Take a stroll among twinkling lights and plan your holidays with our list of festive upcoming events.
Hunker Down as Gainesville Community Playhouse Storms on Stage with A Cedar Key Christmas
Friday, December 4, 8 p.m. – Sunday, December 13 | Gainesville Community Playhouse
4039 NW 16th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32605
Discover Michael Presley Bobbitt’s: A Cedar Key Christmas in the newly reopened Gainesville Community Playhouse. Find safety protocols and audience requirements here.
When an unprecedented December hurricane threatens to destroy a tiny island community of Cedar Key, FL and ruin Christmas, an unlikely superhero intervenes. From the playwright that brought you the smash hits “Florida Man” and “Sunset Village” comes an untraditional holiday tale that challenges us to confront the storms in our own lives head-on, even as it affirms the Christmas spirit in us all.
Nutcracker Under the Stars Presented by Dance Alive National Ballet
Thursday, December 3, 7 p.m. | Legacy Park Amphitheater
15400 Peggy Rd., Alachua, FL 32615
Dance Alive National Ballet presents the holiday performance from an outdoor stage for an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Bring a chair and blanket and view the classic tale of Christmas Eve, a battle of The Nutcracker and Mouse King and a visit to the Land of Sweets ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy, all brought to life by talented Dance Alive dancers. Admission is FREE.
Newberry Christmas Tree Lighting
Friday, December 4, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Newberry City Hall
25440 W Newberry Rd., Newberry, FL 32669
Newberry kicks off the holiday season with a festive tree lighting. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, listen to carolers and get photos with Santa’s reindeer. Find the perfect gift at the vintage market. Celebrate the season of giving by bringing an unwrapped toy for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.
Take a Hilarious Holiday Trip to Texas as High Springs Playhouse Presents A Tuna Christmas
Friday, December 4, 8 p.m. – Sunday, December 20 | High Springs Playhouse
23416 W US Hwy 27, High Springs, FL 32643
Join the holiday fun with this hilarious sequel to Greater Tuna. It’s Christmas in the third-smallest town in Texas – Tuna, TX. Radio station OKKK news personalities Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie report on various Yuletide activities, including the hot competition in the annual lawn-display contest. In other news, unpaid electric bills jeopardize a production of A Christmas Carol. Get a snapshot of the many eccentric Tuna denizens, some you will recognize from Greater Tuna and some appearing here for the first time.
Brighten Up the Holidays at Alachua’s Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration and Holiday Night on Main Street Alachua
Friday, December 4, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Downtown Skinner Field Park
15100 NW 142 Terr., Alachua, FL 32615
The free holiday celebration features a Christmas tree lighting, treat bags, a family photo booth and much more. In addition to the tree lighting celebration, enjoy shopping, dining and a relaxing evening stroll in Alachua’s beautiful downtown district. Take in the cool fall air with live music, horse and carriage rides, shopping and unique dining. Learn more about Holiday Nights on Main Street Alachua here.
Watch the One Man Production of This Wonderful Life Streaming Online
Friday, December 4 | Online Event with the Hippodrome Theatre
The Hippodrome brings an amazing one-man production of This Wonderful Life directly to you this holiday season in collaboration with Broadway On Demand. Company member David Patrick Ford inhabits every role in this heartfelt, hilariously touching stage adaptation of the iconic film, It’s a Wonderful Life. George Bailey, Clarence, Mr. Potter, Mary, and the entire town of Bedford Falls come to life in this moving exploration of hope, compassion and togetherness.
Listen to Holiday Music Performed from the 61 Bells Located in Century Tower from Laura Ellis and UF’s Carillon Studio
Friday, December 4, 6 p.m. | Century Tower
375 Newell Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611
Century Tower is a 157-foot carillon tower in the center of the University of Florida campus featuring 61 bells. Find holiday concert details here (pdf). For an optimal listening experience, find a location at least 100 feet from the tower. See safety guidelines for visitors of the University of Florida here.
Find That One-of-a-Kind Gift at Sycamore Lane Vintage Christmas Market
Friday, December 4, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday, December 5, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Newberry Historic District
25310 W Newberry Rd., Newberry, FL 32669
The two-day holiday market features vintage Christmas decor, home goods, local crafts and more. Brew Line Coffee serves up hot coffee and cocoa.
Watch the Pond Light Up at North Florida Regional Medical Center on Facebook Live
Friday, December 4, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Online Event with NCFRMC
The 31st annual pond lighting ceremony puts on a dazzling display from Facebook. Tune in Friday night to North Florida Regional’s Facebook page. After Friday night, throughout the rest of December, guests may walk around the pond among the holiday lights. Practice social distancing and wear a mask at all times on the hospital campus.
Do Some Holiday Shopping at the Two-Day Bavarian-Style Outdoor Christkindlmarkt
Friday, December 4, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday, December 5, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Blackadder Brewing Company
618 NW 60th St. Suite A, Gainesville, FL 32607
The 4th annual Christkindlmarkt features live music, craft and food vendors and holiday fun located right outside Blackadder Brewing Company. Shop for unique gifts and keep warm with hot mug of traditional Gluhwein.
Find Handmade and Vintage Holiday Gifts at the Mini Market Holiday Series
Saturday, December 5, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. | The AUK Market2031 NW 6th St., Gainesville, FL 32609
Each Saturday at The AUK Market features 4-5 local artists, makers and vendors for an open-air shopping experience. The Mini Market Series is an indie retail experience showcasing local handmade vintage goods, art, apothecary and plants. Stop in to find specialty gift items for the holiday season. Masks are required.
Find Your Jam at High Dive and the Florida Vintage Market
Sunday, December 6, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. | High Dive
210 SW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
High Dive hosts over 24 vendors for an outdoor community pop-up market. Browse from Gazzelli Sport Vintage, The Cozy Fern, Garage Shirts, Ebunny Creations and more. Add to your shopping experience with food trucks and a full bar.
Homestead Holidays of the Past Video Premiere on the Historic Haile Homestead YouTube Channel
Sunday, December 6 | Online Event with Historic Haile Homestead
Elf on the Big Screen
Wednesday, December 9, 6:30 p.m. | First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch St, Gainesville, FL 32601
Select from 5,000 Plants and over 50 Unique Varieties at the 24th Annual Poinsettia Sale
Tuesday, December 7 – Sunday, December 13 | UF Greenhouses
2475 Memorial Rd. Gainesville, FL 32611
UF’s annual Poinsettia Sale features traditional, novelty and trial varieties in 6.5” pots. Appointments are required to shop inside the greenhouse. Reserve a shopping time online here. Drive-thru shopping will be available December 12-13, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Candlelight Tour of Historic Haile Homestead on Facebook Live
Friday, December 11, 8 p.m.
Alachua Christmas Parade on Main Street Alachua
Saturday, December 12, 2 p.m.
Candy Cane Lane Pop-Up Shop at High Dive
Saturday, December 12, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. | High Dive
210 SW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Socially Distanced Holiday Music with The Curry’s Christmas
Wednesday, December 16, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
619 S Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Dance Alive National Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
Thursday, December 17 – Sunday, December 20 | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
Class with Clara presented by Dance Alive National Ballet
Saturday, December 19 – Sunday, December 20, 4 p.m.
4th Annual Christmas on the Square at CountryWay Town Square
Saturday, December 19, 6 p.m.
Drive on the Road to Bethlehem at Camp Kulaqua
Saturday, December 12 – Sunday, December 13
Christmas Tours at Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
Friday, December 25, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday, December 26 – Sunday December 27, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
8528 E, County Rd 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
Sparks in the Park New Year’s Eve Celebration
Thursday, December 31 | Depot Park
874 SE 4 St., Gainesville, FL 32601
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