Greetings {name},

the charming Casa Tranquila property, a stately Italian style villa with grand amenities, is surrounded by lush gardens and old growth tropical fruit trees

Thursday, December 21 is the Winter Solstice, marking the shortest day north of the equator and the longest day in the south, as the sun reaches the southernmost latitude all year.

Monday, December 25 is Christmas Day, the pinnacle of the holiday season for many Americans and a traditional time for festive gatherings and the exchange of gifts within families.

Monday, December 31 is New Year's Eve, a popular occasion for celebrations marking the end of the year, with elaborate gatherings, festivities and fireworks.

Get advice before you buy that new computer!
Two Computer Guys
Since 1998, the team at Two Computer Guys has been available for safe, reliable, efficient and friendly service -- for small businesses, families, students, seniors and anyone who needs a little help with their computer. TCG solves problems to get computers up and running at top speed quickly. Serving more than a thousand clients in South Florida over the past three decades. Call 305-444-1984 when you need a little help. Get details and schedule an appointment online.

Shop four locations in Downtown Homestead -- all within walking distance

Etc, located at 257 North Krome Avenue is open Tuesday-Saturday 11am to 5pm with antiques and vintage furniture, china, crystal and collectibles, used book exchange, with coffee and tea service. Call 786-283-2437.

Renaissance Antiques is at 61 NW 4th Street, open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11am to 5pm with Furniture, art, rugs, jewelry and more. Call 305-244-5807.

Jacobsen's Antique Mall at 144 N. Krome Avenue is open Wednesday thru Saturday from 10am to 5pm with art, antiques, collectibles, furniture and accessories. Call 305-247-4745.

Skin Candy at 118 N. Krome Ave with natural soaps, body butters, bath bombs, sugar scrubs, natural deodorants, body oils and more. Call 470-920-5007.

This Weekend from 10am to 5pm
Holiday Orchid Sale at Soroa
Enjoy deep discounts on the entire inventory of Cattleya, Dendrobium, Vanda, rare and unique species, Oncidium and more. Soroa Orchids is located at 25750 SW 177th Ave. Get details online.

Thursday, December 21 from 5 to 9pm
South Dade Winter Spectacular at Deering
Danielle Cohen Higgins, Commissioner of District 8, invites the residents of South Dade to a free event at the Deering Estate, featuring an outdoor screening of Disney's A Christmas Carol, along with food, games and activities for families. From popcorn ball and cookie decorating stations to caricature, face painting, gaming area, and a quiet reading tent, there's something for every young resident. And, Santa Claus. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Holiday sweaters and festival pajamas are encouraged. Deering Estate is located at 16701 SW 72nd Ave. Get details online.

Friday, December 22 from 5 to 10pm
South Dade Chamber Holiday Affair
The Homestead Woman's Club at 17905 SW 292 Street is the location of a free small business showcase and vendor expo Holiday Affair event, sponsored by South Dade Connections and the South Dade Chamber. RSVP online.

Sunday, December 24 at noon
Rhythm & Bites - Never Brunch Alone
City Hall Bistro & Martini Bar presents a fun-filled event -- a delightful brunch experience with delicious bites, plus bottomless Mimosas and Sangrias for $25. Get details online.

Tuesday, December 26 at 9am
Homestead's Free Holiday Trolley to National Parks
Gather family and friends to enjoy this annual free exploration of Everglades National Park on Homestead's trolley. Start and end your experience in Downtown Homestead. Eat at great local restaurants; tour Homestead's free Old Town Hall Museum; catch a show at the historic Seminole Theatre. Enjoy a pleasant stroll through this charming small town full of history, distinct architecture, and new opportunities. Get details online.

Wednesday, December 27 at 5:30pm
Create Custom Hot Cocoa Kit
Nothing says winter like a mug full of hot chocolate. Create a custom hot cocoa kit with a variety of toppings to give to a loved one or keep for yourself. Get details online.

Thursday, December 28 at 4pm
All Hands On Tech at the Library
Whether you are an experienced tech enthusiast or just curious, meet at the Naranja Library for hands-on creative projects featuring robotics, electronics, coding, engineering, and art. Call 305-242-2290 or email: gonzalezmi@mdpls.org. Ages 8 to 18 years old. Get details online.

December 28 to 31 from 10am to 6pm
Miccosukee Indian Arts & Crafts Fest
The Miccosukee Casino & Resort presents the annual Miccosukee Indian Arts & Crafts Festival. Native American culture comes alive in a four-day gathering of music, arts, and entertainment in the heart of the Florida Everglades at the historic Miccosukee Indian Village festival grounds, 20 miles west of Krome Avenue and SW 8th Street. Get details online.

Tuesday, December 26 from 8am to 5pm
Deering Winter Day Camp
The Deering Estate offers a winter break camp, which aligns with Miami Dade County School’s scheduled winter break. Every camp has a different theme and explores a different aspect of nature, allowing campers to have fun while also learning about different fields of science. Please bring lunch and snacks, refillable water bottle, closed-toe shoes, change of clothes, sunblock, bug spray, hat and sunglasses. Get details online.

Friday, December 29 from 10am to 4pm
Sip and Savor at the Fruit & Spice Park
Explore the garden this long weekend with delicious tropical sangria in hand. Then sit and enjoy food truck food while you take in the amazing Fruit & Spice Park. The sangria recipe changes every season based on what is fruiting in the park. Bring a blanket to lay on the grass or enjoy from one of our picnic tables. Get details online.

Friday, December 29 from 7 to 10pm
Moonlight Kayak Tour at Deering
Take a Moonlight Kayak Tour through Biscayne Bay at the Deering Estate. Depart from the boat basin and paddle out towards Chicken Key, a seven-acre mangrove island and bird rookery approximately one mile off-shore. Get details online.

Saturday, December 30 at 10am
Lamplighters Writer's Group Meeting at Cybrarium
The Lamplighters are a group of talented and aspiring writers with a flexible and dedicated membership. They meet weekly to share and discuss their latest writing efforts, whether they be poetry, short stories, or the beginnings of the potentially great American novel they are working on. They welcome first-timers and those who have had their works published. All are welcome to attend and participate. Get details online.

Saturday, December 30 at 5:30pm
End of the Year Fire Ceremony
Just Burn It -- a powerful and transformative fire ceremony designed to ignite the flames of change. This profound element of Nature helps clear, cleanse and make space for new growth. Gather around the sacred flames to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Get details online.

Tuesday, January 2 at 7:30pm
Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs
Experience the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine, with brilliant choreography by the People's Artist of Moldova and Honored Artist of Ukraine Andrey Litvinov, performing Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs at Moss Cultural Arts Center. Get details online.

Sunday, January 7 from 11am to 3pm
Renew / Rest / Replenish Mini-Retreat
Start the New Year with a day of introspection and intention-setting. This four hour mini-retreat at Patch of Heaven Sanctuary will soothe and support. Get details online.

Friday, January 19 from 6 to 9pm
Winter Stargazing - Wolf Moon
Enjoy a night under the moon and stars at the Fruit & Spice Park, cozied up by a bonfire. Bring your telescopes to explore the night stars away from city lights. S'more kits and an assortment of drinks will be available while supplies last. Blankets, lawn chairs and small coolers are welcome. Get details online.

Saturday, January 20 at 10am
30th Annual Redland Riot Road Rally
Every third Saturday in January, since 1994, this fruity, tropical history tour through the Redland agricultural region has delighted hundreds of families, history buffs, foodies and nature lovers with a whimsical adventure through the countryside. Dozens of car teams go searching for clues and enjoying the bounty of the Redland, stopping at wonderful places along the way. Meet at Cauley Square between 10 and 11am to get started. The big finale is at Schnebly Redland's Winery in the Miami Brewing Company Tap Room at 5pm. Get details and register your car team on the Redland Riot web site.

Outdoor Weekend Fun
Visit Redland Equestrian Center
Bring the family to the 17 acre Redland Equestrian Center for farm and horse tours and horseback riding tours -- open at 10am everyday by pre-paid reservation. Kids will love a day outside on the farm with pony and horse lead rides, the petting farm, the butterfly garden, the shady oak tree hammock and the lychee grove. Reserve your agricultural learning events for school, company or birthday. Enjoy a photography session with horses and other animals. Redland Equestrian Center is the largest and oldest equestrian center in the area -- a great place for horse boarding and training, since 1999. Call 786-650-6173. Get details and RSVP online.

A Unique Tropical Adventure
The Fruit And Spice Park
Ome of the seminal venues in the Redland region, the Miami-Dade County Fruit and Spice Park -- dedicated to parks champion and County Commissioner Preston B. Bird and pioneer Mary Calkins Heinlein -- features an amazing collection of tropical flora collected from around the world. The property cultivates more than 500 varieties of fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, nuts and other commercially important plant specimens. Tram rides and daily tasting tours reveal a cornucopia of exotic delights from many regions. Numerous festivals and special events are held at this 37-acre subtropical paradise. Get details online.

An Icon of Redland Agri-Tourism
Visit the Amazing Robert Is Here
From down the street and from around the world, people have been flocking to Robert Is Here fruit stand and farm for more than 60 years to experience the amazing array of rare and exotic tropical delights presented by this local pioneer family. Their large property includes farm animals, picnic areas, playground for the kids, a milkshake shack with dozens of unique tropical flavors, and a country store with a plethora of jellies, jams, honeys, and unique condiments. Get details online.