2023-11-22 10:03:45
Editor’s note: This item has been updated to provide more information regarding the Gainesville Holiday Parade.
WINTER SHOWCASE 2023
NOV. 23-DEC. 20: The Gainesville Fine Arts Association Gallery will have its Winter Showcase 2023 exhibit on display through Dec. 20. Gallery hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. 1314 S. Main St. (gainesvillefinearts.org, info@gainsevillefinearts.org)
TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY OPENING NIGHT
NOV. 23: Poe’s Hawthorne Community Christmas Display, a family holiday walk-through display featuring light displays with more lights added every day, will be set up from 6 to 11 p.m. Nov. 23 with parking at Eden Baptist Church, 2405 SE CR 219A in Hathorne. Free; donations accepted. (bit.ly/poeholiday23)
2023 HOLIDAY INVITATIONAL
NOV. 23-DEC. 30: Melrose Bay Art Gallery will hold its 2023 Holiday Invitational through Dec. 30 with an Artwalk reception 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 1. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays or by appointment. 103 State Road 26, Melrose. (475-3866, melrosebayartgallery.com)
‘THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS SHOW’
NOV. 24-DEC. 23: The audience favorite is back! “The Ultimate Christmas Show” (abridged) bursts with festive, slapstick fun as these cheerful comedians celebrate all of our favorite holiday traditions — at the same time. Catch a show at 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 24 through Dec. 23, at the Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets run $20 to $50. (thehipp.org)
KIRBY FAMILY FARM’S CHRISTMAS TRAIN
NOV. 24-DEC. 26: Kirby Family Farm will open its gates for its annual Christmas Express, which will run 6 to 10 p.m. Nov. 24-25, Dec. 1-2, Dec. 8-10, Dec. 15-17, Dec. 2-23 and Dec. 26. The Christmas train is a holiday event with lots of activities to see and do. Organizers recommend at least two hours for the entire experience, which features performances, vendors, a petting zoo, rides and a visit with Santa Claus.
The highlight of the evening is a featured train ride through thousands of Christmas lights pulled by one of the farm’s old-fashioned locomotives. Tickets are $17.99 general admission in advance, $20 general admission at gate, $10.99 ages 3-9 in advance, $15 ages 3-9 at gate, free ages 2 and younger.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at kirbyfarm.com/the-christmas-express. Kirby Family Farm is located at 19630 NE 30th St. in Williston. (kirbyfarm.com/the-christmas-express)
CANE BOIL AND FIDDLE FEST
NOV. 25: Held each year the Saturday following Thanksgiving, Morningside Living History Farm’s Cane Boil and Fiddle Fest combines traditions of giving thanks and fall harvest with old-time fiddle music. Event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Morningside Living History Farm is located at 3540 E. University Ave. (friendsofnatureparks.org/events)
HOLIDAY MARKET
NOV. 25: This annual holiday event features gift ideas and winter decor. Browse the vendors beginning at 1 p.m. Nov. 25 at The Vineyard North, 14365 U.S. 19 in Chiefland. (thevineyardnorth.com/events)
‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’
NOV. 25-DEC. 23: From “Bah, humbug!” to dashing through the snow and sleigh rides in Florida, this annual presentation stays true to the weighty themes of the original novel while delivering a gripping story, cheerful holiday music and genuine laughs for the whole family. “A Christmas Carol” is one of Gainesville’s favorite holiday traditions.
See the production at 1 and 4 p.m. Saturdays or 7 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 25 through Dec. 23, plus 7 p.m. Dec. 20, 2 p.m. Dec. 21, 1 p.m. Dec. 22 and 3 p.m. Dec. 22 at the Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets are $20 to $50. (thehipp.org)
JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS
NOV. 29: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis will be held at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets are $45 to $75, and $20 for University of Florida students. (performingarts.ufl.edu)
COUNTRY CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
DEC. 1: A family event featuring more than 75 vendors, food trucks, live music, Santa, and more from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 1 at Douberly Farms, 14351 NE CR 339 in Trenton. Free entry; items and food for sale. (bit.ly/CCF23A)
TREE LIGHTING AND HOLIDAY MARKET
DEC. 1: The Shoppes at Thornebrook will be decorated in winter wonderland attire as organizers herald the holiday season with an annual tree lighting beginning at 8 p.m. Dec. 1. This family event will feature music on the outdoor stage and arts and crafts vendors throughout the plaza. Participating stores will be open late. Shoppes at Thornebrook is located at 2441 NW 43rd St. Free entry; items and food for sale. (shoppesatthornebrook.com)
‘TWELFTH NIGHT’
DEC. 1-17: “Twelfth Night,” Shakespeare’s most sophisticated comedy, will be staged at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, plus 2 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 1-17 at the Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. Tickets are $25 for general admission; and $20 for students, seniors, military and teachers. (acrosstown.org)
2023 GAINESVILLE HOLIDAY PARADE
DEC. 2: The Gainesville holiday season kickoff parade will be held along University Avenue on Dec. 2. The procession will begin at noon and move from West Sixth Street to 620 E. University Ave., and will lead into a holiday dance party and lights celebration. (gainesvillefl.gov/Community-Pages/Community/Holiday-Parade)
COUNTRY CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
DEC. 2: Bring the family out for an event featuring more than 75 vendors, food trucks, live music, Santa and more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 2 at Douberly Farms, 14351 CR 339 in Trenton. Free entry; items and food for sale. (bit.ly/ccf23a)
CHRISTMAS CHAOS FUN SHOW
DEC. 2: If you love horses, Williston Horseman’s Park is hosting an equestrian event featuring fun for children and those who still play like them from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 2. Williston Horseman’s Park is located at 803 SW 19th Ave. in Williston. Visit their website for ticket prices and more information. (willistonhorsemans.com)
TOWN OF BELL CHRISTMAS PARADE: SMALL TOWN CHRISTMAS
DEC. 2: The town of Bell’s annual parade event is in its 43rd year. Take in the sights beginning at 2 p.m. Dec. 2 along Railroad Lane in Bell. Free. (bit.ly/bellparade23)
HOLIDAY AT SANTA FE COLLEGE
DEC. 2: SF Performing Arts, SF Teaching Zoo, SF Planetarium and SF Little School are collaborating to bring a thrilling performance to young and adult imaginations alike. Watch Perry the mouse and Santa Claus journey through the forest to make it snow in the Fine Arts Hall. Enjoy holiday music during this interactive and educational performance, followed by a meet and greet with the animals in the lobby.
Shows are 2 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at Santa Fe College’s Fine Arts Hall, 3000 NW 83rd St. Tickets are $15 for adults; $9 for seniors, students and military; and free for ages 12 and younger. (showpass.com/holiday-at-santa-fe-2)
LIGHT UP TIOGA
DEC. 2: Town of Tioga’s annual tree-lighting and holiday festival features live entertainment, a visit from Santa, food trucks, dance performances, surprise appearances, arts and crafts, local vendors and more. This year’s event will take place form 5 to -8 p.m. Dec. 2 at Tioga Town Center, 13085 SW First Lane in Newberry. Free entry; items and food for sale. (bit.ly/lighttioga23)
HIGH SPRINGS CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
DEC. 2: The city of High Spring’s annual holiday festival is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2 at 23517 NW 185th Road in High Springs. Free. (facebook.com/HSChamberOfCommerce)
PARADE OF LIGHTS AND FIREWORKS DISPLAY
DEC. 2: The annual boat parade of lights and fireworks display will run along the Suwannee River at dark. The best public viewing areas are at Fort Fanning Park, Anderson boat ramp just across the bridge, or the Suwannee Belle restaurant. The river will begin to light up at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2. Free. (bit.ly/pol23a)
UF CRAFT FESTIVAL
DEC. 2-3: The University of Florida’s annual Craft Festival showcases handmade crafts from more than 200 vendors. Join in the holiday shopping experience from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 2-3 at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, 250 Gale Lemerand Drive. The cost to enter is $6 for general admission; $5 for general admission with a coupon; free for ages 13 and younger, and military with ID Children; $4 for UF students; and $3 for UF students with a coupon. (oconnellcenter.ufl.edu)
UF CARILLON ANNUAL HOLIDAY CONCERT
DEC. 3: The UF carillon’s annual holiday concert is set for 1:55 p.m. Dec. 3 at Century Tower Carillon, 375 Newell Drive on the University of Florida campus. Listeners are encouraged to find a location at least 100 feet from the tower for an optimal listening experience. Free. (arts.ufl.edu)
HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION
DEC. 3: Join the Thomas Center Gardens from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 3 as they present holiday lights, an illuminated holiday treat for the whole family! More at historicthomascenter.org/concerts-events/holiday-tree-lighting
WINTER FESTIVAL
DEC. 3-23: Celebrate all things winter with farm animals and farm activities Dec. 3 through Dec. 23 during Mayhem Ranch’s Winter Festival. Set for 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, the annual holiday event features appearances from Santa, a live reindeer exhibit, fire pits, a farm train, slides an African animal experience, animal shows, a petting zoo, a live Nativity scene, pig races, a mini cow town and more.
Some activities cost more. Pre-sale tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased on the farm’s website. Mayhem Ranch is located at 17830 SE 40th St. in Morriston. (mayhemranchfl.com/event/annual-mayhem-ranch-winter-festival)
SANTA CRAWL
DEC. 8: Enjoy the festive atmosphere of downtown Gainesville during the annual Santa Crawl. Now in its 13th year, the event supports the Humane Society and Catholic Charities Weekend Hunger Backpack Program. You can purchase tickets online via Facebook or the event’s website for $25. (Facebook.Com/GainesvilleSantaCrawl, santacrawlgnv.com)
TIOGA OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT
DEC. 8: Tioga’s popular “movies on the lawn” event is getting into the holiday spirit with an outdoor screening of “The Santa Clause.” Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and enjoy the movie under the stars. Local eateries will be open for snacks and meals before, during and following the movie. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8. Tioga Town Center is located at 133 SW 130th Way in Newberry. Free. (tiogatowncenter.com)
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
DEC. 8 AND DEC. 15-16: A Country Christmas is an annual holiday event — now in its second year — featuring Santa, streets lit with more than 750,000 Christmas lights, hot chocolate, food trucks, vendors, a live Nativity scene, live music, holiday characters and more. The event runs 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 8 plus Dec. 15-16 at Elrod Acres, 3679 Thunder Road in Green Cove Springs. Tickets are $10 for general admission, free for ages 1 and younger, or $35 for a four-pack. (acountrychristmasllc.ticketleap.com/a-country-christmas-event)
‘CINDERELLA’
DEC. 8-9: Danscompany’s annual holiday performances of “Cinderella” — one of the most iconic fairy tales of all time — will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 8-9 plus 1 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Phillips Center for Performing Arts, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: TBA. (bit.ly/cinder23)
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
DEC. 8-24: Take part in the annual family holiday event Festival of Lights, featuring complimentary popcorn, hot cocoa, marshmallows by the bonfire, Santa, food and craft vendors, kids’ crafts and more, from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 8-24 at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, 11016 Lillian Saunders Drive in White Springs. Tickets are $4; free ages 2 and younger. (stephenfostercso.org/event-4573763)
CHRISTMAS IN COLUMBIA HOLIDAY MARKET
DEC. 9: Find holiday crafts and gifts during the annual Christmas in Columbia Holiday Market, set for 9 a.m. Dec. 9 at Olustee Park, 169 N. Marion Ave. in Lake City. The event will features vendors selling their crafts. Free entry; items and food for sale. (bit.ly/xmasincolumbia23)
OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS
DEC. 9: This holiday shopping event will feature crafts and vendors from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at Trenton City Park, located on Southeast Fifth Avenue in Trenton. Free entry; items and food for sale. (bit.ly/ofc23trenton)
HIGH SPRINGS CHRISTMAS PARADE
DEC. 9: Enjoy the sights of the city of High Springs’ annual Christmas parade at 6 p.m. Dec. 9 along Main Street in downtown High Springs. Free. (facebook.com/HSChamberOfCommerce)
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
DEC. 9: The annual holiday event at the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 9. Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park is located at 18700 S. CR 325 in Cross Creek. See the event’s website for more information regarding cost and amenities. (marjoriekinnanrawlings.org/event-5130023)
‘LITTLE SCROOGE‘
DEC. 9-10: “Little Scrooge” is an extremely creative, kid-friendly adaptation of the Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol.” Suitable for kids of all ages. Matinee performances scheduled for Dec. 9 and Dec. 10; see website for more information. The PK Yonge Performing Arts Center is located at 1080 SW 11th St. Tickets: TBA. (pkyonge.ufl.edu/extracurricular/performing-arts-season)
CHRISTMAS MARKET
DEC. 9-17: The most wonderful time of the year will be celebrated on a Florida farm on weekends Dec. 9-17. Come see Santa, behold your sights on amazing one-of-a-kind Christmas crafts and art, step into Christmas photo ops, and enjoy a sip of hot chocolate while listening to seasonal music at Amber Brooke Farms’ Christmas Market. Ticket prices and times can be found on the farm’s website. Amber Brooke Farms in located at 3250 NE 140th Ave. in Williston. (amberbrookefarms.com/christmas-time-on-the-farm)
CHRISTMAS IN THE QUARRY
DEC. 9, DEC. 16-17, DEC. 20 AND DEC. 22-23: Take a walk through a light show designed to dazzle. Families can stroll amongst billions of lights among the 20-acre botanical garden while enjoying treats from a cookie and cocoa station, and join in some of the family holiday crafts for kids to take home. Santa also will visit.
The event is set for 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 9, Dec. 16-17, Dec. 20 and Dec. 22-23 at Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens, 4990 NE 180th Ave. in Williston. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6-13, free for ages 5 and younger, and free for quarry members. (cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com/upcoming-events)
HOLIDAY MINGLE
DEC. 10: Get in some holiday cheer during the Holiday Mingle, an outdoor celebration of this year’s conservation victories with light food, drinks and more. Picnic blankets and chairs from home are recommended for the musical performance. The free event is scheduled for 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 10 at Prairie Creek Lodge, located at 7204 SE CR 234. Donations are welcome in support of Alachua Conservation Trust’s conservation efforts. (alachuaconservationtrust.org)
CHRISTMAS CANTATA
DEC. 10: A Christmas cantata is a cantata, music for voice or voices in several movements, for Christmas. Take in the holiday sounds beginning at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at North Gainesville Baptist Church, 6203 NW 39th Ave. Free. (bit.ly/xmascantata23)
‘A CHRISTMAS STORY’ 40TH ANNIVERSARY
DEC. 10 AND DEC. 13: “A Christmas Story” is a beloved holiday classic. There will be special screenings of the film beginning at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 and Dec. 13. The screenings will be held at Regal Butler Town Center 14, 3101 SW 35th Blvd. Tickets are $15.05 for general admission and $12.90 for children. (fathomevents.com/events/A-Christmas-Story-40th-Anniversary)
GAINESVILLE ORCHESTRA PRESENTS: SEASON’S GREETINGS
DEC. 15: A symphonic season’s greetings. Ring the bells … resound the organ! An international celebration of the most joyous time of the year, the Gainesville Orchestra’s “Season’s Greetings” concert will include Saint Saens’ exalted “Organ” symphony, “Dances” with Tchaiskovsky, special guests, surprising favorites and a finale sing-a-long. The concert will run from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at Santa Fe College’s Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall, 3000 NW 83rd St. Tickets are $15 to $45. (gainesvilleorchestra.com)
‘THE NUTCRACKER’
DEC. 15-17: Presented by Dance Alive National Ballet. Catch a show at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 and 2 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets run $30 to $60. (performingarts.ufl.edu)
LOWE’S KIDS WORKSHOP: HOLIDAY DELIVERY TRUCK
DEC. 16: Calling all little elves! Create a jolly holiday delivery truck that’s also a gift card holder. In-store only. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 16 at Lowes, 2564 NW 13th St. in Gainesville and 15910 NW 144th Terrace in Alachua. Free; registration required. (lowes.com)
OPERATION SANTA DELIVERY
DEC. 16: Come see Santa arrive, not by sled or by reindeer, but by helicopter! This event is a carnival-like celebration featuring Santa’s grand entrance on a ShandsCair helicopter, photos with Santa, and vendors with free games, arts and crafts, and food. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 16 at Santa Fe College’s North Fields, located at the intersection of Northwest 39th Avenue and Northwest 91st Street. Free entry; items and food for sale. (facebook.com/lifesouth)
CHIP TRAVERS MEMORIAL CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE
DEC. 16: Help children who are in need have a merry Christmas with a donation to the Chip Travers Memorial Christmas Toy Drive. The annual event is in its second year, and is held in remembrance of Chip Travers. All toys go to kids in need at Christmastime. Drop off your donation of an unwrapped toy or cash between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 16 at Williston Horseman’s Park, 1610 SW Eighth Terrace in Williston. (bit.ly/ctmemorial23)
WINTER OUTDOOR MARKET
DEC. 16: Williston is getting in with the holiday cheer with its winter outdoor market featuring live music, local vendors, food trucks and more. Take part from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 16 at Williston Horseman’s Park, 1610 SW Eighth Terrace in Williston. Free entry; items and food for sale. (bit.ly/wom23a)
DOWNTOWN HIGH SPRINGS ARTWALK
DEC. 16: The monthly Artwalk event held in downtown High Springs will have a holiday feel from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 16 featuring local artists and makers, as well as specials from downtown businesses. Free entry; items and food for sale. (facebook.com/downtownhighsprings/events)
CLASS WITH CLARA
DEC. 16-17: Join the charming Clara, heroine of “The Nutcracker” ballet, for a princess-style ballet class onstage in the Kingdom of the Sweets. Training is not required. Street shoes are acceptable, but participants can dance in socks or ballet shoes. Company dancers will be available to help as well, so participants will have the most possible attention given. Special gifts will be handed out following the class. This class is intended for children, and it begins at 4 p.m. Dec. 16-17 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets are $25 for participants and free for spectators. (performingarts.ufl.edu)
CHARITY BALL OF ST. NICHOLAS
DEC. 16: The Charity Ball of St. Nicholas is an annual holiday event to support the Alachua Woman’s Club “Community Service Projects” supporting youths in the city of Alachua. The ball features a silent auction, a wine and beer bar, food, DJ and dancing, and a special visit from St. Nicholas, including photo opportunities. It will run from 7 to 11 p.m. Dec. 16 at the GFWC Alachua Woman’s Club, 14565 Main St. in Alachua. Tickets are $75. (alachuawomansclub.org/charity-ball-of-st-nicholas)
‘AN HISTORY OF KWANZAA‘
DEC. 27: The A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center will host a Kwanzaa celebration with music, dance and a food tasting beginning at 7 p.m. Dec. 27. The cultural center is located at 1013 NW Seventh Ave. (bit.ly/49g1iPt)
NEW YEAR’S EVE EVE
DEC. 30: Ring in the new year — one day early — with Tioga Town Center’s New Year’s Eve Eve celebration. Running from 7 to 10 p.m. Dec. 30, the event will feature a live performance from Elio Piedra under the stars. Visit the Town Center restaurants for dinner before the show, or to grab take-out to enjoy during the concert. Tioga Town Center is located at 13085 SW First Lane in Newberry. Free. (bit.ly/nyee23)
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
DEC. 31: Celebrate the coming of 2024 beginning at 8 p.m. Dec. 31 at Amvets Post 444, 13751 NE 52nd Place in Williston. The free event will feature live music by Hiredguns. (bit.ly/avny23)
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