December Newsletter: Celebrate the Holidays in Gainesville
December Newsletter: Celebrate the Holidays in Gainesville – “Make a Weekend of It”
Gainesville, Florida, comes alive during the holidays with a flurry of festive events, dazzling displays, and joyful gatherings. Whether you’re staying at StayGainesville Vacation Rentals, The Laurel Oak Inn, or The Camellia Rose Inn, you’re perfectly situated to enjoy the best of the season.
From enchanting performances and holiday parades to serene garden walks and brilliant light shows, Gainesville offers something magical for every visitor. Here’s a complete guide to crafting a holiday weekend filled with cheer, tradition, and unforgettable moments.
Weekend of December 13–15: A Festive Start
Friday, December 13
- A Musical Evening: Kick off your holiday weekend with the Annasemble Community Orchestra Holiday Concert, hosted at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Gainesville. This 7 p.m. concert showcases holiday tunes from around the world, followed by light refreshments.
Saturday, December 14
- Step Back in Time: Visit the Historic Haile Homestead for Vintage Holidays Guided Tours, where you can explore this beautifully decorated historical home and learn about old-fashioned holiday traditions.
- Parade Fun: Celebrate small-town holiday charm at the Christmas Parade on Main Street in Alachua at 11 a.m. This annual favorite features floats, marching bands, and a festive atmosphere.
- An Enchanting Evening: In the evening, head to High Springs for the magical Nutcracker Christmas Parade. Starting at 6 p.m., this parade creatively brings to life the beloved Nutcracker story with floats and performers.
Sunday, December 15
- A Walk Through Lights: End the weekend with a visit to the Winter Wonderland at the North Central Florida YMCA. Open from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., this event offers stunning light displays, festive music, and fun activities for the whole family.
Weekend of December 20–22: Tradition and Joy
Friday, December 20
- Ballet Delight: Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with The Nutcracker, performed by Dance Alive National Ballet at the UF Phillips Center. This stunning show begins at 7:30 p.m. and captures the timeless magic of the season.
Saturday, December 21
- Shop Local: Visit A Very Merry Gainesville, a nostalgic holiday event at Dragonfly Graphics from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find one-of-a-kind gifts and support local artisans and vendors.
- Twinkling Gardens: Spend your evening strolling through the stunningly lit Christmas in the Quarry at Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens in Williston. From 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy the beauty of nature adorned with holiday lights.
Sunday, December 22
- Matinee Performance: Return to the UF Phillips Center for a 2 p.m. matinee of Dance Alive National Ballet’s The Nutcracker. It’s a wonderful way to close out a weekend filled with holiday magic.
Weekend of December 27–29: Cultural Celebrations
Friday, December 27
- A Cultural Exploration: Discover the significance of Kwanzaa at A History of Kwanzaa, hosted at the A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center at 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 28
- Morning Market: Start your day by exploring Gainesville’s vibrant farmers’ markets, filled with fresh produce, handcrafted items, and locally made holiday treats.
Sunday, December 29
- Seasonal Songs: End the weekend on a high note with “Choral Songs to Enlighten Hanukkah” by the ShabbaTones Chorus at Congregation B’nai Israel. The performance runs from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., celebrating the season with uplifting music.
New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day
Tuesday, December 31
- Ring in the New Year: Celebrate at the lively Downtown Countdown at Bo Diddley Plaza. From 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., enjoy live music, delicious food vendors, and an electrifying atmosphere to welcome 2024.
Wednesday, January 1
- A Peaceful Start: Begin the new year with a relaxing stroll through Depot Park. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and set positive intentions for the year ahead.
Holiday Must-See Highlights
- A Christmas Carol at The Hippodrome: Relive this timeless holiday classic with Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformative journey, running through December 23.
- Winter Wonderland at North Central Florida YMCA: Open on select evenings through December 29, this event boasts a spectacular light show, festive music, and family-friendly fun.
- Christmas in the Quarry: Experience a dazzling holiday display in the serene surroundings of Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens, open on select dates throughout December.
Plan Your Holiday Stay in Gainesville
Whether you’re drawn to the vintage charm of The Camellia Rose Inn, the elegant warmth of The Laurel Oak Inn, or the modern comforts of StayGainesville Vacation Rentals, you’ll find the perfect home base for your holiday adventures.
Gainesville’s rich blend of history, culture, and festive activities makes it a magical destination for the season. Whether you’re exploring the city’s events or unwinding in its natural beauty, this is the ideal place to create holiday memories that last a lifetime.
For even more details, check out these resources:
Make Gainesville your holiday destination this season and let the festive spirit inspire your next adventure!
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