Best Bets for December
Nightgarden at Fairchild
Coral Gables’ favorite surreal experience is back again, and bigger than ever. From Nov.12 all the way until Jan. 2 Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden will come back to life by night. Experience beautifully illuminated gardens, as well as special effects and surprises, a perfect experience for the whole family. Along with the magical display, participate in interactive activities, and dine with Miami’s most popular food trucks. 10901 Old Cutler Road. For tickets visit thenightgarden.com.
The Return of the Nutcracker
Experience gorgeous choreography, costumes and sets as you join Clara on her magical journey to bring her Nutcracker Prince to life. On Sat. Dec. 4 at 7pm, the Christmas magic comes to life at Miami Dade County Auditorium with Armour Dance Theatre & New World School of the Arts’ performance. Purchase tickets online for $20-$40 at www.miamidadecountyauditorium.org. 2901 W. Flagler Street. You can also view the Miami Youth Ballet’s rendition at South Miami Dade Cultural Arts Center on Sat. Dec 4 at 8 pm and Sun. Dec. 5 at 2 pm. Purchase tickets at www.smdcac.com for $26-$41, 10950 SW 211 St. For a funky twist to the traditional ballet, head to the Adrienne Arsht Center for a Hip-Hop Nutcracker on Sat. Dec. 11 at 3:30 pm and 8 pm. Tickets $29-$79. Or attend the classic Balanchine version at Arsht, performed by the Miami City Ballet, Dec. 16–26 at noon, 1 pm, 2 pm or 7 pm, depending on the day. Tickets $34-$125. Visit www.arshtcenter.org for both. 1300 Biscayne Blvd
Julio Larraz: the Kingdom We Carry Inside – CG Museum
On display at the Coral Gables Museum beginning on Dec. 1 is “Julio Larraz: The Kingdom We Carry Inside.” This show displays a superb selection of the renowned Cuban artists’ works from private and public collections, as well as archives and pieces that integrate his private collection, showcasing his skills in technique, color and light. Visit www. coralgablesmuseum.org for more information. 285 Aragon Ave.
Frost Live!
Frost Live has a week’s worth of performances for you before they take a break until the new year. Each day from Dec. 1 to Dec. 8 has different options to choose from, like “Winter Wonderland: Frost’s School of Music Holiday Dinner” on Dec. 5 or “American Voices: Frost Symphonic Winds” on Dec. 8. For ticket purchases and a full calendar of events, visit www.frost-music-live.miami.edu. Performances are held at the Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Dr.
Area Stage Company & Crystal Academy: “Polar Express”
Area Stage Company is getting into the Christmas spirit with their Inclusive Theatre Project, a one-of-a-kind theatre training program for students with developmental and intellectual disabilities. They will perform “Polar Express” with the students of Crystal Academy on Dec. 16 at 10 am, an adaptation of the beloved 2004 Christmas film. You can experience this delightful performance at the Holiday Park in Coral Gables, across from City Hall. For more information, visit www.areastage.org/itp or call (305) 666-2078.
“Madeline’s Christmas” at Actors’ Playhouse
Get into the holiday season with Madeline and friends. Join Madeline as she tries to save Christmas when the 11 other little girls at the orphanage come down with the flu. This festive musical production runs from Dec. 4 to Dec. 30 at Actors’ Playhouse, 280 Miracle Mile. Visit www.actorplayhouse.org to purchase tickets. You can also catch the star-studded “Middletown” until Dec. 12.