December 22 – December 29
December 22-24
Dance
The Nutcracker
A Nutcracker doll will come alive, a Sugar Plum Fairy will dance, snowflakes will fall and smiles from children of all ages will rain down as Miami City Ballet, Florida’s Internationally Acclaimed Company under the direction of Founding Artistic Director Edward Villella, presents its holiday production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Based on the story The Nutcracker and The Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffmann, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is a captivating tale of a little girl’s Christmas Eve dream about a handsome prince, a mouse king, toy soldiers and dancers from faraway lands set to the beloved music of Tchaikovsky, brought to life by a cast of more than 100 dancers and children. The production features glorious sets, lavish costumes, magical special effects, and fanciful choreography that takes the spectator on a magical journey to the Land of Sweets. $20 to $68. 7:30pm. Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Au-Rene Theater, 201 SW Fifth Ave; Fort Lauderdale. For info: 305- 949-6722 or miamicityballet.org
December 22
Lecture
Sam Wertheim
Do not miss this! 91-Year old Holocaust survivor, Sam Wertheim, who was saved on Schindler’s list and was in the movie directed by Spielberg will tell his amazing story. Menorah lighting. Meet and greet with cocktails to follow. Free. 7:30 pm. Temple Emanu-El, 1701 Washington Ave; Miami Beach. For info: tesobe.org.
December 22
Theatre
The Santaland Diaries
Last few nights to catch this show. A blisteringly funny evocation of Christmas Hell. One man’s hysterical and often insightful look at the humilities, frustrations and joys of working as an elf at Macy’s Santaland. This holiday classic is David Sedaris at his biting best and a reminder of why Sedaris is one of the greatest humorists of our time. Adapted by Joe Mantello and starring Carbonell Award winner Michael McKeever. $35. Carnival Studio Theater, 1300 Biscayne Blvd; Miami. For info: arshtcenter.org or 305-949-6722
December 22
Music
Batuke Samba Funk Band
Catch high energy Brazilian Batuke Samba funk Band when they play The Stage tonight. Batuke Samba funk mix rhythms Funk from the 70′s with Afro Samba, Soul, Jazz R&B and Batucada. 11pm. The Stage, 170 NE 38St; Miami. For info: batukesambafunk.com
December 23
Film
The Artist
Catch the only Miami screening of this fabulous flick.The Artist takes us back to 1929, when the fictional actor George Valentin is a bona fide matinee idol with many adoring fans. While working on his latest film, George finds himself falling in love with an ingenue named Peppy Miller and, what’s more, it seems Peppy feels the same way. But George is reluctant to cheat on his wife with the beautiful young actress. The growing popularity of sound in movies further separates the potential lovers, as George’s career begins to fade while Peppy’s star rises. The cast includes Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo, James Cromwell, Penelope Ann Miller, Malcolm Mcdowell and John Goodman. $11. 9:30pm. Coral Gables Art Cinema, 260 Aragon Ave; Coral Gables. For info: gablescinema.com
December 23
Holidays
Hanukkah Shabbat
Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center is hosting their annual, family-oriented Hanukkah Shabbat service and dinner tonight. The musical Friday Night Live service led by Rabbi Jonathan Berkun and Cantor David Muchnick will be held under the stars at ATJC with special Hanukkah songs. Following services, a light dairy supper, topped off with latkes, gelt, and jelly donuts will be served. Children can enjoy making edible menorahs and other Hanukkah crafts and games following services. Free though RSVPS are required. 6:30pm. RSVP: 305-937-1880 or www.atjc.org.
December 23
Kids
Pictures with Santa
Head to the Miami Children’s Museum to see Jolly Old St. Nick. Children will have an opportunity to sit on his lap and parents can take pictures. 12pm to 2pm. Stay for How the Grinch Stole Christmas” presented by the MCM Players at 3:30pm and then top all the fun off with the End of the Day Musical Parade at 5:30pm. Miami Children’s Museum, 980 MacArthur Causeway; Miami. For info: miamichildrensmuseum.org or 305.373.5437.
December 24
Music
Jazz Project at The Arts Garage
xCatch the jazz of Eric Allison when he plays Jazz Project at Arts Garage in Delray. Allison plays all the standard woodwinds – saxophones, clarinet, and flute in such styles as mainstream, bebop, funk jazz, New Orleans Second Line, Swing, and Dixieland. He is a leading performer in the top jazz clubs and concert venues in South Florida, and has worked with a virtual litany of jazz greats both past and present, including Zoot Sims, Ira Sullivan, Paquito d’Rivera. Bring Your Own Whatever! Audience members are encouraged to bring a basket of goodies, a bottle of wine, nibbles. 8pm. $25-$35. Arts Garage, 180 NE First St; Delray Beach. For info: delraybeacharts.org
December 24
Food
Sweet Dreams
Meet Mr. Food, Art Ginsburg at the 5th Annual Sweet Dreams dessert extravaganza benefitting Ronald MacDonald House Charity, SOS Children’s Village, and Lisa Boccard Breast Cancer Foundation. Expect an extravagant display of all-you-can eat desserts created from scratch. Casino floor entertainment with Christmas carolers and New York-themed performances by Miami’s New Century Dance Company. 7pm. $45. (includes specialty drinks). Nectar Lounge, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, 5550 NW 40th St; Coconut Creek. For info: 954-977-6700 or seminolecoconutcreekcasino.com
December 24
Music
Rock-Star Rabbi
Soul Doctor, the exhilarating, riveting and hilarious new Broadway-bound musical, tells the true story of the beloved and controversial father of popular Jewish music, Shlomo Carlebach. Steve Margoshes, the legendary composer/orchestrator of such Broadway hits as Elton John’s Aida, The WHO’s Tommy and Smokey Joe’s Café, has woven together 30 of Carlebach’s timeless hit songs into a show. runs December 24 – January 8 at the Colony Theater, 1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. For info: 305.674.1040 or livenation.com
December 25
Kids
Family Fun Day
Design and Build Your Very Own Model Structure. Bring all the children and grandchildren for a special fun-filled, entertaining and enriching day at the Museum centered on model making and storytelling. Inspired by synagogue models in our current exhibit, Wooden Synagogues of Poland and the Florida Connection, families will have the opportunity to turn everyday materials into their own creative structures. No prior art experience is necessary. All materials are provided, along with guidance from our Museum’s Education Coordinator, Yehudis Levitin. In partnership with The PJ Library, storytelling of several award-winning children’s books selected from their library will delight all. 2pm. $15. For info: 305-672-5044 or jewishmuseum.com
December 25
Holidays
Chanukah Family Festival
Do something a little different this year and join the guys who put up the enormous shell Menorah on Lincoln Rd every year at their Chanukah Family Festival. Live Music with Famed singer Dr Laz. Hot latkes. Free. 6pm. Chabad House, 669 Lincoln Rd; Miami Beach. For info: 305-242-2231.
December 25
Film
Elmo, Chinese & Friends
Christmas Day traditions are different for everyone, but for many of us it’s a great time to escape to the movies and the folks at O Cinema couldn’t agree more. Join them for a Jewish Christmas tradition- movies and Chinese food! Partake in a Chinese food buffet before going into the cinema for a screening of Being Elmo! 12pm. O Cinema, 90 NW 29 St; Miami. For info: 305-571-9970 or o-cinema.org
December 26
Holidays
Young Elvis Costume Contest
In celebration of the Broadway Musical Million Dollar Quartet coming to the Arsht Center, a Young Elvis contest will be held today. Dress your tot as a young Elvis Presley and head to the InterContinental Hotel’s Holiday Ice Rink, where someone will win a Family 4-Pack to Opening Night of Million Dollar Quartet. Music from the show, fun giveaways and more. Be sure to dress your “young Elvis” pre-60s style. The contest is free to enter. Skating at the rink is $10 for 18 & under, $20 for adults. Skates included. Noon. InterContinental Miami Holiday Ice Rink, 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami. For info: icmiamihotel.com/icerink.
December 27
Theatre
Million Dollar Quartet
The national tour of the Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet, inspired by the electrifying true story that took place 55 years ago this month, will make its Miami premiere this week. The international smash hit musical, Million Dollar Quartet is set on December 4, 1956, when an auspicious twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together. Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll” who was responsible for launching the careers of each icon, brought the four legendary musicians together at the Sun Records storefront studio in Memphis for the first and only time. The resulting evening became known as one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll jam sessions in history. $25 – $72. Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd; Miami. For info: arshtcenter.org or 305-949-6722.
December 27
Art
Holiday Art Showcase
The Florida Keys Art Guild will hold an open-air holiday art showcase featuring the work of local and national artists and artisans in diverse mediums. Painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelry designers, and artists in glass. Expect a Key West vive with recorded musical selections and a tranquil outdoor setting. Much of the featured artwork is expected to reflect the flavor and elements of the Florida Keys. Free. 10am. Bayview Park, located at Truman Avenue and Jose Marti Dr; Key West. For info: floridakeysartguild.com
December 27
Health
Spa Day
DECLÉOR Paris, the Aromatherapy skincare product line, is hosting DECLÉOR Spa Day at ELLE Spa Eden Roc to celebrate the holiday season. Expect an ultimate relaxation lounge for complimentary mini treatments including reflexology and hand and face massages, while learning about the brand. Vouchers for 20% off DECLÉOR Face and Body Rituals will be given out. Chat with Caroline Rushworth the Director of Education for the company. 11am to 7pm. ELLE Spa Eden Roc, 4525 Collins Ave; Miami Beach. For info: 305.674.5585
December 28
Theatre
Macbeth & the Monster!
All little Macbeth wants is a bedtime story to help him fall asleep. But when his mom tell his him the scary story of Macbeth and the Monster, he gets more than he bargained for. Written by Angela Berliner and directed by Paul Tei. $45 Opening Night with Food and Drink. Celebration starts at 7pm with show at 8pm. The Light Box at Goldman Warehouse, 404 NW 26th St; Miami. For info: madcattheatre.org
December 29
Holidays
Kwanzaa Experience
The Diaspora Arts Coalition, The Miami Dade Department of Cultural Affairs/Joseph Caleb Auditorium and Productive Hands Inc. are proud to present A Kwanzaa Experience. Join the celebration which will include cultural performances, food (Potluck); the history and origin of Kwanzaa and more. 6pm. Free. Joseph Caleb Auditorium, 5400 NW 22nd Ave; Miami. For info: 305-244-2158.
Category: HIGHLIGHTS, TO DO
