Alachua Chronicle

PORTRAITS III
2024-01-26 12:00 (America/New_York) | Pofahl Studios, 1325 NW 2nd Street, Gainesville, FL, 32601, United States
Step into the world of PORTRAITS III, a movement performance created by Ani Collier in improvised collaboration with the dancers. Witness magic unfold behind the curtains where silhouettes become storytellers and emotions are painted in motion. Feel the breeze created by each movement of the dancers’ bodies and hear every sound that the costumes and the set create. Enjoy watching the dancers embody the music and show their incredible versatility in an intimate environment at Pofahl Dance Studios, Resident School for Dance Alive National Ballet.

Gainesville Flute Ensemble
2024-01-19 19:00 - 21:00 | St. Patrick’s Church, 500 NW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, United States

Louder than Words
2024-01-19 18:00 - 22:00 | Open Door Church, 601 NE 19th Street, Gainesville, FL, 32641, United States

Nutcracker Ballet
2023-12-17 14:00 - 16:30, 2023-12-16 19:30 - 22:00, 2023-12-16 14:00 - 16:30, 2023-12-15 19:30 - 22:00 | Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road, Gainesville, FL, 32611, United States
Dance Alive National Ballet will once again present Nutcracker. The all-time family favorite with beautiful dancing, sets, and costumes is here again! Everyone needs a hero, and in this case she’s a girl. Clara saves the Nutcracker prince, and to thank her he brings her on a magical journey to the Kingdom of the Sweets, where the exquisite Sugar Plum Fairy puts on a regal show. Tradition, beauty, grace, and a terrific story – what more can you ask for? Sheer magic and family-friendly!

Nutcracker at Phillips Center in Gainesville

December 15, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.
December 16, 2023, at 2 & 7:30 p.m.
December 17, 2023, at 2 p.m.

Downtown High Springs Art Walk
2023-12-16 12:00 - 17:00 | Downtown High Springs, 18609 S. Main Street, High Springs, FL, 32643, United States
Come browse offerings from a plethora of local artists and makers, as well as specials from downtown businesses.

Clarinet Choir
2023-12-15 19:00 - 21:00 | St. Patrick’s Church, 500 NW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, United States

Annasemble Community Orchestra and 1000 Voices Holiday Concert
2023-12-12 19:00 | Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road, Gainesville, FL, 32611, United States
Annasemble Community Orchestra and 1000 Voices of Florida present “A Choral and Orchestral Holiday Concert for Community Connection,” inspired by Tacachale. This family-friendly event will allow everyone to enjoy the sounds of the holiday. The free concert will be held at 7 p.m. on December 12 at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 3201 Hull Road.

La Florida: Catholics, Conquistadors, and Other American Origin Stories
2023-12-10 19:00 | Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32601, United States
The Matheson History Museum will host author and historian Dr. Kevin Kokomoor on Sunday, December 10. He will discuss his book La Florida: Catholics, Conquistadores, and Other American Origin Stories, followed by a Q&A and book signing.
La Florida explores a Spanish thread to early American history that is unfamiliar or even unknown to most Americans. As this book uncovers, it was Spanish influence, and not English, which drove America’s early history. By focusing on America’s Spanish heritage, this collection of stories complicates and sometimes challenges how Americans view their past, which author Kevin Kokomoor refers to as “the country’s founding mythology.”

Holiday Harmonies X
2023-12-09 18:00 - 20:00, 2023-12-09 14:00 - 16:00 | First United Methodist Church, 419 NE 1st St, Gainesville, FL, 32601, United States
Together for their tenth annual holiday concert, the Barbergators Chorus and Gainesville Harmony Show Chorus join forces (and voices) once again! “Holiday Harmonies X” is a staged radio play filled with barbershop harmony. This concert will feature both choruses, three of their top quartets, the ever-popular combined chorus, and an exciting old-time-radio-style murder mystery.
“Holiday Harmonies X” will take place on Saturday, December 9, at First United Methodist Church, 419 NE 1st St, Gainesville, with two performances at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. The concert is open to the public. Tickets are available from chorus members, Barbergators.com, GainesvilleChorus.com, or at the door.

Newberry Movie in the Park
2023-12-09 17:00 - 20:00 | Barry Park, 25310 W. Newberry Road, Newberry, FL, 32669, United States
Join the Newberry Area Chamber of Commerce to watch the movie “Elf” in Barry Park. Amidst laughter, hot cocoa sipping, and joyful camaraderie, the movie in the park becomes a magical tradition, kindling the true meaning of Christmas for all who attend.

Alachua Christmas Parade
2023-12-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Main Street Alachua, Main Street, Alachua, FL, United States
Come watch several floats and enjoy holiday festivities along Main Street, organized by the Alachua Chamber of Commerce.

13th Annual Gainesville Santa Crawl
2023-12-08 19:00 - 23:30 | V Pizza, 115 SE 1st Street, Gainesville, FL, 32601, United States
Dress in your favorite Santa or other Holiday costume and join us for a pub crawl in Downtown Gainesville, to support the Humane Society of North Central Florida, V for Victory, and Catholic Charities Weekend Backpack Program.

Tickets are $25 plus a kid- or pet-friendly food donation

Hope for the Holidays workshop for the bereaved
2023-12-08 11:00 - 12:00 | Senior Recreation Center, 5701 NW 34th Boulevard, Gainesville, FL, 32653, United States
Community Hospice & Palliative Care is offering Hope for the Holidays, a workshop that will help attendees learn ways to cope with grief during the holiday season, determine what is right for them and their families, and refocus energy on positive activities that honor and remember their loved ones. Attendees will leave with a renewed sense of hope for the upcoming season.

Hope for the Holidays is open to the public. There is no charge to attend, but attendees should RSVP by calling 904.407.7001/toll free 800.274.6614 Ext. 7001.

Young Annasemble Holiday Concert
2023-12-06 19:00 | Cade Museum, 811 S. Main Street, Gainesville, FL, 32601, United States
The Young Annasemble (YAS) will give its Holiday Concert at the Cade Museum, 811 S. Main Street, on December 6 at 7 p.m. The young people’s orchestra is affiliated with the Annasemble Community Orchestra. They are a group of young musicians, ages between 10-16 year old (and a few adults). The accent of this orchestra lies in having fun with music in a family-friendly atmosphere. Though there are no auditions for this group, there is a general expectation to work hard together. The variety of levels and the challenge of playing together in a group and making music brings young people together. The program is varied and includes music of the holiday season. It promises to be a fun family holiday event.

Newberry Tree Lighting Ceremony
2023-12-02 18:00 - 20:00 | FL
Witness the enchantment of our annual tree lighting ceremony as we illuminate Newberry with the radiance of the holiday spirit. Gather with friends, family, and neighbors to witness the magical moment when our magnificent tree comes alive with twinkling lights and festive decorations.

25440 W. Newberry Road, Newberry

Holiday at Santa Fe
2023-12-02 18:00 - 19:00, 2023-12-02 14:00 - 16:00 | Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall, 3000 NW 83rd Ave, Gainesville, FL, 32606, United States
SF Performing Arts, SF Teaching Zoo, SF Planetarium and SF Little School collaborate to bring a thrilling performance to young and adult imaginations alike. Come watch Perry the mouse and Santa Claus himself journey through the forest to make it snow in the Fine Arts Hall! Enjoy familiar Holiday music during this interactive and educational performance, followed by a meet and greet with the animals in the lobby!

Holiday at Santa Fe
2023-12-02 18:00, 2023-12-02 14:00 | Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall, 3000 NW 83rd Ave, Gainesville, FL, 32606, United States
Audiences at “Holiday at Santa Fe” will delight as Perry the Beach Mouse learns to believe in himself after journeying through a forest with Santa Claus and learning what makes snow in a winter wonderland.

City of Gainesville Holiday Lights Celebration
2023-12-02 17:30 - 20:00 | Thomas Center, 302 NE 6th Avenu, Gainesville, FL, United States
Join us Saturday, Dec. 2 from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. as we present holiday lights in the Thomas Center Gardens, an illuminated holiday treat for the whole family! Watch the Thomas Center Gardens become a winter wonderland of shimmering, magical lights at this annual celebration. Thousands of lights adorn the garden’s trees, inviting you to stroll the paths and enjoy the wonder and magic of the season. Holiday goodie bags will be available for children, with entertainment by the Gainesville Harmony Show Chorus, the Singers of Reformation, and the Gypsy Guerilla Band. Inside the Historic Thomas Center, the fabled giant pine provided and decorated by the Thomas Center Associates soars above the Spanish Court.
Horse-drawn carriages transport you to another era, as they tour the surrounding neighborhood that is lit by hundreds of luminaries. Carriage rides are a $5 donation per person. Carriages and luminarias are provided by the Duckpond Neighborhood Association.

Old-fashioned Christmas Tree Lighting
2023-12-02 17:00 | Downtown High Springs, 18609 S. Main Street, High Springs, FL, 32643, United States
The High Springs Chamber of Commerce will hold a big old-fashioned Norman Rockwell Christmas tree lighting with a special story time for the children of Polar Express including Christmas train crafts, train rides, a special visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, a live nativity scene, and carolers.

Holiday Kids Dance Party
2023-12-02 15:00 - 17:00 | Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL, United States
Get ready to boogie at the ultimate Holiday Kids Dance Party with DJ E-LO! Let’s dance, sing, and celebrate the holidays in style!

Crops and Colors Festival
2023-12-02 12:00 - 16:00 | Grow Hub, 2900 NE 8th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32609, United States
Discover the rich culture and history of Florida heritage crops at this year’s Crops and Colors Festival!

A Very GNV Holiday Parade
2023-12-02 12:00 - 14:00 | FL
More than 90 dance troupes, marching bands, floats, and community groups will make their way down University Avenue in the 2023 A Very GNV Holiday Parade, the City of Gainesville’s first parade in decades. Former Florida Gators Head Football Coach Steve Spurrier will appear as its grand marshal.

Start: intersection of W. University Ave. and W. 6th St.
End: 620 E. University Ave. (ACPS Admin Bldg.)

Whisker Wonderland Pet Adoption Event
2023-12-02 11:30 - 19:00 | Alachua County Animal Resources, 3400 NE 53rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL, United States
Alachua County Animal Resources (ACAR) is hosting a “Whisker Wonderland” pet adoption event to kick off its holiday adoption drive. The animal adoption event is on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The shelter will open an hour later and stay open an hour and a half later than its regular schedule at the Animal Resources headquarters (3400 NE 53rd Ave., Gainesville). Pet adoption fees are waived for the event.
Whisker Wonderland is also a pet supply donation drive. ACAR is looking for donations of dog treats, leashes, dog collars (medium and large), blankets, pet waste bags, plastic cat carriers, and catnip.
“Santa Paws is coming,” said ACAR Director Julie Johnson. “Santa Paws made a list, checked it twice, and every shelter pet is nice.”

Santa Paws will join ACAR to take adoption photos with families at the event.
Those not wishing to adopt are invited to the event to see the shelter and help spread holiday cheer.

Alachua Tree Lighting
2023-12-01 16:00 - 20:00 | Main Street Alachua, Main Street, Alachua, FL, United States
Join us for our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony to include pictures taken with Santa Claus, a children’s train, bounce house, arts and crafts for kids, live music, carriage rides, free hot chocolate and popcorn and more!
