Greetings {name},

Friday, December 24 is Christmas Eve, starting a long weekend of celebrations and family gatherings.

Saturday, December 25 is Christmas Day, a Christian celebration and a federal holiday. The giving of gifts laid under the traditional Christmas Tree, especially for children, is a highlight of the holiday season.

Sunday, December 26 is the first day of Kwanza, a holiday honoring the culture and traditions of people of African origin. It's also known as Boxing Day, a traditional time to offer gifts to the less fortunate; and Saint Steven's Day (Feast of Saint Stephen), commemorating the protomartyr of Christianity.

Friday, December 31 is New Year's Eve, also known as Old Year's Night in some cultures. It's a traditional time to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another, with hopes of a pleasant and productive future.

Saturday, January 1 is New Year's Day, heralded at midnight by fireworks, celebrations, parties and special events. A common symbol of New Year's Day is Baby New Year, dressed in a diaper, a hat and a sash.

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

Cartagena Plaza, also known as Cocoplum Circle, features a sculpture of comfortable old shoes at the intersection of LeJeune Road, Sunset Drive, Old Cutler Road and Cocoplum Road.

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/

Live Performances through December 31

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/

Open Christmas Eve

Licorice Pizza at Gables Cinema

Acclaimed writer and director Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood, Phantom Thread) returns with this ode to his beloved San Fernando Valley and the treacherous navigation of first love, complete with all the awkward longing of youth. A nostalgic throwback to 1973, the film follows 25-year-old Alana Kane (Alana Haim) and Gary Valentine (Cooper Hoffman). Kane is working as a photographer’s assistant when she meets Valentine, a 15-year-old child actor, as he prepares for his school pictures. As with his previous films, Anderson relishes the complications that come with imbalanced relationships where love, loyalty, commitment, and tragedy weave a stunning emotional tapestry. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/licorice-pizza/

Through December 31

Christmas Tree in Giralda Plaza

Here's a wonderful photo opportunity for the whole family. The giant Christmas Tree at Giralda Plaza makes a fantastic backdrop for photos and memories of the holiday season in downtown Coral Gables.

Last Sunday of the Month at 9:30am

Gables Waterway Kayak Tour

Explore the history of Coral Gables in this leisurely paddle through the City Beautiful waterways. This guided tour will teach you all about the man-made waterway’s delightful blend of unique vistas, abundant wildlife, and historic landmarks. Trip meets at the launch ramp under the Metrorail along US1/Ponce & Riviera Drive, Bring drinking water and protection from the sun. Public parking is available at 4600 Ponce de Leon Blvd., 5-minute walk south to the launch area. Call 305-603-8067. 

https://coralgablesmuseum.org/portfolio-item/waterway-kayak-tours/

Thursday, December 30 at 9pm

Candlelight: Rock Classics on Strings

Th Hotel Colonnade presents intimate ambience in a beautiful venue bathed in candlelight, with a talented string quartet performing classical versions of rock hits. The glow of candlelight will create a serene atmosphere to accompany these iconic songs, allowing the harmonic melodies of the violins to delight. This event is for adults and children aged 10 years or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. https://feverup.com/m/104873

Friday, December 31 at 7pm

Ode to Joy: A New Year's Eve Celebration 

Orchestra Miami presents the ultimate New Year’s Eve Celebration at Collins Park -- an unforgettable, family-friendly, free beachfront concert of Beethoven’s Symphony N. 9, performed by Orchestra Miami. Artistic Director Elaine Rinaldi leads an all-star line-up of soloists, including Elaine Alvarez, soprano; Marianne Cornetti, mezzo-soprano; Russell Thomas, tenor; and Kevin Short, bass. Festivities begin at 7pm and the fun continues to midnight ending with a spectacular fireworks display between 21st and 22nd streets -- bring a blanket or a beach chair. Get details online. https://www.orchestramiami.org/odetojoy

Save The Date

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

January 22 to March 7

Actors' Playhouse - Winter Conservatory Classes

Make plans now to enroll your young performer in these limited registration classes at Miracle Theatre. Get details online. https://www.actorsplayhouse.org/theatre-classes/

Saturday, February 12

Annual Tour Of Kitchens

Coral Gables Community Foundation presentes their signature Tour of Kitchens to benefit the Foundation’s pivotal outreach efforts including the Culinary Arts program and its students at Coral Gables High School. Now for the thirteenth year, guests will be inspired as they visit Coral Gables’ most exquisite private residence kitchens, indulge in bites from the City’s top restaurants, enjoy spirit tastings and shop curated home goods from local merchants. Get details online. 

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

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