THIS WEEK
‘The Nutcracker’
Thousands of people across the United States will be transported to the Kingdom of Sweets with Dance Alive National Ballet’s annual adaptation of “The Nutcracker.” Presented by PNC Foundation, Dance Alive’s “The Nutcracker” will be performed 19 times this holiday season. The company will return Dec. 12 for performances at The Sharon in the Villages. DANB will then present four public performances and two school performances at the Reilly Arts Center in Ocala between Dec. 13 and Dec. 16 before returning to Gainesville for four public performances and two school shows between Dec. 18 and Dec. 21. The Dec. 13 performance in Ocala will be with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, while all of the public performances in Gainesville also will be with the orchestra. Special events include “Magic of Nutcracker” at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 17 for special needs children, and two “Class With Clara” opportunities at 4 p.m. Dec. 20-21. Composed by P.I. Tchaikovsky and choreographed by Artistic Director Kim Tuttle, Dance Alive’s adaptation showcases local dance students from Gainesville and surrounding areas. The ballet follows the story of Clara, a girl who saves the Nutcracker prince. To thank her, he brings her on a magical journey to the Kingdom of Sweets, where the exquisite Sugar Plum Fairy puts on a regal show for her. Also, children of all dance abilities are to join Clara for “Class with Clara,” an onstage ballet class. Tickets for that event are only needed for class participants, and can be purchased at dancealive.org/2018/07/10/lil-wonder-bistro. Spectators may attend for free. Purchase tickets for “The Nutcracker” in Gainesville in person at the Phillips Center box office, by phone at 392-2787 or 800-905-2787, or visit dancealive.org/2025/06/29/the-nutcracker-4. Purchase tickets for “The Nutcracker” in Ocala in person at the Reilly Arts Center box office, by phone at 351-1606, or online at tinyurl.com/tn25ocala. Purchase tickets for “The Nutcracker” at The Sharon in The Villages at smartseat.thevillages.com/?itemnumber=33720#.
Alachua Christmas Tree Walk
Stroll through a festive indoor forest at the annual Alachua Christmas Tree Walk, where 20 uniquely decorated 6-foot Christmas trees transform the Alachua City Hall corridor into a bright and cheerful holiday display. Each tree is decorated by a local family, business or community group, giving visitors a charming showcase of creativity, personality and seasonal spirit. The walk is open to the public throughout the holiday season and offers a delightful stop for anyone exploring hometown holiday sights. Enjoy the lights, snap a few photos and experience a little extra magic in Alachua this December. On display through Dec. 30. Alachua City Hall is located at 15100 NW 142nd Terrace. For more information, visit cityofalachua.com.
‘French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850 – 1950’
The Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida is presenting a major exhibition, “French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850–1950.” The blockbuster exhibition, chosen for display during the Harn’s 35th anniversary, showcases more than 55 paintings, drawings and sculptures from the Brooklyn Museum’s esteemed collection of European art. Ranging widely in scale, subject matter and style, and encompassing the key avant-garde movements that emerged in and around Paris from 1850 to 1950, the works on view were produced by some of the era’s leading artists. The exhibition is on view through Jan. 4, 2026. The works of art in French Moderns span the era between the Revolution of 1848 and the conclusion of World War II — a period marked by significant social, intellectual and political upheaval in France. This era saw the emergence of avant-garde artistic movements, including Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Symbolism, Fauvism, Cubism and Surrealism, that left a lasting impact on the Western artistic tradition. These key movements are represented in the exhibition through examples by the era’s leading artists, including Pierre Bonnard, Gustave Caillebotte, Paul Cézanne, Marc Chagall, Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Gustave Courbet, Edgar Degas, Édouard Manet, Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, Berthe Morisot, Gabriele Münter, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Auguste Rodin and others. The exhibition is organized into four sections: Landscape, Still Life, Portraits and Figures, and The Nude. Beginning with the landscapes of Corot and the birth of plein-air (outdoor) painting, the exhibition surveys the innovative styles and techniques developed by artists from the Realism of Courbet to the light and atmosphere of Monet and the Impressionists, to the Surrealism of Yves Tanguy. “French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850–1950” is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue including thematic essays and interpretive object entries by the exhibition’s co-curators. For more information, visit harn.ufl.edu/frenchmoderns. Admission is free. The Harn Museum is located at Southwest 34th Street and Hull Road.
Light Up Newberry
The city of Newberry is illuminating its holiday spirit Dec. 12-16 with the Light Up Newberry competition, where neighborhoods sparkle with festive light displays and residents can vote for their favorites using the Christmas Prism app. Held throughout the town, the event encourages families and friends to stroll through decorated streets, enjoy community cheer, and find their favorite lighting setups. For full event details, visit cityofnewberry.com.
‘Old Time Christmas Radio Shows’
The High Springs Playhouse presents “Old Time Christmas Radio Shows,” a nostalgic double feature directed by Andy Hunn, that brings classic 1940s radio storytelling to life onstage. “World War II Radio Christmas” recreates a live Christmas Eve broadcast filled with period songs, veteran-inspired stories and wartime holiday spirit. The second show, “Christmas Thieves: A Small Town Radio Play,” follows a frantic small-town radio host scrambling to save his Christmas Eve telethon when his cast suddenly falls ill — a heartwarming comedy where holiday miracles just might happen. Performances run Dec. 12-21 at the High Springs Playhouse, located at 130 NE First Ave. in High Springs. For showtimes and tickets, visit onthestage.tickets/high-springs-playhouse.
Decades On Main Christmas Displays and Windows
Wander into the festive spirit at Decades on Main, located at 18559 W. Main St. in High Springs, where holiday cheer comes alive in decorated storefront windows. Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, this seasonal display invites families and visitors to enjoy a whimsical showcase of holiday decorations from local vendors and artisans. On display through Dec. 25. For more details, visit decadesonmain.com.
‘Winter Showcase 2025′
The Gainesville Fine Arts Association Gallery will have its “Winter Showcase 2025” exhibit on display through Dec. 19. Gallery hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. The gallery is located at 1314 S. Main St. For more information, visit gainesvillefinearts.org or email info@gainsevillefinearts.org.
Winter Fest
The most wonderful time of the year will be celebrated on a Williston farm Dec. 12-24. See Santa, behold your sights on amazing one-of-a-kind Christmas crafts and art, step into Christmas photo ops, and enjoy a sip of hot chocolate while listening to seasonal music at Amber Brooke Farms’ Winter Fest. Event hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays, noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $15.95 online and $17.95 at the gate for Fridays, and $17.95 online and $19.95 at the gate for Saturdays and Sundays. Amber Brooke Farms is located at 3250 NE 140th Ave. in Williston. For more information, visit amberbrookefarms.com/winter-fest.
The Polar Express
All aboard for a magical holiday event at Saint Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in High Springs. Join the third annual village celebration where attendees follow a “Polar Express” theme, meet Santa Claus, and enjoy crafts and festive entertainment. The event takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 12, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 13, 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 19, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 20 at 18615 NW 238th St. in High Springs. Admission is free. For more details, visit tinyurl.com/gps25aa
Festival of Lights
Take part in the annual family holiday event Festival of Lights — featuring complimentary popcorn, hot cocoa, marshmallows by the bonfire, Santa, food and craft vendors, kids’ crafts and more — from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 12-24 at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, 11016 Lillian Saunders Drive in White Springs. Tickets are $4; free for ages 2 and younger. For more information, visit stephenfostercso.org.
Gilchrist County Old Fashioned Christmas Festival
Step into small-town holiday charm at the annual Gilchrist County Old Fashioned Christmas Festival, set for 6 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at Trenton Train Depot Park, located at 111 NW Fourth Ave. in Trenton. Attendees can enjoy complimentary treats from local businesses, kids’ activities, a bike raffle, festive music, and family-friendly holiday fun as the community celebrates together under twinkling lights. Admission is free. For more details, visit tinyurl.com/ofcoms25.
Kirby Family Farm’s Christmas Train
Kirby Family Farm will open its gates for its annual Christmas Express, which will run 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 12-14, Dec. 19-23 and Dec. 26-27. The Christmas train is a holiday event featuring numerous activities to enjoy. Organizers recommend at least two hours for the entire experience, which features performances, vendors, a petting zoo, rides and a visit with Santa Claus. The highlight of the evening is a featured train ride through thousands of Christmas lights pulled by one of the farm’s old-fashioned locomotives. Tickets are $19.99 for general admission in advance, $25 for general admission at the gate; $12.99 for ages 3-9 in advance, $15 for ages 3-9 at the gate; and free for children 2 and younger. Tickets can be purchased in advance at kirbyfarm.com/the-christmas-express. Kirby Family Farm is located at 19630 NE 30th St. in Williston.
‘Cinderella’
The Danscompany of Gainesville brings the enchanting ballet “Cinderella” to life this holiday season at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. See the annual magical tale of hope, transformation and dancing pumpkins as the stage is filled with holiday charm and movement for all ages. Performances will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 12, and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13. Tickets are $15. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
‘James and the Giant Peach’
When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that results in a tremendous peach and launches a journey of enormous proportions. Suddenly, James finds himself in the center of the gigantic peach, among human-sized insects with equally oversized personalities, but after it falls from the tree and rolls into the ocean, the group faces hunger, sharks and plenty of disagreements. Thanks to James’s quick wit and creative thinking, the residents learn to live and work together as a family. The dangerous voyage is a success, but the adventure takes a whole new twist once they land on the Empire State Building. See a performance of “James and the Giant Peach” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12-13, plus 2 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students, and $15 for ages 12 and younger. For more information, visit gcplayhouse.org.
‘A Christmas Carol’
The Hippodrome Theatre’s beloved production of “A Christmas Carol” returns for its annual holiday run, bringing Dickens’ classic tale to life with festive staging, rich storytelling and Gainesville tradition. Performances take place Dec. 12–21 at the Hippodrome Theatre, located at 25 SE Second Place. For showtimes and tickets, visit thehipp.org.
‘The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon’
Get ready for a festive film extravaganza! Join Acrosstown Repertory Theatre at 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O, for “The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon,” running 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Dec. 12-21. This hilarious parody mash-up of six over-the-top holiday rom-coms offers cozy sweaters, mistletoe mishaps and plenty of Christmas cheer. Tickets are available at acrosstown.org.
Vintage Holidays Guided Tours
Visit the decorated 1856-era Historic Haile Homestead for its “Vintage Holidays” season — a unique, guided tour experience that showcases the home’s famed “talking walls” (with more than 12,500 words inscribed by the family and friends dating back to 1859) while offering a festive holiday atmosphere — Dec. 12-28. Tours run 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays, with the last tour beginning 45 minutes before closing. Admission is $5 per person; children 11 and younger are admitted free. The Homestead is located at 8500 SW Archer Road. For more information, visit hailehomestead.org.
2025 Holiday Invitational
The Melrose Bay Art Gallery is hosting its annual holiday invitational through Dec. 28. The gallery’s hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. It is located at 103 State Road 26 in Melrose. For more information, visit melrosebayartgallery.com.
Alachua Christmas Parade
The city of Alachua will host its annual parade — this year with the theme “Charlie Brown” — beginning at 11 a.m. Dec. 13 along Main Street. According to the event website, “The Parade features dozens of parade floats, entertainers, local school organizations and more.” For more information, visit alachuachamber.com/christmas-on-main.
Christmas at Butler
Join the annual festive evening at Butler Town Center for Christmas at Butler, where the holiday spirit comes alive with live performances and family-friendly fun. From 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 13 at the parking lot behind P.F. Chang’s at 3597 SW 32nd Court, attendees can enjoy treats from local restaurants, balloon twisting and face painting. Admission is free. For full event details, visit shopatbutler.com.
Christmas in the Quarry
Take a walk through a light show designed to dazzle. During the annual Christmas in the Quarry event, families can stroll through a 20-acre botanical garden illuminated with billions of lights while enjoying treats from a cookie and cocoa station, and participate in some of the family-friendly holiday crafts for kids to take home. Santa will also visit. The event is set for 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 13-14, Dec. 18 and Dec. 20-23 at Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens, 4990 NE 180th Ave. in Williston. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for ages 6-13 as well as military members and first responders, and free for members. Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is located at 4990 NE 180th Ave. in Williston. For more information, visit cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com.
Jazz on the Green
Join Celebration Pointe for live music, food and drinks, lawn games and more as Nino Castaneda plays live music on the stage in the promenade from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 13. Spread a blanket under the setting sun and catch some live music while the kids play games on the lawn. Celebration Pointe is located off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road at Celebration Pointe Avenue. For more information, visit celebrationpointe.com.
Movie Night at Bo Diddley Plaza
Bring a blanket and enjoy a free outdoor screening of “Elf” at Bo Diddley Plaza, located at 111 E. University Ave. The film follows Buddy (Will Ferrell), who was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a baby and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York in search of his real father. The fun begins at 8 p.m. Dec. 13, and the event is open to the public at no charge. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/mnabdpfe.
Christmas Cookie Contest
Sweeten your holiday weekend at Blackadder Brewing Company’s annual Christmas Cookie Contest. Bring your best cookie batch or vote on local bakeries’ creations while sampling seasonal brews from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 14. Blackadder Brewing Company is located at 618 NW 60th St., Suite A. For full contest rules and details, visit tinyurl.com/babcccc25.
Sunday With Santa
Bring the family out for an afternoon with Santa at Blackadder Brewing Company, 618 NW 60th St., Suite A. From 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 14, attendees can take photos with Santa, and enjoy holiday treats and a festive community atmosphere. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/sundaywithsanta2025
Holiday Mingle
Get in the holiday spirit during the Holiday Mingle, an outdoor celebration of this year’s conservation victories featuring light food, drinks and more. Picnic blankets and chairs from home are recommended for the musical performance. The free event is scheduled for 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 14 at Prairie Creek Lodge, located at 7204 SE CR 234. Donations are welcome in support of Alachua Conservation Trust’s conservation efforts. For more information, visit alachuaconservationtrust.org.
‘Dancing Through the Snow’
Celebrate the holiday season with an enchanting handbell performance by Hoggtowne Bronze at the inaugural Christmas at the Matheson concert, titled “Dancing Through the Snow.” The free event begins at 4 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave. For more information, visit mathesonmuseum.org.
Festival of Advent Lessons and Music
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church invites the public for the Festival of Advent Lessons and Music, which will feature the “Magnificat (BWV 243)” of J. S. Bach, alongside traditional Advent readings, presented by chorus, soloists and orchestra. This service, a hybrid of Anglican Lessons and Lutheran Marian festivals, is presented for the first time at Holy Trinity at 4 p.m. Dec. 14. A reception will follow the service in the Parish Hall. The church is located at 100 NE First St. For more information, visit holytrinitygnv.org.
Hoggtowne Bronze
Hoggtowne Bronze is set to present their inaugural “Christmas at the Matheson” concert, titled