All roads in Gator Nation are leading to some of the best things to do in Gainesville for Christmas to put you in the festive spirit.
It’s not just the infamous sunny weather brightening up Florida this time of year.
It’s the lights and magic of all the Christmas activities in Gainesville that are making things merry and bright.
The Florida Hipster Blog has unwrapped 13 of the best ways to celebrate a Gainesville Christmas. So let us present you with a holiday season to remember!
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO. Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.
Best Christmas Events in Gainesville at a Glance:
- Enjoy a Christmas Carol performance at the Hippodrome, one of Gainesville’s favorite holiday traditions
- Escape to another era at The Historic Thomas Center with horse-drawn carriage rides and shimmering luminaries
- Watch the Tioga Town Center light up on Saturday, December 6
- Ride Florida’s Christmas Train on the 100-year-old locomotive
- Have a big ol’-fashioned Christmas in High Springs in the spirit of Norman Rockwell
Keep reading to get the FULL guide on all the best things to do for Christmas in Gainesville and how to have the merriest holiday season.
1. It Feels Like Christmas at Lincoln Center Orchestra
The swinging sounds of Christmas fill up the Phillips Center on December 1st with Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox Magic, Moonlight & Mistletoe.
This holiday performance transforms your favorite chart-topping hits into retro swing tunes during this fun high energy performance.
Why We Love This Christmas Event in Gainesville, Florida
The vintage arrangements of the Postmodern Jukebox will have you jiving and toe tapping celebrating the timeless classic holiday songs and seasonal hits.
This holiday concert has pricing from $12 to $50 so everyone can experience a little fa la la and get themselves into the spirit of Christmas.
Location: 3201 Hull Road Gainesville, FL 32611
Get up to 87% off of the Gainesville attractions with Groupon TODAY!
2. Christmas Carol at the Hippodrome
A Gainesville Christmas isn’t complete without one of the city’s favorite holiday traditions.
Why We Love This Christmas Event in Gainesville, Florida
Running from December 6th to December 21st the Christmas Carol’s timeless classic brings Christmas joy to the hearts of all ages.
Lighthearted, spirited music and always with a bit of laughs. You won’t find a single bah humbug in the seats of the Hippodrome Theatre.
Location: 25 SE 2nd Place Gainesville, FL. 32601
3. The 13th Annual Holiday Showcase
Hurry down the chimney on December 10th and make your way to Sweetwater Branch Inn.
It’s time for the 13th Annual Holiday Showcase for one of the best Christmas activities in Gainesville to get you in that ho- ho- holiday spirit.
Why We Love This Christmas Event in Gainesville, Florida
You can support Christmas in Gainesville by shopping locally while enjoying appetizers.
There will even be chances at plenty of door prizes so bring your business cards and don’t miss out on entering all the drawings.
Be sure to register to not miss out on all the festive fun!
Location: Sweetwater Branch Inn, 625 E University Ave. Gainesville, FL.
4. Williston Horseman’s Christmas Chaos (Williston)
This Gainesville Christmas event is lined with holiday cheer and fun.
Check out the Dog Races, where your furry friend gets the chance to dash for cash and take home the entire pot, winner takes all!
Why We Love This Christmas Event in Gainesville, Florida
It’s a jolly good time at Williston Horsemans Christmas Chaos, trotting your way to awesome prizes.
Horse races, barrels, poles, Xmas tree hairpin will adorn you with ribbons and prizes.
Tnen stop in to see Santa when he makes his jolly ol’appearance at this fun show in December. Horses are welcome too!
Location: 803 SW 19th Avenue, Williston, FL. 32696
5. GLAM Craft Show at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Get ready to do some fun and unique Christmas shopping at the GLAM Craft Show in Gainesville!
Happening Sunday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at First Magnitude Brewing Company, this indie craft show is your go-to spot for one-of-a-kind, handcrafted finds this holiday season.
Why We Love This Christmas Event in Gainesville, Florida
With nearly 70 local vendors in past years, GLAM is a festive Gainesville tradition filled with creativity, community spirit, and plenty of holiday cheer.
This annual Craft Festival will showcase a wide variety of talented local artisans and crafters selling handcrafted items made within the community.
It is a wonderful way to support and shop locally and meet the incredible creators who have poured their heart into every piece.
Location: 1220 SE Veitch St, Gainesville, FL. 32601
Explore Gainesville, Florida with these best tours. Get Started Today!
6. Kirby Family Farms Christmas Train
It’s full steam ahead for your family and loved ones to Williston Florida home of the Kirby Family Farm.
The 14th annual Christmas train awaits your “presents” for the 20-minute holiday voyage on the 100-year-old locomotive. The fun begins November 28th.
Why We Love This Christmas Event in Gainesville, Florida
It’s one of the most loved Christmas trains in Florida. And it’s also wheelchair and stroller accessible so no one misses out on the holiday fun!
But don’t just sleigh your way here for the epic train ride. Antique Ferris wheel rides, manger babies petting area, Christmas magic show, Italian carousel, dance party, and a tractor ride to a lost Christmas town.
And of course, Santa and all his Christmas buddies will be here!
Location: 19630 NE 30 St, Williston, FL 32696
7. City of Gainesville Holiday Parade
Get into the holiday mode with the City of Gainesville Holiday Parade.
This Christmas in Florida event is full of wonderful family fun!
Why We Love This Christmas Event in Gainesville, Florida
December 6th is shining bright this year with The Holiday Parade. Starting off at noon you can find a spot along University Avenue from W. 6th St as it makes its way to 620 E. University Ave.
So, bring your chairs and blankets and come together with the community to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season of Christmas in Gainesville.
It is then followed by an afternoon Kids Holiday Dance Party at Bo Diddley Plaza, a FREE family event in Gainesville.
The evening brings the Holiday Lights Celebration in the Thomas Center Gardens starting at 5 pm then after dark the Duckpond Neighborhood Association luminaries finish off the holiday happenings.
Location: University Avenue from W. 6th St. to 620 E. University Ave., Gainesville FL 32601
8. Chiefland Christmas Festival & Parade
There is no better way than to feel the magic of Christmas in Florida than the Chiefland Christmas Festival & Parade.
Best of all, it’s FREE! Opening festivities unwrap at 10 am focusing on family fun.
With a petting zoo, inflatables for the kids, and face painting, it will feel like Christmas morning has come early.
Why We Love This Christmas Event in Gainesville, Florida
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there with their Elves, and there will be a chance for pictures with Santa too.
Rock climbing and bungee jumping by day then the lighted evening parade, December 13th, 2025, is a full lineup yule definitely want to attend.
Location: Train Depot Park 23 SE 2nd Ave Chiefland, FL. 32626
9. High Springs Christmas Tree Lighting
Have an evening of old-fashioned Christmas fun with your jingle ladies and friends on December 6th at the Farmers Market Pavilion in downtown High Springs.
Shops will be open for a night of shopping along with those one-of-a-kind crafts to pick up all those Christmas gifts for your loved ones.
Why We Love This Christmas Event in Gainesville, Florida
From hot apple cider and roasted chestnuts to yummy hot chocolate and carolers it all sets the scene for this Norman Rockwell Christmas Wonderland.
This Christmas event in Gainesville begins at 5 pm so bring your appetite for all the homemade goodies and get ready to shop to the sounds of live music.
Location: Corner of Main Street & Railroad Ave Downtown High Springs, Florida 32643
10. Light Up Tioga Town Center
Christmas fun for the whole family returns to Tioga Town Center on December 6th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
There will be games, Santa’s Workshop, and a Candy Lane experience that is sure to be magically sweet.
Why We Love This Christmas Event in Gainesville, Florida
It’s not just tree lighting that will brighten your spirit but entertainment, vendors, and food trucks.
Dances and live performances will have you decorated in cheer while the Winter Wonderland lounge is perfect if you want to chill.
Not only does Santa appear but there are some surprise appearances scheduled to be made…
This year’s Gainesville Christmas event is bringing all the holiday vibes with a brand-new festive setup, thanks to the incredible team at ThemeWorks Incorporated!
They’ll be transforming Tioga Town Center into a dazzling holiday wonderland for one unforgettable merry night.
Location: 13085 SW 1 Ln, Newberry, FL 32669
11. Dance Alive National Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
Spend your night in the Kingdom of Sweets as the Sugar Plum Fairy dazzles and delights you.
Why We Love This Christmas Event in Gainesville, Florida
The Dance Alive National Ballet arrives December 19, 20, and 21 at the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for a spectacle of holiday beauty with The Nutcracker.
Showtimes vary between 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. over the 3 days and is a magical way to honor Christmas with the family.
Location: 1325 NW 2nd Street Gainesville, FL. 32601
12. The Alachua Christmas Parade
The Alachua Christmas Parade marches through Main Street on Saturday, December 13th at 11 a.m.
This theme for this year’s Christmas parade in Alachua is Charlie Brown Christmas Parade.
Why We Love This Christmas Event in Gainesville, Florida
Enjoy the colors and cheer of the floats going by bringing in the sounds and sights of Christmas to the streets of Alachua.
So, save the date and be a part of its long-standing tradition bringing joy to the hearts of all.
Location: Main Street Alachua, FL.
13. Holiday Tree Lighting at Thomas Center
Shimmer and shine, the Thomas Center Gardens illuminate in all the colors of Christmas on December 6th.
Come out and enjoy live entertainment all night long, Santa Claus Meet and Greet and fun holiday kids craft activities.
Why We Love This Christmas Event in Gainesville, Florida
From 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., the trees throughout the gardens will transport you into a wonderland of bliss as you stroll through the thousands of lights that gleam.
The scene is set with hundreds of luminaries all through the neighborhood and the horse drawn carriage rides feel like they take you back in time.
Location: 302 NE 6th Ave. Gainesville, FL. 32601
Get More Gainesville travel planning tips right here!
My Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Gainesville for Christmas
With all the things to do in Gainesville for Christmas the spirit of the season is captured for everyone to share.
From the colors of the twinkling lights to the annual celebrations bringing out the little kid in all of us.
Christmas truly is one of the most magical times of the year to visit the sunshine state of Florida.
Happy Florida Travels Hipster!
About the Author
My name is NikkyJ. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves exploring all the hidden gems of Florida!
I was born and raised in Leesburg, Florida which attributes to my passion about for this amazing state.
I want to show you how you can create your own memories while discovering the Sunshine State!
Connect with me on Instagram!
(Original Article Date: November 8, 2022/Updated by Editor on November 6, 2025)
If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:
- What’s the Best Breakfast in Gainesville? (These 10 Will Help You Decide)
- What’s the Best Burger in Gainesville? These Top Ten Places Will Help You Decide
- 10 Best Restaurants in Gainesville You Can’t MISS!
- What’s the Best Sushi in Gainesville? Top 10 Restaurants You HAVE TO TRY!
- 15 Best Bars in Gainesville You Must Visit
- What’s the BEST Lunch in Gainesville? These Top 10 Places Will Help You Decide!
- 15 Things to Do in Gainesville at Night: A List of Places to Go When You’re Bored