Here are some fun things to do in Coral Gables this week and weekend!
Wednesday-Sunday, December 8-January 2 – Coral Gables Holiday Park
Come and enjoy the beauty of the Winter season at the Coral Gables Holiday Park.The holiday playground is located at Merrick Park, in front of City Hall, and will open to the general public, starting Saturday Dec. 4 until Sunday Jan. 2, 2022; Monday to Sunday from sunrise to 10:00 p.m. Entry is free of charge.
Thursday-Sunday, December 9-12 – Pictures with Santa
Take your pictures with Santa at the Holiday Park at Merrick Park across from City Hall. Santa will be available for pictures on Thursdays and Fridays from 5:00PM to 10:00PM and Weekends from 12:00PM to 10:00PM.
Friday, December 10 – Adult Activities Center Annual Holiday Celebration 2021
Join us for the Adult Activity Center’s Annual Holiday Celebration! This will be an afternoon of fun, food, laughter, and Karaoke! Friday, December 10, 2021 from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. Be sure to wear your favorite holiday ugly sweater for the Ugly Sweater contest! A buffet lunch will be served, and tickets are limited to two per person. Seating is limited! Cost: Residents: $11; Non-Residents: $13.75. Registration will open for residents on Monday, November 22nd and for non-residents on Wednesday, December 1st. Tickets are for one-time use and non-refundable. For more information contact 305-461-6765
Saturday, December 11 – North Gables Harvest Market
Visit the new North Gables harvest market every Saturday through Dec. 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market will be at 140 Minorca Ave., between Ponce de Leon Blvd. and Galiano St. (in front of Coral Gables Preparatory School). This free, family-friendly event will feature locally grown produce, artisan foods, local Gables’ restaurant delights, handmade arts and crafts, specialty products and more. There will be music and kids activities as well as alfresco dining.
For additional informational, contact [email protected] or call 305-460-5600.
Saturday, December 11 – Hot Chocolate with Santa
Sip Hot Chocolate with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 11 at 10 a.m.
Merrick Park in front of City Hall – 405 Biltmore Way
Warm up for the holidays while sipping Hot Chocolate with Santa and get exclusive access to the Holiday Park playground. Event includes a photo opportunity with Santa, hot beverage and children’s activity. Cost is $20 for a group of four. Exclusively for Coral Gables residents. Advanced ticket registration is required to participate. For more information email [email protected]
Saturday & Sunday, December 11-12 – Santa Claus Riding Through Coral Gables
Get a glimpse of the most popular man of the season, as Santa Claus and his helpers will be riding on a fire truck through the streets of Coral Gables on Dec. 11 and 12 before heading back to the North Pole. This marks the eleventh year of this holiday tradition in the City Beautiful. Coral Gables firefighters will transport Santa and other special guests on three separate routes (North and South poles) around the city where he will pass by as many homes as possible, giving out candy canes to children along the route who have been extra good this year. Listen carefully for the holiday sound of the fire truck. Please remember Santa has many streets to cover and times are estimated. Santa will be riding down major thoroughfares in your neighborhood.
Saturday and Sunday, December 11 & 12 – Downtown Coral Gables Holiday Market
The Business Improvement District of Coral Gables invites the community to experience a holiday like never before with a festive Downtown Coral Gables Holiday Market taking place on December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, and 18 between 5-9 p.m.
Explore a magical holiday event with an international flair with more than 25 artisanal vendors specializing in seasonal goods and foods. Shop for items such as handcrafted holiday decorations, traditional sweets, gourmet gift food items, hot chocolate, fresh-popped kettle corn and more.
Pose for seasonal photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus between 6:00 – 7:00pm. Afterwards, find Santa Claus strolling down Miracle Mile between 7:00pm – 7:30pm or join Mrs. Claus for Christmas storytime.
The weather forecast calls for “snow” outside of Fritz & Franz Bierhaus every hour at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30pm.
Don’t miss Christmas Carolers singing throughout Downtown Coral Gables bringing holiday cheer to all!
Participate in a Make n’ Take Holiday Candle Making Workshop to create and pour your own holiday scented candle and bring the holiday magic home with you! Reserve your spot below-
Sunday, December 12 – Coral Gables Merrick House Holiday Celebration
Embrace the nostalgia of traditional caroling, hand-crafted gifts, vintage wares, and holiday confections. Games, crafts, and a visit with Santa for the wee folk will make it a day to remember. Sunday, December 12, 2021 from 1pm to 4pm.
907 Coral Way, Coral Gables, Florida 33134.
Merrymaking & Ho-Ho-Ho: Visit with Santa Claus inside the storybook Merrick House. Enjoy festive holiday classics by the Yuletide Carolers costumed in Victorian finery. Stroll through the House, all decked out by the Coral Gables Garden Club. Join in Old-Fashioned Games and Crafts for wee folk.
Twelve Days of Gifting: A few of your favorite things by Books and Books, Bows and baubles for good little girls by Daymara Creations; Sweetened by nature honey & beeswax products by GS Dream Farm; Jewel-hued jams & jellies by Gables Delight, Oh-so-earth-friendly skincare wares from Gifted by Nature; Scrumptiously scented soy creations by Pure Grace Soy Candles; “Wear it well” handcrafted eco jewelry by Ilka’s Wearable Art; Unique retro hairclips, embroidered pieces and seasonal decor by Root & Reason Sugar & spice and everything nice natural soaps by Rancho del Rey; Ruby petaled poinsettias by Coral Gables Garden Club; Vintage doodads & decor by Maria Kidd; Fitness fan finery by 305 Way of Life; Angelic ornaments & beatific books by The Villagers.
Dulcet Delectables: Pudding Parlor; B&B Cappuccino; Rita Tennyson of R Catering & Event Planning; Apple Cider Compliments of the Merrick House Governing Board.
Tidings of Tribute: Coral Gables Crime Watch; Coral Gables Museum; Coral Gables Women’s Club; Scout Troop 7; and The Symphonettes.
Sunday, December 12 – 73rd Annual Junior Orange Bowl Parade
The 73rd Annual Junior Orange Bowl Parade returns to the streets of Coral Gables on Sunday, December 12th at 5:00 pm.
The Parade “Miracle on the Mile: A Holiday Parade and Celebration” will feature floats, bands, performers,
and more than 2,000 youth community group participants.
Parade Information
The parade is the founding event of the Junior Orange Bowl International Youth Festival!
Thousands of children and young people take to the streets of Downtown Coral Gables in this celebration of active youth and community. Held annually on the second Sunday in December, the Junior Orange Bowl Parade is a 73-year tradition in South Florida created especially for the kids — and perfect for families. All types of units are invited to participate, including: marching bands/drum corps, community organization floats and/or marching/walking units, motorized vehicles and mounted (equestrian) units.
For more information, please visit: https://juniororangebowl.org/what-we-do/community-events/.
The dates are erroneous: Dec 10 is Sat and Dec 11 is Sun. Notice: your ad says Dec 11 and 12.
There’s also the Junior Orange Bowl Parade this Sunday December 12 at 5:00pm down Miracle Mile!