The City of Coral Gables invites the community to celebrate the season with a full lineup of holiday events throughout December. Along Miracle Mile, visitors will be welcomed by holiday banners, twinkling lights and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree on Giralda Plaza.
Holiday Events Schedule
Merrick Festival Caroling Competition
Local middle and high school students perform classic holiday carols nightly at 550 Biltmore Way from Wednesday, Dec. 3, through Sunday, Dec. 7. For details, visit carolingcompetition.org.
Holiday Tree Lighting at Merrick “Holiday” Park
Join Santa for the city’s annual tree lighting on Friday, Dec. 5, at Merrick “Holiday” Park in front of City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way. The tree will be lit at 7 p.m. VIP tickets are available. For information, email specialevents@coralgables.com or call 305-460-5600. Visit the tree lighting event page.
Holiday Park at Merrick “Holiday” Park
A winter wonderland opens as the tree is lit on Friday, Dec. 5, and runs through Jan. 7. Children of all ages can enjoy rides and holiday-themed backdrops daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 405 Biltmore Way.
Holiday Caroling in Downtown
Carolers from local high schools will stroll through Downtown Coral Gables from 7 to 9 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday: Dec. 4- 6, 11 – 13 and 18. Carolers in Downtown Coral Gables.
Hot Chocolate with Santa
Enjoy crafts, photos with Santa and a warm cup of hot chocolate at the Holiday Park, 405 Biltmore Way, on Sunday, Dec. 7 and Saturday Dec. 20, at 9 a.m. This event is exclusive to Coral Gables residents and requires a reservation. For information, email specialevents@coralgables.com or call 305-460-5600. Hot Chocolate with Santa.
Santa on a Fire Truck
Wave to Santa as he rides through Coral Gables on Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7. Continuing a 14-year tradition, Coral Gables firefighters will escort Santa through city neighborhoods, handing out candy canes to children along the route. Stay updated on Santa's path.
Festival of Lights Chanukah Celebration
Celebrate the lighting of the menorah at Ponce Circle Park, 2800 Ponce de Leon Blvd., on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 1:30 p.m. The event features a fire truck parade, chocolate gelt drop and seasonal treats. The event is free and open to the public. Festival of Light Chanukah Celebration.
77th Annual Miracle on the Mile Parade
Presented by the Junior Orange Bowl, the parade takes place Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m. on Miracle Mile. Enjoy floats, marching bands and performers. Free to the public. For information, email jobc@jrorangebowl.org or call 305-662-1210.
Merrick House Holiday Celebration
Step back into Coral Gables’ past at the Merrick House Holiday Celebration on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. The historic home at 907 Coral Way will host Santa, live music, games, crafts and homemade cookies. For information, call the Historical Resources Department at 305-460-5093.
Parking and Transportation
Visitors attending holiday events can use multiple valet stands along Miracle Mile and four municipal garages (two on Andalusia Avenue and two on Aragon Avenue). The valet parking is offered at $15 for up to four hours. The Coral Gables Trolley operates Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., with direct connections to the Douglas Road Metrorail Station. Freebee service is also available daily. For details, visit the city’s Parking Department webpage.
