Author Witold Rybczynski will discuss the history and architecture of Vizcaya Museum & Gardens from his new book "Vizcaya: An American Villa and Its Makers." Friday. 8 p.m. at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. Details: (305) 442-4408. CHILDREN
Children's play
   Inspired by Prokofiev's opera, watch a prince search for three magical oranges in "The Love of Three Oranges." Sunday. 3 p.m. at Dave and Mary Alper JCC, 11155 SW 112th Ave., unincorporated Miami-Dade County. Also on Dec. 23. 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at Shores Performing Arts Theater, 9806 NE 2nd Ave., Miami Shores. $10-$15.
   Details: (305) 751-9550, (800) 813-6527 or www.theplaygroundtheatre.com.
Children's concert
   Sunday Afternoons of Music for Children presents "Ferdinand the Bull." Hugh Aitken's musical story will be accompanied by a narrator, and performed by the New York Chamber Soloists. Children are invited to participate in hands-on musical activities with instructors before the concert. Saturday. 3 p.m. at University of Miami, Maurice Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Dr., Coral Gables. $10-$12.
   Details: (305) 271-7150 or www.sundaymusicals.org.
DANCE
'The Nutcracker'
   Miami City Ballet presents George Balanchine's "The Nutcracker." Friday-Sunday. Various times at Carnival Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. $19.75- $59.75. Miami City Ballet will also host a Nutcracker Sweets Brunch in celebration of its performance on Saturday. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Radisson Hotel, 1601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. $35.
   Details: (877) 929-7010 or www.miamicityballet.org.
FASHION
French fashion
   A lecture and slide presentation of Marie Antoinette and her influence of fashion in 18th century-France. Friday. 7 p.m. at Alliance Francaise de Miami, 1414 Coral Way, Miami. $5-$8.
   Details: (305) 859-8760.
MUSIC
Pipe organ concert
   Vizcaya Museum & Gardens presents a pipe organ concert. Hear holiday music performed by The American Guild of Organists. Sunday.
   3 p.m. at 3251 S. Miami Ave., Miami. Free.
   Details: (305) 250-9133 or www.vizcayamuseum.org.
Visiting artists
   Sunday Afternoons of Music presents New York Chamber Soloists. The group will perform concertos by Handel and Vivaldi, Mozart's quartet, Bach's canons and Powell's ensemble. Sunday. 4 p.m. at University of Miami, Maurice Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Dr., Coral Gables. $10-$40.
   Details: (305) 271-7150 or www.sundaymusicals.org.
Holiday concert
   The Greater Miami Symphonic Band will perform a holiday concert featuring music from the "Festive Sounds of Hanukkah," to "A Christmas Festival." Tuesday. 8 p.m. at University of Miami, Maurice Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Dr., Coral Gables. $5-$10.
   Details: (305) 273-7687 or www.gmsb.org.
OUTDOOR
Boat parade
   The city of Key Biscayne hosts the Winterfest Boat Parade. Boats will sail from Key Biscayne Yacht Club to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Saturday. 5:30 p.m. at Key Biscayne Yacht Club, 180 Harbor Dr., Key Biscayne. Free.
   Details: (305) 365-8900 or (305) 361-9171.
Family event
   Dozens of children dressed in costumes, juggling and walking on stilts will be seen at the Carnival Center for the Performing Arts. Sunday. Noon and 1 p.m. at Parker and Vann Thomson Plaza for the Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Free.
   Details::(305) 949-6722.
Family event
   The city of Miami Gardens hosts the third annual Festival of Carols. The event features an outdoor concert and a tree lighting ceremony. Sunday. 5-8 p.m. at Carol City Park, 3201 NW 185th St., Miami Gardens.
   Details: (305) 622-8035.
Menorah lighting
   Watch the lighting of the menorah at Bayfront Park. The event includes music, food, and activities for children. Tuesday. 5 p.m. at 301 N. Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Tuesday. Free.
   Details: (305) 358-7550.
   
   
   

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