THIS WEEK
Alachua Christmas Tree Walk
Stroll through a festive indoor 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.
‘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. 19–21 at the Hippodrome Theatre, located at 25 SE Second Place. For showtimes and tickets, visit thehipp.org.
‘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. This era saw the emergence of avant-garde artistic movements, including Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Symbolism, Fauvism, Cubism and Surrealism, that left a lasting impact on the Western artistic tradition. These key movements are represented in the exhibition through examples by the era’s leading artists, including Pierre Bonnard, Gustave Caillebotte, Paul Cézanne, Marc Chagall, Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Gustave Courbet, Edgar Degas, Édouard Manet, Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, Berthe Morisot, Gabriele Münter, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Auguste Rodin and others. The exhibition is organized into four sections: Landscape, Still Life, Portraits and Figures, and The Nude. Beginning with the landscapes of Corot and the birth of plein-air (outdoor) painting, the exhibition surveys the innovative styles and techniques developed by artists from the Realism of Courbet to the light and atmosphere of Monet and the Impressionists, to the Surrealism of Yves Tanguy. “French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850–1950” is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue including thematic essays and interpretive object entries by the exhibition’s co-curators. For more information, visit harn.ufl.edu/frenchmoderns. Admission is free. The Harn Museum is located at Southwest 34th Street and Hull Road.
‘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. 19-21 at the High Springs Playhouse, located at 130 NE First Ave. in High Springs. For showtimes and tickets, visit onthestage.tickets/high-springs-playhouse.
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.
‘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. Friday. The gallery is located at 1314 S. Main St. For more information, visit gainesvillefinearts.org or email [email protected].
Downtown Holiday Arts Stroll
The Art League of North Florida invites the public to embrace their artistic spirit at the second annual Downtown Holiday Arts Stroll from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 19 at Gateway Art Gallery in Lake City. According to organizers, attendees will be able to meander through the heart of historic downtown and explore the creativity of the community’s artists and artisans within the participating galleries and studios, including the Gateway Art Gallery. Arts-friendly local businesses are also opening their doors for the festivities. Attendees can meet artists and learn more about how they foster art and culture in the community — painting demos, hands-on learning projects and more. The family-friendly event is free to attend; items and food will be available for purchase. For more information, visit artleagueofnorthflorida.com/downtown-arts-stroll.
Winter Fest
The most wonderful time of the year will be celebrated on a Williston farm Dec. 19-24. 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.
The Polar Express
All aboard for a magical holiday event at Saint Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in High Springs. Join the third annual village celebration where attendees follow a “Polar Express” theme, meet Santa Claus, and enjoy crafts and festive entertainment. The event takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 19, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 20 at 18615 NW 238th St. in High Springs. Admission is free. For more details, visit tinyurl.com/gps25aa.
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. 19-24 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.
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. 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.
The Currys Christmas Show
Celebrate the season with The Currys as they bring their annual “Christmas with The Currys” tour to Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St., beginning at 7 p.m. Dec. 19. Expect rich harmonies, original holiday songs and beloved classics in a festive night of music for all ages. Tickets are $24.38 when purchased in advance and $30.01 when purchased the day of the show. For more information, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.
Tioga Outdoor Movie Night
Tioga’s popular “movies on the lawn” event is getting into the holiday spirit with an outdoor screening of “Elf.” The film follows Buddy (Will Ferrell), who was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a baby and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York in search of his real father. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and enjoy the free movie under the stars. Local eateries will be open for snacks and meals before, during and after the movie. The event starts at 7 p.m. Dec. 19. Tioga Town Center is located at 133 SW 130th Way in Newberry. For more information, visit tiogatowncenter.com.
‘Sing for the Holidays’
Voices Rising Community Chorus will be joined in concert by guest cellist Timothy Mutschlecner in presenting two performances of “Sing for the Holidays” featuring music for Christmas, Hanukkah and Winter Solstice, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 and 3 p.m. Dec. 20 at First United Methodist Church, 419 NE First St. The suggested donation is $10 to $20. For more information, visit vrccgainesville.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. 19-21. 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.
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. 20-28. Tours run 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 4 p.m. 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.
2025 Holiday Invitational
The Melrose Bay Art Gallery is hosting its annual holiday invitational through Dec. 28. 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.
Winter Wonderland Craft and Vendor Market
The annual Winter Wonderland Craft and Vendor Market is set for 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 20 and noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Oaks Mall. Organizers call this “a magical winter event filled with local vendors, holiday treats and endless gift ideas.” The Oaks Mall is located at 6419 W. Newberry Road. For more information, visit hometownvendormarket.com.
Class With Clara
Join the holiday specialty event Class With Clara, presented by Dance Alive National Ballet on the stage of the Phillips Center, for a special “Nutcracker” tutorial. At the 4 p.m. classes Dec. 20-21, attendees are invited to a playful on-stage ballet session led by Clara, the heroine of “The Nutcracker,” accompanied by company dancers. Street shoes are fine, and even socks will do; all ages are welcome, and spectators may attend for free. Participant tickets are $25. The Phillips Center is located at 3201 Hull Road. For more information, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
’Tis the Season Holiday Market
Shop for uniquely crafted gifts and enjoy seasonal treats at the ‘Tis the Season Holiday Market hosted by The AUK Market at 2031 NW Sixth St. From noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 20, explore a curated selection of handmade goods, vintage finds and food trucks in an indoor-outdoor pop-up setting. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/ttspue25.
Newberry Christmas Parade
Join the downtown Newberry community for the annual Christmas parade, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 20. Gather along Newberry Main Street for floats, festive music and seasonal holiday cheer for all ages. For more information, visit facebook.com/NewberryMainStreet.
Christmas in the Quarry
Take a walk through a light show designed to dazzle. During the annual Christmas in the Quarry event, families can stroll through a 20-acre botanical garden illuminated with billions of lights while enjoying treats from a cookie and cocoa station, and participate in some of the family-friendly holiday crafts for kids to take home. Santa will also visit. The event is set for 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 20-23 at Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens, 4990 NE 180th Ave. in Williston. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for ages 6-13 as well as military members and first responders, and free for members. Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is located at 4990 NE 180th Ave. in Williston. For more information, visit cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com.
Christmas on the Square
Ring in the season at the ninth annual Christmas on the Square, a free community celebration in downtown Newberry starting at 6 p.m. Dec. 20 at CountryWay Town Square, 1739 SW 248th Drive in Newberry. Expect Santa’s arrival, wagon rides, bounce houses, dance performances, live music, crafts and holiday treats. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/9acots25.
Christmas From The Hart
Experience Christmas From the Hart, a magical holiday evening at Hart Springs , 4240 SW 86th Ave. in Bell, as the springs glow with festive lights, live caroling, hot cocoa and cookie treats, and Christmas crafts for the kids — all free to attend. The event is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 20-21. For full event details, visit hartsprings.com.
A Very Harry Christmas Trivia and Yule Ball
Step into a wizarding holiday wonderland at Blackadder Brewing Company, located at 618 NW 60th St., Suite A, during their “A Very Harry Christmas Trivia and Yule Ball” from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 20. The event features themed trivia, magical mocktails and dancing for witches, wizards and muggles alike. For full details, visit tinyurl.com/avhctayb25.
‘The Nutcracker’
Audience members will be transported to the Kingdom of Sweets with Dance Alive National Ballet’s annual adaptation of “The Nutcracker.” Presented by PNC Foundation, Dance Alive’s “The Nutcracker” will be performed 19 times this holiday season, including 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19-20 and 2 p.m. Dec. 20-21. Special events include two “Class With Clara” opportunities at 4 p.m. Dec. 20-21. Composed by P.I. Tchaikovsky and choreographed by Artistic Director Kim Tuttle, Dance Alive’s adaptation showcases local dance students from Gainesville and surrounding areas. The ballet follows the story of Clara, a girl who saves the Nutcracker prince. To thank her, he brings her on a magical journey to the Kingdom of Sweets, where the exquisite Sugar Plum Fairy puts on a regal show for her. Also, children of all dance abilities are to join Clara for “Class with Clara,” an onstage ballet class. Tickets for that event are only needed for class participants, and can be purchased at dancealive.org/2018/07/10/lil-wonder-bistro. Spectators may attend for free. Purchase tickets for “The Nutcracker” at the Phillips Center box office, by phone at 392-2787 or 800-905-2787, or visit dancealive.org/2025/06/29/the-nutcracker-4.
Perpetual Groove
Athens-based rock band Perpetual Groove brings its genre-blending sound — often described by fans as “trance arena rock” — to Heartwood Soundstage at 8 p.m. Dec. 21. Formed in Savannah, Georgia, in 1997 and later relocating to Athens, the band features Brock Butler on guitar and vocals, Adam Perry on bass, and Matthew McDonald on keyboards and vocals. Drummer Darren Stanley joins the group following the departure of longtime drummer Albert Suttle. Known for combining rock, indie electronica and metal influences with an immersive light show, Perpetual Groove has toured extensively in the U.S. and abroad. The band’s most recent release is the 2021 “C’mon. Covers?” EP, recorded in Athens and featuring songs by Peter Gabriel, The Cars, The Go-Go’s and Johnny Cash. Advance general admission tickets are $24.38; day-of-show tickets are $30.01. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St. For more information, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.
Holiday Music Bingo
Get into the festive spirit with Holiday Music Bingo at Blackadder Brewing Company, 618 NW 60th St., Suite A. From 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 23, attendees can enjoy seasonal tunes, bingo rounds with holiday flair and a cozy community vibe. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/hmb25a.
ONGOING
Horse Feeding
The Retirement Home for Horses provides lifetime care to elderly horses seized by law enforcement agencies, rescued by the SPCA or humane societies, as well as horses retired from government service such as police patrol or state and federal parks. They allow visitors to tour the property and feed treats — carrots, apple slices and bananas provided by the visitors — from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday. Mill Creek Farm Retirement Home for Horses is located at 20307 NW CR 235A in Alachua. For more information, or to support the nonprofit, visit millcreekfarm.org.
Community Nights
Community Nights are free weekly events hosted by South Main Station and Heartwood Soundstage that include a rotating calendar of jams, skillshares, concerts, arts markets, food and drink specials, and other activities each Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. The event has grown in popularity with families, locals, musicians, and college students since its launch in 2024. The event takes place at South Main Station, an arts, food, and entertainment campus adjacent to Depot Park that spans the Southeast corner of Main Street and Depot Road. Community Nights always feature free live music and drink specials at Heartwood Soundstage’s lawn bar, but any given week can also include skillshares on music and videography, kids’ activities, film screenings, and opportunities to sample local food and drink at South Main’s businesses, which include Humble Pie Pizzeria, Grand Scheme Brewery, Bingo Deli, and Afternoon Coffee. The first Wednesday of every month always features an open-air arts market of local makers and an old-time music jam. More information is available at heartwoodsoundstage.com
COMING SOON
A History of Kwanzaa: Storytelling and Drumming
Experience an evening of cultural storytelling and live drumming at the A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center, 1013 NW Seventh Ave., beginning at 7 p.m. Dec. 27. Local historians and performers will share the origins and principles of Kwanzaa through narrative, music and community celebration. For more information, call 334-2010.
Sparks in the Park
Ring in the New Year with family-friendly fireworks and evening fun Dec. 31 at Depot Park, 874 SE Fourth St. Past editions kicked off around 5 p.m. with DJ-hosted music on the hill and a 20-minute choreographed fireworks display at approximately 6:30 p.m. Organizers have not yet officially released the 2025 schedule, so times are subject to change.
Downtown Countdown
Ring in the new year during the annual Downtown Countdown in Gainesville at Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave., where the festivities kick off at 9 p.m. Dec. 31 and continue through midnight with live music, dancing and community celebration. Past years have featured headline bands and a lively crowd jumping into the new year together. For updated information, visit gainesvillefl.gov.
Camellia Show
The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens’ annual Camellia Show features prize-winning camellias of all sizes, shapes and colors. This show is designed to educate the public about the care, culture and appreciation of camellias. Regular admission price for non-members includes entry into the gardens and the show. The event is planned for 1-5 p.m. Jan. 3, 2026, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 4, 2026. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is located at 4700 SW 58th Drive. For more information, visit kanapaha.org.
Old Florida Celebration of the Arts
The 2026 Old Florida Celebration of the Arts two-day event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 11-12, 2026, in Cedar Key. This year’s theme is “Stars of Cedar Key.” According to organizers, the festival was established in 1964 and was formerly known as the Cedar Key Sidewalk Arts Festival. The Old Florida Celebration of the Arts returned to a juried fine art fair format in 2006. It features 100 artists and about 15,000 visitors annually. This free event benefits the Cedar Key Arts Center in addition to local nonprofit and Cedar Key school groups who serve food and beverages during the festival.
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