Merrick Park is turned into a winter wonderland. Photo courtesy of city of Coral Gables

The 2012 Coral Gables Holiday Spectacular will take place in front of City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way, on Friday, Dec. 7, from 5-10 p.m.

The event features live performances, food, carnival rides and games, face painting, arts and crafts, bounce houses and a merry good time for everyone.

The Coral Gables Fire Benevolent Association will raffle 50 Christmas trees (six-foot Frazier firs with stands) during the festivities.  This is the second year the CGFBA has donated trees to the Gables community.

Performing on stage to entertain the crowds will be the Actors’ Playhouse Children’s Theater, Maria Verdeja School of the Arts, and The Jeff Kipperman Quartet from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, among other acts.

Bring your family and friends to enjoy this local holiday tradition and participate in the official countdown with Mayor Jim Cason and members of the City Commission to light up the tree at 7 p.m.

Santa Claus will arrive in style on a fire truck to spread good cheer and make sure you’ve been nice all year.

The magic of the holidays continues on through at Merrick Park, across the street from City Hall, which is transformed into a winter wonderland.

Merrick Park will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. until Dec. 25. Come take pictures with Santa at the park on Thursdays and Fridays (5-10 p.m.) and Saturdays and Sundays (noon-10 p.m.) until Dec. 23.

For more information, call the Parks and Recreation Division at 305-460-5600.