Enjoy the festive wonders of Gainesville with our detailed holiday guide. For Gainesville residents and newcomers, this guide highlights the top festive events.
One highlight of the season is the enchanting "Ebenezer Scrooge's Big Gainesville Christmas Show," which brings a classic tale to life with local talent and holiday charm. Another favorite is the "Winter Wonderland at North Central Florida YMCA," where families can enjoy seasonal activities and engaging attractions. And the "A Very GNV Holiday Parade" is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring vibrant floats and community spirit. Check out more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Gainesville
- Ebenezer Scrooge's Big Gainesville Christmas Show
- Winter Wonderland at North Central Florida YMCA
- A Very GNV Holiday Parade
- Holiday Lights Celebration at the Historic Thomas Center
- Holiday Kids’ Dance Party at Bo Diddley Plaza
- Christmas Parade on Main Street Alachua (Alachua)
- Sparks in the Park New Year’s Eve Celebration
- Main Street Christmas Tree Lighting (Alachua)
- Florida Cracker Christmas (Brooksville)
- Florida Christmas Remembered (Barberville)
See these and even more events listed below!
Gainesville Holiday Light Displays
Winter Wonderland at North Central Florida YMCA
What to Expect:
100,000 twinkling lights and festive Christmas melodies.
Description:
A walk-through holiday light show featuring 100,000 twinkling lights, festive Christmas melodies, and delectable food, creating unforgettable memories for the entire family.
Where: Gainesville | More Info: Winter Wonderland at North Central Florida YMCA
Holiday Lights Celebration at the Historic Thomas Center
What to Expect:
Illuminated holiday display with horse-drawn carriage rides.
Description:
The Holiday Lights Celebration at the Historic Thomas Center features thousands of lights adorning the gardens, creating a shimmering display for all to enjoy. Holiday goodie bags are available for children, and entertainment includes performances by the Gainesville Harmony Show Chorus, Singers Reformation, and Gypsy Guerilla Band. Horse-drawn carriages transport visitors through a neighborhood lit with hundreds of luminaries.
Where: Gainesville | More Info: Holiday Lights Celebration at the Historic Thomas Center
St. Augustine Winter Spectacular
What to Expect:
Illuminated holiday event with live performances and festive atmosphere.
Description:
St. Augustine Winter Spectacular features a spectacular display of lights and festivities at Lewis Auditorium, celebrating the holiday season with a unique blend of entertainment and community spirit.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: St. Augustine Winter Spectacular
Gainesville Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Ebenezer Scrooge's Big Gainesville Christmas Show
What to Expect:
High-energy adaptation of "A Christmas Carol" with sensory-friendly options.
Description:
Ebenezer Scrooge's Big Gainesville Christmas Show is a fast, funny, and highly theatrical reimagining of "A Christmas Carol," featuring Ebenezer Scrooge, the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, and the Cratchit family. This show is a delightful theatrical experience filled with laughter and festive escapism.
Where: Gainesville | More Info: Ebenezer Scrooge's Big Gainesville Christmas Show
Holiday Kids’ Dance Party at Bo Diddley Plaza
What to Expect:
Interactive dance activities for kids.
Description:
Bo Diddley Plaza hosts a Holiday Kids’ Dance Party featuring lively music and dance activities designed for children, creating a joyful atmosphere.
Where: Gainesville | More Info: Holiday Kids’ Dance Party at Bo Diddley Plaza
Sparks in the Park New Year’s Eve Celebration
What to Expect:
Dazzling fireworks show with interactive activities.
Description:
Celebrate the New Year at the Cade Museum with a dazzling fireworks show, games, experiments, and a photo booth. Enjoy the last day of 2023 with drinks and snacks in the panoramic galleries.
Where: Gainesville | More Info: Sparks in the Park New Year’s Eve Celebration
Florida Cracker Christmas
What to Expect:
Historical reenactments and local crafts.
Description:
The 5th Annual Florida Cracker Christmas is a festive celebration featuring live historical demonstrators, vendors, and various foods. It showcases local history through a craft fair with handmade items and pioneer demonstrations, celebrating the Florida Pioneer and the rich history of the Christmas community.
Where: Brooksville | More Info: Florida Cracker Christmas
Saint Augustine Ballet presents Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Timeless ballet performance with professional dancers and detailed sets.
Description:
Saint Augustine Ballet presents a classic holiday production of The Nutcracker, featuring intricate choreography and elaborate costumes.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Saint Augustine Ballet presents Nutcracker Ballet
Christmas Cabaret
What to Expect:
Showcase of top local talent performing classic and modern holiday songs.
Description:
Celebrate the season with a concert showcasing top talent from across Northeastern Florida, featuring classic and modern holiday favorites.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Christmas Cabaret
Sounds of the Season
What to Expect:
Live music in a scenic outdoor setting.
Description:
The St. Augustine Orchestra presents Sounds of the Season at Kelly Farms, featuring live music in a picturesque setting. Bring blankets and chairs to enjoy the concert while setting up a picnic. This event is perfect for gathering friends and family to celebrate the holiday season.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Sounds of the Season
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
What to Expect:
Live 1940s radio broadcast adaptation of a holiday classic.
Description:
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is a charming reimagining of the classic film performed as a live 1940s radio broadcast. The story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. This unique production transports the audience to a time when radio ruled the entertainment world, making it a wonderful experience for the whole family, especially children not familiar with live radio.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
On Dasher, On Dancer, On Point A Cappella
What to Expect:
A cappella harmonies with new selections and holiday tunes.
Description:
On Dasher, On Prancer, On Point is an a cappella concert featuring classic and modern arrangements, perfect for the whole family.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: On Dasher, On Dancer, On Point A Cappella
Gainesville Other Holiday Activities
A Very GNV Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday parade with festive procession and holiday activities.
Description:
The A Very GNV Holiday Parade is a community-driven event where families, neighborhood groups, and businesses come together to celebrate the holiday season. The parade features a festive procession along University Avenue and Sixth Street, culminating in a holiday dance party and lights celebration at the Thomas Center Gardens.
Where: Gainesville | More Info: A Very GNV Holiday Parade
Christmas Parade on Main Street Alachua
What to Expect:
Community celebration with parade floats and local school performances.
Description:
The Alachua Christmas Parade features colorful floats, entertainers, and local school organizations celebrating the holiday season along historic Main Street in Alachua.
Where: Alachua | More Info: Christmas Parade on Main Street Alachua
Main Street Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with Santa, crafts, and festive activities.
Description:
Join us for the Main Street Christmas Tree Lighting, featuring crafts, treats, pictures with Santa, train rides, and live music along Alachua's historic Main Street.
Where: Alachua | More Info: Main Street Christmas Tree Lighting
Florida Christmas Remembered
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday activities in a historic setting.
Description:
Celebrate the spirit of Christmas with arts and crafts vendors, crafts and games, cookie decorating, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and festive music.
Where: Barberville | More Info: Florida Christmas Remembered
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Ocala (34 miles)