Grand Tradition
When Miami City Ballet first staged its new production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker in 2017, audiences were thrilled that a South Florida dance company could create a winter wonderland despite the lack of snow. Every season since, they have continued to capture the holiday spirit with this captivating display of choreography performed by over 100 dancers against a background of spirited Tchaikovsky music, dazzling costumes and glimmering sets; Dec. 8-30; MiamiCityBallet.org.
Wild Lights
The highly anticipated Zoo Lights @ Zoo Miami is an after-hours tour de force of 1 million dazzling lights illuminating 3D animal lanterns, trees and holiday displays, including a brand new 26-foot LED holiday tree. There are animal appearances, Snowman’s River Boat rides, arts & crafts, hot chocolate and cookies, letters to the North Pole and even a cameo by Santa himself; Now thru Dec. 30; ZooMiami.org.
Insightful Voyage
Step off the shore and into the past aboard the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Nature Centers’ Discover Biscayne Sunset Cruise with local historian Cesar Beccera. It’s an opportunity to discover or re-discover the unique beauty that is Biscayne Bay; Dec. 29; BiscayneNatureCenter.org.
Jingle Bells
Conductor Molly Turner leads the New World Symphony fellows as they perform rousing seasonal favorites, honoring a variety of cultural heritages and traditions while decked out in their finest holiday costumes. It’s a fun and festive way to hear old Christmas faves and discover new ones. Also simulcast on NWS’s Wallcast; Dec. 16. NWS.edu.
Cosmic Phenomena
Nothing escapes from a black hole, not even light; it’s a place where time and space literally end. Do you dare to cross the event horizon and plunge into the center of this celestial mystery? Black Holes: The Other Side Of Infinity, narrated by actor Liam Neeson is a chance to zip through wormholes, experience the creation of the Milky Way and soar with the stars; Now thru Dec. 31; FrostScience.org.
