The holidays are an exciting time of year; luckily for Greater Gainesville residents and visitors, festivities and activities abound this time of year.
Florida might not have snow for the holidays, but it offers a magical ambiance as Christmas lights sparkle and reflect off its beautiful waters. Grab family members and friends and explore all of the wonderful outdoor activities GG offers this holiday season.
Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens: Christmas in the Quarry
Celebrate the holiday season at Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens this year. With over 20 acres of botanical gardens filled with twinkling lighted pathways, a cookie and cocoa station, a kid’s craft station, and, of course, Santa Claus. Gather loved ones for some holiday fun during the annual walk-through light show.
Tree Lighting Shows
Tree lighting ceremonies shimmer and shine throughout Gainesville at many outdoor locations: including the
- High Springs Annual Tree Lighting. Festivities start at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022 with a Christmas wonderland, crafts, hot chocolate and cookies.
- Light Up Tioga. This annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival is held on Sunday, Nov. 27, from 4 – 8 p.m. The whole family will have fun, live entertainment, and a magical production from Keith Watson Events.
- Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center Festival of Lights will begin on Friday, Dec. 9 and end Friday, Dec. 24. This festive event offers complimentary popcorn, hot cocoa, marshmallows by the bonfire, Santa, food and craft vendors, kids’ crafts and more.
- Holiday Lights in the Thomas Center Gardens will transform into a wonderland of shimmering lights on Saturday, Dec. 4 from 6 – 8 p.m. Enjoy cider and cookies with live entertainment. Inside the Thomas Center, view the decorated tree soaring above the Spanish Court. Horse-drawn carriages are $5; tour the surrounding Duckpond Neighborhood lit by hundreds of luminaries.
Kirby Family Farm’s Christmas Train
Ride the Christmas Train at Kirby Family Farm and enjoy beautiful lights on a 20-minute journey throughout the property while supporting a wonderful cause. In its 11th year, this has become a Christmas tradition for many families in the Greater Gainesville area. Contributions support the development and outreach programs for at-risk, foster, medically needy and special needs children. For a train schedule and more information, visit https://www.kirbyfarm.com/the-christmas-express.
Holiday Parades
Newberry is transforming into a gingerbread village this year, complete with a parade on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 5:30 pm. The Greater Gainesville area offers several holiday parades this year, including the High Springs Candy Cane Parade on Saturday, Dec. 10, and the Alachua County Christmas Parade (date TBD).
Art Walks
Walk around downtown High Springs and browse offerings from local artists and makers and specials from downtown businesses while enjoying holiday decorations.
Volunteer
Helping those in need is at the heart of the holidays. Consider volunteering with an organization such as Operation Christmas Child or Bread of the Mighty food bank and give back this season.
Be Merry
Celebrating the holiday season outdoors is easy to do in Greater Gainesville. With beautiful scenery all around and communities prioritizing the importance of gathering together and lifting spirits, there is certainly no shortage of festivities.
By Meredith Biesinger.