Greetings {name},

Saturday, December 31 is New Year's Eve, a popular occasion for celebrations marking the end of the year, with elaborate gatherings, festivities and fireworks.

Monday, January 17 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day to promote equal rights for all Americans and honor the legacy of this civil rights champion.

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 -- including restaurant row in the 100 block of Giralda. 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 picturesque plaza entrance at SW Eighth Street and Country Club Prado is a magnificent setting reflecting Georege Merrick's vision for Coral Gables.

click on the image to see enlargement.

Coral Gables scenic photo illustrations © Robin and Robert Burr.

Thursday, December 29 at noon

The Man Who Invented Christmas

Enjoy this free screening with introduction by Les Standiford and Mitchell Kaplan. The magical journey that led to the creation of Ebenezer Scrooge (Christopher Plummer), Tiny Tim and all the classic characters from A Christmas Carol, receives an elegantly appointed update courtesy of executive producer Mitchell Kaplan. Directed by Bharat Nalluri, The Man Who Invented Christmas shows how Charles Dickens (Dan Stevens) mixed real-life inspirations with his vivid imagination to conjure a timeless tale, forever changing the holiday season into the celebration we know today. The Man Who Invented Christmas is based on the New York Times best-selling book of the same name written by Miami author Les Standiford. Mitchell Kaplan, owner of Books & Books, co-founder of the Miami Book Fair, and board member of Coral Gables Art Cinema, produced the film. Presented in partnership with Books & Books. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/the-man-who-invented-christmas/

Now through January 8

Night Garden at Fairchild

Bring the family out to Fairchild Garden for a spectacular music and light presentation that turns the garden absolutely magical. The beautiful 23-acre gardens have been transformed into an illuminated supernatural fairyland with technicolor flowers and unique sculptures. Visit rainbow-colored pathways, interact with the talking wise old tree, join a Fairy Quest, and so much more. Plus, there will be plenty of delicious food and drinks from some of Miami’s most popular food trucks. https://thenightgarden.com/miami/

Held Over

The Fabelmans - Steven Spielberg

A deeply personal portrait of 20th century American childhood, Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans is a coming-of-age story about a young man’s discovery of a shattering family secret and an exploration of the power of movies to help us see the truth about each other and ourselves. Sammy Fabelman (Gabriel LaBelle) is devoted to filmmaking, an interest that is celebrated and championed by his artistic mother, Mitzi (four-time Academy Award nominee Michelle Williams). https://www.gablescinema.com/events/the-fabelmans/

Saturday, December 31 at 8:30pm

Celebrate The New Year In Style

Ring in 2023 with the Biltmore Hotel's extravagant celebration. Enjoy an array of savory food stations, assorted desserts and bubbly at midnight accompanied with a premium open bar. Party favors included. Fireworks will illuminate the sky above the golf course as you count down at midnight. Get details and RSVP online.

Sunday, January 1 at Noon

Books & Books Anniversary Sale

Use code NYD23 to get discounts at Books & Books on January 1st as they celebrate 40 years in Coral Gables, plus 50% off gift items. https://www.booksandbooks.com

Monday, January 2 at noon

Hook

A high-flying adventure featuring the magic of Steven Spielberg, Hook stars Robin Williams as a grown-up Peter Pan and Dustin Hoffman as the infamous Captain Hook. Joining the fun is Julia Roberts as Tinkerbell, Bob Hoskins as the pirate Smee, and Maggie Smith as Granny Wendy Darling, who must convince Peter, now a middle-aged lawyer, that he was once the legendary Peter Pan. And so the adventure begins anew, with Peter off to Neverland to save his two children from Captain Hook. Along the way, he rediscovers the power of imagination, friendship, and magic. A classic tale updated for children of all ages, Hook was nominated for five 1991 Academy Awards including best visual effects. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/hook/

Monday, January 2 at 8pm

Live Jazz From Emmet's Place

Emmet Cohen brings his talent and his musical friends, an international, star-studded lineup of musicians, to the Miami Jazz Cooperative at the THesis Hotel, 1350 South Dixie Highway. Get details online.

Tuesday, January 3 at 7pm

James Grippando - Code 6

Harper Lee Prize winner and New York Times bestselling author James Grippando returns with a bold new thriller that asks at what price do we open our lives to Big Data. Get details and RSVP online.

Wednesday, January 4 at 7pm

Wild Miami: Explore the Amazing Nature in and Around South Florida

Books & Books presents an evening with Tj Morrell, Shannon Jones, Brian Diaz, and Fernando Bretos, discussing their book Wild Miami: Explore the Amazing Nature in and Around South Florida -- A vibrant, family-friendly guide to the unexpected nature found in and around Miami. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Friday, January 6 from 6 to 10pm

First Friday Gallery Night at the Museum

Each first Friday of the month, the Coral Gables Museum opens its doors to the public for free as part of Coral Gables Gallery Night. Enjoy live music, current exhibitions, and a cash bar before heading out to explore Gallery Night in the Gables. https://coralgablesmuseum.org/gallerynights/

Starts Saturday, January 7

We Will Not Be Silent at GableStage

Risking everything to stand up for social justice, German college student Sophie Scholl courageously led a major act of civil disobedience against Hitler and his fascist regime. Scholl’s moral strength is tested while being interrogated for her crimes, leading her to question whether to save her own life or continue her righteous crusade. Based on true events, We Will Not Be Silent is a provocative and timely new work that examines the role of ordinary people in extraordinary times. https://www.gablestage.org/we-will-not-be-silent/

Sunday, January 8 from 8 to 10am

Dog Date Stroll

The best dog date in town, join your fellow canine enthusiasts at Fairchild Garden every Sunday morning for fresh air and friends. This stroll is for dogs and dog lovers only. Glasshouse Café open at 9am with treats and drinks for pups and humans alike. Yum.

https://fairchildgarden.org/eventon/dog-date-stroll-jan8/

Tuesday, January 10 at 7pm

Russ Feingold - The Constitution In Jeopardy

Books & Books is thrilled to present an evening with Senator Russ Feingold discussing his new book: The Constitution in Jeopardy: An Unprecedented Effort to Rewrite Our Fundamental Law and What We Can Do About It. This former U.S. senator joins a legal scholar to examine a hushed effort to radically change our Constitution, offering a warning and a way forward. Get details and RSVP online.

Starts Saturday, January 14

Farmers' Market at City Hall

Every Saturday from 8am to 2pm through March 25, bring the family out to Merrick Park across from City Hall for the Coral Gables Farmers Market. Local vendors bring fresh Florida produce, prepared foods, baked goods, flowers and plants, plus activities for children. https://www.coralgables.com/events/farmers-market-merrick-park

January 14-15

72nd Annual Beaux Arts Festival Of Art

Miami’s longest-running juried art festival will be held on January 14-15 on the beautiful University of Miami campus, featuring over 150 fine art exhibitors, a children’s art tent, marketplace, a beer garden, food and live entertainment. This free outdoor community event is ideal for all art enthusiasts, offering artwork in a variety of media and price ranges. https://beauxartsmiami.org/pages/festival-of-art

Saturday, January 14 at 2pm

Brad Bertelli: Henry Perrine and Indian Key History

The Miami Pioneers and Natives of Dade historical society presents historian Brad Bertelli and his program on The Henry Perrine and Indian Key Connection, in person at the Pinecrest Library, as well as online with Zoom. Dr. Perrine sought to live in warmer climates after being accidentally poisoned by arsenic. The event altered his life trajectory, leading him to abandon the medical profession and pursue a career in horticulture. It also introduced him to Indian Key, where his life tragically ended during the second escalation of the Seminole War on August 7, 1840. Please RSVP with the Pinecrest Library using their link to attend in person or online. Get more details at the Miami Pioneers and Natives of Dade web site.

Save The Date

Saturday, January 21 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. Get details and register your car team on the Redland Riot web site. https://www.redlandriot.com/Rallye.html

Save The Date

January 28-29

Coral Gables Festival of The Arts

On Alhambra, from Ponce to LeJeune, the city comes alive with a fantastic festival of the arts, including Fine Art, Craft, Kids Fest, Kids Talent Competition, Wearable Art/Fashion, And The Miami Beer, Wine and Spirits Fest Cocktails and Comedy. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Save The Date

February 18-20

Coconut Grove Arts Festival

The legacy of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival continues with a long weekend of fabulous artists and artworks on display throughout the street of Coconut Grove. Proceeds help fund year-round arts programs. Since its inception in 1963, the association has awarded hundreds of scholarships to students who attend fine arts programs in local schools.

https://cgaf.com

Dependable Friendly Service

Two Computer Guys

Since 1998, the team at Two Computer Guys has been available for safe, reliable, efficient and friendly service -- for small businesses, families, students and anyone that needs computer help. They solve problems and get computers up and running at top speed quickly. Serving more than a thousand clients in South Florida over the past three decades. Just call when you need a little help. 305-444-1984. https://www.twocomputerguys.com

Fritz And Franz Bierhaus

The Iconic Bierhaus Of Coral Gables

This is where friends meet to enjoy a good time. Fritz And Franz Bierhaus offers authentic German and Bavarian cuisine, a fantastic selection of imported beer on tap (order Das Boot size if you dare). There's a fine selection of wine and a full liquor bar with cocktails. Customers rave about the wiener schnitzel and oven roasted pork shank weekly specials, the gourmet burgers, the brats, Swabian käsespätzle pasta, the Rib-Eye Steak Au Poivre, and the best German potato salad in South Florida. After the meal, try a shot of schnapps or honey liqueur. The outdoor plaza -- home to many of Coral Gables' best holiday special events -- is an ideal setting for gatherings. Call 305-774-1883. https://bierhaus.cc

A Wild Adventure

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 wildlife up close while appreciating the serene nature of this pristine environment. Call 305-849-0135 for details. https://www.evergladesswamptours.com