Greetings {name},

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

Tall buildings populate much of downtown Coral Gables while, in the distance, we see Miami Baseball Stadium (looks like a space ship landed) and the Hard Rock's Guitar-shaped Hotel 27 miles to the north.

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.

Monday, December 25 is Christmas Day, the pinnacle of the holiday season for many Americans and a traditional time for festive gatherings and the exchange of gifts within families.

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

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.

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 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 10:30am
Furry Tales - Reading with Avi
Kids 5 to 12 years old -- Read your favorite stories alongside Avi the Poodle at Pinecrest Library. Reading aloud to a registered therapy dog helps improve literacy skills and boost confidence. Bring your own book or choose from the library's collection. Email: booke@mdpls.org or call 305-668-4571. 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.

Friday, December 15 at 8pm
Duo Beaux Arts - Coral Gables Winter Dreams
Attend a spectacular Festive Holiday Concert presented by the Miami Chamber Music Society at Sanctuary Of The Arts. Get details online.

Saturday, December 16 all day
Miami-Dade Christmas Bird Count
Participate with the Tropical Audubon Society's annual bird count, coordinated by Brian Rapoza. Get details online.

Saturday, December 16 at 10am
Hot Chocolate with Santa
Warm up for the holidays while sipping Hot Chocolate with Santa and get exclusive access to the Coral Gables Holiday Park playground at City Hall. This event includes a photo opportunity with Santa, hot beverage and children's activity. The cost is $30 for a group of four Coral Gables residents. Get details online.

Saturday, December 16 at 10:30am
Attract Butterflies to Your Garden
Learn how to attract butterflies to your garden with master gardener Glenn Huberman at Fairchild Garden, with user friendly gardening techniques, advice on which plant varieties to grow, and methods of keeping the butterflies happy so they stick around. From feeders to plant care, discover how to get started turning your garden into a place butterflies will love. Get details online.

Saturday, December 16 at 2pm
Holiday Magic Show with Brent Gregory
Celebrate the holiday season at the Coral Gables Library with the mind-bending magic of Brent Gregory. Call 305-442-8706 or email: capleybr@mdpls.org. All ages are welcome. Get details online.

Saturday, December 16  at 7:30pm
Duke Ellington's Nutcracker and Other Holiday Delights
Join Sanctuary of the Arts Choreographic Ensemble and New Canon Big Band Collective to groove out to the liveliest, most toe-tapping Nutcracker in town. Get details online.

Saturday, December 16 at 9pm
The Lobster - Colin Farrell
In this highly imaginative, delightfully absurdist comedy from visionary director Yorgos Lanthimos (Poor Things), Colin Farrell stars as David, a man who has just been dumped by his wife. To make matters worse, David lives in a society where single people have 45 days to find true love, or else they are turned into the animal of their choice and released into the woods. David is kept at the mysterious hotel while he searches for a new partner, and after several romantic misadventures decides to make a daring escape to abandon this world. He ultimately joins up with a rebel faction known as The Loners, a group founded on a complete rejection of romance. Get details online.

Sunday, December 17 all day
Audubon Homestead Christmas Bird Count
Join fellow birding enthusiasts to help the Tropical Audubon Society with the annual Christmas Bird Count in Homestead, coordinated by Carlos Sanchez. Email Carlos for details at: csanchez1230@gmail.com or visit the web site for more details.

Sunday, December 17 from 9am to noon
Cars & Santa at the Country Club
Rev up the holiday spirit with friends, family, and Santa for a car show, pictures with Santa, gingerbread car and tree decorating, a Polar Express train, hot chocolate, food trucks, DJ and more at the country club. Admission is free. Get details online.

Sunday, December 17 at 10am
Bike Tour - Literally Coral Gables
It’s no fiction, the literary history of Coral Gables includes bookshops, libraries, and even a few writers. Mitch Kaplan, the owner of Books & Books, will lead the first edition of this novel tour of the written word in Coral Gables. Get details and purchase $10 tickets online.

Sunday, December 17 from 2 to 5pm
Coral Gables Merrick House Holiday Celebration
Embrace the nostalgia of traditional caroling, hand-crafted gifts, vintage wares and holiday confections at the Merrick House Holiday Celebration. Games, crafts, and a visit with Santa for the wee folk will make it a day to remember, at 907 Coral Way. Call 305-460-5093. 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.

Monday, December 18 at 8pm
Palms & Poetry – Open Mic
Miami Poetry Club's Palms & Poetry is a judgment-free sanctuary for your unique voice to soar at Books & Books. Whether you’re a poet, a listener, or simply a wanderer seeking solace in the art of expression, join in every third Monday of the month from 8 to 10pm. Get details online.

Tuesday, December 19 at 7pm
Golda - Film Screening
A ticking-clock thriller set during the tense 19 days of the Yom Kippur War. Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir (Helen Mirren) must navigate overwhelming odds, a skeptical cabinet and a complex relationship with US Secretary of Sate Henry Kissinger (Lieve Schreiber) with millions of lives in the balance. Her tough leadership and compassion would ultimately decide the fate of her nation. Get details online.

Tuesday, December 19 at 7:30pm
Scrooge - Albert Finney
Ebenezer Scrooge, portrayed by Albert Finney, embodies the characteristic of a miser. He possesses great wealth, but he is extremely frugal and unwilling to spend his money. Moreover, he takes advantage of his employee Bob Cratchit, played by David Collings, who is a kind-hearted individual. However, on the night of Christmas Eve, Scrooge experiences a shocking revelation when he is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, portrayed by Alec Guinness. Marley warns Scrooge that he will be visited by three spirits, including the Ghosts of Christmas Past, played by Edith Evans, and Present, portrayed by Kenneth More. 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.

Thursday, December 28 at 7pm
Cocktail Class with Ilegal Mezcal
Prepare to enhance your cocktail expertise with an exciting cocktail class at Copper 29 Bar presented in collaboration with Ilegal Mezcal -- an immersive experience priced at just $25 per person, where you'll delve into the world of crafting exceptional cocktails using this unique spirit. 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.

Flavors of Argentina
Curiosa - Argentina Auténtica
Conveniently located in Coral Gables at 1244 SW 57th Ave, La Curiosa family-owned meat market stands as a culinary haven for enthusiasts of exquisite flavors, offering a rich selection of Argentine and American beef -- the finest cuts that promise unmatched tenderness and taste. Complementing this culinary experience, the store boasts a sophisticated collection of wines and gourmet products, curated to elevate every meal. From the robust reds to the crisp whites, the select wines harmonize perfectly with the sizzling meats. Step into La Curiosa and indulge in a symphony of flavors that celebrate the art of fine dining and cherished family traditions. Get details and order online.