Holiday Fun in Gainesville and Alachua County

Dance Alive National Ballet: "The Nutcracker"

• Performances in Gainesville and Ocala
• Special events: "Magic of Nutcracker" for children with special needs, "Class With Clara" for young dancers
• Tickets available online or at the box office

Alachua Christmas Tree Walk

• 20 decorated trees by local families and businesses
• Perfect for holiday photos and enjoying the season's spirit

Harn Museum of Art: "French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850–1950"

• Over 55 works from the Brooklyn Museum's collection
• Covers major art movements from Realism to Surrealism
• Admission is free

Acrosstown Repertory Theatre: "The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon"

• Parody of holiday rom-coms
• Tickets available online

Winter Fest at Amber Brooke Farms

• Santa visits, crafts, and seasonal treats
• Runs through December 24

High Springs Playhouse: "Old Time Christmas Radio Shows"

• Charm of 1940s radio storytelling
• Double feature: wartime Christmas broadcast and a heartwarming comedy

Historic Haile Homestead: "Vintage Holidays" Guided Tours

• Explore the historic home's "talking walls" and festive decorations

Hippodrome Theatre: "A Christmas Carol"

• Dickens' classic tale with festive staging and rich storytelling

Gainesville Fine Arts Association Gallery: "Winter Showcase 2025"

• Features local artists' work
• Open through December 19

Light Up Newberry Competition

• Residents vote for favorite light displays using the Christmas Prism app

Danscompany of Gainesville: "Cinderella"

• Magical ballet about hope and transformation
• Performances on December 12 and 13

Gainesville Community Playhouse: "James and the Giant Peach"

• Fun adventure about a boy and his giant peach
• Runs from December 12 to 14

Melrose Bay Art Gallery: Annual Holiday Invitational

• Features works from local artists
• Open through December 28

Alachua Christmas Parade

• Floats, entertainers, and local school organizations
• Scheduled for December 13

Butler Town Center: "Christmas at Butler"

• Live performances and family-friendly fun
• Free and open to the public

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens: "Christmas in the Quarry"

• Light show featuring billions of lights and family-friendly activities
• Runs through December 23

Celebration Pointe: "Jazz on the Green"

• Live music, food, and drinks
• Scheduled for December 13

Bo Diddley Plaza: Free Outdoor Screening of "Elf"

• Fun holiday movie
• Scheduled for December 13

Blackadder Brewing Company: Christmas Cookie Contest

• Sample seasonal brews and vote on local bakeries' creations
• Scheduled for December 14

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church: Festival of Advent Lessons and Music

• Features the "Magnificat (BWV 243)" of J. S. Bach
• Scheduled for December 14

Matheson History Museum: "Dancing Through the Snow"

• Enchanting handbell performance by Hoggtowne Bronze
• Free and open to the public

Downtown High Springs Artwalk

• Holiday theme with local artists and makers
• Specials from downtown businesses
• Scheduled for December 15

Bryan Bielanski at the University Club

• Unique style of acoustic rock 'n' roll
• Scheduled for December 15

Camp Kulaqua in High Springs: "Road to Bethlehem"

• Immersive holiday experience with live animals, merchant scenes, and festive crafts
• Runs from December 16 to 17