Best Events for December
December is a Magical Time, and Here Are Our Best Bets for You to Enjoy It.
“A Christmas Carol, The Musical”
Actors’ Playhouse is putting a musical twist on the classic Charles Dickens tale this holiday season as three spirits visit Ebenezer Scrooge and try to show him the true meaning of Christmas. This musical adaptation, written especially for family audiences, is playing at 2 pm every Saturday and Sunday at the Miracle Theatre from December 1 to December 24. Tickets start at $25. actorsplayhouse.org. 280 Miracle Mile. 305.444.9293
Breakfast With Santa
Santa Claus is coming to town! Stop by Mariposa on the third floor of Neiman Marcus Coral Gables at 8 am on December 11 to celebrate the season with the big man himself. A festive celebration packed with holiday fun, breakfast will include assorted breakfast pastries, brioche French toast with whipped cream, fresh berries, scrambled eggs, Applewood smoked bacon, and more. Tickets for children ages three to 12 are $50; adult tickets are $60. 390 San Lorenzo Ave. 786.999.1000
Nightgarden
The magical light spectacular, NightGarden, is back at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden until January 3. Every week from Thursday to Sunday, visitors can stroll through the 23-acre gardens, which have been transformed into an illuminated magical fairyland, complete with technicolor flowers and unique sculptures. However, this isn’t just another light show; there are also rainbow-colored pathways, a talking tree, fairy quests, and much more! And if you get hungry, don’t worry; there are plenty of food and beverage options from some of Miami’s most popular food trucks. Tickets start at $25 for children and $30 for adults. thenightgarden.com. 10901 Old Cutler Rd. 305.667.1651
The Villagers’ Holiday House Tour
Whether you’re a history buff or just want to know a little more about the City Beautiful, you can’t miss this historic house tour. From 10 am to 4 pm on December 10, members of The Villagers will be on-hand to guide tours and recount the unique stories of Coral Gables’ villages and homes. After a two-year hiatus, the return of the tour marks the 37th year that The Villagers have hosted the event. Attendees will drive their own vehicles between properties and will receive directions with their purchase of a $50 ticket. coralgables.com/events/villagers-holiday-house-tour.
“Million Dollar Quartet Christmas”
From November 16 to January 1, celebrate the “most wonderful time of the year” with unforgettable performances from Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley. Part of Actors’ Playhouse mainstage season, this show-stopping quartet will ring in the season by singing classic holiday tunes like “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Santa Baby,” and “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.” Tickets start at $40. actorsplayhouse.org. 280 Miracle Mile. 305.444.9293.
Festival of Lights Chanukah Celebration
It’s that time of year again! Make sure to head out to Ponce Circle Park on December 18 to partake in the Festival of Lights. This celebration, lasting from 4 pm to 6 pm, features the lighting of the menorah, a fire truck parade, a chocolate gelt drop, and tasty seasonal treats like latkes. Coral Gables firefighters will be in attendance with a large menorah fastened to their truck while a dreidel mascot hands out chocolate coins. 2800 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Merrick “Holiday” Park and Parade
Get in the spirit at Merrick “Holiday” Park. Opening December 2 with the annual tree lighting in front of City Hall, this seasonal playground will be open to people of all ages to enjoy rides and play around holiday-inspired backdrops. Come out December 10 and 17 at 10 am to grab a cup of hot cocoa, work on holiday crafts, and have your picture taken with Santa (reservations required). On December 11 at 5 pm, the Junior Orange Bowl will be presenting the 74th annual Miracle on the Mile Parade outside the park, complete with floats, performers, and marching bands. 405 Biltmore Way. 305.460.5600
Candlelight: a Tribute to Taylor Swift
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear the songs by Taylor Swift that you know all too well. At 6:30 pm on December 8, the Colonnade Hotel Coral Gables is hosting an enchanted multi-sensory musical experience that will feature the Listeso String Quartet’s take on some of Swift’s biggest hits. Tickets start at $37. candlelightexperience.com. 180 Aragon Ave.
Best Reason to Leave the Gables: Treetop Trekking at Jungle Island
There aren’t many things you can’t do in Coral Gables, but taking a zipline and ropes course through a jungle canopy is one of them. At Treetop Trekking Miami, located inside Jungle Island, participants harness up and navigate through different obstacle courses in the trees above the park, complete with ziplines, Tarzan swings, suspended bridges, and tightrope walks. The Discovery courses are for kids five and up ($45), while the Explorer ($55) and Thrill-Seek- er ($65) Treks are for those a little older (nine and up) and looking for a challenge. Bookings are available at miamitreetoptrekking.com from Friday to Monday, 10 am to 4 pm. 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail. 321.277.7310