CHOCOLATE NUTCRACKER: Black and brown high school students of the Dillard High School for the Performing Arts, a widely respected and regarded institution that consistently produces some of South Florida’s most prolific young performers, push the boundaries of traditional ballet in the soulful and creative annual holiday showcase, set for three shows only: Friday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4 p.m., at 2501 NW 11th, Fort Lauderdale. The winter classic performed by high school dancers of diverse backgrounds in race, culture and economic status, makes for a unique experience while providing students access and exposure to classical ballet dance, helping Dillard students prepare for conservatory, college or industry dance opportunities. Tickets $15 adults, $10 children and students with identification, on sale at dillardhs.com/showtime, or call 754-322-0838.

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JAZZ IN THE HEIGHTS: The Office of Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kionne McGhee presents a free family event, Saturday, Dec. 17, 6 – 10 p.m. at Sgt. Joseph Delancy Park, 14450 Boggs Dr., Miami. The holiday event, hosted by motivational speaker TK Owens and HOT 105 FM deejay James T., will feature a special performance by award-winning singer/songwriter Michael Sterling, as well as Kizie the Violist and B.N.S. ENT, with fun activities for the entire family, including a visit from Santa Claus and other free kid-friendly activities. Food trucks will also be available for the purchase of food and refreshments. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the performances. Call 305-495-4460.

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CHRISTMAS IN PEACOCK PARK: Join a magical celebration program presented by the Miami Symphony Orchestra in historical Coconut Grove on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m., playing hallmark classics from your favorite holiday films such as “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and “Last Christmas” and more. Invite your friends and family for an enchanting night. Call 305-275-5666.

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MEMORY DAY: On Saturday, Dec. 17, from noon to 4 p.m., Historic Virginia Key Beach Park – Miami’s popular and much-beloved onetime segregated “Colored Beach,” which has been restored with plans to combine cultural events and recreation with indoor/outdoor historic and environmental museum – will welcome visitors old and young of all ethnicities to share their memories with one another and with future generations, including telling their stories, and sharing photos, memorabilia, and other mementoes. Admission to Memory Day is free and open to the public, but there is a Sunpass toll for the Rickenbacker Causeway and a vehicle entry fee to the park. Those wishing to share memories are invited to come to the Park Office, the pink structure at the far end of the parking lot, which also contains a mini-museum display. Photos and other visual materials can be scanned and catalogued and returned immediately, and those willing to share stories on video will have an opportunity to do so. For other information call 305904-7620.

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BLACKOUT SUNDAY: With the holiday season fast approaching, join Black Owned South Florida (BOSFl) as they host the Black Out Sunday marketplace event with dozens of vendors on Sunday, Dec. 18, 4 – 9 p.m. at the NOMI Village, 12351 NW 7th Ave. North Miami. Black Out Sunday will have black owned vendors displaying a wide range of products and services, from clothing and beauty to sporting goods. Visit blackownedsfl.com.

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WORLD CUP FINALS WATCH PARTY: At Historic Virginia Key Beach in Miami on Dec. 18, Stadium in the Sand will feature curated food and beverages, an open bar, live DJ, and special surprises for attendees. Tickets at StadiumInTheSand.com start at $30 for attendees under 21. It is $55 for attendees at legal drinking age.

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FROZEN IN TIME EXHIBITION: This holiday season, view and celebrate the currently available Love-Thornell Collection of Black American Photographs from the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries, presented by the Special Collections and Archives Department at the Broward County African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC), 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. The advent of photography in 1839 provided an invaluable opportunity to document life as Black Americans became both enthusiastic picture-takers and fascinating subjects. The collection donated by Jacqui Love-Thornell and her husband Kwasi Thornell contains an unprecedented array documenting Black American life – more than 1,300 images. View and learn about cabinet cards, tintypes, daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, stereotypes, cartes de visite and postcards celebrating African Americans and their families from days gone by. Call 954-357-6282.

TRIPLE THREAT, FLU, RSV, & COVID: With increased cases of severe influenza, more seniors and children requiring hospitalization to treat RSV infections, and of course, covid, infectious disease experts join the Health Channel’s virtual Town Hall to answer questions and explain what, why and how to stay as healthy as possible, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m., live on AllhealthGo’s Facebook and YouTube pages, and streamed on AllHealthTV.com.

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MDEAT Board Meeting: The Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust monthly meeting is set for Thursday, Dec. 22, 10:30 a.m. at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center, 111 NW 1st Street, 18th Floor, Suite 18-3 in downtown Miami. Visit miamidade.gov/EconomicAdvocacyTrust or call 305-375-5652.

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WATER TAXI: Fort Lauderdale’s Holiday Light Cruises are a must for visiting friends and family and a great way to kick off the season for locals as well. Book tickets at watertaxi.com/holiday-lights-cruises/. Adults $40 per person; children (3 – 11), $20; under 3 ride free. Depart from 335 SE 6th Ave., Fort Lauderdale (Between Stranahan House and Riverside Hotel). Metered parking within walking distance at 620 E. Las Olas Boulevard Garage, street metered parking on Las Olas.

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HISTORY OF KWANZAA EXHIBIT: The Kwanzaa holiday, a celebration of African roots in African American culture, takes place annually from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. The word “Kwanzaa” is derived from the Swahili words matunda ya kwanza, meaning "first fruits." View this currently available special glass case exhibit on Kwanzaa’s history, traditional ceremonies, and foods, in the lobby at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC), 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-357-6282.

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“ALADDIN” AT THE ARSHT: Disney’s hit Broadway musical from the producer of “The Lion King” is a timeless story and extraordinary theatrical event in a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle, where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite, Jan. 3 – 8 at various times, tickets from $39, part of the 2022-2023 Broadway in Miami Series at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, 1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami. Call 305-949-6722 or visit arshtcenter.org.

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SOMETHING ROTTEN! Florida Studio Theatre is extending the run of its opening winter mainstage musical comedy production in FST’s Gompertz Theatre through Sunday, Jan. 8. FST’s second cabaret of the winter season, “A Place in the Sun – A Tribute to Stevie Wonder,” is playing through March 26, celebrating the legendary musician. The 49th Winter Season features a four-show Mainstage Series and a threeshow Cabaret Series that includes the original musical revue “The ’70s: More Than a Decade” featuring Rebecca Hopkins through Feb. 12. Tickets at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or 941-366-9000.