Give $3, Save 30% at Miami Seaquarium, All Proceeds from Offer Benefit South Florida Animals

In a continuing effort to help local animal charities, Miami Seaquarium introduces the Give $3, Save 30% offer, which gives guests the opportunity to donate to one of their favorite charities and receive a 30 percent savings on admission to Miami Seaquarium. Following the success of the last two years’ similar promotions which raised more than $46,000 in donations for wildlife related charities, this year’s promotion will benefit south Florida-based charities including Humane Society of Greater Miami Adopt-a-Pet, Humane Society of Broward County and South Florida SPCA Horse Rescue.


The offer starts on July 30 and runs until September 30. To participate visit www.miamiseaquarium.com for a donation form.

“Miami Seaquarium has a long history of reaching out to and assisting charities of all types,” said Andrew Hertz, General Manager. “We are happy this year to focus the fruits of these promotions on three very worthy charities that help dogs, cats and horses.”

Guests may choose from one of the following charities:


Humane Society of Greater Miami
The Humane Society of Greater Miami Adopt-A-Pet is a limited admit, adoption guarantee facility dedicated to placing every dog and cat in our care into a loving home, and to promoting responsible pet ownership and spay/neuter programs. Adoption guarantee simply means that every animal under our care is safe from the threat of euthanasia for as long as it takes to find them a forever family.

Humane Society of Broward County
The Humane Society of Broward County provides shelter, aid and responsible adoptions to animals entrusted to our care, and educates the community about respect and kindness to all animals.


South Florida SPCA Horse Rescue
The South Florida SPCA, founded in 1992, is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of abused, neglected and abandoned horses and other large animals. We also educate the community about responsible animal care, animal ownership and promote the welfare of animals through local and national advocacy.


Miami Seaquarium, South Florida's most popular tourist attraction, is a family-oriented marine-life park open to the public 365 days a year. The park provides visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation for marine life through shows, presentations and marine-life exhibits. General admission to Miami Seaquarium is $39.95 and $29.95 for children (ages 3-9). More information on Miami Seaquarium is available at www.miamiseaquarium.com; also "Like" Miami Seaquarium on Facebook.


Miami Seaquarium is an accredited member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, an international organization committed to the care and conservation of marine mammals. Accreditation by the Alliance means this facility meets or exceeds all the standards of excellence for marine mammal care, husbandry, conservation and education.

Zoo Miami's $5 Days Return July 4-8

Look no further for affordable family fun for the Fourth of July. For the third year in a row, Zoo Miami is offering a sweet summer deal of $5 admission, backed up by Ford Motor Company.


"Zoo Miami is such a great community resource and we want as many families as possible to enjoy it," said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company.  "In celebration of Independence Day, Ford is pleased to provide support so that the Zoo is accessible to more people during this holiday week."

Representatives from Ford will be setting up shop in the zoo on July 4, 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors will receive giveaways when they register to win a new Ford Focus and will be able to view some of their latest car models.


Guests visiting Zoo Miami on these discounted days can enjoy a few other goodies in addition to visiting the lions, tigers and bears along with the normal attractions offered by the zoo.  On July 7, Blue Bell will be helping guests cool down by distributing free samples of ice cream to lucky zoo visitors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., as part of Scoops for Conservation, a partnership between the Zoological Society of Florida and Blue Bell Ice Cream that encourages donations for wildlife conservation. Pepsi Next will also be distributing free samples to help keep visitors refreshed on July 7 & 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.


“There is always so much to explore and take part in at the zoo, so for $5, it’s really a steal,” said Eric Stephens, Zoo Miami Director. “Each visit is like a whole new experience.”


To help plan the perfect visit, Zoo Miami has launched a handy mobile application for iPhone and Android owners that equips users with a map, calendar, animal information and more. The application can be found by searching for Zoo Miami in the App Store or Android Marketplace. Free Wi-Fi is also offered in four large, convenient locations throughout the zoo.

For the whole Zoo Miami experience, guests should plan to explore the new Playworld Playground for some wet and wild fun for the kids. If visiting on a weekend, the Hippo Slide, the world’s largest inflatable water slide, is open to the public for a seriously slippery experience.


Along the way, the Samburu Giraffe Feeding Station allows visitors to get up close and personal with a giraffe’s 14-inch tongue for a few bucks. Guests can also feed our Indian rhinoceroses, hop on for a camel ride or choose from the many different ways to travel through the zoo to view and learn about all our animals.


The special and limited $5 admission days are available only from July 4-8 and cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion.


Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 Street; Miami, FL 33177. General Zoo Admission is: $15.95 per Adult and $11.95 per Child (3-12), plus tax.  Children under two, Zoo members and parking are free. Zoo Miami’s hours are 9:30 am-5:30 pm; ticket booths close at 4 pm.  For more information please visit www.zoomiami.org or call 305-251-0400.

Zoo Miami’s Playworld Playground Is Now Open

Jungle Journey

Zoo Miami is excited to announce the opening of its new Playworld Playground that contains two play areas, Jungle Journey and Ocean Voyage. With more than 1.5 acres of play and picnic space, kids ages 12 and under have plenty of room to explore the splashing water features and jungle gym while parents supervise in comfortable shaded seating.

In the Jungle Journey playground, children have 11 play features to help them create their own adventures. While the jungle gym could keep them busy for a while, kids can find themselves making their way past a wobbly bridge, through a hollow log and escaping life-size gorilla and hippo figures. Their imaginations may take them on a wild journey, but kids remain safe on spongy floors as they bounce around the playground.

After their jungle adventure, kids can cool down by splashing through spouting blow holes and overflowing buckets of water in the Ocean Voyage playground. This water-themed area includes 28 features that are guaranteed to get kids dripping wet. It would be hard to stay dry around water shooting cannons, a whale tail waterfall, and touch-activated rods spraying water. The ocean theme comes to life with shells and glossy starfish on the floor as guests walk in.

Ocean Voyage

“This $1 million state-of-the-art playground has been a highly-anticipated addition to Zoo Miami,” said Eric Stephens, Zoo Miami Director. “We are so excited to open it and offer our guests a top-notch play experience.”

Directly next to the playgrounds are two new shaded pavilions that are available to rent for special events like birthday parties or picnics.

With parents and kids sure to work up an appetite, the Playworld Playground is conveniently located next to the new and improved Oasis Grille. There guests can chow down on everything including hot-dogs, salads, fruit, burgers and refreshing drinks in the shade of the African-outpost themed area before heading to their next adventure in Zoo Miami.

Speaking of adventures, now guests can rent pedal boats, water tricycles and kayaks on the lake at Amazon and Beyond on weekends (Friday-Sunday) and holidays from 10am-5pm.

Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 St., Miami. General Zoo Admission is: $15.95 per adult and $11.95 per child (ages 3-12), plus tax.  Children under 2, Zoo members and parking are free. Zoo Miami’s hours are 9:30am-5:30pm; ticket booths close at 4pm.  For more information please visit www.zoomiami.org or call 305-251-0400.

Summer Camp Returns To Miami Seaquarium: Runs from June 11-Aug. 17 for Campers Ages 5-18

With summer vacation right around the corner, parents are often looking for exciting and innovative ways to keep their children engaged in education outside the classroom. Summer Camp 2012 at Miami Seaquarium offers students from kindergarten to high school the opportunity to learn about animals, environmental awareness, and so much more at summer camp. Summer Camp 2012 at Miami Seaquarium will run from June 11-Aug. 17, for campers ages 5 to 18.

Summer activities for kids will focus on educational topics according to their grade level. These activities include lessons on pollution, recycling, water and its properties, invasive and endangered species, animal adaptations and more. Special pricing at Dolphin Harbor is available for parents who wish to enroll their campers in an unforgettable Dolphin Interaction program.

Curriculum for each grade level at Summer Camp 2012 at Miami Seaquarium will revolve on a one-week schedule with additional weeks optional. Camp hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with early and late care available for an additional charge.

For Summer Camp enrollment or additional information, please call 305-361-5705, Ext. 298, 207, or 520. Summer Camp Miami Seaquarium information & registration forms are available on our website at www.miamiseaquarium.com.

Miami Seaquarium, South Florida's most popular tourist attraction, is a family-oriented marine-life park open to the public 365 days a year. The park provides visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation for marine life through shows, presentations and marine-life exhibits. General admission to Miami Seaquarium is $39.95 and $29.95 for children (ages 3-9). More information on Miami Seaquarium is available at www.miamiseaquarium.com.

Miami Seaquarium is an accredited member of the Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, an international organization committed to the care and conservation of marine mammals. Accreditation by the Alliance means this facility meets or exceeds all the standards of excellence for marine mammal care, husbandry, conservation and education.

Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre presents the 17th Annual National Children’s Theatre Festival FREE Kids Fest Family Weekend, April 28-29

Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre presents an entire weekend of FREE theatre fun for the whole family at the 17th Annual National Children’s Theatre Festival Kids Fest Family Weekend.

Featuring activities geared toward children, Kids Fest will be held at the Miracle Theatre in Coral Gables on Saturday & Sunday, April 28-29 from noon to 5 p.m. To make reservations, call 305-444-9293 or visit www.actorsplayhouse.org. Advance reservations are strongly suggested.

The festival will feature the brand new children's musical Peter Rabbit and the Garden of Doom, chosen as the winner of the 17th Annual National Children's Theatre Festival Competition.

This year's Kids Fest Family Weekend will also present several other great events and activities, including displays of magic and comedy as well as special performances of Disney on Broadway presented by Actors’ Playhouse’s acclaimed youth performing troupe, The Musical Miracles. Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the creative arts through a variety of hands-on Activity Stations such as Puppet Passion, Mask Mania, Costume Creations and Video “Dress Up” Studio. Characters like Cycler the Robot, The Mad Hatter, Alice in Wonderland, Dorothy, and more will appear on the scene to take photos with guests.

Finals for Young Talent Big Dreams, the most widespread local youth talent contest in Miami-Dade County will be held following the festival at 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 28. Tickets for this event, which is modeled after the many reality TV talent shows that have gained in popularity in recent years, are just $10 for adults and children.

The Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre is located at 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. For more information please call 305-444-9293 or visit www.actorsplayhouse.org.

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Bunny-Palooza Hops onto the Scene at Miami Seaquarium: Celebrity Grand Marshal For Easter Parade, Continuous Egg Hunts, More!

Salty the Sea Lion

Easter Weekend in Miami gets underway with Bunny-Palooza 2012 at Miami Seaquarium, which hops onto the Easter scene from Friday, April 6th to Easter Sunday, Sunday, April 8th, with the largest parade in the event’s more than 10 year history. 

Ariana Grande of hit TV Show Victorious,
to serve as Grand Marshal of Easter Parade
during all three days of Easter weekend

The Easter Parade will feature Ariana Grande, who plays Cat Valentine, on the hit TV show Victorious.


In addition, guests will enjoy continuous Easter Egg Hunts throughout the day, candy galore and five acres of adrenaline pumping fun with bounce houses, ‘Giant Fun Slide,’ Rock Climbing Wall and many prizes and surprises.  


A discount offering of $8 off admission to Bunny-Palooza is available with a receipt or coupon from Publix Supermarkets.  Each day 10 lucky fans will have the opportunity to Meet and Greet with Parade Grand Marshal Ariana Grande. For more information on Bunny-Palooza and how to enter to win a Meet and Greet with Ariana Grande visit www.miamiseaquarium.com.




“Easter is a big deal at Miami Seaquarium,” said Andrew Hertz, General Manager at Miami Seaquarium. “This year, by bringing in a celebrity Grand Marshal we are building on the tradition that we have created over the course of more than 10 years. The 2012 Bunny-Palooza will be bigger and better than ever before. We are happy to welcome Ariana Grande to our parade and invite all her fans to come out to see her.”


The Easter Parade will start at 12:30pm on each day, complete with marching bands, strolling performers, costumed characters and of course the Easter Bunny. In addition, during the festivities, bunny hoppers should be on the lookout for a Golden Egg, which will be hidden in one goodie bag that will be given out during Bunny-Palooza. The Golden Egg will give one lucky child and up to three other family members or friends, admission to Miami Seaquarium for their entire lifetime. 


For more information please call 305-361-5705, Ext. 225.  Miami Seaquarium is located at 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami.


Miami Seaquarium, South Florida's most popular tourist attraction, is a family-oriented marine-life park open to the public 365 days a year. The park provides visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation for marine life through shows, presentations and marine-life exhibits.


General admission to Miami Seaquarium is $39.95 and $29.95 for children (ages 3-9). More information on Miami Seaquarium is available at www.miamiseaquarium.com.  Like Miami Seaquarium on Facebook.

'Spring' Over to Zoo Miami for these Amazing April Events

Have fun and learn this Spring at Zoo Miami. The Zoo is celebrating the Spring season with a myriad of events and activities for the whole family, including Music of the Americas at Amazon and Beyond, Zoofari Spring Camp, Party for the Planet, Egg Safari and Brew at the Zoo.


For more information about any of the events listed below, please visit www.zoomiami.org and Facebook, or call 305-251-0400.

Music of the Americas at Amazon and Beyond

Music of the Americas at Amazon and Beyond will take place at 1 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays through April 29. Enjoy rhythmic samba tunes, Brazilian dance acts, South American flutes, woodwinds, and harp by the following artists and groups:  Roberto Perera & Jorge Alfano, Amazonas Samba Dancers and the Capoeira Jungle Circle.  

Egg Safari

The annual Egg Safari takes place on Saturday and Sunday, April 7 and 8 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.  It’s a magical weekend at Zoo Miami with continuous egg safaris, fun activities, the Easter Bunny and more for kids 12 and younger. The animals will also be receiving special holiday treats!

Party for the Planet

Zoo Miami’s Earth Day celebration, Party for the Planet, will be held Saturday and Sunday, April 21 and 22, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Tropical Flowering Tree Society will be hosting the world’s largest flowering tree annual plant show and sale. There will also be fun “green” activities and entertainment for the entire family as well as animal enrichment with recycled items and/or natural materials like newspapers, cardboard tubes, bamboo, old tires, fire hoses and more.


During Party for the Planet, guests can come in free of charge if they turn in a cellphone as part of the Zoo's ECO-CELL Phone Recycling Program. Not only will each person donating a cellphone enter the zoo for free on these two days, but they will also help save gorillas!


Cell phones include coltan, a mineral extracted in the deep forests of Congo in central Africa, home to the world's endangered lowland gorillas. Fueled by the worldwide cell phone boom, Congo's out-of-control coltan mining business has in recent years led to a dramatic reduction of animal habitat and the rampant slaughter of great apes for the illegal bush-meat trade. Turning in a cell phone will reduce the need for additional coltan … and help protect the gorillas.

 Brew at the Zoo

Come celebrate Miami New Times’ and Zoo Miami’s Brew at the Zoo Saturday, April 28, from 6 p.m.-11 p.m. Sample more than 100 kinds of beer from around the globe and enjoy live musical performances by Alien Ant Farm and The Spazmatics. Beer bites will be available for purchase. More information is available www.newtimesbrewatthezoo.com.
  

2012 Summer Savings Pass: 4 attractions… 4 months of fun… 1 low price!

Lion Country Safari, Miami Seaquarium, Museum of Discovery and Science, and Zoo Miami will be offering the 2012 Summer Savings Pass for the fourth year in a row. The Summer Savings Pass will give its buyers unlimited admission to all four attractions throughout the summer!


The Summer Savings Pass will be available for purchase at each of the participating parks beginning May 14, 2012 and will be valid for admission to each of the attractions until September 30, 2012. 

Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami. General zoo admission is $15.95 per adult and $11.95 per child (3-12), plus tax. Children younger than 2 and zoo members enter free; parking is free. Zoo Miami’s hours are 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; ticket booths close at 4 p.m. Note: Some animals start going in for the night at 5 p.m.


For more information, please visit www.zoomiami.org or call 305-251-0400.

Florida Renaissance Festival Debuts at Cauley Square Historic Village in Miami

Miami-area fans of the Florida Renaissance Festival can rejoice! For two special weekends, the Florida Renaissance Festival will be held for the first time ever at Cauley Square Historic Village in Miami. The festival weekend dates are March 31-April 1 and April 7-8.

“We are excited to return to Miami at our new location in Cauley Square Historic Village,” said Bobby Rodriguez, executive producer of the Florida Renaissance Festival.  “This year’s festival promises even more thrills and excitement for our loyal Miami fans.”

The featured entertainment will surely get the crowds going at this year’s Florida Renaissance Festival. Musical acts include local favorites, such as Celtic Mayhem, and nationally known acts like The Trouvaires. Also performing at the festival is Wolgemut, a colorful and energetic pipe and drum act, featuring talented musicians in traditional German Renaissance garb. Variety acts include the new Kamikaze Fireflies, The Duelists and the Washing Well Wenches. Fans will have the chance to interact with roaming entertainers, such as Gabriel Q, a creative puppeteer who works on stilts with elaborately costumed characters. And of course, the Florida Renaissance Festival would not be complete without its King and Queen, Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain. The royal couple will be on hand to greet their royal subjects.

Guests can enjoy jousting tournaments, feast on hearty food and toast to the royal court with a tankard of ale or cider. The festival also will feature games of skill and chance that will challenge guests of all ages, including archery, the test of strength, Jacob’s Ladder and many more. Historical reenactments, sword fights and magical illusions are just some of the exciting events in store for this year’s festivities.

The Florida Renaissance Festival is produced by the nationally acclaimed Bobby Rodriguez Productions and strives to create an entertaining and cultural experience for adults and children alike.

The Florida Renaissance Festival at Cauley Square Historic Village will be open weekends (March 31-April 8) from 10 a.m. to sunset. Prices range from $20 for adults and $6 for children ages 6 to 11 years of age.  Children 5 and younger are free.  Group ticket rates are also offered.

The Florida Renaissance Festival has been seen by more than one million people in South Florida. This 16th Century production features more than 100 costumed performers and stage acts from around the world.

For additional information call 954-776-1642, visit www.ren-fest.com, follow on Twitter @flarenest, or on Facebook at The Florida Renaissance Festival.

The Annual Miami International Map Fair Takes Place This Weekend at HistoryMiami

This annual Miami International Map Fair showcases antique maps, rare books, panoramas and atlases from around the world! The fair takes place Saturday, Feb. 4-Sunday, Feb. 5, from 10am-5pm, at HistoryMiami, located at 101 W. Flagler Street. 

Peruse and purchase antique maps from some of the finest map dealers in the world. Learn about maps through a series of lectures by experts in the field and enjoy special events held throughout the weekend. For a complete list of events during the Map Fair, please see the official website.

Admission is $5 for HistoryMiami members and $15 for non-members. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Admission includes entrance to the international dealer’s marketplace, access to expert opinions on your own map(s), and the opportunity to win door prizes. Proceeds from Map Fair go toward maintaining and improving HistoryMiami exhibitions, educational programming and community outreach programs.

For more information regarding HistoryMiami’s Miami International Map Fair, call 305-375-1492, e-mail mapfair@historymiami.org, or visit the official website.

The Fitzgerald & Kanner Trust for Historic Maps was established to endow the Miami International Map Fair, to support the growth of HistoryMiami's map collection, and to foster an appreciation of historic maps through exhibitions, publications and educational programming.

In 1990 an anonymous donor established the Joseph H. Fitzgerald Trust for Historic Maps as a part of the museum's endowment. The Trust is named after  Joseph H. Fitzgerald in honor of his long service to HistoryMiami and avid interest in maps. The Trust has grown through donations of generous friends and map enthusiasts. For more information about the Trust please call 305-375-1615 or e-mail  development@historymiami.org.

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Sea Trek Reef Encounter at the Miami Seaquarium

The Sea Trek Reef Encounter is a helmet diving experience that allows guests to become one with the Miami Seaquarium's 300,000-gallon tropical reef aquarium, while moving in ethereal slow motion in a near zero gravity diving system.

"Sea Trekking," developed by Sub Sea Systems, can be experienced by non-divers, ages 10 and above; no certification or swimming skills are necessary. In the magnificent Reef Aquarium at the Miami Seaquarium participants may Sea Trek as deep as 15 feet under the "sea" to swim with more than 3,000 fish and 80 different species of marine life.

The Sea Trek Reef Encounter at Miami Seaquarium lasts approximately 90 minutes, including an orientation session. Twenty minutes are spent under warter.

General admission to Miami Seaquarium is $38.95 and $28.95 for children (ages 3-9). The Sea Trek Reef Encounter costs $99 per participant; $39.95 for adult observers (ages 10 and older), $29.95 for a child observer (ages 3-9), and observers under 3 are free. Book today by calling 305-365-2501.

Miami Seaquarium, South Florida's most popular tourist attraction, is a family-oriented marine-life park open to the public 365 days a year. The park provides visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation for marine life through shows, presentations and marine-life exhibits. More information on Miami Seaquarium is available at www.miamiseaquarium.com and on Facebook.

Sea Trek Reef Encounter Restrictions

For safety reasons, please review the following information. Guests participating in the Sea Trek Reef Encounter must meet the following requirements:

* Be at least 10 years of age.

* Guests under 14 years of age must be accompanied by a paid adult participant.

* Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a supervising adult who pays the observer fee. (General park admission also applies.)

* SCUBA certification is not required.

* Eyeglasses are permitted, but no sunglasses. (Transition lenses are acceptable.)

* Guests must wear a wetsuit during Sea Trek Reef Encounter.

* Guests are not permitted to wear jewelry.

For more information please see the Sea Trek website.

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Let the Experts Show You Around Town! Book A Tour with HistoryMiami Today

Downtown Miami's skyline, including the famed InterContinental Hotel.

Delve into the past and experience the sights, sounds and cultures of South Florida with a City Tour or Private Tour.

HistoryMiami offers educational tour opportunities for adults of all ages to learn more about the history of the region. Tour guides look forward to welcoming visitors on a memorable journey of the region’s history, both on-site in the museum galleries or off-site at the many historic neighborhoods, landmarks and sites throughout South Florida.

City Tours feature walking, bike, boat, and coach tours with internationally-acclaimed historian, Dr. Paul George, and eco-historian Frank Schena, as well as other tour guides, prepared to share their expertise on various topics related to Miami and South Florida history. 

Dr. Paul George

For more than two decades, Dr. George has toured his way to local, national and international acclaim by conducting city tours around South Florida. A Miami native, prolific author and Miami-Dade College professor, he has gained fame for his uncanny ability to recall the most impressive details about the people and places that make the region so unique.

Private Tours are customized to meet each group’s individual needs. All personalized tours include a one-time free admission pass to the HistoryMiami Museum, located at 101 West Flagler Street in downtown Miami. For more information please call the City Tours Department at 305-375-1621, or e-mail citytours@historymiami.org.

Up-Coming Tours:

For a complete list of tours, please visit: 

www.historymiami.org/files/pages/city-tours_happenings_fall2011-3.pdf

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A Sweet Treat For The Entire Family: Miami City Ballet’s Holiday Production Of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

2011 Performances:

Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami ● December 15-18

Broward Center, Fort Lauderdale ● December 21-24

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 enchanting holiday production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker.

Miami City Ballet School students From Miami-Dade and Broward Counties to Perform With MCB’s Internationally-Acclaimed Dancers!

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.

Nothing short of a Broadway spectacular, the production features glorious sets, lavish costumes like the ones worn by the Arabian and Chinese dancers, magical special effects, such as a Christmas tree that soars from twelve to thirty feet tall, and fanciful choreography that takes the spectator on a magical journey to the Land of Sweets. 

With its sumptuous décor and dazzling character dance numbers, Miami City Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is a must-see holiday extravaganza for everyone young and old: children, parents and grandparents! 

________________________________________________

Performance Schedule & Information:

● Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

Ziff Ballet Opera House

1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami

Thursday, December 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 17 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 18 at 1:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.

● Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Au-Rene Theater

201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale

Wednesday, December 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 22 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Friday, December 23 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 24 at 1:00 p.m. 

________________________________________________

Tickets Available At:

● Miami City Ballet

2200 Liberty Ave., Miami Beach

(Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)  

305-929-7010; toll-free: 877-929-7010

www.miamicityballet.org

● Adrienne Arsht Center

1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami 

305-949-6722

www.arshtcenter.org

● Broward Center

201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale 

954-462-0222; toll-free: 1-877-311-7469

www.browardcenter.org

Tickets range in price from $20 to $68. 

________________________________________________

Miami City Ballet performs in the "Tri-County" South Florida area; in Broward County at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, in Miami-Dade County at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, and in Palm Beach County at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Miami City Ballet is presented as the resident ballet company at the Naples Philharmonic Center in Naples, Fla. The company also tours extensively.

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Bienvenidos a Miami y Sus Playas

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Celebrate The Holidays With Exciting Events At Zoo Miami

This holiday season Zoo Miami is hosting a myriad of exciting and fun activities for everyone. Enjoy a Holiday Hoedown, eight nights of Zoo Lights, Dinner with Santa, and watch the animals open their special holiday gifts!


Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami. General zoo admission is $15.95/adult and $11.95/child (3 -12) plus tax. Children under 3, Zoo members and parking are free. Zoo Miami’s regular hours are 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; ticket booths close at 4 p.m.


The Holiday Hoedown, Zoo Lights, Dinner with Santa are special events with separate admission prices. To save time, buy tickets online at www.zoomiami.org.  

Holiday Hoedown

Alligator Ron's Holiday Hoedown is a fundraiser for Zoo Miami’s up-coming exhibit, Florida: Mission Everglades, set to open in 2014. It will take place on Dec. 3 at Green Glades Ranch (21111 SW 16 St., Weston) from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.


There will be live music from the country band Shadow Creek, an open bar, and great BBQ all to benefit the Florida: Mission Everglades. Since it is a hoedown in December, the attire requested is Holiday Western Wear. Light up cowboy boot mugs will be sold for a $20 donation.


Main event tickets are $150 each and VIP tickets are $250 each. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.holidayhoedown.com. 

The lighted giraffes at Zoo Lights

Zoo Lights

At Zoo Miami, guests can enjoy beautiful animal-shaped lights as they stroll zoo walkways during the 8 nights of Zoo Lights, have Dinner with Santa, and watch the animals open their specially-prepared gifts during Holiday Gifts for the Animals.


The zoo’s glorious grounds come to light for eight brilliant nights during Zoo Lights, Dec. 16-23 from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. (ticket booths close at 9:30 p.m.). Guests can enjoy dozens of bright animal-shaped lights along our walkways, listen to wonderful holiday music, sip hot chocolate, munch on delicious cookies, and take a ride on a camel, the wildlife carrousel or the hippo slide (the world’s largest inflatable slide). Included with admission is a pair of 3-D glasses, which will make the Zoo Lights experience even more engaging and amusing. 


General admission is only $5 per person plus tax. Food, beverages, camel rides, carrousel and hippo slide are all available at additional costs.

Dinner With Santa

Dinner with Santa will take place on Dec. 17, from 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Bring the kids to meet him before he has to rush back to the North Pole!  Enjoy a delicious holiday dinner with the family, photos with Santa, a holiday plush gift and holiday craft-making for the little ones! 

Dinner with Santa admission includes parking, entry to Zoo Lights from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. and a classic holiday menu of fresh roasted turkey with homemade gravy, baked ham, candied sweet potatoes with melting marshmallows, herbed buttery carrots, homemade cranberry sauce, dinner rolls with butter, homemade seasonal pumpkin cake with cream cheese icing, strawberry-infused lemonade, and cranberry mint-infused water.


General admission is $39.95 per adult and $33.95 per child ages 3-12. Zoo members are $36.95 per adult and $30.95 per child ages 3-12. Children ages 2 and under are free. To make a reservation, please call 305-251-0400, Ext. 84941.

Gifts for the Animals

Another fun family activity is Holiday Gifts for the Animals!  Every weekend in December, including Christmas Day, watch the animals joyfully open holiday gifts prepared by zookeepers and volunteers. The animals enjoy opening up their enriching gifts and visitors will be entertained watching them! See schedule below for details.


Saturday December 3
10:30 a.m.: Great Indian hornbills at Wings of Asia will receive papier maché ornaments filled with meaty treats.
1:30 p.m.: Pygmy hippo will eat giant red and green popsicles.

Sunday December 4
10 a.m.: Jaguars will get their own holiday tree – an Australian pine tree with all of the trimmings including catnip!
2 p.m.: Asian bear will receive a gift box filled with treats.

Saturday December 10
10:30 a.m.
Great Indian hornbills at Wings of Asia will receive papier maché ornaments filled with meaty treats.
11:30 a.m.: Lions will get red and green ice treats.
3 p.m.: African elephants will get giant candy canes.

Sunday December 11
10:30 a.m.: Tigers will cool off with their holiday ice treats.
2 p.m.: Gorilla will receive their own holiday popsicles.

Saturday December 17
11:30 a.m.: Santa will deliver sacks filled with treats for the Orangutans.
1 p.m.: Asian elephants will get a giant holiday ribbon.

Sunday December 18
12:30 p.m.: Meerkats will receive a gift box filled with bugs!
2:30 p.m.: Great Indian hornbills at Wings of Asia will receive papier maché ornaments filled with meaty treats.

December 24, Saturday
10:30 a.m.: Great Indian hornbills at Wings of Asia will receive papier maché ornaments filled with meaty treats.
1 p.m.: Asian elephants will get edible holiday ornaments.
2 p.m.: A holiday tree with all of the trimmings will be delivered to Amazon & Beyond for the agouti, chestnut-mandibled toucan, great curassows and black-throated magpie jays.

Sunday December 25
1:45 p.m.: Chimpanzees will receive a holiday surprise!
3 p.m.: African elephants will receive their own giant holiday tree!

Saturday December 31
11:30 a.m.: New Guinea singing dogs will receive New Year’s ball treat dispensers.
1:30 p.m.: Warthogs will get New Year’s decorated treat boxes.

Sunday January 1
2 p.m.: Sun bear will receive treat boxes for the New Year.
3 p.m.: African elephants will get papier maché animals.


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