Greetings {name},

Friday, December 17 is Wright Brothers Day, commemorating their seminal first flight event on December 17, 1903 and subsequent achievements in the launch of modern aviation. It's also Pan American Aviation Day, focusing on developing more rapid communications and a cultural development between the countries in the western hemisphere.

Tuesday, December 21 is the Winter Solstice, the moment the Sun is directly above the Tropic of Capricorn in the Southern Hemisphere. This is the southernmost latitude it reaches during the year.

As always, make plans to enjoy the great outdoors in our little city. Walk down Miracle Mile, experience the live theatre and the best movies, browse the book stores, look into the art galleries and meet up with friends at the restaurants. Visit the parks and public spaces to appreciate the bounties of nature. 

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

a tunnel of trees along Columbus

Coral Gables scenic photo illustrations © Robin and Robert Burr.

Now Through January 2

Holiday Park with Santa

Across from City Hall, Holiday Park is open seven days a week featuring pictures with Santa Claus. Photos are available for $8 each, in full color, and framed in a postcard. https://www.coralgables.com/events/63548/

Held Over

Being the Ricardos

During one production week of I Love Lucy -- from Monday table read through Friday audience taping -- Lucille Ball (Nicole Kidman) and Desi Arnaz (Javier Bardem) face a series of crises that threaten their show, their careers, and their marriage. In this compelling drama based on true events, writer and director Aaron Sorkin (A Few Good Men, The West Wing, The Social Network) explores the behind-the-scenes personal and professional tumult of this celebrity couple during the 1950s when artists were subjected to intense government scrutiny for their beliefs and perceived political affiliations. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/being-the-ricardos/

Now Playing

West Side Story at Landmark

Directed by Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg, from a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Tony Kushner, West Side Story tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. This reimagining of the beloved musical stars Ansel Elgort (Tony); Rachel Zegler (María); Ariana DeBose (Anita); David Alvarez (Bernardo); Mike Faist (Riff); Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino); Ana Isabelle (Rosalía); Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank); Brian d’Arcy James (Officer Krupke); and Rita Moreno (as Valentina, who owns the corner store in which Tony works). Moreno -- one of only three artists to be honored with Academy, Emmy, Grammy, Tony and Peabody Awards -- also serves as one of the film’s executive producers. Get details online.

Friday, Saturday & Sunday - Dec 17–19

Frankenstein - Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller 

Nation Theatre Live at Gables Cinema. Directed by Academy Award-winner Danny Boyle, Frankenstein features Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller alternating roles as Victor Frankenstein and his creation. The production was a sell-out hit at the National Theatre in 2011, and the broadcast has since become an international sensation, experienced by almost half a million people in cinemas around the world. Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankenstein’s bewildered Creature is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker. Meeting with cruelty wherever he goes, the friendless Creature, increasingly desperate and vengeful, determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal. Urgent concerns of scientific responsibility, parental neglect, cognitive development and the nature of good and evil are embedded within this thrilling and deeply disturbing classic gothic tale. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/frankenstein-ntl/

Friday, December 17 at 7pm

Elf - Under the Gables Moonlight

Bring the family to Kerdyk Family Park for a moonlit movie experience -- watching Elf, a Christmas tale that's fun for the whole family. Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa's elves. Tickets are sold per family of four. Cost is $10 and includes a souvenir blanket for your family to take home. Call 305-460-5600 or email SpecialEvents@coralgables.com

Friday, December 17 at 8pm

GableStage World Premiere of Joe Papp at the Ballroom

The second production of the GableStage season, Joe Papp at the Ballroom, features world-famous actor Avi Hoffman and Tony-nominated Director Eleanor Reissa in a limited-engagement production that honors New York theatre visionary Joseph Papp, who would have been 100 years old this year. The new musical is inspired by the first and only autobiographical concert series that Joseph Papp, founder of Shakespeare in the Park and New York’s Public theatre, performed at the Ballroom in SOHO in 1978. Tickets can be purchased by phone or online. Call 305-445-1119. https://www.gablestage.org/tickets-3/

Saturday, December 18 at 11am

Very Merry Saturday at Fairchild Garden

Enjoy the sounds of Jolly Holiday Jazz from noon to 3pm at Fairchild Garden; plus Snow Flurries at 11am, noon, 1 and 2pm; play the Reindeer Run – help save Santa’s sleigh. For adults, there's Festive Cocktails of the Month: Yule Mule, Pomegranate Punch and White Christmas Margarita plus Seasonal Bites at the Glasshouse Café along with Local Food Truck Fare. https://fairchildgarden.org/eventon/very-merry-saturdays-dec18/

Sunday, December 19 at 11am

Santa's In The Garden

Kids, bring your list of holiday wishes to meet Santa at Fairchild Gaden from 11am to 3pm. https://fairchildgarden.org/eventon/santa-in-the-garden/

Sunday, December 19 at 3pm

A Holiday Pops Extravaganza

Orchestra Miami presents A Holiday Pops Extravaganza -- a holiday celebration like no other. Enjoy this side-by-side concert with exceptional students from the Miami Art Studio performing alongside the professionals from Orchestra Miami, led by Artistic Director Elaine Rinaldi. Celebrate the Season with holiday favorites from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, revel in traditional tunes from Merry Olde England and sing along to your favorite holiday tunes at this one hour concert. Recommended for ages three and up. Juice and cookies served after the performance. Get tickets and more details online. https://www.orchestramiami.org/holiday-pops-extravaganza

Tuesday, December 21 at 7:30pm

An American in Paris

When ex-GI Jerry Mulligan (Gene Kelly) remains in Paris to pursue life as an artist, he is soon discovered by a wealthy patroness who is interested in more than just his art. Before he knows it, he finds himself torn between a sense of financial security and a young French woman he meets and falls in love with. Directed by Vincente Minnelli and interspersed with immaculate dance numbers by Kelly set to George Gershwin's music, An American in Paris is a dazzling musical that went on to win six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Its immaculately staged climax, a 17-minute dialogue free dance featuring Kelly and Caron, cost half a million dollars but was worth every penny. It's no wonder that Kelly himself received an Honorary Oscar "in appreciation of his versatility as an actor, singer, director and dancer, and specifically for his brilliant achievements in the art of choreography on film.” https://www.gablescinema.com/events/an-american-in-paris/

Wednesday, December 22 at 8:30pm

Fiesta de La Zambomba at Bellmónt

Enjoy a traditional "Fiesta de la Zambomba" experience from Jerez, Spain at Bellmónt Spanish Restaurant with more than 10 artists on stage in the cozy terrace -- a night of good food, good friends, traditional music, Christmas carols, and beautiful dances. Arrive for dinner at 7pm to enjoy the 8:30pm performance. The cost is $50 per guest, where $20 goes entirely to the artists and $30 towards food and beverage from the dinner menu. Call 786-502-4684 or reserve online. https://www.bellmontrestaurant.com/events/fiesta-de-la-zambomba-at-bellmont/

Saturday, January 15 at 10am

Redland Riot Road Rally

Every third Saturday in January, since 1994, this fruity, tropical history tour through the Redland agricultural region has delighted hundreds of families, history buffs, foodies and nature lovers with a whimsical adventure through the countryside. Dozens of car teams go searching for clues and enjoying the bounty of the Redland, stopping at wonderful places along the way. Meet at Cauley Square between 10 and 11am to get started. The big finale is at Schnebly Redland's Winery in the Miami Brewing Company Tap Room at 5pm. This event is sponsored by Dade Heritage Trust, now celebrating 50 years of preservation, education and advocacy. Get details and register your car team on the Redland Riot web site. https://www.redlandriot.com/Rallye.html

The Season Is Here

Everglades Swamp Tours

Reserve space with Everglades Swamp Tours for an amazing adventure in the wild Everglades -- with your own custom tour of these vast open spaces. Experience the natural wildlife up close and appreciate the serene nature of this pristine environment. https://www.evergladesswamptours.com

Behold Light Transformed

The Hunter Douglas Gallery at Biscayne Décor

Offering a complete shopping experience, with premium displays and a full line of window treatment products and services to enhance and elevate your home. The Hunter Douglas Gallery at Biscayne Décor delivers the utmost in both sophistication and quality. These shades are designed and custom-assembled in the USA, built to your specifications and guaranteed to last. Explore different materials, styles, operating systems, fabrics and colors and choose your perfect window-treatment solution. Behold light transformed. Biscayne Décor is located at 1404 Ponce. Call 305-569-0505. https://www.biscaynedecor.com/

Safe Service

Two Computer Guys Help Available

Since 1998, the team at Two Computer Guys has been available for reliable, efficient and friendly service -- from soccer moms and students to small business. They solve problems and get your computer up and running at top speed quickly with personal service. Just call when you need a little help. 305-444-1984. https://www.twocomputerguys.com

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