This is it, boys and girls. Last call for shopping, holiday parties, and meeting friends for eggnog before Christmas morning is upon us.
So, you can either make snow angels for two hours, then go ice skating, eat a whole roll of toll house cookie dough, then snuggle... or you can enjoy a holiday brunch, shop for last-minute gifts, and do something nice for kids. It's up to you!
Channel Your Inner Elf at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne
Being a grown-up sucks, doesn't it? There are bills to pay, deadlines to meet, and your boss hates it when you break out in spontaneous song. It's time to make like Buddy the Elf and enjoy life. The Friday at 6 p.m., The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne is hosting a special presentation of Elf. Snuggle up to your favorite cuddly creature of the North Pole and enjoy the movie and some popcorn -- both of which are free. There will also be special holiday cocktails available for purchase. Why is the Ritz-Carlton doing this? To make you smile. Because smiling is your favorite.
Gingerbread pancakes and Eggnog at Tongue & Cheek
Twas the weekend before Christmas and all through the beach, every creature was hungry for brunch at the "Cheek". We know you're busy shopping, wrapping, and picking up family at the airport. Our suggestion? Take an hour for yourself to enjoy a holiday-themed brunch...on Saturday (served 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.)! Tongue & Cheek is all decked out, complete with giant Christmas tree and festive menu items like gingerbread pancakes with chestnut apple butter and peppermint and "munchkin" donuts with spiced Mexican chocolate. Don't forget the eggnog cocktail, made with Ron Zacapa, nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon. That's a brunch worthy of a Santa, right there!
Last Minute Shopping at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens Farmers Market
You've made your list and checked it twice and you STILL have a half dozen gifts to buy. Forget the mall and take your shopping outdoors. The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens Farmers Market is this Saturday, December 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pick up last-minute items like local honey, jams, hand-made soaps, and other gifts or shop for stone crabs, fresh baked goods from Zak the Baker, and fresh cheese from Hani Khouri for your Christmas shindig. Admission to the market is free at the garden's lowlands entrance.
Toys for Pints at Wynwood Brewing Company
You know what's better than grabbing a fresh, local beer at Wynwood Brewing Company? Knowing that you're also making a child happy. How do you get in on this win/win situation? Just swing by Wynwood Brewing Company's tasting room this weekend (or any time before January 5) with a new, unwrapped toy (worth at least five bucks). The toys will be donated to local Wynwood children serviced by the NET Community Center.
As a thank you, you'll receive a free pint of any of the brewery's year-round brews (La Rubia, Pop's Porter, or Wynwood IPA). The taproom is open Tuesday through Sunday from 4 to 11 p.m. One free pint per person per gift. Having a cold brewski never felt so heartwarming.
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