With the kids jingle belling and everyone telling you “Be of good cheer,” December is the most wonderful time of the year in Coral Gables.

Miracle Mile in Downtown Coral Gables is adorned with toy soldiers, twinkling lights and floral holiday decorations in main street corners. Shops and restaurants are welcoming those holiday greetings and happy meetings, especially during Gallery Night on Friday, December 5.

There's caroling out in the streets. The 2008 Junior Orange Bowl Caroling Competition brings six nights of free concerts on the steps of the 550 Biltmore Way Building. The heart glowing competition starts Wednesday, December 3 at 7 p.m. and continues nightly until Sunday afternoon, December 7 with performances starting at 3 p.m. The winners of the 2008 Competition return for a short program and to accept awards on Tuesday, December 9, beginning at 7 p.m.

The holiday season will be in full swing in Coral Gables on Friday, December 5 with the Holiday Tree Lighting taking place at Merrick Park in front of City Hall. Activities will be ongoing from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Holiday Park with carnival games and rides, face painting, cartoon artist, arts and crafts activities. The Miami Children's Theater show stopping performance of the “Best Christmas Show Ever” kicks off the stage performances at 5 p.m., followed by the “Nutcracker” excerpts from Maria Verdeja School of the Arts at 5:30 p.m., then songs from Mary Poppins and Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang starting at 6 p.m. and “A Christmas Carol, the Musical” at 6:30 p.m. The Coral Gables City Commission will be on stage at 7 p.m. for the lighting of the holiday tree and the arrival of Santa Claus. Then it's time for the Yuletide Carolers to sing popular holiday songs for the entire family to enjoy. The event is free and open to the public.

There'll be parties for hosting and breakfast for toasting. Children can wake up early on Saturday, December 13 to have Breakfast With Santa, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, at the War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive. A limited number of tickets are available for this special treat where children can spend quality time with the jolly bearded one about how extra nice they've been all year.

Then it's time to spend an afternoon sharing the holiday spirit with friends and neighbors at this City of Coral Gables holiday tradition. The Merrick House Holiday Open House takes place on Saturday, December 13. Beginning at 2 p.m. you can enjoy the wonderful music of Juan Areco and self-guided tours of the family home of City founder George Merrick. Don't miss Santa's arrival at 3:15 p.m. followed by the enchanting Yuletide Carolers. All of this is happening at the Merrick House, located at 907 Coral Way.

If you missed Santa for breakfast, then come to Merrick Park, across City Hall, to see his jolliness in person and take Pictures With Santa. From December 5-23, Santa will be available on Thursdays and Fridays from 5-10 p.m., on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m. He will also be waiting for you on December 22 and December 23, from 5-10 p.m. for a smile and photographs. Cost is only $6 per photograph.

Also, from now through December 27, enjoy a special holiday performance specifically orchestrated for young audiences. The Actors' Playhouse at Miracle Theatre for Young Audiences presents A Christmas Carol, the Musical! This wonderful play is a family oriented musical adaptation of a classic that aims at changing Ebeneezer Scrooge and his “Bah-Humbug” ways. Performances take place Saturdays at 2 p.m. at the Actors' Playhouse located at Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile. A special holiday performance will be held on December 21 at 5 p.m. and December 24 at 7 p.m. General admission is $15.

Finally, it's time to say goodbye to 2008 and take part as the Junior Orange Bowl Committee brings you “Moon over Miami.” Join hosts Belkys Perez and Liane Morejon from Coral Gables Television as they host the Junior Orange Bowl Parade and present a cheerful celebration featuring marching bands, colorful floats, community groups and creative parade units. It's a dazzling spectacle that you don't want to miss! The parade is free to attend and grandstand tickets are only $10. Join us for one of the most highly anticipated event of the year on Tuesday, December 30th. Watch it live on CGTV, Channel 77 on Comcast, beginning at 7 p.m.

For more information, contact the City of Coral Gables Office of Public Affairs at 305-460-5205.