By Coral Gables Gazette staff

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden will open its gates after sunset Tuesday for Holiday Jazz in the Garden, an evening designed to blend lush landscapes, smooth seasonal music, and the easy warmth of a South Florida December. From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on December 9, the 83-acre sanctuary will recast itself as an open-air concert hall, illuminated by holiday lights and framed by some of the rarest plant collections in the hemisphere.

A garden transformed by light and sound

Fairchild’s signature events often draw visitors who return year after year for the setting alone. With its tropical rainforest, sweeping palm allées, and glasshouse filled with butterflies, the garden has long served as one of the region’s most evocative cultural backdrops. Holiday Jazz in the Garden extends that tradition with a program built around atmosphere: soft lighting along the pathways, the scent of flowering trees in the cool evening air, and the sound of live jazz drifting through the landscape.

Live jazz at the center of the evening

The night features two sets by vocalist Mitch Franco and his trio, whose smooth, classic style carries a modern edge. His sound pairs clean phrasing with soulful warmth — a natural fit for an outdoor garden lit in gold and green. Between sets, a featured violinist will offer a holiday-inspired interlude, adding a reflective tone that deepens the evening’s sense of place and occasion.

Holiday shopping and seasonal tastes

Visitors can explore the Garden Market, where local artisans will showcase handcrafted gifts and seasonal specialties. This part of the program underscores Fairchild’s commitment to supporting South Florida’s creative community while offering guests a chance to browse and linger between performances. Festive food and beverage options are available throughout the night, allowing attendees to build their own rhythm of listening, strolling, and sampling.

Premium experiences that shape the night

Fairchild offers several upgrades for guests seeking a more curated outing.

• Premium Seating for Two ($105): Reserved table with direct views of the stage.
• Charcuterie Board for Two ($85 add-on): A curated array of cheeses, meats, and accompaniments.
• Cocktail Flight ($35 add-on): Three holiday-inspired cocktails crafted for the season.
• Blanket Rental ($5): A cozy option for enjoying the garden under the evening lights.

These additions reinforce the event’s dual identity as both a concert and a customizable seasonal experience.

A seasonal tradition with South Florida character

The December 9 program arrives during a moment of heightened cultural activity across South Florida. An evening of live jazz beneath illuminated trees offers an elegant alternative to crowded indoor celebrations and reflects the garden’s broader goal: to create experiences that merge nature, culture, and community in ways that feel distinctly local and distinctly festive. For longtime visitors, the event offers a familiar setting recast in winter light. For newcomers, it provides an entry point into one of the region’s most beloved outdoor spaces.

Event details

Holiday Jazz in the Garden
Tuesday, December 9 | 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Fairchild Botanical Garden
10901 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables
Admission:

• Adults: $34.95
• Children (3–11): $17.95
• Fairchild members: $5 off adult tickets

More information: fairchildgarden.org or 305-667-1651