THIS WEEK
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.
‘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. 19–21 at the Hippodrome Theatre, located at 25 SE Second Place. For showtimes and tickets, visit thehipp.org.
‘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.
‘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. 19-21 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. Friday. The gallery is located at 1314 S. Main St. For more information, visit gainesvillefinearts.org or email info@gainsevillefinearts.org.
Downtown Holiday Arts Stroll
The Art League of North Florida invites the public to embrace their artistic spirit at the second annual Downtown Holiday Arts Stroll from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 19 at Gateway Art Gallery in Lake City. According to organizers, attendees will be able to meander through the heart of historic downtown and explore the creativity of the community’s artists and artisans within the participating galleries and studios, including the Gateway Art Gallery. Arts-friendly local businesses are also opening their doors for the festivities. Attendees can meet artists and learn more about how they foster art and culture in the community — painting demos, hands-on learning projects and more. The family-friendly event is free to attend; items and food will be available for purchase. For more information, visit artleagueofnorthflorida.com/downtown-arts-stroll.
Winter Fest
The most wonderful time of the year will be celebrated on a Williston farm Dec. 19-24. 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. 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. 19-24 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.
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. 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.
The Currys Christmas Show
Celebrate the season with The Currys as they bring their annual “Christmas with The Currys” tour to Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St., beginning at 7 p.m. Dec. 19. Expect rich harmonies, original holiday songs and beloved classics in a festive night of music for all ages. Tickets are $24.38 when purchased in advance and $30.01 when purchased the day of the show. For more information, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.
Tioga Outdoor Movie Night
Tioga’s popular “movies on the lawn” event is getting into the holiday spirit with an outdoor screening of “Elf.” 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. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and enjoy the free movie under the stars. Local eateries will be open for snacks and meals before, during and after the movie. The event starts at 7 p.m. Dec. 19. Tioga Town Center is located at 133 SW 130th Way in Newberry. For more information, visit tiogatowncenter.com.
‘Sing for the Holidays’
Voices Rising Community Chorus will be joined in concert by guest cellist Timothy Mutschlecner in presenting two performances of “Sing for the Holidays