By Coral Gables Gazette staff

Coral Gables begins December in full sparkle. Holiday lights stretch across Miracle Mile. Wreaths frame storefronts. Giralda Plaza glows under its towering Christmas tree. The city steps into the season with the confidence of a community that understands ritual: decorations, music, celebration, and a shared sense of place.

It is, once again, beginning to look a lot like the holidays in the City Beautiful. And this year, the calendar is particularly full. From a centennial concert at Venetian Pool to caroling competitions, menorah lightings, parades, family festivals, and Santa riding through Gables streets on a fire truck, the month unfolds as a showcase of local tradition. Some events are long-standing. Some are new. Together they create a tapestry of civic life that defines December for residents, visitors, and businesses across the district.

Holiday programming in Coral Gables reflects a larger civic philosophy: seasonal gatherings build identity, comfort, and connection. They reinforce the city’s sense of continuity. They give families rituals to return to. They create opportunities for residents to share space across age groups, cultures, and traditions. And in a year when the centennial shaped much of civic life, the December lineup offers a final burst of celebration before the calendar turns.

This year’s schedule mixes the historic, the festive, and the familiar. Many events take place at landmarks that anchor the city’s identity—City Hall, the Venetian Pool, the Merrick House, and Ponce Circle Park. Others unfold along Miracle Mile or in downtown corridors, inviting residents to walk, listen, dine, and watch the city activate its core.

Below is a chronological guide to help readers plan their month. Whether you prefer concerts under the stars, holiday tree lighting ceremonies, menorah festivals, children’s events, parades, or classic caroling nights, Coral Gables offers a full season of options.

Tuesday–Thursday, Dec. 2–4

Relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux
The Church of the Little Flower, 2711 Indian Mound Trail

The Church of the Little Flower hosts the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux as part of the worldwide commemoration of the 100th anniversary of her canonization. There will be daily public venerations, masses and rosary services. There will also be a welcome liturgy led by Archbishop Wenski on Tuesday at 7 p.m., and a farewell ceremony on Thursday at 9:45 a.m. The rare opportunity offers parishioners and visitors a moment of reflection during the height of the season and adds a spiritual dimension to the city’s December calendar.

Wednesday–Sunday, Dec. 3–7

Merrick Festival Caroling Competition
550 Biltmore Way

The Merrick Festival Caroling Competition remains one of Coral Gables’ most beloved traditions. Middle and high school students perform classic carols nightly from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the outdoor stage at 550 Biltmore Way. The event blends youthful energy with polished performance, and the open-air setting creates a festive atmosphere that draws families across the county.

Friday, Dec. 5

Holiday Tree Lighting
Merrick “Holiday” Park at City Hall
405 Biltmore Way

The city’s official tree lighting takes place Friday evening with Santa joining the ceremony. The preferred seating area and Holiday Park will open at 5 p.m. for those who purchased early access tickets. The preferred seating area and Holiday Park will open for general admission following the tree lighting at approximately 7:30 p.m. The tree anchors the surrounding winter activation, which runs through early January. Families gather early for photos, food, and music.

Holiday Park opens (Daily Through Jan. 7)

Merrick “Holiday” Park | 10 a.m.–10 p.m. daily
Holiday Park opens immediately after the tree lighting, transforming the space into a winter environment with rides, inflatables, and seasonal backdrops. Operating every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the park serves as a steady destination for families throughout the month.

Thursday–Saturday, Dec. 4–6; 11–13; 18

Holiday Caroling

Downtown Coral Gables | 7–9 p.m.
Carolers from local high schools fill the downtown district with music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. The strolling performances animate Miracle Mile and adjoining streets, giving the district the feel of a holiday promenade.

Friday–Sunday, Dec. 5–7

Parish Fair

The Church of the Little Flower & St. Theresa School
The annual Parish Fair anchors the first weekend of December with rides, games, food booths, and a popular raffle that supports school programs. The fair runs Friday from 6–11 p.m., Saturday from 3–11 p.m., and Sunday from 12–8 p.m. Santa makes a Sunday appearance courtesy of the Coral Gables Fire Department.

Friday, Dec. 5

Nativity Festivity

First United Methodist Church, 536 Coral Way | 6–8 p.m.
The church hosts its fourth annual Nativity Festivity with food, music, crafts, petting zoo, and family activities. A life-size Nativity scene at the Hernando entrance provides a backdrop for photos. Proceeds from beverages support youth programming.

Saturday–Sunday, Dec. 6–7

Santa on a fire truck

Citywide | Routes vary
Coral Gables firefighters escort Santa through neighborhoods both days, handing out candy canes and greeting families curbside. The tradition runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day and remains one of the city’s most beloved family events.

Sunday, Dec. 7 and 20

Hot Chocolate with Santa

Merrick “Holiday” Park | 9 a.m.
Residents can register for a morning of crafts, photos, and warm treats. Space is limited and reservations are required.

Sunday, Dec. 7

Merrick House Holiday Celebration

907 Coral Way | 2 p.m.
The Merrick House opens its doors at 2 p.m. for homemade cookies, live music, games, crafts, and a visit from Santa. The event offers a nostalgic look into early Coral Gables history.

Sunday, Dec. 7

Centennial Concert at the Venetian Pool

2701 De Soto Boulevard | 6–10 p.m. | Tickets $250
The centennial finale brings Maestro Eduardo Marturet and the Miami Symphony Orchestra to the Venetian Pool for a concert under the stars. Guests enjoy a cocktail reception and 1920s-themed attire. The pool reopens on December 9 after renovations.

Sunday, Dec. 14

Festival of Lights Chanukah Celebration

Ponce Circle Park, 2800 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
The Festival of Lights offers a menorah lighting, fire truck parade, chocolate gelt drop, and seasonal treats. The event at 1:30 pm is free and open to the public.

77th Annual Miracle on the Mile Parade
Miracle Mile
The parade begins at 3 p.m. and brings floats, performers and marching bands to the city’s central corridor.

Parking and transportation

Visitors can use municipal garages on Andalusia Avenue and Aragon Avenue, along with several valet stands on Miracle Mile. Valet is $15 for up to four hours. The Coral Gables Trolley runs Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Freebee operates daily.

A month built around community

Coral Gables builds its holiday season around public space—parks, plazas, historic landmarks, cultural venues, and walkable corridors. Each event adds a layer to the collective experience of December. Some foster nostalgia. Others look forward. Together they offer residents a month of ritual and celebration.

With lights across Miracle Mile, concerts at the Venetian Pool, carolers downtown, and parades along the city’s spine, Coral Gables again presents a holiday season that reflects its character: festive, civic, historic, and unmistakably Gables.