Greetings {name},

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

The stately and historic Biltmore Hotel Resort is the Grand Dame of tourist accommodations in Coral Gables.

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/

Final Curtain

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.

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

Thursday, January 6 at 6pm

Buster Keaton - Steamboat Bill, Jr.

Coral Gables Art Cinema and Dranoff 2 Piano present a screening of Buster Keaton's classic disaster film with a brand-new musical score composed by Jeroen van Veen and Mike del Ferro, who will perform this score live. In this 1928 silent classic, Buster Keaton plays a ukulele-playing college boy who's a major disappointment to his father, the captain of a steamboat that has seen better days. Keaton falls in love with the daughter of a rival captain, much to his father's dismay, but soon proves himself a hero as a cyclone rages through and it's up to him to rescue his love and her father from a watery grave. Steamboat Bill Jr. has emerged as one of Keaton's finest achievements, no doubt in part to the death-defying stunt work that includes a still-astonishing house that collapses atop the actor -- with only a three-inch margin of error. The reception begins at 6pm before the film with live concert at 7pm. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/steamboat-bill-jr/

Saturday, January 8 at 7am

Sunrise Clear Kayak Adventure

Depart from Deering Estate’s boat basin on a guided sunrise tour of Biscayne Bay in a clear kayak. As the sun rises over the beautiful waters of Biscayne Bay and wading birds are leaving their rookery you will paddle out towards Chicken Key, a seven-acre island and nature preserve surrounded by sandbars, tidal flats, and seagrass beds. Cost is $50 per person. Ages 9 and up. Deering Estate is located at 16701 SW 72nd Avenue. Call 305-235-1668. https://deeringestate.org/event/sunrise-clear-kayak/2022-01-08/

Saturday, January 8 at 2pm

Underrated Fruit Of The Winter Garden

What’s in season? South Florida is known for many summer crops, but the mild, short winters allow for many species of reliably delicious fruits. Julian Lara of Lara Farms Nursery leads a class at Fairchild Garden with his expertise on growing healthy, beautiful fruit trees for a winter harvest. Members $25; Non-members $35. Call 305-667-1651. Get details on line. 

Sunday, January 9 at 2pm

Bob Carr - The Bigger Picture of Brickell Point

Brickell Point has been conquered, inhabited, landed on, worshiped on, built on, buried on and positioned from the get-go as the epicenter for several communities that eventually would become a critical part of the magic city. Join noted archaeologist and preservationist Bob Carr as he recounts a long journey at his beloved Brickell Point with a special program on Zoom. https://www.mpnod.org/events/bob-carr-the-bigger-picture-of-brickell-point/

Friday, January 14 at 7pm

Keith Johns at The Barnacle

Spread out a picnic blanket under the moonlight and enjoy an evening of live music on the bay as Miami-based artist Keith Johns performs dynamic, beautifully orchestrated Indie Folk compositions. $20 general admission, $15 for members of The Barnacle Society, and $10 for children ages 6 to 12. The gate opens one hour before show time. Get details online.

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. 

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