December Best Bets: A Christmas Carol, The Musical, Night Garden, and More

A Christmas Carol

In this musical rendition of “A Christmas Carol,” Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family join three ghosts to try to convince Ebenezer Scrooge to change his stingy, greedy ways toward the spirit of Christmas. This musical is adapted specifically for family audiences and includes a sensory inclusive performance (December 15 at 2 pm.). The production will be performed on Saturdays at 2 pm, Nov 18 to Dec. 22. From $35. 

Actors’ Playhouse
280 Miracle Mile
actorsplayhouse.org

Night Garden

Enter the magical fairyland of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s annual Night Garden! The beautiful Fairchild grounds have been transformed into a surreal world of holograms, technicolor flowers, and unique sculptures. The experience is entirely immersive and introduces attendees to a wise talking tree, a fairy quest, and rainbow- colored pathways. Hungry? Grab a bite or drink from Miami’s best food trucks. Tickets from $32 for children, $37 for adults (11+). Runs through December to Jan. 12.

10901 Old Cutler Rd
thenightgarden.com

Holiday Tree Lighting At Coral Gables City Hall

There’s no better sign of the holiday festivities than the lighting of Coral Gables Christmas tree at City Hall. The celebration will include the grand opening of the holiday park across the street, with carnival games, holiday craft and food vendors, and a visit from Santa – who will light up the tree. The December 6 celebration starts at 5:30 pm, the Holiday Park opens at 6 pm, Santa will light the tree at 7 pm, and the celebration lasts until 10 pm. The holiday fun is free and open to anyone.

Coral Gables City Hall/Merrick Park
405 Biltmore Way
coralgables.com

A Very Merry Garden

Enjoy even more holiday cheer with Fairchild’s Christmas celebrations through January 5. Round up reindeer across the garden, write letters to Santa, and listen to Mrs. Claus’ thrilling tales while sipping hot cocoa! On December 4, 14, 21, and 23, Santa Claus will make a special appearance to hear holiday wishes and take festive photos. $12 for children and $25 for adults.

10901 Old Cutler Rd
fairchildgarden.org

Junior League Miami Holiday Bazaar

Looking to find cute gifts for this holiday season? Hoping those gifts are sourced locally? Want the whole experience to be festive? Then, the Junior League of Miami’s annual Holiday Bazaar is the place for you! The Bazaar will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 am to 2 pm. Free entry. 

Belmont Village
4111 Salzedo Street
 jlmiami.org

“Both Sides Now: The Music And Lives Of Joni Mitchell And Leonard Cohen”

“Both Sides Now: The Music and Lives of Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen” explores the poetic music and lives of these folksy icons of the ‘70s. The production weaves their stories and songs together with a focus on their complex connection. “A Case of You,” “Hallelujah,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Suzanna,” and “Who by Fire” will be performed. The show runs from Dec. 13 to Jan. 5, Wednesdays to Saturdays at 7:30 pm, matinees Wednesdays and Sundays at 2 pm. With two special holiday performances on Dec. 25 and Dec. 31. From $55.

1200 Anastasia Ave
gablestage.org

Junior Orange Bowl Parade

The Junior Orange Bowl is back for its 76th annual holiday parade on Dec. 15. The fun runs from 3:30 pm to 10 pm, with the parade itself starting at 5 pm. As Miracle Mile comes to life with holiday spirit, participants can watch marching bands, drum corps, floats from community organizations, horses, and other vehicles march down the street. And special guests can also celebrate in the reimagined VIP Hospitality and Grandstand area. All-inclusive tickets for VIPs include complimentary food and drinks, premiere seating, and pre-parade live music, perfect for all ages. Santa will arrive at the end of the parade.

Tickets at eventbrite.com
 juniororangebowl.org

Dance Now! Miami’s Contemporary Nutcracker

Spice up your holiday season with “Clara,” Dance NOW! Miami’s saucy interpretation of the Nutcracker. This updated contemporary dance version of the holiday classic charts the journey of a young woman, questioning, discovering, exploring, and experiencing the exotic, the unknown and the forbidden, in search of love, identity and self-determination. The one-act suite has a re-imagined soundtrack of the Tchaikovsky classic. Tickets $25 general admission, $15 for students. Saturday Dec. 21 at 8:00 pm.

Sanctuary of the Arts
 410 Andalusia Avenue
 305.975.8489

BEST REASON TO LEAVE THE GABLES: PINTA MIAMI

From Dec. 5 to 8, Pinta Miami is celebrating its 18th edition as the only international art fair focused exclusively on modern and contemporary Iberian and Latin American art. With more than 60 participating galleries and a conversation series highlighting contemporary topics, Pinta Miami is a leader in the promotion of Latin American art and will be right next-door to Coral Gables at The Hangar in Coconut Grove.

Tickets at miami.pinta.art.
3385 Pan American Dr Miami, FL 33133


Discover what’s happening in Coral Gables. Visit our events page and plan to experience the best of the city.