Celebrate the holidays with upcoming events and special discounts
Throughout the months of November and December, the UF community can enjoy a variety of festive events to get into the spirit of the holiday season. Check out the following upcoming events and promotions right in our backyard — and don’t forget about UF’s GatorPerks discount program as you plan your holiday shopping, travel and entertainment.
Not in Gainesville? Click here to find holiday events near you.
Events
Newberry Main Street’s 2024 Fall Festival | Nov. 16 at 9 a.m.
Alachua Main Street Fall Festival in Downtown Alachua | Nov. 17 at 11 a.m.
UF Symphonic Band Presents: A November to Remember | Nov. 20 at 7:20 p.m.
2024 Craft Festival at the O’Connell Center | Nov. 30–Dec. 1
A Christmas Carol at the Hippodrome | Nov. 30–Dec. 23
Voctave: It Feels Like Christmas | Dec. at 7:30 p.m.
UF Environmental Horticulture Club’s Annual Poinsettia Sale | Dec. 5–6
Christkindlmarkt at Blackadder Brewing | Dec. 6 at 4 p.m.
Thornebrook Holiday Market | Dec. 6 at 5 p.m.
Hawthorne 40th Annual Christmas Parade & Festival | Dec. 7 at 9 a.m.
A Very GNV Holiday Parade on University Ave | Dec. 7 at 12 p.m.
Momentum Dance Presents: 4th Annual Winter Recital – Holiday Fantasy | Dec. 7 at 1 p.m.
Pet Costume Contest, Benefiting the Shakespeare Animal Fund | Dec. 7 at 2 p.m.
Light Up Tioga | Dec. 7 at 5 p.m.
Tree Lighting Ceremony in High Springs | Dec. 7 at 5 p.m.
Ocala Christmas Parade | Dec. 14 at 5:30 p.m.
Nutcracker Christmas Parade in High Springs | Dec. 14 at 6 p.m.
Dance Alive National Ballet presents: The Nutcracker | Dec. 19–22
Dance Alive National Ballet presents: Class with Clara | Dec. 21–22
Promotions
Enjoy free admission to the University of Florida School of Music’s 76th Annual Sounds of the Season: Songs of Hope & Joy, coming up Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Featuring over 300 performers, this year’s program features the UF Symphony Orchestra, UF Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, Gainesville Master Chorale and Latin Grammy award-winning band Maharajah Flamenco Trio.
On Dec. 7, present your valid Faculty/Staff GatorOne card at the Florida Museum for free admission to the Butterfly Rainforest exhibit, plus 10% off items in the Museum gift shop, for UF Faculty & Staff Appreciation Day.
All University Press of Florida and UF Press books are currently on sale. Use code HOL24 for discounts through Dec. 16. Orders over $75 will receive free shipping within the US and a free tote bag while supplies last.
Edit: The UF Libraries’ Winter Celebration has been removed from this list. The event is open to the UF library community only.