Revel in the most wonderful time of the year with What’s Good and this special holiday edition closing out 2023 and ringing in the new year. Experience holiday magic at the Hippodrome Theatre with finale performances of A Christmas Carol and The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged). See baby cheetahs on a holiday-themed tour at Carson Springs Wildlife. Reach for the stars on the wings of a pig with whimsey, music and laughter at the first Flying Pig Parade.
Take the stress out of meal planning with our holiday dining guide and find out what’s open on Christmas and Christmas Eve.
Look ahead and preview New Year’s Eve celebrations including fireworks displays, dance parties and champagne toasts.
Wishing you and yours the happiest of holiday seasons and a new year filled with continued wonder and exploration.
Your partners at Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Be Informed: The below information was accurate at the time of publishing.
Please contact organizers directly to double-check details.
The Ultimate Christmas Show(abridged)
Book by Austin Tichenor and Reed Martin
Now through December 23
Blending holiday traditions from days of old to modern times and from religious to secular, The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) presents an evening full of laughter with a fun play and actors that perfectly combines humor and heart.
A Christmas Carol
Now through December 23
“A Christmas Carol” is a beloved Gainesville holiday tradition featuring singing and storytelling people of all ages will enjoy. Join us as we celebrate Scrooge’s redemption through dance, laughter, and heartfelt songs, and become part of this cherished annual family and community event.Photo by Michael A. EaddySponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Sing Along to Holiday Favorites at The Currys Christmas
Thursday, December 21, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
The Currys have been staking their claim within the indie music scene since 2013, when vocalist/guitarist Tommy Curry joined a folk-rock band newly formed by brother Jimmy Curry (vocals, guitar) and cousin Galen Curry (vocals, bass). Celebrate the holidays with incredible harmonies and instrumentation. The Currys bring their entertaining Christmas concert to the outdoor Heartwood stage.
Heartwood Soundstage is a state-of-the-art recording studio, music venue, production house and event space in Gainesville, Florida. Its outdoor stage serves larger crowds with space to relax and enjoy music under the stars.
Be Dazzled by 100,000 Lights at the Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Display
Fridays and Saturdays through December 30 | North Central Florida YMCA
5201 NW 34th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32605
Walkthrough the mesmerizing display show by Twinkle Nights Holiday Lights and experience an illuminated wonderland. Activities include character meet and greets, ornament making, cookie decorating, letters to Santa, snowball throwing, photo ops and more. Learn more and get tickets online.
See Baby Cheetas, Big Cat Feedings and More with a Carson Springs Wildlife Holiday Themed Guided Tour
Saturday, December 23, 10 a.m. and Monday, December 25, 1:30 p.m. | Carson Springs Wildlife
8528 E CR 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation presents the perfect opportunity to walk off some of the holiday treats and BABY CHEETAHS! The holiday-themed walk or ride tour is outdoor fun for the whole family. Guided by professional zoologists, meet the conservations new baby cheetahs, see big cat feeding demonstrations and more. Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Celebrate Kwanzaa with Local Events
Celebration of First Day of Kwanzaa at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center
Tuesday, December 26, 6 p.m.
Learn more about Kwanzaa. Receive wisdom from the elders. Enjoy games, crafts, and live entertainment. Admission is free.
Kwanzaa is an annual seven-day African American and Pan-African holiday held from December 26 to January 1. During the holiday, families and communities organize activities around the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles): Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and lmani (Faith).
A History of Kwanzaa at A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center
Wednesday, December 27, 7 p.m.
Join historians Kali Blount and Turbado Marabou for the history of Kawanzaa, from ancient traditions in Africa to the creation of the holiday in 1966 and the significance to African American culture. Enjoy African drumming with Mohamed DaCosta, dance and light refreshments.
Kwanzaa Celebration with Cultural Arts Coalition at Wilhelmina Johnson Center
Sunday, December 31, 4 p.m.
Cultural Arts Coalition invites you to celebrate Kwanzaa for the 6th day: Kuumba/Creativity. Enjoy music, dance, spoken word and Karamu (feast) with food.
It’s the Perfect Time of Year for a Guided Bird Walk on the Grounds of Historic Dudley Farm
Saturday, December 30, 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Dudley Farm Historic State Park
18730 W Newberry Rd., Newberry, FL 32669
Ted and Mary Ellen from the Alachua Audubon Society lead a bird walk through Dudley Farm Historic State Park. The tour is free with paid entry to the park.
From the Co-Founder of Coconut Grove’s King Mango Strut Comes Hogtown’s First Flying Pig Parade – Head to Downtown Gainesvile and Take Part in the Whimsey, Music and Laughter
Saturday, December 30, 2 p.m. | Downtown Gainesville
SE 1st Ave. and E University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Gainesville’s streets with be filled with music, and laughter with the “World’s First, More-Fun-Than-Staying-Home, Flying Pig Parade!” With a whimsical mission to “reach for the stars on the wings of a pig,” The Flying Pig Parade features floats, bands and performers including Weeds of Eden and Star Center Theatre’s Baton and Flag Corps. Gregg Jones serves as Master of Ceremonies and Paul Ortiz and Sheila Payne serve as the parade’s Grand Marshals.
At 2 p.m. the parade will begin on SE 1 St and march south to the Hippodrome Theater. At the Hipp, the procession will take a few turns and eventually end up where it began.
After the parade, from 2:45 p.m. – 4 p.m., the party continues in Bo Diddley Plaza to celebrate Bo Diddley’s 95th birthday with The Showtime Band. Flying Pig Parade artwork by Heidi Stein.Sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Welcome the New Year with Fireworks Displays, Dance Parties and Champagne Toasts
Sparks in the Park New Year’s Eve Celebration at Depot Park
Sunday, December 31, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Downtown Countdown at Bo Diddley Plaza
Sunday, December 31, 8 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Spark Wonder at the Cade
Sunday, December 31, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
2nd Annual New Year’s Eve Dance Party with DJ A-Train at Heartwood Soundstage
Sunday, December 31, 7 p.m.
Party Like a Champion at Visors Rooftop
Sunday, December 31, 7 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Midtown Git Down New Year’s Eve Country-Themed Bash at Social at Midtown
Sunday, December 31, 7 p.m.
Pop Punk Emo Night New Year’s Eve Party at High Dive
Sunday, December 31, 8 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Ball with the Savants of Soul at The Wooly
Sunday, December 31, 8:30 p.m.
Electronic Music at Midnight Mass at Simons and Signal
Sunday, December 31, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
New Year’s Eve Party at Local Provisions
Sunday, December 31, 10 p.m.
Stroll Into the New Year on a First Day Hike
Monday, January 1, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. | Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Visitor Center
100 Savannah Blvd., Micanopy, FL 32667
Kick off the new year at a Florida State Park and take a short stroll or embark on a longer trek. Explore on your own or join a guided hike and explore Cones Dike Trail.
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park spans 20,000 acres an features nearly 300 species of birds, alligators, wild horses and roaming bison. 8 trails and a 50-foot observation tower allow diverse ways to explore the park and view wildlife.
For a limited time, save 50% on annual passes. Through January 13, 2024, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection offers Florida State Parks annual passes for families and individuals at a 50% discount.
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
Holiday Mini Market at The AUK Market
Saturday, December 23, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Puzzle and Board Game Swap at Life Unplastic
Sunday, December 31, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
(Sold Out) Get the Holidays on Track with The Christmas Express Departing from High Springs Playhouse
Now through Saturday, December 23 | High Springs Playhouse
23416 W U.S. Hwy 27, High Springs, FL 32643
The nostalgic theatrical greeting card is full of holiday spirit. Meet eccentric small-town characters on their journey to find the true wonder of Christmas.
Color Purple Teen Edition at Star Center Theatre
Friday, December 22 – Saturday, December 23, 7:45 p.m. – 9:45 p.m.
It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play at 4th Ave Food Park
Saturday, December 23, 3 p.m.
Events & Festivals
Christmas in High Springs with Light Displays, Visits with the Grinch and Christmas Music at the High Springs Civic Center
Thursday, December 21 – Friday, December 22, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Holiday Nights Shop, Dine and Stroll on Main Street Alachua
Friday, December 22, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The Solstice Seance: An Experimental Christmas Get-together at Gainesville Fear Garden
Friday, December 22, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Vintage Holiday Guided Tours at Historic Haile Homestead
Saturday, December 23 and Saturday, December 30, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Hawthorne Community Festival of Trees at Hawthorne Woman’s Club
Saturday, December 23, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Open Tours at Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary
Saturday, December 23, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Harlem Nights at the 5 Star Event Center
Saturday, December 30, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Music & Performance
Americana with Dim Lights at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, December 21, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Dark Sparkle Gothic Winter Dance Party at Civic Media Center
Friday, December 22, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at One Love Café
Friday, December 22, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz with Three Flights Up at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, December 22, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Metal with Purely Red, Apex and Rustin Ritchie at High Dive
Friday, December 22, 9 p.m.
Blues with Moondog at One Love Café
Saturday, December 23, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Crooked Counsel at the Great Outdoors Restaurant
Saturday, December 23, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Jazz with the Joe Bridenstine Duo at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, December 26, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Alt Americana with Uncle Mosie at Lightnin’ Salvage
Thursday, December 28, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Tricounty Hip Hop Concert at High Dive
Thursday, December 28, 8 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Classic Rock with Chasing Rabbits at One Love Café
Friday, December 29, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Linkin Park Tribute and Tribute to Nirvana at High Dive
Friday, December 29, 9 p.m.
Rock with Whiskey Jones at One Love Café
Saturday, December 30, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Uneasy Rider with Hip Hop to Punk Rock on Multiple Stages at The Ox
Sunday, December 31, 1 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Karaoke Party at Loosey’s Downtown
Sunday, December 31, 9 p.m.
The Hogtown Rounders Writers Round at Lightnin’ Salvage
Tuesday, January 2, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Here’s to the “Sippin’ Squad” and all the sippers who helped make the Sippin’ Seven Alachua County digital ale trail pass a great success!
Almost 4,000 pass holders and 15,000 check-ins showed us that visitors and residents love award-winning craft beer and making time with friends. Stay in touch with all the events and happenings with the trail breweries with Sippin’ Seven on Tap.
Ugly Sweater Contest at Blackadder Brewing Company
Thursday, December 21, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Browse Gift Vendors at Holiday Marketplace with Shop Otis’ Closet at Swamp Head Brewery
Friday, December 22, 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Ronny McKinley Christmas Live at High Springs Brewing Company
Friday, December 22, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Singer Songwriter Wyatt Shane at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, December 22, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
A Very Harry Christmas Trivia at Blackadder Brewing Company
Saturday, December 23, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Roaring ‘20s New Year’s Eve Celebration at High Springs Brewing Company
Sunday, December 31, 5 p.m.
U-Picks and Farmers Markets
Grove Street Farmers Market with Live Music
Mondays, 4 p.m. –7 p.m.
Archer Farmers Market at Archer Historical Society Railroad Museum
Tuesdays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Union Street Farmers Market at Bo Diddley Plaza
Wednesdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
GNV Holiday Market at South Main Station with Live Music from The Shambles
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Holiday Farmers Market at Celebration Pointe
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
High Springs Farmers Market
Fridays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Haile Village Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Alachua County Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Waldo Farmers and Flea Market
Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Bites and Brunch
Find out What’s Open Christmas and Christmas Eve? Find out with our holiday dining guide
Wine Tasting at Superette Wine and Provisions
Thursday, December 21, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Beaker and Flask Wine Co.
Thursday, December 21, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wine Tasting at the Traveler Wine Bar
Thursday, December 21, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
(sold out) Holiday Chef Dinner and Wine Pairing Class at the Fat Tuscan
Friday, December 22, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Holiday Nutcracker Pop-Up Bar at The Traveler
Friday, December 22 – Saturday, December 23, 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Tea with Santa at Teatime Tranquility and Treasures
Friday, December 22, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
2 Year Celebration at Bingo Deli and Pub
Friday, December 22, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Brunch with Santa at Metro Diner
Saturday, December 23, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Christmas Eve Short Rib Dinner at Haile Village Bistro
Sunday, December 24, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Christmas Eve Pre-Fixe Dinner and Cocktails at The Traveler
Sunday, December 24, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Traveler
Monday, December 25 – Tuesday, December 26, 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Citrus Preserving Cooking Class at the Fat Tuscan
Thursday, December 28, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Farewell Ice Cream Flavor Night at Sweet Dreams of Gainesville
Saturday, December 30, 1 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sports & Fans
Gators Men’s Basketball vs. Grambling State at Exactech Arena
Friday, December 22, 4 p.m.
Gators Men’s Basketball vs. Quinnipiac at Exactech Arena
Saturday, December 30, 1 p.m.
Gators Women’s Basketball vs. Winthrop University at Exactech Arena
Saturday, December 31, 3:45 p.m.
Florida Get Down New Year’s Basketball Showcase at Saint Francis Academy
Friday, December 29 – Saturday, December 30
(Sold Out) BMX Skills Clinic with Barry Nobles at High Springs BMX
Sunday, December 31, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Guided Tour of Dudley Farm Historic State Park
Saturday, December 23, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Free Timed 5K with Ugly Sweaters at Depot Park parkrun
Saturday, December 23, 7:30 a.m.
Ranger-Led Rim Ramble Hike at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park La Chua Trail
Saturday, December 23, 10 a.m.Saturday, December 30, 10 a.m.
Barnyard Buddies at Morningside Nature Center
Wednesday, December 27, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
New Year’s Day Free 5K with parkrun at Depot Park
Monday, January 1, 7:30 a.m.
River & Springs
Enjoy Cooler Weather and Explore the Outdoors and with Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures and Visit 8 Springs in 8 Miles
Friday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fed by the underground Floridan Aquifer, North Florida has one of the highest concentrations of springs in the world. Anderson’s Outdoor Adventure offers an easy way to experience 8 springs in 8 miles. Paddle along the Santa Fe River in a canoe or kayak and experience crystal clear water, see native wildlife and relax in a tranquil nature setting.
Float or Splash Into Freshwater Springs
North Florida is home to the largest collection of first-magnitude springs in the United States. The springs make a perfect destination for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and relaxing in nature. If you’re looking for outdoor fun, we’ve got you covered with our list of nearby springs, great places to stay and fun things to do.
Museums & Galleries
Art After Dark, Wine Down: New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Harn Museum of Art
Thursday, December 28, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sign Up Here at The Historic Thomas Center
Now through January 19
“Vital and Veiled: Valerie Brathwaite and José Fernández” at the Gary R. Libby University Gallery
Now through January 26
Go Behind-the-Scenes with a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer at the new Exhibit “Tom Petty: Among the Wildflowers”
Open Now through December 31, Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
811 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Tom Petty: Among the Wildflowers explores the joys, pains, and creative awakenings that Gainesville native Tom Petty experienced while pouring his soul into his magnum opus, Wildflowers, released in November 1994. The exhibit includes artifacts previously on display at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. Explore three unique aspects of the Wildflowers creative process: songwriting, recording, and reception and delivery. The exhibit runs through December 31.
Chill with Cool Dinos at the New Interactive Exhibit “Antarctic Dinosaurs”
Now through April 21 | Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Step back in time and discover life beneath the ice in Antarctic Dinosaurs. Uncover the history of the world’s southernmost continent and the unique species that have called it home in this interactive, family-friendly experience. Antarctic Dinosaurs is on display through April 21.
Save The Date
Swallowtail Farm Dining Experience, January 13
Jimmy Carnes Indoor Track and Field Invitational, January 13-15
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in Alachua, January 15
Playground Music and Arts Festival, January 20
Sunshine State Book Festival, January 26-27
Hoggetown Medieval Faire at Depot Park, January 27-28
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
Thank you for your continued partnership! Please keep in communication with us by sharing your events, updates and news with our team by emailing info@visitgainesville.com.
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Put simply, the more you share with us, the more we have to promote. Please read the attached PDF document for additional ways in which your organization can participate.
Visit Gainesville, Alachua County | (352) 374-5260 | 33 North Main Street, Gainesville 32601 Never miss an event: Follow Visit Gainesville, Alachua County on social media.
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This publication contains information about events, venues and activities in Alachua County, Florida. Reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the information is accurate. We are not responsible for errors or omissions in the information provided. For complete details, contact the host directly. The information is not advice, and should not be treated as such. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing paragraph, we do not represent, warrant, undertake or guarantee that the information is correct, accurate, complete or non-misleading. We will not be liable to you in respect of any special, indirect or consequential loss or damage. If a section of this disclaimer is determined by any court or other competent authority to be unlawful and/or unenforceable, the other sections of this disclaimer continue in effect.
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