historical society invites all members, friends and neighbors to participate in this live Zoom presentation. https://www.mpnod.org/events/dec-6-anthony-atwood-military-history/

Sunday, December 6 at 4pm
Symphony Sundays- Beethoven's Symphony Number 5
Happy 250th Birthday Beethoven. Orchestra Miami Symphony Sundays presents Beethoven's Symphony N. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67 with painists Jared Peroune and Paul Schwartz. Jared Peroune is a Doctor of Musical Arts student in collaborative piano at the University of Miami. Pianist Paul Schwartz has performed more than 800 recitals in the United States, Canada, and South America. Reserve your ticket for the LIVE Zoom performance by visiting http://bit.ly/omss126 or listen via Orchestra Miami’s Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/OrchestraMiami

Friday, December 11 from noon to 1pm
Dream In Green - Sustainable Living Workshop
Join Dream in Green, a local non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable living and learn on how water and energy are connected, conservation behaviors we can incorporate in our daily lives, and other environmental topics to foster long-term sustainability. Plus, receive a free water and energy-saving toolkit. This workshop is offered in partnership with Miami Dade County and the City of Coral Gables. RSVP Online. Here is the Zoom Link.

Saturday, December 12 from 10am to noon
Hot Chocolate with Santa at Holiday Park
What's better than a nice cup of hot chocolate? Celebrate the holidays as Santa greets participating children to collect their gift lists at City Hall. Cost: $15 per family 4-person pod. Includes hot chocolate/coffee barista station, keepsake photo, gift bag per child, and park access. Call 305-460-5600. https://www.coralgables.com/departments/CommunityRecreation/HolidayEvents

Sunday, December 13 at 4pm
Symphony Sundays - Beethoven's Symphony Number 6
Happy 250th Birthday Beethoven. Orchestra Miami Symphony Sundays pesents Beethoven's Symphony N. 6 in F Major, Op. 68, featuring Duo Beaux Arts -- internationally renowned husband and wife concert pianists and recording artists Catherine Lan and Tao Lin. Reserve your ticket for the live Zoom performance by visiting http://bit.ly/omss1213 or listen via Orchestra Miami’s Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/OrchestraMiami

Sunday, December 13 at 6:30pm
Alhambra Orchestra Electric Holidays
The "Alhambra Amped" electric ensemble, made up of members of the Alhambra Orchestra, will perform a program of holiday music featuring electric violins, violas, celli, and bass, with keyboard and percussion -- with jazzy favorites including "Frosty theSnowman," traditional carols, and lively Hannukah music. Masks and social distancing, open-air arena, children welcome. Your admission to the fairyland display "Nights of Lights" ($7 in advance, $10 at the door, toddlers free) gets you into the garden, and there is no extra charge for this concert. The Alhambra Orchestra is Miami's community orchestra, dedicated to promoting live classical performances and music education. Pinecrest Gardens is located at 11000 Red Road. Reserve your spot in advance. Call 305-669-6990. https://alhambraorchestra.org/join-us-for-free-classical-music-concerts-presented-by-the-alhambra-orchestra/

Many of our favorite eateries in the Gables are offering curbside takeout, as well as delivery services. Here's a handy list of choices for Gables residents and friends.

http://www.greatgables.com/CoralGables/ToGo.html

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