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!
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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 2, and chill out in the Winter Wonderland lounge
- Be sure to check out the swinging sounds of Big Band Holidays Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
- 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. Big Band Holidays Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
The swinging sounds of Christmas fill up the Phillips Center on November 29th with Big Band Holidays.
Why We Love This Christmas Event in Gainesville, Florida
The melodies of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra have you swaying and celebrating the timeless classic holiday songs.
This holiday concert has pricing from $45 to $75 and $20 for University of Florida students. Everyone can experience a little fa la la and get themselves into the spirit of Christmas.
Location: 3201 Hull Road Gainesville, FL 32611
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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 November 25 to December 23 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 11th Annual Holiday Showcase
Hurry down the chimney on December 6th and make your way to Sweetwater Branch Inn.
It’s time for the 11th 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 hors d’oeuvres.
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. Winter Outdoor Market (Williston)
Sparkly bows and mistletoe adorn the winter outdoor market in Williston Horseman’s Park.
It may be beginning to cost a lot like Christmas but not at the Williston Winter Outdoor Market.
It’s FREE to walk around amongst all its unique vendors, listen to live music and enjoy a day out amongst 35 vendors.
Why We Love This Christmas Event in Gainesville, Florida
Returning for another year on Saturday, December 16, 2023, the annual outdoor market will be lined with food vendors to fill your bellies like Santa on Christmas Eve.
Bring the family and stop in to see Santa when he makes his jolly ol’appearance.
Location: Williston Horseman’s Park 803 SW 19th Avenue Williston, FL. 32696
5. Craft Festival at Stephen C. O’Connell Center
Get ready to do some fun and unique Christmas shopping in Gainesville!
It is 2 whole days of finding those one-of-a-kind creations this holiday season at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center as December 2nd and 3rd host the Craft Festival.
Why We Love This Christmas Event in Gainesville, Florida
With over 200 vendors this annual event is a festive experience.
This annual Craft Festival will showcase a wide variety of talented artisans and crafters of handmade crafts and artisanal goods and is a wonderful way to support and shop locally.
Plus, children 13 and under are FREE!
Location: 250 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville, FL 32611
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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 12th annual Christmas train awaits your “presents” for the 20-minute holiday voyage on the 100-year-old locomotive. The fun begins November 24th.
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 2nd 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.
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
Pictures with Santa, rock climbing, bungee jumping, and a lighted evening parade, December 9th, 2023 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 2nd 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.
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 2.
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…
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 15, 16, and 17 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 9.
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 2nd.
Why We Love This Christmas Event in Gainesville, Florida
From 5:30 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.
Bring an extra $5 so you can go back in time on a horse-drawn carriage ride. The scene is set with hundreds of luminaries all through the neighborhood.
Location: 302 NE 6th Ave. Gainesville, FL. 32601
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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 on November 13, 2023)
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