What’s Good in Gainesville and Alachua County, December 8-14, 2022
Celebrate the season with What’s Good. Danscompany Ballet brings magic to the stage with a delightful performance of Cinderella at the UF Phillips Center. The Matheson History Museum hosts the 2022 Holiday Home Tour featuring seven historic homes in the downtown Gainesville Bed-and-Breakfast district. And, family-friendly fun can be found at the Fun for Gator Kids Touch-a-Truck event where kids of all ages can climb inside a variety of vehicles, talk with the operators and experience hands-on activities.
Joyful parades bring holiday cheer to the cities of Alachua and High Springs and charming, and historic Micanopy invites you to Micanopy’s 2nd Annual Holiday Stroll. Go on a musical journey through the 1920s-1930s Harlem Renaissance at the musical “Ain’t Misbehavin’” at the Star Center Theatre or with the North Central Florida Blues Society Blues Showcase featuring Biscuit Miller.
Plus, find pop up shopping events and gifts galore as you read on for more of What’s Good!
Be safe and be well,
Your partners at Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Be Informed.
The below information was accurate at the time of publishing. Please contact organizers directly to double-check details.
Take a Holiday Stroll and Visit Historic Homes on the 2022 Holiday Home Tour
Saturday, December 10, 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Matheson History Museum
513 E University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Join the Matheson History Museum and enjoy a guided tour of 7 magnificent historic buildings in downtown Gainesville’s Bed and Breakfast district. Walking tours start at the Matheson History Museum (formerly the American Legion Hall) and will stop at the Matheson House and Tison Tool Barn (528 SE 1st Ave.), Chesnut-Miller House (603 E University Ave.), Colson House (607 E University Ave.), Cushman-Colson House (625 E University Ave.) and Medlin/Vipperman House (15 SE 7th St.) and will conclude with a return to the museum.
Kids Go Hands-On with Industrial Vehicles at Fun 4 Gators Kids Touch-a-Truck
Saturday, December 10, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Santa Fe College North Field
3700 NW 91st St., Gainesville, FL 32606
Get up close and climb inside large trucks, farm equipment, first responder vehicles and more. Meet with vehicle operators and learn about specialized equipment and functions. For those who want to enjoy the fun without sirens or PA systems, “Quiet Hour” is 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Admission is free.
Take a Moment to Relax with an Art Break at Museum Nights
Thursday, December 8, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Harn Museum of Art
3259 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32608
Take an Art Break from the holidays as the Harn Museum of Art opens late. Visit the galleries and exhibits, enjoy dance performances by the Harn Choreographers-in-Residence and celebrate the diverse traditions of the season in style. Admission is free.
image: Nam June Paik, “Flower,” 2004, Museum purchase, funds provided by the David A. Cofrin Acquisition Endowment
North Central Florida Blues Society Presents a Blues Showcase Featuring Biscuit Miller
Sunday, December 11, 5 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. | High Dive
210 SW 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Biscuit Miller is a showman with high-energy Chicago blues and the winner of the Blues Music Award for Best Bassist of the Year in 2012 and 2017. Joining Biscuit Miller for the evening are award-winning JP Soars, Bridget Kelly Band, Early Times and Little Mike and the Tornadoes.
Go On a Musical Journey Through the 1920s-1930s Harlem Renaissance at the Musical “Ain’t Misbehavin’”
Friday, December 9 – Sunday, December 18 | Star Center Theatre
11 NE 23rd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609
Experience the Tony Award-winning musical revue featuring the timeless music of Thomas “Fats” Waller. Jump and jive with memorable songs such as “Honeysuckle Rose,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Black and Blue,” “This Joint is Jumpin’,” and “I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling.”
Dress Up for the Ball as Danscompany Presents the Ballet Holiday Tradition of Cinderella
Friday, December 9 – Saturday, December 10 | UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611
The Fairy Godmother transforms the Phillips Center main stage a full-length ballet performance of Cinderella. Behold the splendor of elaborate costumes and dancing with Children under 10 get in free with the donation of a new toy or book.
See Family Dynamics Clash on Stage at the Dramatic Production of “Some Old Black Man”
Friday, December 9 – Sunday, December 18 | Actors’ Warehouse
2512 NE 1st Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32609
When Calvin moves his 82-year-old doggedly independent, blue collar, ailing, father from Greenwald, Mississippi into his Harlem penthouse, an argument over what to eat for breakfast turns into a generational clash over race, opportunity, and a decision that Calvin made years ago.
Holiday Events and Tree Lightings
View more holiday events and celebrate the season at VisitGainesville.com
Winter Choir Concert at St Augustine Church and Catholic Student Center
Friday, December 9, 7 p.m.
Concierto de Navidad por la North Florida SDA Orchestra at Bo Diddley Plaza
Saturday, December 10, 10 a.m.
Main Street Alachua Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 10, 2 p.m.
High Springs Candy Cane Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 10, 3 p.m.
Food, Festivities and a Visit from Santa at Christmas at Butler at Butler Town Center
Saturday, December 10, 4 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
Gainesville’s Santa Crawl 2022 at Celebration Pointe
Saturday, December 10, 6: 30 p.m.
Story Time on the Green: Holiday Edition with Alachua County Library District
Saturday, December 10 – Thursday, December 15
JCNCF Community Chanukah Party at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Sunday, December 11, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Holiday Music, Tree Lighting, Gift Vendors, Visit from Santa and more at Light Up Tioga at Tioga Town Center
Sunday, December 11, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Holiday Pride! at Pride Community Center
Sunday, December 11, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Alachua County Youth Orchestra Winter Concert at UF Philips Center
Sunday, December 11, 7 p.m.
Young Annasemble Holiday Concert at The Historic Thomas Center
Monday, December 12, 7 p.m.
The City of Alachua and Dance Alive National Ballet Present Nutcracker Under the Stars at Legacy Park
Friday, December 16, 7 p.m.
Dance Alive National Ballet Presents The Nutcracker at UF Phillips Center
Saturday, December 17, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday, December 18, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Spark Wonder 2023 at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
Saturday, December 31, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
View more holiday events and celebrate the season at VisitGainesville.com
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Pop-Up Markets and Retail Shopping
2022 UF Poinsettia Sale at UF Horticultural Greenhouse
Thursday, December 8 – Friday, December 9, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Holiday Market and Open House Shoppes At Thornebrook
Friday, December 9, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Queer Flea at Civic Media Center
Friday, December 9, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
All-day Holiday Gathering with Shopping, Cafes, Plant Sale, Plein Air Artists, Museum Tours and More. at the 2nd Annual Micanopy Holiday Stroll
Saturday, December 10, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Holiday Art Market at Artisans’ Guild Gallery
Sunday, December 11, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
Now through December 24
Shop local boutiques and national brands at Butler Enterprises, Celebration Pointe, The Oaks Mall and Shoppes at Thornebrook.
Arts & Theatre
Ring in the Holidays with Stage Performances at the Hippodrome Theatre
A Christmas Carol
Now through Friday, December 23
Bah Humbug to dashing through the snow and sleigh rides in Florida. Staying true to the weighty themes of the original novel while delivering a gripping story, cheerful holiday music, and genuine laughs for the whole family, A Christmas Carol at the Hippodrome Theatre is one of Gainesville’s favorite holiday traditions.
Murder for Two Holiday Edition
Now through Friday, December 23
One of Hippodrome Theatre’s most popular productions returns with a festive twist. One actor plays the investigator, the other plays all 13 suspects, and both play the piano throughout. This ‘whodunit’ is the perfect blend of music, mayhem, murder and mistletoe.
Be Transported to the Storybook Setting of DreamWorks’ Shrek The Musical at Gainesville Community Playhouse
Now through Sunday, December 18
“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….” The Gainesville Community Playhouse presents story of Shrek, a hulking green ogre content in his solitary life. When he comes to the rescue of a set of storybook characters, he ultimately finds true love. Shrek The Musical brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears.
See Holiday Movie Moments Come to Life at the Stage Adaptation of “A Christmas Story” at High Springs Playhouse
Now through Sunday, December 18
Humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Moments from the movie take center stage including the boys’ experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost and Ralphie’s father winning a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg.
Events & Festivals
December Bike Night at Dave and Buster’s
Friday, December 9, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Suwannee Valley Kennel Club at Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center
Friday, December 9 – Sunday, December 11
Student Art Exhibition and Youth Showcase at A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center
Saturday, December 10, 4:30 p.m.
Gainesville Cars & Coffee at Butler Town Center
Sunday, December 11, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Music & Performance
Little Mike and the Tornadoes at One Love Café
Thursday, December 8, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Taylor Swift Midnights DJ Dance Party at High Dive
Thursday, December 8, 9 p.m.
High Energy Bluegrass with Boilin’ Oil at Lightnin’ Salvage
Friday, December 9, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Classic Rock with Wild Blue Yonder at One Love Café
Friday, December 9, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Americana with the Front Porch Backsteppers at Bingo Deli and Pub
Friday, December 9, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Rock and Country with Faster Than Flash at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Friday, December 9, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Classic Rock and Pop with The Real Deelz at Mother’s Pub and Grill North
Friday, December 9, 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Shake! In The Garden Dance Party at Superette Wine and Provisions
Saturday, December 10, 7 p.m.
Classic Rock with Late Night Delivery at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
Saturday, December 10, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Natalie Rella at Jazz with Natalie Rella at Jazz on the Green at Celebration Pointe
Saturday, December 10, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Country with Alexandra Kay with Julia Cole at High Dive
Saturday, December 10, 8 p.m.
Lindy Hop and Jazz Dancing at Swingin’ in the Streets at The Bull
Sunday, December 11, 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Classic Covers and World Music with Gosia and Ali at One Love Cafe
Sunday, December 11, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Alachua County Youth Orchestra Winter Concert at UF Philips Center
Sunday, December 11, 7 p.m.
Jazz Night at The Keys Grill and Piano Bar
Wednesday, December 14, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jazz Wednesdays with The Oak Trio at Covey Kitchen and Cocktails
Wednesday, December 14, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Craft Breweries
Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail Digital Pass
While you are visiting with family and friends, explore Alachua County’s unique craft breweries and sign up for free to the Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail digital pass. Visit breweries, earn rewards and redeem your pass for “Billy the Bison and the Brew Birds” merchandise while supplies last.
Cheers to you and to Sippin’ All Seven!
Country Pop with Hannah Love at Daft Cow Brewery
Friday, December 9, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Christmas Cookie Contest at Blackadder Brewing Company
Saturday, December 10, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Lights and Holiday-Themed Beers at Wonderland at the Wetlands at Swamp Head Brewery
Now through December 31
Holiday Movies and Beer Releases at First Magnitude Brewing Company
Now through December 31
U-Picks & Farmers Markets
Grove Street Farmers Market with Live Music
Mondays, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Archer Farmers Market at Archer Historical Society Railroad Museum
Tuesdays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
GNV Holiday Market at South Main Station featuring Live Music
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
High Springs Farmers Market
Fridays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Alachua County Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Newberry Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Haile Village Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Waldo Farmers Market
Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Bites and Brunch
Now Open: Germain’s Chicken Sandwiches
Local food truck favorites celebrate the opening of their restaurant doors. Mouthwatering chicken sandwiches are featured on a freshly expanded menu. Round out your meal with new dessert offerings from Off 8th Ice Cream. Find Germain’s at 220 NW 8th Ave.in Gainesville.
Flight to Europe Macaron and Wine Pairing at Le Macaron
Saturday, December 10, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Battle Cheesecake Dessert Contest at Loosey’s
Sunday, December 11, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Sample Wines from Around the World at Wine Wednesday at Whole Foods
Wednesday, December 14, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Sports
Motorcycle Drag Racing at Horsepower Hustle at Gainesville Raceway
Friday, December 9 – Saturday, December 10, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
11th Annual Heartbreaker Cycling Invitational with North Florida Freeride Gravel Series at One Love Café
Saturday, December 10, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
2022 Year-End Christmas Race at Newberry RC Park
Sunday, December 11, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Parks & Trails
Free Timed 5K with parkrun at Depot Park
Saturday, December 10, 7:30 a.m.
Trees and Treats: Plant a Pine & Decorate a Holiday Cookie with ACT at Prairie Creek Preserve
Saturday, December 10, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Rim Ramble Ranger Led Hike at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Saturday, December 10, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Celebrate Festive Activities from the 1800s at Holidays at the Prairie
Saturday, December 10, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
ACT Holiday Mingle at Prairie Creek Lodge
Sunday, December 11, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday Bird Walks at the Wetlands at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Wednesday, December 147, 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
River & Springs
Paddle 8 Springs in 8 Miles or Slowly Float Down the Santa Fe River at Poe Springs Park with Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures
Friday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Float or Splash Into Freshwater Springs
North Florida is home to the largest collection of first-magnitude springs in the United States.
Museums & Galleries
In Praise of Fine Art & Documentary Photographers Gallery Talk Speaker: Carol McCusker
Sunday, December 11, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Now on View at the Harn Museum of Art, AWE-some: time :: materiality :: meaning
Museum Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.AWE-some celebrates new photographs recently bought for, or donated to, the Harn’s permanent collection. Its theme: recognition of several brilliant, dedicated photographers, their time, their actual prints (not on a screen) and why they made them.
Annual Faculty Exhibit Opening at Santa Fe College Gallery
Open daily 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
View Memories of Legendary Bands at a Legendary Music Venue at the Matheson History Museum’s Newest Exhibit “Return to Forever: Gainesville’s Great Southern Music Hall”
Museum Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
The Matheson History Museum looks back at the state-of-the-art concert venue in Gainesville between 1974 and 1978. The Great Southern Music Hall hosted performers including Jimmy Buffett, Ray Charles, Muddy Waters, Bob Seger and Steve Martin to name a few. The exhibit features a collection of live performance photos from the house photographer John Moran, Bo Diddley’s signature square guitar and other artifacts. Admission is free.
Into the Woods and Out of the Woods Exhibits at The Historic Thomas Center
Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Pictured above, “Log (2)” by Benjamin Ingle
Explore the Solar System with the Cade Museum’s Scavenger Hunt
Now through January 2023
Engage with the Gainesville-wide “Wandering the Milky Way Planetary Partnership Scavenger Hunt” and visualize the scale of the galaxy. Get a map at the Cade Museum and make stops at locations throughout Gainesville including The Historic Thomas Center, Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and more. The scavenger hunt is an extension of the museum’s current theme, “Wandering the Milky Way.”
Speechless, Text and Image in Global Culture at the Harn Museum of Art
Now through December 30, 2022
Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Discover a Unique African American Culture at Gullah Geechee – African Connections and Cultural Traditions in America at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center
Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Explore the Cosmos at the Cade Museum’s New Exhibit: Voyages – A Trip Through Space and Time
Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This featured exhibit is part of the museum-wide theme “Wandering the Milky Way – A Tour of the Solar System.” Discover how spacecraft from the 1970s still teach us about the galaxy and learn how scientists are designing a mission that spans generations.
Dig Into the Past at the Florida Museum’s Science Up Close: Fantastic Fossils
Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Take a unique look behind the scenes, interact with scientists while they work and explore some of the museum’s coolest specimens. Get face-to-face with giant dinosaur skeletons, beautiful botanical fossils and ancient microscopic life. Plan your visit online. Photo by Florida Museum/Jeff Gage
Save The Date
La Balooza Hot Air Balloon Festival, December 16-17
Stargazing in the Prairie, December 17
Dance Alive National Ballet Presents The Nutcracker, December 17-18
For a complete list of events please visit www.visitgainesville.com/events/
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This publication contains information about events, venues and activities in Alachua County, Florida. Reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the information is accurate. We are not responsible for errors or omissions in the information provided. For complete details, contact the host directly. The information is not advice, and should not be treated as such. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing paragraph, we do not represent, warrant, undertake or guarantee that the information is correct, accurate, complete or non-misleading. We will not be liable to you in respect of any special, indirect or consequential loss or damage. If a section of this disclaimer is determined by any court or other competent authority to be unlawful and/or unenforceable, the other sections of this disclaimer continue in effect.
