Key Takeaways:
- The Alachua Christmas Tree Walk is a festive event featuring 20 uniquely decorated Christmas trees at the Alachua City Hall corridor.
- The Harn Museum of Art is presenting a major exhibition, "French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850–1950," showcasing over 55 paintings, drawings, and sculptures from the Brooklyn Museum’s collection.
- The Hippodrome Theatre’s production of "A Christmas Carol" returns for its annual holiday run, bringing Dickens’ classic tale to life with festive staging and rich storytelling.
- The Gainesville area is hosting various holiday events, including the Downtown Holiday Arts Stroll, Winter Fest, and the Festival of Lights.
- The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens’ annual Camellia Show will feature prize-winning camellias of all sizes, shapes, and colors on January 3-4, 2026.
Introduction to Holiday Events
The holiday season is in full swing, and the Gainesville area is offering a wide range of events and activities to get everyone in the festive spirit. From the Alachua Christmas Tree Walk to the Harn Museum of Art’s "French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850–1950" exhibition, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The Hippodrome Theatre’s production of "A Christmas Carol" is a must-see, and the Downtown Holiday Arts Stroll, Winter Fest, and Festival of Lights are just a few of the many events that promise to bring joy and cheer to the community.
Holiday Exhibitions and Events
The Harn Museum of Art’s "French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850–1950" exhibition is a major highlight of the holiday season, showcasing over 55 paintings, drawings, and sculptures from the Brooklyn Museum’s collection. The exhibition is organized into four sections: Landscape, Still Life, Portraits and Figures, and The Nude, and features works by some of the era’s leading artists, including Pierre Bonnard, Gustave Caillebotte, and Claude Monet. Meanwhile, the Alachua Christmas Tree Walk is a delightful event that transforms the Alachua City Hall corridor into a bright and cheerful holiday display, with 20 uniquely decorated Christmas trees on show.
Theater and Performance Events
The Hippodrome Theatre’s production of "A Christmas Carol" is a beloved annual tradition, bringing Dickens’ classic tale to life with festive staging and rich storytelling. The High Springs Playhouse is presenting "Old Time Christmas Radio Shows," a nostalgic double feature that recreates classic 1940s radio storytelling on stage. The Voices Rising Community Chorus will be joined by guest cellist Timothy Mutschlecner in presenting two performances of "Sing for the Holidays," featuring music for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Winter Solstice. The Acrosstown Repertory Theatre is also hosting "The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon," a hilarious parody mash-up of six over-the-top holiday rom-coms.
Family-Friendly Events
The Gainesville area is hosting a range of family-friendly events, including the Downtown Holiday Arts Stroll, Winter Fest, and the Festival of Lights. The Winter Wonderland Craft and Vendor Market is a magical winter event filled with local vendors, holiday treats, and endless gift ideas, while the Class With Clara event at the Phillips Center offers a special "Nutcracker" tutorial for all ages. The Tioga Outdoor Movie Night is screening "Elf" under the stars, and the Newberry Christmas Parade is a fun event for all the family, with floats, festive music, and seasonal holiday cheer.
Upcoming Events
Looking ahead to the new year, the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens’ annual Camellia Show will feature prize-winning camellias of all sizes, shapes, and colors on January 3-4, 2026. The Old Florida Celebration of the Arts will be held on April 11-12, 2026, in Cedar Key, featuring 100 artists and about 15,000 visitors. The event benefits the Cedar Key Arts Center and local nonprofit and school groups. The A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center will host "A History of Kwanzaa: Storytelling and Drumming" on December 27, and the Sparks in the Park event will ring in the new year with family-friendly fireworks and evening fun on December 31.
