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Greetings {name},

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

Coral Gables City Hall and Holiday Park is a popular location for families to celebrate with fun activities and seasonal theme events

click on the image to see enlargement.

Coral Gables scenic photo illustrations © Robin and Robert Burr.

Thursday, December 26 is Kwanzaa, a holiday honoring the culture and traditions of people of African origin, featuring a week of celebrations, ending with a feast and the exchange of gifts.

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

Wednesday, January 1 is New Years Day, a time of hopeful, optimistic and positive thoughts about the future, making New Year's resolutions, parades and parties.

Friday, January 3 is Festival of Sleep Day, an opportunity to sleep in, snooze, doze, nap, and catch 40 winks, and host sleep-over parties.

Saturday, January 4 is Trivia Day, celebrating information of little value -- and the trivia fanatics that enjoy sharing these tidbits of knowledge with others.

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 Open for Dinner
Mika - Taste Of The Riviera
Micheline Star Chef Michael White has opened a new restaurant in Coral Gables -- Mika -- with a coastal Italian Riviera theme at The Plaza, 3007 Ponce. The restaurant will also open for lunch starting on Monday, December 30. Get details online.

Thursday, December 26 from 1 to 3pm
Traditional Thursday Afternoon Tea
Enjoy a delightful Traditional Afternoon Tea service featuring sweet and savory treats as well as an assortment of tea. Get details online.

Thursday, December 26 at 8pm
A Complete Unknown
Set in New York’s Greenwich Village in 1961, A Complete Unknown chronicles the transformative journey of a 19-year-old Bob Dylan (Timothée Chalamet), whose revolutionary talent reshaped American music. Get details online.

Friday, December 27 at 7:40pm
The Fire Inside
The inspirational true story of Claressa Shields, arguably the greatest female boxer of all time. Claressa, a high school Junior from Flint, Michigan, aided by her tough-love coach, Jason Crutchfield, pushes past all limitations to become the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing. But even at the pinnacle of success, Claressa has to reckon with the fact that not all dreams are created equal, and the real fight has only just begun. Get details online.

Saturday, December 28 at 10:30am
Light House Cruise on Biscayne Bay
Departing from the Deering Estate on a comfortable riding 45 foot Corinthian catamaran, this four hour tour will allow you to experience Biscayne National Park -- see the iconic Cape Florida, Fowey Rocks, and Boca Chita lighthouses and learn about the history that surrounds them. You cut through the alluring Stiltsville and go to Boca Chita Key to get up close to Biscayne National Park’s iconic Boca Chita Lighthouse with a chance of climbing to the top for a panoramic view of the Bay. You may also have the opportunity to see wildlife including, dolphins, sea turtles, and many shore birds. Get details online.

Saturday, December 28 at 11am
The Shawshank Redemption
Sponsored by Commissioner Kirk Menendez and the Anthony R. Abraham Foundation. Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison for the murders of his wife and her lover and is sentenced to a tough prison. However, only Andy knows he didn't commit the crimes. While there, he forms a friendship with Red (Morgan Freeman), experiences brutality of prison life, adapts, helps the warden, etc., all in 19 years. The showing includes the free ticket to the movie, a drink and popcorn sponsored by the Coral Gables Community Foundation. Get details online.

Saturday, December 28 at 1pm
eSports Tournament at the Youth Center
Join a competitive Nintendo tournament in Super Smash Bros. or Mario Kart 8 with commentary and prizes at the Youth Center Teen Room. This event ticket includes pizza and drinks. Get details online.

Saturday, December 28 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 28 at 8pm
Both Sides Now - Regional Premiere
This intimate theatrical cabaret, developed at Washington D.C’s Signature Theatre, weaves together the lives and iconic music of long-time friends and one-time lovers, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. Featuring thirteen songs that soundtracked generations of collective yearning including A Case of You, Hallelujah, Big Yellow Taxi, Suzanne and Who By Fire, Both Sides Now examines the messiness of being human and the struggle to stay connected. Starring and written by Frost School of Music alum and award-winning jazz vocalist, Danielle Wertz and rock-folk musician Robbie Schaefer. Get details online.

Saturday, December 28 at 8:30pm
Holiday Nights with Flamenco Show at Bellmónt
Enjoy the authentic taste of Spain paired with a beautiful holiday theme flamenco performance at Bellmónt Spanish Restaurant, 339 Miracle Mile. Call 786-502-4684. Get details online. Get details online.

Saturday, December 28 at 10pm
Black Christmas
Marking its 50th anniversary with a stunning 4K restoration, Black Christmas-- a groundbreaking holiday horror classic -- returns to the screen in all its spine-tingling glory. When sorority sisters find themselves terrorized by a foul-mouthed, sadistic killer, a determined police chief races to uncover the truth -- while a brooding pianist falls under suspicion. Bob Clark’s Hitchcockian slasher redefines yuletide tradition with a chilling blend of terror and mystery, solidifying its legacy as a demented seasonal classic. Get details online.

Sunday, December 29 from 10am to 5pm
A Very Merry Garden at Fairchild
Enjoy the celebration of Fairchild’s Very Merry Garden this holiday season. Spend the holiday season rounding up reindeer, writing official letters to Santa, and listening to thrilling tales told by Mrs. Claus. Get details online.

Sunday, December 29 at 4pm
Festival of Lights Chanukah Celebration
Revel in the peace of the holiday season at the annual Festival of Lights Chanukah Celebration at Ponce Circle Park, 2800 Ponce de Leon Blvd. The celebration features the lighting of the menorah, a fire truck parade, a chocolate gelt drop and tasty seasonal treats. Get details online.

Tuesday, December 31 at 10am
Noon Year’s Eve At The Plaza
Bring the kids for a fun-filled event at The Plaza Coral Gables, celebrating the New Year a little early with games, music, and bubble fun with a countdown to noon. Activities include a bubble show, live music and DJ, games, plus arts and crafts -- hosted by The Plaza. Get details online.

Tuesday, December 31 at 10pm
Biltmore New Year's Eve Dessert Soirée and Fireworks
Don your finest cocktail party attire and usher in 2025 at the Biltmore Hotel. Dance the night away, indulge in a sumptuous array of desserts, and savor the delights of a premium open bar. As the clock approaches midnight, raise a glass of bubbly and witness the sky above the golf course come alive with a breathtaking fireworks display. Get details online.

Thursday, January 2 at 7:30pm
Babygirl
A high-powered CEO (Nicole Kidman) puts her life's work on the line when she begins a torrid affair with her much younger intern. Get details online.