December Best Bets

This month-long celebration at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is perfect for families of all ages. Notable activities include “Reindeer Round-Up,” “Letters to Santa,” “Storytime with Mrs. C.” Children are also invited to take photos with Santa Claus. Tickets range from free to $24 through the end of the month. 

10901 Old Cutler Rd
fairchildgarden.org

The other month-long event at Fairchild is the annual return of the Night Garden, where the night comes alive through acres of lighting effects and music, along with food trucks and drink stations. Open nightly from 6 to 10 pm, till 11 pm Fridays and Saturdays.

Tickets $31 to $40
10901 Old Cutler Rd
fairchildgarden.org 

Get into the holiday spirit with this production of the classic “A Christmas Carol, The Musical.” From Dec. 2 to 20 on Saturdays at 2 pm, and watch Ebenezer Scrooge find Christmas joy at Actors Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre. Ticket prices range from $25 to $40, depending on the seating zone. There will be a sensory inclusive performance on Dec. 13 at 2 pm.

280 Miracle Mile
actorsplayhouse.org

Sally Baumgartner’s annual Merrick Festival Caroling Competition is back for another year, as some of the most talented middle school and high school singers in South Florida will be performing on Wednesday, Dec. 3 to Sunday, Dec. 7, from 7 to 10 pm. This is the first year of the Caroling Competition in which it is formally recognized as a city event by Coral Gables.

550 Biltmore Way
carolingcompetition.org

The annual holiday tree lighting at Coral Gables City Hall takes place from 5:30 pm to 10 pm on Friday, Dec. 5 this year. The event is free, but there are early access tickets available for purchase. Watch Santa light the tree alongside the Coral Gables City Commission, and enjoy food, beverages, and live music. 

405 Biltmore Way
coralgables.com

The landmarks and achievements of past, present, and future Coral Gables will be celebrated at the Venetian Pool on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 6 to 10 pm with the Centennial Grand Finale concert. Includes a performance by Maestro Eduardo Maturet and the Miami Symphony Orchestra. Tickets cost $250.

2701 De Soto Blvd
coralgables.com

From Tuesday, Dec. 9 to Wednesday, Dec. 17, the Junior Orange Bowl returns with its annual international youth tennis tournament. The event promises a chance to see the world’s rising tennis stars. The girls under 15 category will be played at Salvadore Park, while the boys under 15 tournament will be held at the William H. Kerdyk Biltmore Tennis Center.

juniororangebowl.com 

The Grammy-nominated chorus Seraphic Fire, led by Associate Conductor James Bass, sings ageless carols like “The First Noel,” “Joy to the World,” and “Silent Night,” as well as popular Christmas favorites like “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Jesus Christ the Apple Tree” at the Church of the Little Flower on Friday, Dec. 12 at 8 pm. Tickets cost between $65 and $95.

2711 Indian Mound Trail.
cotlf.org

The 77th annual Junior Orange Bowl Parade takes to Miracle Mile on Sunday, Dec. 14 from 3 to 8 pm. This all-ages celebration also features a newly revamped VIP Hospitality & Grandstand area for those who buy all-inclusive tickets, which include unlimited complimentary food and beverages, premiere seating, and pre-parade live music. Free entry for access to paid vendors and the opportunity to watch the parade, with an appearance by Santa.

juniororangebowl.org

Join Junior League Miami for a Christmas-themed market at Bay 13 Brewery and Kitchen on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 3 pm to 7 pm. Shop local gifts just in time for the holidays. First 100 guests will receive a free glass of champagne.

65 Alhambra Plaza
jlmiami.org

The final Gables Bike Tour this year takes guests through the internationally themed villages of the City Beautiful, which were created as part of George Merrick’s vision for the city. This tour starts at the Coral Gables Museum on Sunday, Dec. 21 and runs from 10 am to 12 pm. Tickets are $5 to $10. Children under 16 must wear helmets.

285 Aragon Ave
coralgablesmuseum.org

Join the Biltmore Hotel on Wednesday, Dec. 31 from 10 pm to 1 am to usher in the new year. Don your finest cocktail party attire and dance the night away with a sumptuous array of desserts, open bar, and a breathtaking fireworks display over the golf course.

Tickets are $250
1200 Anastasia Ave
biltmorehotel.com