Greetings {name},

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

Alice Aycock's passiflora sculpture presents an alluring counterpoint to the formal historical architecture of the surrounding area at Coral Way circle.

Sunday, December 10 is Nobel Prize Day, in honor of Alfred Nobel, who died on this day in 1895. Several prizes are awarded each year to recognize academic, cultural, and scientific advances.

Friday, December 15 is Bill Of Rights Day. According to the National Archives, “The Constitution might never have been ratified if the framers had not promised to add a Bill of Rights. The first ten amendments to the Constitution gave citizens more confidence in the new government and contain many of American's most valued freedoms.”

Thursday, December 21 is the Winter Solstice, marking the shortest day north of the equator and the longest day in the south, as the sun reaches the southernmost latitude all 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 -- 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

Now On Exhibition
Important Cuban Artworks - Volume Twenty
Important Cuban Artworks, Volume Twenty, is currently on view at Cernuda Arte. For this special occasion, Cernuda Arte Gallery has curated a sprawling exhibition of more than 225 paintings, drawings, sculptures, and prints, spanning three centuries of creative production. This ambitious show is accompanied by a 164-page, full-color publication of the same name. Cernuda Arte Gallery is located at 3155 Ponce. Call 305-461-1050. Get details online.

Get advice before you buy that new computer!
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, seniors and anyone who needs a little help with their computer. TCG solves problems to get computers up and running at top speed quickly. Serving more than a thousand clients in South Florida over the past three decades. Call 305-444-1984 when you need a little help. Get details and schedule an appointment online.

Now through January 7
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. Get details online.

Nightly in December
Holiday Park Seasonal Activities
Bring the family to downtown Coral Gables to experience the Holiday Park at City Hall, open to children of all ages to enjoy rides and play amidst picturesque holiday-inspired backdrops. Get details online.

Now Open
Montauk Lobster House
At 1549 Sunset Road, the new restaurant features 3,500 square feet of dining and kitchen space, and a 1,500-square-foot outdoor patio. Call 305-284-9989. Get details online. https://mtklobsterhouse.com

During The Month of December
A Very Merry Garden
Fairchild Garden presents a month-long celebration of their Very Merry Garden. Gather your family and friends and spend the holiday season rounding up reindeer, writing official letters to Santa, and listening to thrilling tales told by Mrs. Claus. Get details online.

Now through December 30
Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami
Zoo Miami will open at night for a special holiday event with one million bright, animal shaped and dazzling tree lights. Bring the family to experience Zoo Miami like never before. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Thursdays from 6 to 9pm
Santa On The Green
The Shops at Merrick Park’s garden area will be filled with lively music and Santa himself on Thursday evenings this holiday season. Arrive early with a blanket or chair to reserve the perfect spot on the green for the free entertainment, then indulge in the variety of dining and shopping options at Shops at Merrick Park. Get details online.

Thursday, December 7 at 6pm
A Good Book Book Club
Join fellow readers on First Thursdays in person at the Pinecrest Library or online via Zoom to discuss the month's chosen title -- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Registration is required. For online event, a Zoom link will be emailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time. Call the branch at 305-668-4571 or email: booke@mdpls.org. Ages 19 year and older. Get details online. Get details online.

Thursday, December 7 from 7 to 9pm
Carolers in Downtown Coral Gables
During this holiday season, enjoy carolers' angelic voices as you walk, shop and dine in Downtown Coral Gables. Carolers, dressed in holiday caroling attire from local high school choirs are strolling through the streets of Miracle Mile and Giralda Plaza from 7 to 9pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. This event is sponsored by the Coral Gables Economic Development Department. Get details online.

Thursday, December 7 at 7:30pm
Tribute Celebration of Ernesto Lecuona
Sanctuary of the Arts presents "Ernesto Lecuona: El Maestro." On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of his death, international artists including, musicians, singers, and dancers will converge in a world-tribute celebration and homage to the genius of Lecuona. Get details online.

Friday, December 8 at 10am
Journey to Your Inner Child
Unlocking Memories & Unveiling Hidden Rules -- Explore the power of inner child healing meditation at the Pinecrest Library. Take a transformative journey into your past and reconnect with your younger self, unearthing the memories and rules that shape your present. Presented by certified coach and hypnotherapist Sahar Eini. Call 305-668-4571 or email: booke@mdpls.org. Ages 19 years and up. Get details online.

Starts Friday, December 8
The Boy and the Heron
Hayao Miyazaki's first feature film in 10 years. A young boy named Mahito, yearning for his mother, ventures into a world shared by the living and the dead. There, death comes to an end, and life finds a new beginning. The Boy and the Heron is a hand-drawn, original story written and directed by Miyazaki. Produced by Studio Ghibli co-founder Toshio Suzuki, the film features a musical score from long-time collaborator Joe Hisaishi. Get details online.

Fri/Sat/Sun Dec 8–10 from 9am to 5pm
R.F. Orchids Annual Holiday Sale
Get in the spirit at R.F. Orchids with a three day special holiday sale on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm at 28100 SW 182 Ave. Call 305-245-4570. Get details online.

Friday, December 8 at 7:30pm
Seraphic Fire Christmas
Attend a spectacular holiday choral performance by Seraphic Fire at St. Philip's Episcopal, 1121 Andalusia Ave. Let the gentle glow of candlelight and angelic tones of Seraphic Fire a cappella voices usher you into the holiday season. A Seraphic Fire Christmas provides a moment of reflection and peace to connect with friends and loved ones. Enjoy festive carols from varied traditions alongside newer takes on classics from contemporary composers. The event marks the release of Seraphic Fire’s newest Christmas album. Get details online.

Friday, December 8 at 7:30pm
Mistletoe & Martinis
The Deering Estate Foundation is pleased to host its 6th-annual Mistletoe & Martinis, a sophisticated soirée -- an enchanting evening when Deering Estate comes alive with the sights, sounds and libations of the holiday season --  with a fanciful nod to Alice in Wonderland. Get details online.

Saturday, December 9 from 7:30am to 4pm
Flamingo Area Birding with Tropical Audubon
Meet at the Flamingo Visitor Center in Everglades National Park. Tropical Audubon Society's Luis Gonzalez (bilingual) will lead this full-day birding trip to the Flamingo area, 38 miles south of the park entrance. It's the perfect time of year to observe native and migrating species. Bring lunch. Get details and register online.

Saturday, December 9 at 7:30am
Early Morning Bird Walk at Fairchild
Join the Guided Early Morning Bird Walk to spot the many birds who dwell in Fairchild's tropical paradise. It’s the perfect time to encounter quick-winged hummingbirds, as they tend to stay out of sight during the day. Grab your binoculars and meet at the South Gate Entrance, then follow your guide down the Kushlan Bird Trail. Get details online.

Saturday, December 9 from 10am to 3pm
2023 Villagers' Holiday House Tour
Villagers’ Holiday House Tour features Century-old Gables' Homes from 1923. This year marks the 38th year The Villagers have offered their popular holiday tour. Of special interest, is the inclusion of the Merrick House, beautifully decorated for Christmas and hosted by their volunteer docents. Members of The Villagers will be on hand to explain each private home’s distinctive history and features. A gift boutique featuring unique artisans, vintage jewelry, hand-made Angels, and a quilt raffle, will be available from 10am until 4pm, an hour after the tour ends. A Rita Tennyson pop-up café will also be on-site, offering food for purchase. The gift boutique will be held at the historic Coral Gables Woman's Club at 1001 East Ponce de Leon Blvd. and a tour ticket is not necessary for entry. Ticket holders drive their own vehicles between the properties and will receive tour directions with their ticket purchase. Tickets are $65. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Saturday, December 9 from 10am to 5pm
Museum Family Day on Aragon
Packed with educational fun and creative activities, Family Day on Aragon is the perfect outing for children and adults alike. From noon to 5pm, relish in free admission, interactive exhibitions, engaging workshops, and a whole lot more. Bond with your loved ones as you uncover the wonders of history and culture at the Coral Gables Museum. Get details online.

Saturday, December 9 at 10:30am
Bee Keeping with Bee Wranglers
Learn what is required to start your own apiary and what plants are best to use in the garden to provide habitat for all pollinators. Get details online.

Sat/Sun December 9–10 at 11am
Annie
This family classic is adapted from the Broadway musical, which was based on the comic strip Little Orphan Annie. During the Great Depression in New York City, a plucky red-haired scrapper named Annie (Aileen Quinn) is the voice of hope for her fellow orphans who live under the supervision of drunken floozy Miss Hannigan (Carol Burnett). Get details online.

Saturday, December 9 at 2pm
Ornament Making Event by Lavender Ribbon Initiative
Attendees will be invited to help the nonprofit Lavender Ribbon Initiative make ornaments for the patients at Nicklaus Children's Hospital. Call 305-668-4571 or email: booke@mdpls.org. Ages 8 years and older. Get details online.

Saturday, December 9 at 4pm
Miracle Theatre 75 Year Celebration
Join the celebration at the Miracle Theatre's 75th anniversary event, with special performances, food, drinks and theatre fun for the whole family, with exclusive backstage tours of the theatre and an engaging presentation on the remarkable transformation of the Miracle Theatre. Get details online.

Sunday, December 10 at 9am
Bubbles and Brunch at Lowe Art Museum
Attend Art Week Bubbles & Brunch followed by the Arnold and Augusta Newman Foundation Lecture in Photography at the Lowe Art Museum. Noted artist, filmmaker, writer, and "liberated documentarian" RaMell Ross discusses his latest body of work in the context of his distinguished career in this free public lecture. His book, Spell, Time, Practice, American, Body (MACK, 2023) will be available for sale at this event, courtesy of Books & Books.  Get details online.

Sunday, December 10 at 10:30am
Holiday Wreath Building Workshop
Enjoy holiday floral fun with Professional Event Designer and Florist Anna Noriega of Alorè Event Firm. Explore your holiday style and learn how to build your very own holiday wreath. Everything you need will be supplied at the workshop. No experience required. Get details online.

Sunday, November 10 from 11am to 4pm
Bottomless Brunch At JohnMartin's
The Bottomless Brunch at JohnMartin’s in Coral Gables is a great way to relax and enjoy a delicious meal with friends and family, offering a wide variety of breakfast and lunch items, as well as a full bar. The atmosphere is casual and inviting, and the service is friendly and attentive. Some of the most popular items on the Sunday brunch menu include the Irish Benedict, the toast, and the Breakfast Burger. JohnMartin’s also offers a variety of burgers and sandwiches. Get details online.

Sunday, December 10 at 3pm
Joy Joy Joy Holiday Concert
Bring the family out to Pinecrest Gardens for the GMSB Family Holiday Concert Joy Joy Joy in the Banyan Bowl open-air amphitheater located at 11000 Red Road. The performance will be led by Music Director Robert Longfield, featuring vocalist Susie Blank Wolfe -- an audience favorite -- and the ever popular Sleigh Ride (Leroy Anderson), A Christmas Festival (Anderson), A Hanukkah Festival (traditional), Feliz Navidad (Jose Feliciano), and many more classic holiday tunes for the whole family. There is an audience sing-along with printed lyrics handed out. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Sunday, December 10th at 5pm
Junior Orange Bowl Parade
The Junior Orange Bowl Parade returns to the streets of Coral Gables -- Miracle on the Mile: A Holiday Parade and Celebration -- featuring floats, bands, performers, and more than 2,000 youth community group participants. People of all ages are invited to this wonderful celebration; to enjoy the sights and sounds of this magical event. Get details online.

Tuesday, December 12 at 9am
City Commission Meeting
The City of Coral Gables will be holding its City Commission regular meeting commencing at 9am. Members of the public may participate in person, but are also able to participate via the Zoom platform. Get agenda details online.

Tuesday, December 12 at 10am
Daughters of the American Revolution
Visit the Pinecrest Library for the Coral Gables Chapter of the DAR December meeting and historical program. Visitors are welcome. The group is based upon having a verified patriot ancestor(s) who aided American independence during the Revolutionary War. Patriots include both men and women from the Americas and overseas. Call 305-668-4571 or email: booke@mdpls.org. Ages 19 years and older. Get details online.

Tuesday, December 12 from 6 to 7:30pm
Coral Gables Bazaar
From the naming of the streets to the design/motif of countless sites and structures, the Moorish influence on Coral Gables endures. The Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables invites members and friends to attend the annual Holiday Bazaar at 1340 Asturia Avenue to purchase gift baskets, floral arrangements, vintage decor and many more treasures. Meet and greet your fellow local history enthusiasts and enjoy a delight holiday theme celebration. Email for details.

Tuesday, December 12 at 6pm
The Florida Stores at Coral Gables Branch Library
Burdines, Byrons, Jordan Marsh, Malls and Other Shopping Memories -- the holiday season comes with the shopping season in many places. But in South Florida, shopping has been a year-round activity for a long time. Join historian and educator Sylvia Gurinsky for a fond look back at stores and malls of Miami's yesteryear. Call 305-442-8706 or email: capleybr@mdpls.org. All ages are welcome. Get details online.

Tuesday, December 12 at 7pm
Daniel F. Runde - The American Imperative
Books & Books is thrilled to present an evening with distinguished author, Daniel F. Runde, and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen to discuss his intriguing book: The American Imperative: Reclaiming Global Leadership through Soft Power. Get details online.

Tuesday, December 12 at 8pm
A Festival Holiday Jubilee
Enjoy the Greater Miami Symphonic Band's performance at the Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Drive, led by Music Director Robert Longfield and Guest Conductor Barry Bernhardt, Director of Bands at Florida International University. The program features the North Star Singers, a 16-member voice choir, performing White Christmas (Irving Berlin), Mary, Did You Know? and Christmas on Broadway, with a musical rendition of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas with narration -- a full evening of popular music of the holiday season. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Wednesday, December 13 from 6 to 10pm
Dade Heritage Trust Holiday Party
Join Dade Heritage Trust for a lovely holiday party at the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, celebrating the holidays, and the launch of their 2024 Preservation Today Magazine. Biscayne Bay at the historic Biscayne Bay Yacht Club is one of Miami's most picturesque waterfront venues. With open bar, great food and holiday cheer for all. Get details and purchase $100 tickets online.

Wednesday, December 13 at 6pm
Miami Holiday Music Celebration
THesis Hotel Miami presents a family-friendly holiday musical event performed by students of Barrett School of Music. Dress up in your most extravagant holiday sweaters and relax, as the community celebrates the holiday spirit. Get details online.

Thursday, December 14 from 5 to 8pm
Sip and Shop on Miracle Mile
Enjoy a festive and fun Sip & Shop event on Miracle Mile, enjoying delicious wines from Uruguay while shopping for unique holiday gifts. Check in at McBride Plaza, 150 Miracle Mile to receive an event map, complimentary wine-tasting tumbler and reusable tote bag with holiday promotional offers -- special sale pricing, gifts and other in-store promotions while participating in wine tastings. Get details online.

Thursday, December 14 at 6:30pm
Meditation Class at Gables Library
Discover your true self through Sahaja Meditation and see your full potential unfold. Learn to calm and balance yourself, avoid extremes and live in tune with your environment. Beginners are welcome. Call 305-442-8706 or email: capleybr@mdpls.org. Ages 19 years and older. Get details online.

Friday, December 15 at 7:30pm
Seraphic Fire Christmas
Attend a spectacular holiday choral performance by Seraphic Fire at First United Methodist Church, 536 Coral Way. Let the gentle glow of candlelight and angelic tones of Seraphic Fire a cappella voices usher you into the holiday season. A Seraphic Fire Christmas provides a moment of reflection and peace to connect with friends and loved ones. Enjoy festive carols from varied traditions alongside newer takes on classics from contemporary composers. The event marks the release of Seraphic Fire’s newest Christmas album. Get details online.

Monday, December 18 at 2pm
Building Author Visibility Workshop
Join Rochelle B. Weinstein, USA Today and Amazon bestselling author, online or in person to learn how to promote your work in an overcrowded market. Discover tips and strategies to build your audience and connect with readers and bloggers. The Zoom link will be emailed to online participants within 24 hours of the start time. Email: booke@mdpls.org or call 305-668-4571. Get details online.

Sunday, December 24
Navidad Flamenca Under the Sky
On Christmas Eve -- Nochebuena -- let the warmth of family, the joy of tradition, and the rhythm of Flamenco surround you at Bellmont Spanish Restaurant. As stars light up the night, the outdoor stage resonates with the heartwarming chords of traditional Christmas Carols (villancicos navideños) and vibrant rhythms of Spain. A special menu will feature their signature dishes of tender lamb chops, fresh fish from Northern Spain, Seafood paella, and 100% black Angus beef. Get details online.

Sunday, December 31 from 8pm to midnight
Orchestra Miami 2023 New Years Eve
Ring in the New Year with a free, beachfront concert with Miami’s premiere professional orchestra -- Orchestra Miami. The 42 musicians of Orchestra Miami, led by Artistic Director Elaine Rinaldi, will perform with special guests, The Latin Divos. Singing favorites such as O Sole Mio, Jurame, Nessun Dorma, Allelujah in Italian, English, Spanish and French, they have performed in prestigious theaters throughout the world. Supersize your holiday with a VIP seat & midnight champagne toast. Get details and purchase tickets online.