Gainesville's Festive Season: Lights, Art, and Community

Holiday Cheer and Festive Displays

Alachua Christmas Tree Walk

• Location: Alachua City Hall
• Description: A hallway filled with 20 uniquely decorated Christmas trees, crafted by local families, businesses, or community groups.
• Duration: Until December 30

Kirby Family Farm's Christmas Express

• Activities: Performances, vendors, petting zoo, rides, and a train ride through thousands of Christmas lights.
• Dates: December 26 to 27
• Tickets: Available in advance or at the gate

Art and Culture

French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850–1950

• Location: Harn Museum of Art
• Description: Over 55 works from the Brooklyn Museum's collection, featuring a wide range of styles and movements.
• Admission: Free
• Duration: Until January 4

Melrose Bay Art Gallery Holiday Invitational

• Description: A variety of artworks from local artists.
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays
• Duration: Through December 28

A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center Kwanzaa Celebration

• Description: An evening of storytelling and live drumming to celebrate Kwanzaa.
• Date: December 27 at 7 p.m.

Historical and Community Events

Vintage Holidays Guided Tours at the Historic Haile Homestead

• Description: Tours of a 1856-era home with "talking walls" inscribed with over 12,500 words.
• Admission: $5 per person, free for children 11 and younger
• Dates: December 26 to 28

Community Nights at South Main Station and Heartwood Soundstage

• Description: Free weekly events featuring live music, arts markets, food and drink specials, and other activities.
• Date: Every Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m.

Unique Experiences

Retirement Home for Horses

• Description: Interact with elderly horses, tour the property, and feed treats.
• Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday

Upcoming Events

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Camellia Show

• Description: Prize-winning camellias of all sizes, shapes, and colors.
• Dates: January 3 and 4

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Lecture

• Location: Center for Arts, Migration, and Entrepreneurship
• Speaker: Kathi Earles Ross, MD, Physician, and Artist
• Date: January 22 at 5 p.m.

New Year's Celebration

Depot Park New Year's Eve Fireworks

• Description: Family-friendly fireworks and evening fun.
• Note: Times subject to change; official schedule for 2025 not yet released.