With so many activities to choose from, you might want to start saving the dates for the amazing range of activities the Gardens has to offer this month. Adults and kids alike, there is something for everyone.
LIVE LIKE BELLA NIGHTS OF LIGHTS
Dec. 6-8; Dec. 13-15; Dec. 20-Jan. 6; 6-9 p.m. — Join us for this brilliant and beautiful festival featuring more than 60 larger than life light installations. Many of the evenings will have entertainment for children including storytelling, puppetry, music and more. Celebrate the season in our tropical winter wonderland at Live Like Bella Nights of Lights. General admission is $5, children under 2 years old enter free. Visit <pinecrestgardens.org> for a full schedule of activities presented each night.
HOLIDAY FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY FIRST BANK
Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. — It’s a day for the whole family to enjoy, where you can indulge in delicious food, take a photo with Santa, sing along with our carolers, enjoy live music, theater and dance, and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. The day features excerpts from The Nutcracker, performances from Miami Children’s Theater, Model Train Display, Pictures with Santa, Puppeteers, Face Painters, Greater Miami Youth Symphony & Jazz Band, pony rides, polar bear plunge slide, a Candy Land Café, fabulous food and the lighting of the Holiday Tree (at sundown). Parking is free! Overflow parking access will be available with the Pinecrest People Mover making continuous stops for pick-up and drop-off from 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. to Pinecrest Gardens from Palmetto Middle and High School and Pinecrest Elementary. General admission $5 and children under 2 enter free.
FAMILY FRIDAY MOVIE: POLAR EXPRESS
Friday, Dec.13, 8 p.m. — “The best kids’ holiday movie in years.” Nell Minow, Common Sense Media. Enjoy a family movie under the stars. Flashlight tours begin at 7 p.m. the movie starts about 8 p.m., and don’t forget to bring your appetite for the best hotdogs and popcorn in town. General admission is $5 and children under 2 enter free.
SOUTH MOTORS JAZZ — ROSE MAX AND RAMATIS
Saturday, Dec. 14, 8 p.m. — “Rose will take you on a trip to the beaches, bars and clubs of Rio without ever leaving the room!” — Miami Herald; Back by popular demand, South Motors Jazz at Pinecrest Gardens welcomes the sultry sounds of Samba and Bossa Nova artist Rose Max in a special tribute to the works of Juan Carlos Jobim. Latin Grammy nominated Rose Max and Ramatis may come from Rio de Janeiro, the land of bossa nova, but their music is also infused with the rich influences of samba, jazz and world music. They have performed professionally for many years in Rio, the U.S., Europe and South America, and have become very popular in the Brazilian, Spanish and American communities throughout the U.S. “A magical and musical experience with the beautiful voice of Rose and the genuine Brazilian acoustic guitar of Ramatis. It’s a perfect mix of the soulful Brazilian music style!” Spend an evening listening to the sensual voice of this “Girl from Ipanema.” To purchase tickets, go to <pinecrestgardens.org>.
GREATER MIAMI SYMPHONIC BAND — FAMILY HOLIDAY CONCERT
Sunday, Dec. 15, 3 p.m. — Bring the entire family to a celebration of the Holiday Season. Enjoy many of your holiday music favorites at this fun and festive concert. The Greater Miami Symphonic Band began in 1979. Since the first rehearsal with 45 musicians of diverse backgrounds and musical abilities, the band has grown to approximately 85 members. The band performs publicly on a regular basis at various indoor and outdoor locations, giving residents an opportunity to hear the beauty and diversity of the symphonic band repertoire. Tickets are $15 and $5 for students (with ID). To buy tickets call 305- 669-6990.
PLANTING WITH CRAIG
Get in touch with your inner “green thumb” on Dec. 11 when horticulturist Craig Morell hosts his monthly workshop at 10 a.m. in the Hibiscus Room-Gardens Gallery. Our topic this month is “Butterfly Garden Installation” and, yes, you will build your own butterfly garden! We’ll supply you with butterfly attracting plants to take home and plant in your own backyard. Our workshop sessions are limited to 10 people, so call early for a reservation as these classes fill up very quickly. The $10 fee includes all supplies and your take home project. Call 305-669-6990.
FARMERS MARKET: FRESH PRODUCE & MORE
Every Sunday 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; “Best Market in South Florida.” — Miami New Times At the Pinecrest Gardens Farmers’ Market, you’ll find the season’s best bounty of fruits, vegetables, honey, flowers, meats, cheese and specialty products. The market represents a convergence of top local sustainable and organic farmers and food purveyors from Miami, Redlands, Homestead, Clewiston and Ft. Pierce. We are committed to the artisan food community and to fostering the values of that community at the Gardens’ Farmers’ Market. We envision the marketplace as a vibrant gathering of local farmers, artisan producers and independently owned and operated small local food businesses and to the customers they serve. Many local growers have joined us after their summer hiatus and most will be present by Dec. 8.
GARDENS GALLERY — CENTER FOR GREAT APES EXHIBIT
Exhibit continues, commemorating 20 years that the sanctuary has provided an enriching, cruel-free life for chimpanzees and orangutans. This special Gallery exhibition includes amazing photos, oils and other art inspired by this one-of-a-kind facility, including art actually created by the apes. This exhibit is free and will remain open for the rest of the year.
