25 Christmas Things to Do in Gainesville, Florida, in 2026

Looking for Christmas things to do in Gainesville, Florida? From downtown holiday celebrations and Christmas lights to seasonal theater, family activities and nearby festive attractions, Gainesville and Alachua County offer plenty of ways to celebrate the season.

You can watch the Holiday Lights Celebration at City Hall Plaza, explore holiday markets, enjoy a performance of A Christmas Carol, or plan an evening to see Christmas lights around the area. Families looking to make a day trip can also visit LEGOLAND® Florida Resort in Winter Haven for Christmas Bricktacular, a holiday celebration featuring LEGO® decorations, festive entertainment, character experiences and interactive activities.

Here are 25 Christmas events and activities to consider for your 2026 holiday plans. Some events run on specific dates, while others depend on seasonal schedules. Confirm details with event organizers before visiting.

1. Celebrate Christmas at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

Looking for a family day trip beyond Gainesville? Visit LEGOLAND® Florida Resort in Winter Haven for Christmas Bricktacular, the Resort’s annual holiday celebration.

Christmas Bricktacular takes place on select dates from November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027, and is included with general Theme Park admission on event dates. Families can meet LEGO® Santa, see a giant LEGO® Christmas tree, enjoy seasonal entertainment and take part in festive LEGO® activities.

New for 2026, the celebration features a festive drone show starring LEGO® Santa on select December dates, an interactive Light Up LEGOLAND® light trail and the Resort’s first-ever Rap Battle Show. Families can also enjoy seasonal treats, festive character encounters and interactive holiday experiences.

The drone show is scheduled for December 5, 12 and December 19–30, 2026. Other event activities may vary by date, so check the calendar when planning your visit.

Find event dates and details for Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort.

2. Attend Gainesville’s Holiday Lights Celebration

Mark your calendar for Gainesville’s Holiday Lights Celebration, a community event featuring seasonal lights, activities and entertainment.

The 2026 Holiday Lights Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For the first time, the celebration will take place at the renovated City Hall Plaza at 200 E. University Avenue.

This free event is a great starting point for an evening of holiday activities downtown. Check the City of Gainesville’s event listing for updates about the entertainment and schedule.

3. Watch the A Very GNV Holiday Parade

Make downtown Gainesville part of your Christmas plans by attending A Very GNV, the city’s holiday parade and associated seasonal festivities.

The 2026 parade is listed for Saturday, December 5, with downtown events scheduled throughout the day. The celebration includes a parade and family activities, with additional holiday programming around Bo Diddley Plaza.

Check the current schedule for the parade route, start time, road closures and associated activities before heading downtown.

4. Visit Light Up Tioga in Newberry

Head to Tioga Town Center in nearby Newberry for Light Up Tioga, a community holiday celebration with a tree-lighting event and family-friendly festivities.

The 2026 event is listed for Saturday, December 5, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The evening offers an opportunity to enjoy holiday decorations and community activities outside central Gainesville.

Check the organizer’s latest announcements for entertainment, parking information and any changes to the schedule.

5. Shop at the Shoppes at Thornebrook Holiday Market

Find seasonal gifts and enjoy holiday festivities at the Shoppes at Thornebrook in Gainesville.

The 2026 Holiday Market is listed for Friday, December 4, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is expected to include local vendors and seasonal activities, with a holiday atmosphere throughout the shopping area.

It’s an option for shoppers hoping to find locally made gifts or enjoy an evening out before the busier weeks leading up to Christmas.

Check the event organizer’s latest updates before visiting.

6. See A Christmas Carol at the Hippodrome Theatre

Add a holiday theater performance to your Christmas plans at the Hippodrome Theatre in downtown Gainesville.

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a seasonal favorite at theaters around the country. Check the Hippodrome’s current performance calendar to see whether the production is scheduled for the 2026 holiday season, and review showtimes, ticket prices and age recommendations before booking.

A theater outing can also be paired with dinner or a walk through downtown Gainesville.

7. Enjoy a Performance of The Nutcracker

For a classic holiday tradition, look for a December performance of The Nutcracker by Dance Alive National Ballet.

The ballet tells the story of Clara and her magical Christmas adventure, accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s familiar score. It can be a memorable seasonal outing for families who enjoy dance, music and live theater.

Check Dance Alive National Ballet’s 2026 schedule for performance dates, venues, ticket availability and any family or age guidance.

8. Explore Holiday Decorations at the Thomas Center

The historic Thomas Center is a Gainesville landmark worth including in a holiday itinerary. During the Christmas season, check for seasonal decorations, special events and community programming.

The building and its grounds offer a different kind of holiday outing from a large light display or shopping event. Check current opening information and the City of Gainesville’s calendar before visiting, as seasonal programming and access may vary.

9. Look for Christmas Lights at Celebration Pointe

Celebration Pointe combines shopping, dining and outdoor spaces, making it a place to check for seasonal decorations and holiday activities.

Visit during the evening to explore the area and see what holiday displays are available. You can also make time for a meal or browse the shops while you’re there.

Special events, Santa visits and seasonal activities may operate on specific dates, so check Celebration Pointe’s current calendar before planning your visit.

10. Visit Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops

Families can check Bass Pro Shops in Gainesville for Santa’s Wonderland, a seasonal experience that has included Santa photos, holiday decorations and children’s activities.

The 2026 holiday season listing includes Santa’s Magical Arrival on November 7. Check the store’s current schedule for photo reservations, availability, opening dates and any changes to the program.

If a Santa photo is on your family’s Christmas list, booking in advance may help you plan around other seasonal activities.

11. See the Lights at Depot Park

Depot Park is a popular Gainesville gathering place, and it’s worth checking for holiday decorations and seasonal programming during the Christmas period.

Make it part of a downtown outing, especially if you’re already attending another event nearby. Before visiting specifically to see Christmas lights, confirm whether a special display is operating in 2026, as lighting installations and activities may change from year to year.

The park can also be a place to take a break outdoors during a busy holiday itinerary.

12. Explore the Duckpond Historic Neighborhood

Take a self-guided drive or walk through Gainesville’s Duckpond Historic Neighborhood to enjoy its historic homes and residential streets.

During the holiday season, some residents decorate porches, trees and front yards with Christmas lights. Displays vary from year to year, so check recent local recommendations before setting out.

When viewing residential decorations, be respectful of neighbors, avoid blocking driveways and follow local parking rules.

13. Visit the Haile Village Center

Add Haile Village Center to your list of Gainesville-area locations to check for holiday decorations and seasonal events.

The village’s shops and community spaces provide a setting for a relaxed outing. Look for current information about any Christmas market, tree-lighting event or seasonal gathering planned for 2026.

Confirm dates and details before traveling, as activities may vary by year.

14. Take a Christmas Lights Drive Around Gainesville

A self-guided Christmas lights drive gives your family the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Look for current recommendations for decorated homes and public spaces around Gainesville and nearby Newberry.

Plan your route in advance, especially if you want to see several displays in one evening. Neighborhood displays may not be operating every night, and traffic can increase around popular locations.

Remember to drive carefully and avoid stopping where you could block traffic or residential access.

15. Attend a Holiday Market or Craft Fair

Holiday markets can be a good place to find handmade gifts, ornaments, jewelry, seasonal decorations and treats from local vendors.

Look for Christmas markets around Gainesville, Newberry and Alachua County during November and December. Some markets are part of larger tree-lighting celebrations, while others take place at shopping centers or community venues.

Check event listings for dates, vendor information, admission requirements and whether the market is indoors or outdoors.

16. Enjoy a Christmas Concert or Choral Performance

The holiday season is a good time to look for concerts featuring Christmas music, choral performances and seasonal arrangements.

Check the calendars of Gainesville-area churches, performing arts organizations and music groups for 2026 events. Some performances may be free, while others require tickets or advance registration.

Review the venue, start time and program details before making plans.

17. Check Advent and Christmas Events at First United Methodist Church

First United Methodist Church in Gainesville has an Advent events calendar that families can check for seasonal gatherings, music and Christmas programming.

Look for the latest 2026 schedule to see which events are open to the public and whether registration is required. If you’re planning to attend a concert or service, check the time and any guidance for visitors.

18. Visit Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens for Christmas in the Quarry

Make a short trip to Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens in Williston for its seasonal Christmas in the Quarry experience, if it is operating during your planned visit.

The botanical garden has been listed for holiday light walks and seasonal activities. The 2026 family event listings include special dates after Christmas, including December 27 and January 2, 2027.

Confirm the current dates, ticket prices, hours and available activities directly with the venue before traveling.

19. Ride a Christmas Train at Kirby Family Farm

Train enthusiasts may want to look into the seasonal Christmas event at Kirby Family Farm near Williston.

The farm has hosted holiday experiences featuring train rides, Christmas lights and family activities. Check the 2026 event calendar for operating dates, ticket details, ride schedules and information about any additional attractions.

Because the farm is outside Gainesville, confirm the details before setting out for the evening.

20. Visit Cottom Farm’s Christmas Village

Cottom Farm’s Christmas Village in Weirsdale is another nearby seasonal attraction to consider when planning a holiday outing.

The event has been promoted with holiday lights, hayrides, Santa and Mrs. Claus visits and seasonal refreshments. Activities and operating dates can vary, so check the farm’s latest announcements before visiting.

This can be an option for families looking to combine outdoor holiday decorations with a traditional Christmas village atmosphere.

21. Attend the Holiday Open House at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park

Explore local history during the holiday season at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park in Cross Creek.

The park’s holiday open house is listed for Saturday, December 19, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event has featured seasonal programming connected to the historic setting.

Check the park’s latest event information for admission requirements, parking, activities and any changes to the schedule.

22. Celebrate Keeping McIntosh Merry and Bright

The small town of McIntosh offers another community Christmas event to consider for a holiday outing from Gainesville.

Keeping McIntosh Merry and Bright is listed for Saturday, December 12, 2026, with a holiday procession featuring Santa and seasonal decorations.

Check the latest community announcements for the event route, timing, parking and other activities before making the trip.

23. Visit High Springs for Small-Town Christmas Festivities

High Springs and nearby communities offer additional opportunities to explore local holiday traditions.

Check local calendars for seasonal performances, community parades, tree-lighting celebrations and other Christmas events. Dates and programs can vary, so confirm the details with each organizer before visiting.

A small-town outing can be paired with a meal or a stop at a local shop to make an afternoon or evening of it.

24. Look for Santa Photos at Local Shopping Centers

If meeting Santa is a must-do, check Gainesville shopping centers and seasonal event venues for photo opportunities throughout November and December.

Santa visits may require reservations, and photo packages, availability and opening hours vary by location. Check current information for the Oaks Mall, Bass Pro Shops and other participating venues before setting out.

If you’re planning several Christmas activities, choose a Santa visit that fits naturally into your itinerary.

25. Make Christmas Memories With LEGO® Fun at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

For a family holiday outing that combines rides, creative play and seasonal entertainment, consider a visit to LEGOLAND® Florida Resort in Winter Haven.

Christmas Bricktacular takes place on select dates from November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027. Along with the Resort’s rides and attractions, families can enjoy LEGO® holiday decorations, seasonal treats, character experiences and interactive activities.

New for 2026, the festive drone show featuring LEGO® Santa takes place on select December dates. Families can also explore Light Up LEGOLAND®, an interactive holiday light trail, and experience the Resort’s first-ever Rap Battle Show.

Christmas Bricktacular is included with general Theme Park admission on event dates, so there is no separate event ticket required. Check the calendar for event dates and details before planning your visit.

Start planning with Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort.

Plan Your Christmas Season in Gainesville

From downtown celebrations and holiday markets to Christmas lights, live performances and nearby family attractions, Gainesville and Alachua County offer plenty of ways to enjoy the season.

Check event calendars before heading out, as schedules and activities may change. If you’re planning a family day trip beyond Gainesville, add Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort to your holiday list. Meet LEGO® Santa, enjoy seasonal entertainment, explore interactive activities and discover what’s new for 2026.

Explore Christmas Bricktacular dates and details to plan your visit.