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Greetings {name},

We hope you'll appreciate our curated list of community events and cultural opportunities in the coming days.

designed by Denman Fink and named for Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, the plaza features a monumental freestanding fountain that serves as a traffic circle at the intersection of Sevilla Avenue, Granada Boulevard and De Soto Boulevard

click on the image to see enlargement.

Coral Gables scenic photo illustrations © Robin and Robert Burr.

Sunday, 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.”

Wednesday, 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.

Wednesday Evening, December 25 is the beginning of Chanukah on the Jewish calendar, a celebration lasting eight days.

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

Every Thursday
Das Boot at Fritz and Frans Bierhaus
Beer enthusiasts unite for the Thursday Special at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus. Purchase the one liter boot mug of beer and get the second for half price. Along with all your favorite German and Bavarian specialties, Fritz and Franz at 60 Merrick Way is the place to meet with friends and family for authentic good times. Get details online.

Thursday, December 12 at 10am
Email Marketing 101 - Presented by Florida SBDC at FIU
This interactive workshop is designed for entrepreneurs looking to expand their customer base through effective marketing. It covers the importance of marketing in business development, target market research, components of a strong marketing plan, high-impact marketing strategies, and key performance metrics, including social media campaign success. Call the Coral Gables Library at 305-442-8706 or email: capleybr@mdpls.org. Ages 19 years and older. Get details online.

Thursday, December 12 at 6pm
Modern Cuban Painters: From Havana to New York
Attend a panel discussion celebrating the launch of Modern Cuban Painters: From Havana to New York, a new book that delves into themes of resistance and the integration of 1940s Cuban modern art into the United States' cultural landscape. This work highlights the legacy of artists who led the shift toward modernity in Cuba. Published by the Fundación Mariano Rodríguez, the book commemorates the 80th anniversary of both the historic exhibition Modern Cuban Painters at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) as well as the seminal book Pintura Cubana de Hoy. The event takes place at the Otto G. Richter Library, 1300 Memorial Drive. Get details online.

Fri/Sat/Sun December 13–14–15
R. F. Orchids Holiday Open House Weekend
It's Holiday Open House Season at R.F. Orchids -- the whole weekend -- with 20% discounts on orchids, key chains, necklaces, bargain table items and much more. A great choice for holiday shopping. Located at 28100 SW 182 Ave. Call 305-245-4570. Get details online. https://rforchids.com

Friday, December 13 at 9am
Women In Philanthropy
Attend a conversation focused on Women in Philanthropy and their growing influence as changemakers through their gifts of time, talent, treasure, and testimony at Coral Gables Art Cinema. Get details online.

Friday, December 13 at 6pm
Strings Attached - Barnacle Under Moonlight
South Florida’s premiere contemporary cello and piano duo, Strings Attached creates fresh arrangements and compositions that encompasses elements of jazz, classical, folk, latin, RnB and hip-hop. Get details online.

Friday, December 13 at 7:30pm
Mistletoe & Martinis at Deering
The Deering Estate Foundation will host its 7th-annual Mistletoe & Martinis, a signature holiday event at the Deering Estate -- an enchanting evening with the sights, sounds and libations of the holiday season. Enjoy an evening of strolling the estate, enjoying lavish hors d’oeuvres, delicious martinis and cocktails, exquisite sweets, and a variety of live music and entertainment. Get details online.

Friday, December 13 at 8pm
Both Sides Now: The Music and Lives of Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen
This intimate theatrical cabaret weaves together the lives and iconic music of long-time friends and one-time lovers, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. Featuring 13 songs that soundtracked generations of collective yearning including A Case of You, Hallelujah, Big Yellow Taxi, Suzanne and Who By Fire, this captivating musical journey examines the messiness of being human and the struggle to stay connected. Get details online.

Friday December 13 at 8pm
Winter Dreams - Miami Chamber Music Society
Attend a captivating winter concert featuring a delightful melange of holiday favorites from classical to corals, Hanukkah and popular music performed by a stellar string quartet. The Miami Chamber Music Society presents a magical seasonal program at Sanctuary Of The Arts, immersed in the magic of the season with a musical journey spanning classical and traditional favorites. Get details online.

Saturday, December 14 all day
Miami-Dade County Audubon Christmas Bird Count
Coordinated by Brian Rapoza. The assistance of backyard bird counters within the count circle is also needed. To participate in this CBC, email Brian: fieldtrips@tropicalaudubon.org. Brian Rapoza is Field Trip Coordinator for Tropical Audubon Society in Miami and has led birding field trips throughout Florida. Get details online.

Saturday, December 14 from 10am to 1pm
Story-Time & Photos with Santa
Santa Claus is coming to town and he is visiting the Deering Estate. Enjoy story-time with Santa’s elves and photos with Santa inside the Great Hall, and holiday arts and crafts activities. Get details online.

Saturday, December 14 at 11am
The Wiz
Ease on down the yellow-brick road with The Wiz, starring superstars Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. Relive all of the magic of this beloved musical when Dorothy is whisked away to the enchanting wonderland of Oz, where she encounters the Scarecrow, the Tinman and the Lion. The Wiz features spectacular musical numbers from legendary producer Quincy Jones and an all-star cast including Lena Horne, Richard Pryor, Nipsey Russell and Ted Ross. Get details online.

Saturday, December 14 from 6 to 10pm
Night Garden Magical Light Spectacular
Experience the magic as Fairchild transforms into an enchanting fairyland, glowing with vibrant, rainbow-lit pathways. Meet Archie, the beloved, wise old tree who’s always ready for a chat, embark on a thrilling Fairy Quest, and discover countless other wonders. This dazzling light show is a fantastical holiday celebration for families. Get details online.

Saturday, December 14 at 6pm
T.J. English - The Last Kilo
The Books & Books Literary Foundation is proud to present an evening with T.J. English discussing The Last Kilo: Willy Falcon and the Cocaine Empire That Seduced America. From true-crime legend T. J. English, the epic, behind-the-scenes saga of "Los Muchachos," one of the most successful cocaine trafficking organizations in American history—a story of glitz, glamour, and organized crime set against 1980s Miami. Get details online.

Saturday, December 14 at 7pm
Live Music with Will Thomas at Clementine's
Enjoy a glass of wine and Spanish tapas while Will Thomas performs live at Clementine's Wine Gourmet, 2714 Ponce. Call 305-877-2777. Get details online.

Saturday December 14 at 7:30pm
Duke Ellington Jazz Nutcracker and Holiday Concert
Sanctuary of the Arts and New Canon Chamber Collective bring back a holiday favorite -- The Duke Ellington Jazz Nutcracker & Holiday Concert. A whole new twist to an old tradition -- audience members will groove to the liveliest, most toe-tapping Nutcracker in town as New Canon's 18 piece big band orchestra swings these time honored holiday songs arranged by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Get details online.

Saturday, December 14 at 8pm
Saturday Night Jazz at The Globe
On Saturday evening, The Globe showcases straight-ahead and latin jazz, blues, reggae, afro-Cuban, and just about every genre in between. Get details online.

Saturday, December 14 at 9pm
Fargo
In this seven-time Oscar-nominated film, things go terribly awry when small-time Minnesota car salesman Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy) hires two thugs (Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare) to kidnap his wife so he can collect the ransom from his wealthy father-in-law. Once people start dying, the very chipper and very pregnant Police Chief Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand, who won an Oscar for her performance) takes the case. Is she up for this challenge? You betcha. Get details online.

Saturday, December 14 at 9pm
The Crazy Talk Band at Titanic
Rock and country theme band Crazy Talk plays a mix of new and classic rock, and modern country music. Get details online.

Sunday, December 15 at 10am
Bike Tour - Homes for the Holiday
Get into the spirit with a Bike Tour visit to experience the Gables’ most festive holiday decorations including Merrick Park, Biltmore Way, Coral Gables Methodist Church, and the Coral Gables Merrick House. Get details online.

Sunday, December 15 from 10am to 2pm
Biltmore Signature Sunday Brunch
Experience the venerable Sunday Brunch at Fontana Restaurant in the Biltmore Courtyard for an exquisite array of selections, including omelet, caviar, crab, sushi, carving stations, fresh pasta and decadent desserts. Reservations are recommended. Get details online.

Sunday, December 15 from 11am to 4pm
Bottomless Brunch at JohnMartin's
Elevate your Sunday brunch experience at JohnMartin’s with the irresistible Bottomless Brunch with unlimited Mimosa, Bellini, and select beers. Get details online.

Sunday, December 15 at 1pm
Perfume Crafting: Create Your Unique Fragrance Identity
Unlock the art of fragrance creation. Explore a variety of aromatic ingredients, noting your impressions on scented strips. Build connections between your senses, weaving vivid memories of captivating odors. Get details online.

Sunday, December 15 from 2 to 5pm
Holiday Celebration at Merrick House
The public is invited to Coral Gables Merrick House for a holiday celebration. Stroll through the historic Merrick House decked out for the season by the Coral Gables Garden Club. Embrace the nostalgia of traditional carols, hand-crafted gifts, vintage wares and holiday confections. Games, crafts, and a visit with Santa for the wee folk will make it a day to remember. Cider and Cookies compliments of the Merrick House Governing Board. Get details online.

Sunday, December 15 at 3:30pm
Junior Orange Bowl Parade
Now celebrating the 76th year, the streets of Downtown Coral Gables come alive in celebration with the Junior Orange Bowl Parade. Imbued with the spirit of the holidays, filled with laughter, music, lights, and spectacle, the Miracle on the Mile Holiday Parade has truly become a celebrated tradition of the South Florida community. Get details online.

Sunday December 15 at 4pm
The Night and the Moon
Opera and contemporary dance rendezvous in this double bill at Sanctuary Of The Arts: the opera Arianna a Naxos (Ariadne in Naxos), and the choreography La noche y la luna (The Night and the Moon). Get details online.

Sunday, December 15 at 6pm
Joy to the World: A Holiday Celebration
The Greater Miami Symphonic Band will be ending 2024 with a fine holiday program at Gusman Hall - a joyous holiday celebration and enjoy the merry sounds of the season. Get details online.

Sunday, December 15 at 6:30pm
Holiday Pops - The Alhambra Orchestra
Celebrate the diversity of the holiday season with a spectacular showcase of multicultural winter holiday favorites by The Alhambra Orchestra at Pinecrest Gardens. Experience an inclusive selection of seasonal classics for visitors of all ages to enjoy. From spirited jazz renditions to heartwarming orchestral arrangements, let the music of the holidays fill your soul with warmth and cheer. Get details online.

Monday, December 16 from 4 to 6:30pm
Sommelier Wine Tasting Class at Armstrong Jazz House
Taste a variety of wines with a selection of different prime cheese selections. Get details online.

Monday, December 16 at 7:30pm
Songs From The Wilderness
Dramatically Speaking at The Hub: How Leonard Cohen and Robbie Schaefer refund Judaism through music. Much like Leonard Cohen, Robbie Schaefer was a bit lost. Until he wasn’t. Join Schaefer, songwriter, rocker and rabbi for an evening of musical storytelling. Explore Cohen’s complex relationship to Judaism through the lens of Schaefer, co-writer and co-star of GableStage’s Both Sides Now: the music and lives of Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell. In conversation with GableStage producing artistic director Bari Newport. Get details online.

Wednesday, December 18 at 9pm
Candlelight Christmas Special featuring The Nutcracker
Discover the music of The Nutcracker and more at Pinecrest Gardens under the gentle glow of candlelight. Get details online.

Thursday, December 19 at 4pm
Vinya Oyster House Thursdays
Meet up at the bar for $2 West Coast oysters (by the Lazy Oyster) and special pours starting. No catch, just fresh oysters and good vibes. Get details online.

Thursday, December 19 from 5 to 11pm
Christmas Wonderland at Tropical Park
South Florida’s holiday theme park is back and ready to spread the magic at Tropical Park. Christmas Wonderland is officially open, bringing festive fun, sparkling lights, and holiday joy to all. Get details online.

Thursday, December 19 from 5 to 7pm
Ladies Night at Beauty And The Butcher
Ladies drink complimentary bubbles at the bar from 5 to 7pm at Beauty And The Butcher, 6901 Red Road. Call 305-665-9661. Get details online.

Sunday, December 22 at 10:30am
Introduction to Bee Keeping at Fairchild Gardens
Begin your journey into the world of beekeeping and 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. This class will cover everything you need to start. The basic woodenware beehive boxes, tools, and protective gear will be displayed and explained. Get details online.

Sunday, December 22 at 6pm
Merry Sounds of the Season
Sponsored by The Symphonettes, The Greater Miami Symphonic Ban performs a the merry sounds of Christmas at Pinecrest Gardens Banyan Bowl, with Robert Longfield conducting a joyous holiday celebration. Get details online.