Celebrate the holidays with upcoming events and special discounts
Throughout the upcoming season, the UF community can enjoy a variety of festivities to get into the holiday spirit. 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
Fall Festival of Plants | FREE | Nov. 20 at 3:30 p.m.
Sound of the Season: Traditions | FREE | Nov. 20–21
Grateful Gainesville Fall Boogie at Heartwood | Nov. 22 at 2:30 p.m.
Dance Alive National Ballet presents: The Nutcracker | FREE | Nov. 22 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Blackadder Brewing: A Season of Savor | Nov. 24 at 6:30 p.m.
Cultivating Gratitude: A Calm Health Workshop | FREE | Nov. 25 at 1 p.m.
The Gainesville Garden Club’s 2nd annual Holiday Market | Nov. 29 at 9 a.m.
UF Choirs Holiday Concert | FREE | Dec. 3 at 7:20 p.m.
UF Environmental Horticulture Club’s Annual Poinsettia Sale | Dec. 4–5
Thornebrook Holiday Market | Dec. 5 at 5 p.m.
Christkindlmarkt | Dec. 5–6
The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon | Dec. 5–21
Season of Hope Run | Dec. 6 at 8 a.m.
Santa Paws 5k-9 & 10k-9 | Dec. 6 at 8 a.m.
A Very GNV Holiday Parade | FREE | Dec. 6 at 12 p.m.
Shakespeare Animal Fund’s Holiday Pet Pageant | FREE | Dec. 6 at 4 p.m.
High Springs: Christmas Tree Lighting | FREE | Dec. 6 at 5 p.m.
Light Up Tioga | FREE | Dec. 6 at 5 p.m.
Holiday at Santa Fe | Dec. 6 at 2 p.m.
A Christmas Carol at the Hippodrome | Dec. 6–21
UF Pipe Organ Centennial: Laura Ellis — Holiday Faculty Recital | FREE | Dec. 7 at 12:50 p.m.
Annual UF Carillon Studio Holiday Concert | FREE | Dec. 7 at 1:55 p.m.
Resolution Reset: How to Set and Keep Your 2026 Goals | FREE | Dec. 9 at noon
Holiday Unity Concert with 1000 Voices of Florida | FREE | Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.
Danscompany of Gainesville presents: Cinderella | Dec. 12–13
Ocala Christmas Parade | FREE | Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m.
A Charlie Brown Christmas Parade in High Springs | FREE | Dec. 13 at 6 p.m.
Movie Night at Bo Diddley Plaza: Elf | FREE | Dec. 13 at 8 p.m.
Dancing Through the Snow: Christmas at the Matheson Concert | FREE | Dec. 14 at 4 p.m.
Tioga Town Center features: Elf | FREE | Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Dance Alive National Ballet presents: The Nutcracker | Dec. 19–21
Tis’ the Season Holiday Market | Dec. 20 at noon
Dance Alive National Ballet presents: Class with Clara | Dec. 20–21
Promotions
Tech the halls with the UF Bookstore’s technology sale, going on now through Nov. 22. Enjoy up to 10% off Apple, Dell and HP products. Payroll deduction available.
All University Press of Florida and UF Press books are currently on sale. Use code 31HOL25 for 40% off discounts. Orders over $75 will receive free shipping within the U.S. and a free tote bag while supplies last.