THIS WEEK
Alachua Christmas Tree Walk
Stroll through a festive outdoor forest at the annual Alachua Christmas Tree Walk, where 20 uniquely decorated 6-foot Christmas trees transform the Alachua City Hall corridor into a bright and cheerful holiday display. Each tree is decorated by a local family, business or community group, giving visitors a charming showcase of creativity, personality and seasonal spirit. The walk is open to the public throughout the holiday season and offers a delightful stop for anyone exploring hometown holiday sights. Enjoy the lights, snap a few photos and experience a little extra magic in Alachua this December. On display through Dec. 30. Alachua City Hall is located at 15100 NW 142nd Terrace. For more information, visit cityofalachua.com.
‘French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850 – 1950’
The Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida is presenting a major exhibition, “French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850–1950.” The blockbuster exhibition, chosen for display during the Harn’s 35th anniversary, showcases more than 55 paintings, drawings and sculptures from the Brooklyn Museum’s esteemed collection of European art. Ranging widely in scale, subject matter and style, and encompassing the key avant-garde movements that emerged in and around Paris from 1850 to 1950, the works on view were produced by some of the era’s leading artists. The exhibition is on view through Jan. 4, 2026. The works of art in French Moderns span the era between the Revolution of 1848 and the conclusion of World War II — a period marked by significant social, intellectual and political upheaval in France. The exhibition is organized into four sections: Landscape, Still Life, Portraits and Figures, and The Nude. For more information, visit harn.ufl.edu/frenchmoderns. Admission is free. The Harn Museum is located at Southwest 34th Street and Hull Road.
Light Up Newberry
The city of Newberry is illuminating its holiday spirit Dec. 5-16 with the Light Up Newberry competition, where neighborhoods sparkle with festive light displays and residents can vote for their favorites using the Christmas Prism app. Held throughout the town, the event encourages families and friends to stroll through decorated streets, enjoy community cheer, and find their favorite lighting setups. For full event details, visit cityofnewberry.com.
‘Old Time Christmas Radio Shows’
The High Springs Playhouse presents “Old Time Christmas Radio Shows,” a nostalgic double feature directed by Andy Hunn, that brings classic 1940s radio storytelling to life onstage. “World War II Radio Christmas” recreates a live Christmas Eve broadcast filled with period songs, veteran-inspired stories and wartime holiday spirit. The second show, “Christmas Thieves: A Small Town Radio Play,” follows a frantic small-town radio host scrambling to save his Christmas Eve telethon when his cast suddenly falls ill — a heartwarming comedy where holiday miracles just might happen. Performances run Dec. 5-21 at the High Springs Playhouse, located at 130 NE First Ave. in High Springs. For showtimes and tickets, visit onthestage.tickets/high-springs-playhouse.
2025 Holiday Invitational
The Melrose Bay Art Gallery is hosting its annual holiday invitational through Dec. 28. The Artwalk reception for this event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5. The gallery’s hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. It is located at 103 State Road 26 in Melrose. For more information, visit melrosebayartgallery.com.
Decades On Main Christmas Displays and Windows
Wander into the festive spirit at Decades on Main, located at 18559 W. Main St. in High Springs, where holiday cheer comes alive in decorated storefront windows. Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, this seasonal display invites families and visitors to enjoy a whimsical showcase of holiday decorations from local vendors and artisans. On display through Dec. 25. For more details, visit decadesonmain.com.
Build a House for the House
Help families find strength in numbers by attending the annual “Build a House for the House” event. Attendees will enjoy holiday cheer and fun while they decorate a gingerbread house with friends. Lunch and drinks will be provided, along with a gingerbread house to decorate and assemble, icing, and assorted candies. Attendees may also bring their own supplies to help their team personalize their gingerbread house into a home. At the end of the event, local celebrity judges will award prizes to the best gingerbread houses. The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 5 at Ronald McDonald House Charities, located at 2121 SW 16th St. Find the rules, sponsorship packet, and available opportunities at tinyurl.com/bahfth24.
‘Winter Showcase 2025’
The Gainesville Fine Arts Association Gallery will have its “Winter Showcase 2025” exhibit on display through Dec. 19. Gallery hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. The gallery is located at 1314 S. Main St. For more information, visit gainesvillefinearts.org or email [email protected].
Christkindlmarkt
Celebrate the season at Blackadder Brewing Company’s ninth annual Christkindlmarkt, a European-style holiday market featuring local craft and food vendors, family-friendly activities and warm cups of traditional Glühwein. The market runs from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5-6 at Blackadder Brewing Company, 618 NW 60th St., Suite A. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/christkindlmarkt2025.
Winter Fest
The most wonderful time of the year will be celebrated on a Williston farm Dec. 5-24. 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’ Winter Fest. Event hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays, noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $15.95 online and $17.95 at the gate for Fridays, and $17.95 online and $19.95 at the gate for Saturdays and Sundays. Amber Brooke Farms is located at 3250 NE 140th Ave. in Williston. For more information, visit amberbrookefarms.com/winter-fest.
Shoppes At Thornebrook Tree Lighting and Holiday Market
Join the festive kickoff of the holiday season from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at The Shoppes at Thornebrook, located at 2441 NW 43rd St. This evening event features local vendors and shops, food trucks, and photos with Santa, culminating with the tree lighting at 6 p.m. and a carol sing-along. Admission is free, and shops and vendors will be on site, selling a variety of goods and goodies. For more details, visit shoppesatthornebrook.com.
Festival of Lights
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. 5-24 at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, 11016 Lillian Saunders Drive in White Springs. Tickets are $4; free for ages 2 and younger. For more information, visit stephenfostercso.org.
Fall-La-La: A Holiday A Cappella Showcase
Get into the holiday spirit under the stars at Heartwood Soundstage, located at 619 S. Main St., as five nationally awarded a cappella ensembles perform festive music. Doors open at 6 p.m. Dec. 5; lawn chairs are welcome and hot chocolate will be available. For ticket information and event details, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.
Christmas on Main Street
Step into a world of holiday magic at the Christmas on Main Street tree-lighting celebration in downtown Alachua, featuring carriage rides, bounce houses, live performances, festive music, hot chocolate and pizza, and photos with Santa. An RSVP is required for Santa photos. The event takes place from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 5 on Main Street in Alachua. For full event details and to reserve a photo with Santa, visit cityofalachua.com.
Kirby Family Farm’s Christmas Train
Kirby Family Farm will open its gates for its annual Christmas Express, which will run 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 5-6, Dec. 12-14, Dec. 19-23 and Dec. 26-27. The Christmas train is a holiday event featuring numerous activities to enjoy. 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 $19.99 for general admission in advance, $25 for general admission at the gate; $12.99 for ages 3-9 in advance, $15 for ages 3-9 at the gate; and free for children 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.
Artwalk – Holiday Edition
Celebrate seasonal creativity at the holiday edition of Artwalk from 7 to 10 p.m. Dec. 5, with downtown galleries, pop-up artists, music and festive cheer throughout Gainesville’s historic district. For more information, visit artwalkgainesville.com.
‘James and the Giant Peach’
When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that results in a tremendous peach and launches a journey of enormous proportions. Suddenly, James finds himself in the center of the gigantic peach, among human-sized insects with equally oversized personalities, but after it falls from the tree and rolls into the ocean, the group faces hunger, sharks and plenty of disagreements. Thanks to James’s quick wit and creative thinking, the residents learn to live and work together as a family. The dangerous voyage is a success, but the adventure takes a whole new twist once they land on the Empire State Building. See a performance of “James and the Giant Peach” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5-6 and Dec. 11-13, plus 2 p.m. Dec. 7 and Dec. 14 at the Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students, and $15 for ages 12 and younger. For more information, visit gcplayhouse.org.
‘The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon’
Get ready for a festive film extravaganza! Join Acrosstown Repertory Theatre at 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O, for “The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon,” running 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Dec. 5-21. This hilarious parody mash-up of six over-the-top holiday rom-coms offers cozy sweaters, mistletoe mishaps and plenty of Christmas cheer. Tickets are available at acrosstown.org.
‘A Christmas Carol’
The Hippodrome Theatre’s beloved production of “A Christmas Carol” returns for its annual holiday run, bringing Dickens’ classic tale to life with festive staging, rich storytelling and Gainesville tradition. Performances take place Dec. 6–21 at the Hippodrome Theatre, located at 25 SE Second Place. For showtimes and tickets, visit thehipp.org.
Santa Paws 5K-9 and 10K-9
Join in a festive run/walk to support local pet welfare at Albert Ray Massey Park, 1001 NW 34th St. The 5K-9 and 10K-9 races start at 8 a.m. Dec. 6. Participants are encouraged to bring their four-legged friends, and the event benefits the North Central Florida Humane Society. For registration and full details, visit tinyurl.com/santapaws25a.
Season of Hope Run
Lace up and hit the trail for the Season of Hope Run beginning at 8 a.m. Dec. 6. The race begins at Boulware Spring Nature Park/Hawthorne Trail, located at 3300 SE 15th St. Choose between a 5K, 15K or 5K Ruck March. Virtual options are available. Funds raised will support Tyler’s Hope for a Dystonia Cure and Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases in their mission to advance neurological research. For more information, visit tylershope.org.
Fall Farm and Cane Festival
Celebrate Florida’s rural heritage at the 35th annual Fall Farm and Cane Festival at Dudley Farm Historic State Park, 18730 W. Newberry Road. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 6, visitors can watch sugar cane grinding and syrup making, see old-time demonstrations such as blacksmithing and quilting, enjoy live music and children’s activities, and shop with local vendors. Admission is $8 per vehicle. For more information, visit friendsofdudleyfarm.org.
Operation Santa Delivery
Operation Santa Delivery — the large annual holiday event where LifeSouth Community Blood Centers and community partners bring Santa to town by helicopter — takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 6 at the north fields of Santa Fe College at Northwest 39th Avenue and Northwest 91st Street. Expect games, free photos with Santa, plenty of kid-friendly activities and the chance to save lives by donating blood on site. For more information, visit lifesouth.org.
Vintage Holidays Guided Tours
Visit the decorated 1856-era Historic Haile Homestead for its “Vintage Holidays” season — a unique, guided tour experience that showcases the home’s famed “talking walls” (with more than 12,500 words inscribed by the family and friends dating back to 1859) while offering a festive holiday atmosphere — Dec. 6-28. Tours run 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 4 p.m. and Sundays, with the last tour beginning 45 minutes before closing. Admission is $5 per person; children 11 and younger are admitted free. The Homestead is located at 8500 SW Archer Road. For more information, visit hailehomestead.org.
Holiday Stroll
Welcome the season with shopping, live music, museum tours, plein air artists and festive cheer in the historic downtown district of Micanopy along Northeast Cholokka Boulevard. Join the fun from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 6, featuring a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus from 2 to 4 p.m. and a community tree-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. For full details, visit micanopytown.com.
A Very GNV Holiday Parade
The Gainesville holiday season kickoff parade will take place along University Avenue on Dec. 6. The procession will begin at noon and proceed along University Avenue from West Sixth Street to 620 E. University Ave. The event will lead into a holiday dance party and lights celebration. (gainesvillefl.gov/Community-Pages/Community/Holiday-Parade)
‘Holiday Fantasy’
Join in a festive and family-friendly dance performance hosted by Momentum Dance Studio beginning at 1 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. This year’s recital, titled “Holiday Fantasy,” features a full lineup of seasonal choreography, student ensembles and classic holiday music. Tickets are $20, and children aged 2 and under are admitted free. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
Kids Holiday Dance Party
Kick off the downtown holiday festivities early with a Kids’ Holiday Dance Party from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 6, featuring fun dance beats, holiday lights, and plenty of bubbles for little ones to enjoy. Take part at Bo Diddley Plaza, located at 111 E. University Ave. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/e9wdfvp7.
Holiday at Santa Fe
Celebrate the season with vibrant performances at “Holiday at Santa Fe,” showcasing the talent of singers, dancers and tech theatre students at Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall, located at 3000 NW 83rd St. Performances are scheduled at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Dec. 6. For tickets and more information, visit showpass.com/holiday-at-santa-fe-4.
Christmas at Butler
Join the annual festive evening at Butler Town Center for Christmas at Butler, where the holiday spirit comes alive with live performances and family-friendly fun. From 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at the parking lot behind P.F. Chang’s at 3597 SW 32nd Court, attendees can enjoy treats from local restaurants, balloon twisting, face painting, and a featured performance by Sun Country Dance Theatre. Admission is free. For full event details, visit shopatbutler.com.
Holiday Pet Pageant
Dress up your furry friend and join the festive fun at the Holiday Pet Pageant, hosted by the Shakespeare Animal Fund from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at Swamp Head Brewery, 3650 SW 42nd Ave. The evening features a pet costume contest (entry: $15 for one dog or $25 for two), photos with Santa, games, a silent auction and more. For full details and to register, visit the Shakespeare Animal Fund website at shakespeareanimalfund.org.
Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area Holiday Lights
Discover festive cheer in downtown Gainesville as the Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area presents its annual Holiday Lights event — featuring a dazzling garden lighting at 6 p.m., horse-and-carriage rides (first ride starts at 5 p.m., wristbands begin at 4:30 p.m.), kids’ craft activities, hot cocoa, Santa meet-and-greet, and a holiday tree-lighting ceremony. Join the community Dec. 6 at Thomas Center, located at 302 NE Sixth Ave., for an evening of bright lights and family fun. Admission is free. For full event details, visit gainesvillefl.gov.
High Springs Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The city of High Springs’ annual holiday festival is set for 5 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Farmers Market Pavilion, located at 23517 NW 185th Road in High Springs. Organizers say the event will feature an old-fashioned Christmas tree lighting, accompanied by a Christmas train, crafts, a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, a live nativity scene and carolers. A photographer will also be available for pictures in front of the Christmas tree or with Santa. There will be hot chocolate along with a vendor offering hot apple cider and roasted chestnuts. There will also be a blessing tree for all who pass by to write something they are thankful for on one of the ornaments. For more information, visit highsprings.com/high-springs-christmas-tree-lighting.
Marjorie’s Holiday Open House
The annual holiday event at the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6. During the event, attendees can join Florida Park Service staff and experience the historic orange grove as Marjorie would have. Enjoy the “firing of the grove” festive music, and tour the house decorated in typical 1930s fashion. Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park is located at 18700 S. CR 325 in Cross Creek. This program is free with paid park entry of $3 per vehicle. For more information, visit marjoriekinnanrawlings.org/event-5925491.
Light Up Tioga
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 from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 at Tioga Town Center, located at 13085 SW First Lane in Newberry. Admission is free; items and food for sale. For more information, visit tiogatowncenter.com/event/light-up-tioga.
A Merry Christmas Celebration
Kick off the holiday season with a magical evening full of cheer, performances and festive fun. Bring the whole family to the Celebration Pointe Promenade from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 6 to enjoy live music, dance performances by Danscompany of Gainesville, and a special appearance by the Joseph Williams Elementary Wildcat Chorus. Attendees will be able to stroll through the event for treats, Coca-Cola tastings, food trucks and holiday sparkle, plus free pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event will take place at 4949 Celebration Pointe Ave. For more information, visit celebrationpointe.com.
Bell Christmas Festival and Parade
Celebrate the season in the cozy setting of the town of Bell, where the annual Christmas Festival and Parade brings together families, lights and community cheer. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 6 at Pioneer Park, 210 SW Main St. in Bell, and include a holiday parade, live music, vendor booths and opportunities for photos with Santa Claus. The event is free to attend. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/tobcf25.
Holiday Tree Lighting
Every year, the city of Gainesville hosts its annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Historic Thomas Center on the first Saturday of December. The free event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 this year featuring a visit from Santa, caroling and holiday music from local groups, and light refreshments. Outside of the Thomas Center, the Duck Pond Neighborhood Association will have luminaries lit for the occasion. The heart of the celebration is the holiday decorations on the giant tree and around the building. The Historic Thomas Center is located at 302 NE Sixth Ave. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/e9wdfvp7.
Newberry Christmas Tree Lighting
Join the sixth annual festive gathering in downtown Newberry at the tree-lighting ceremony presented by Newberry City Hall as the heart of the holiday season comes alive. From 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6, attendees can enjoy hot cocoa and coffee, craft stations and ornament-making for kids, photos with Santa, a petting zoo, caroling, popcorn and more — all as the town’s holiday tree lights up and the community celebrates together. Admission is free. For full event details, visit cityofnewberry.com. Newberry City Hall is located at 25440 W. Newberry Road.
The SteelDrivers
Nashville-born bluegrass-soul collective The SteelDrivers bring their gritty mix of country, blues and traditional roots to Heartwood Soundstage at 7 p.m. Dec. 6. Known for their raw musicianship and soulful energy, the band fuses old-time grit with fresh emotion — “old as the hills but fresh as the morning dew.” Tickets are $35.64 when purchased in advance and $41.84 when purchased the day of the show; kids 12 and younger enter free. Lawn chairs are welcome (space permitting). Arrive early for a night of soulful, rootsy bluegrass. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St. For more information, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.
Holiday Farmers Moo-ket
Visit the holiday installment of the plant-based market at Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary, where attendees can browse vegan vendors, meet rescued farm animals, feed the cows a treat and enjoy a relaxed community vibe from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 7. Entrance is free, but a $5 donation is appreciated. Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary is located at 300 E. University Ave. For more details, visit crittercreekfarmsanctuary.org.
UF Carillon Annual Holiday Concert
The UF carillon’s annual holiday concert is set for 1:55 p.m. Dec. 7 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. For more information about the free concert, visit tinyurl.com/ufchc25.
Capella Nova Chorus
Capella Nova Chorus of Gainesville is a community chorus dedicated to presenting a diverse choral repertoire spanning from medieval to contemporary works. Their upcoming winter performance, “Ideas of Winter,” invites listeners to explore the beauty and reflection of the season through music both timeless and new. See the performance at 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, located at 9700 W. University Ave. The concert is free to attend. For more information, visit capellanova.org or call 358-1655.
Mike Cooley
Alabama-born guitarist and songwriter Mike Cooley — best known for his work with Southern-rock outfit Drive-By Truckers — brings his raw Americana and gritty, story-driven solo sound to Heartwood Soundstage at 7 p.m. Dec. 7. With sharp lyrics and evocative guitar work that fuse rock, country and southern roots, Cooley promises an intimate evening of honest songwriting. Tickets run $35.64-$53.66. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St. For more information, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.
Algernon Cadwallader
Emo-pioneering quartet Algernon Cadwallader, reunited and playing with their original lineup, hits Heartwood Soundstage at 7 p.m. Dec. 9. With their signature blend of jagged guitar interplay and heartfelt, literate lyrics, the band delivers a live show that’s both nostalgic and alive with fresh energy. Tickets are $23.82 when purchased in advance and $29.45 when purchased the day of the show. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St. For complete show details and tickets, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.
Holiday Unity Concert
Experience an evening of song and celebration at the Holiday Unity Concert presented by 1000 Voices of Florida. The event begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. The event is free to attend. For more information, visit 1000voicesofflorida.com.
Jerron Paxton and Dennis Lichtman
Veteran multi-instrumentalists and storytellers Jerron Paxton and Dennis Lichtman bring a night of acoustic blues, ragtime, 1920s-era jazz, Tin Pan Alley pop songs and original tunes to Heartwood Soundstage at 7 p.m. Dec. 10. Their sets draw on deep roots in early American music, so expect twin fiddles, mandolin, clarinet, and soulful vocals delivering a rich blend of history-steeped nostalgia and raw musicality. Tickets are $24.38-$32.83. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St. For more information and tickets, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.gainesville.com ’
![OBSESSION - Official Teaser Trailer [HD] - Only In Theaters May 15 - YouTube](https://celebrity.land/en/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/First-teaser-for-new-horror-movie-with-97-Rotten-Tomatoes-75x75.jpg)
