What's Happening: 'Seasons Greetings' concert, A Country Christmas and more
DEC. 15
GAINESVILLE ORCHESTRA PRESENTS: SEASON'S GREETINGS: A symphonic season's greetings. Ring the bells … resound the organ! An international celebration of the most joyous time of the year, the Gainesville Orchestra’s “Season’s Greetings” concert will include Saint Saens' exalted "Organ" symphony, “Dances” with Tchaiskovsky, special guests, surprising favorites and a finale sing-a-long. The concert will run from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at Santa Fe College’s Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall, 3000 NW 83rd St. Tickets are $15 to $45. For more information, visit gainesvilleorchestra.com.
DEC. 15 THROUGH DEC. 16
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS: A Country Christmas is an annual holiday event — now in its second year — featuring Santa, streets lit with more than 750,000 Christmas lights, hot chocolate, food trucks, vendors, a live Nativity scene, live music, holiday characters and more. The event runs 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 15-16 at Elrod Acres, 3679 Thunder Road in Green Cove Springs. Tickets are $10 for general admission, free for ages 1 and younger, or $35 for a four-pack. For more information, visit acountrychristmasllc.ticketleap.com/a-country-christmas-event.
DEC. 15 THROUGH DEC. 17
“TWELFTH NIGHT”: “Twelfth Night,” Shakespeare’s most sophisticated comedy, is a riotous tale of hopelessly unrequited passions and mistaken identity. Duke Orsino is in love with the noblewoman Olivia. She, however, has fallen for his servant Cesario, who is actually Viola, a woman disguised as a man, who loves Orsino — confusion is rife. Meanwhile, Olivia’s arrogant steward Malvolio is cruelly tricked by her uncle Sir Toby Belch, his friend Sir Andrew Aguecheek, and the maidservant Maria into believing his mistress loves him. Catch a show at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays plus 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 17 at the Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. Tickets are $25 for general admission; and $20 for students, seniors, military and teachers. (acrosstown.org)
DEC. 15 THROUGH DEC. 17
CHRISTMAS MARKET: The most wonderful time of the year will be celebrated on a Florida farm on weekends through Dec. 17. Come see Santa, behold your sights on amazing one-of-a-kind Christmas crafts and art, step into Christmas photo ops, and enjoy a sip of hot chocolate while listening to seasonal music at Amber Brooke Farms' Christmas Market. Ticket prices and times can be found on the farm’s website. Amber Brooke Farms is located at 3250 NE 140th Ave. in Williston. For more information, visit amberbrookefarms.com/christmas-time-on-the-farm.
DEC. 15-17
“THE NUTCRACKER:”: 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. Presented by Dance Alive National Ballet. Catch a show at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 and 2 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets run $30 to $60. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
DEC. 15 THROUGH DEC. 20
“WINTER SHOWCASE 2023”: The Gainesville Fine Arts Association Gallery will have its “Winter Showcase 2023” exhibit on display through Dec. 20. Gallery hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays at 1314 S. Main St. For more information, visit gainesvillefinearts.org or email info@gainsevillefinearts.org.
DEC. 15 THROUGH DEC. 23
“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”: From “Bah, humbug!” to dashing through the snow and sleigh rides in Florida, this annual presentation stays true to the weighty themes of the original novel while delivering a gripping story, cheerful holiday music and genuine laughs for the whole family. “A Christmas Carol” is one of Gainesville’s favorite holiday traditions. See the production at 1 and 4 p.m. Saturdays or 7 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 23, plus 7 p.m. Dec. 20, 2 p.m. Dec. 21, 1 p.m. Dec. 22 and 3 p.m. Dec. 22 at the Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets are $20 to $50. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit thehipp.org.
DEC. 15 THROUGH DEC. 23
“THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS SHOW”: The audience favorite is back! “The Ultimate Christmas Show” (abridged) bursts with festive, slapstick fun as these cheerful comedians celebrate all of our favorite holiday traditions — at the same time. Catch a show at 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 23 at the Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets run $20 to $50. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit thehipp.org.
DEC. 15 THROUGH DEC. 23
WINTER FESTIVAL: Celebrate all things winter with farm animals and farm activities through Dec. 23 during Mayhem Ranch’s Winter Festival. Set for 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, the annual holiday event features appearances from Santa, a live reindeer exhibit, fire pits, a farm train, slides an African animal experience, animal shows, a petting zoo, a live Nativity scene, pig races, a mini cow town and more. Some activities cost more, including Santa’s Workshops, ornament making, cookie decorating, S’mores kits, pony rides, professional photos with Santa and more. The farm also offers concessions, gem mining and a walk-through parakeet encounter. Pre-sale tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased on the farm’s website. Mayhem Ranch is located at 17830 SE 40th St. in Morriston. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit mayhemranchfl.com/event/annual-mayhem-ranch-winter-festival.
DEC. 15 THROUGH DEC. 24
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: Take part in the annual family holiday event Festival of Lights, featuring complimentary popcorn, hot cocoa, marshmallows by the bonfire, Santa, food and craft vendors, kids' crafts and more, from 5 to 9 p.m. through Dec. 24 at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, 11016 Lillian Saunders Drive in White Springs. Tickets are $4; free ages 2 and younger. For more information, visit stephenfostercso.org/event-4573763.
DEC. 15 THROUGH DEC. 26
KIRBY FAMILY FARM'S CHRISTMAS TRAIN: Kirby Family Farm will open its gates for its annual Christmas Express, which will run 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 15-17, Dec. 2-23 and Dec. 26. The Christmas train is a holiday event with lots of activities to see and do. Organizers recommend at least two hours for the entire experience, which features performances, vendors, a petting zoo, rides and a visit with Santa Claus. The highlight of the evening is a featured train ride through thousands of Christmas lights pulled by one of the farm’s old-fashioned locomotives. Tickets are $17.99 general admission in advance, $20 general admission at gate, $10.99 ages 3-9 in advance, $15 ages 3-9 at gate, free ages 2 and younger. Tickets can be purchased in advance at kirbyfarm.com/the-christmas-express. Kirby Family Farm is located at 19630 NE 30th St. in Williston. For more information, or to purchase tickets in advance, visit kirbyfarm.com/the-christmas-express.
DEC. 15 THROUGH DEC. 30
2023 HOLIDAY INVITATIONAL: Melrose Bay Art Gallery will hold its 2023 Holiday Invitational through Dec. 30. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays or by appointment. It is located at 103 State Road 26 in Melrose. For more information, call 475-3866 or visit melrosebayartgallery.com.
DEC. 15 THROUGH APRIL 21, 2024
“ANTARCTIC DINOSAURS”: Step back in time and discover life beneath the ice in “Antarctic Dinosaurs.” Today, Antarctica is a forbidding land of snow and ice, but 200 million years ago it was a lush, wooded habitat where dinosaurs thrived. Uncover the history of the world’s southernmost continent and the unique species that have called it home in this interactive, family friendly experience at the Florida Museum of Natural History. Rare fossils, touchable casts and interactive models bring the past to life while showcasing Antarctica’s distinctive dinosaur species. Examine a reconstructed forest, and encounter the early plants and animals that flourished in the once-green environment. Experience the extraordinary work that goes into digging for fossils with real equipment and a recreated quarry. Learn about the important research taking place in this frigid landscape and how it informs future changes to the world’s climate. This is a bilingual exhibit available in English and Spanish. Tickets are $10 for adults; $9 for Florida residents, seniors and non-UF college students; $7 for ages 3-17; and free for ages 2 and younger, UF students and museum members. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. It is located at 3215 Hull Road. For more information, visit floridamuseum.ufl.edu or call 846-2000.
DEC. 16 THROUGH DEC. 23
CHRISTMAS IN THE QUARRY: Take a walk through a light show designed to dazzle. Families can stroll amongst billions of lights among the 20-acre botanical garden while enjoying treats from a cookie and cocoa station, and join in some of the family holiday crafts for kids to take home. Santa also will visit. The event is set for 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 9, Dec. 16-17, Dec. 20 and Dec. 22-23 at Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens, 4990 NE 180th Ave. in Williston. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6-13, free for ages 5 and younger, and free for quarry members. For more information, visit cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com/upcoming-events.
DEC. 16
OPERATION SANTA DELIVERY: Come see Santa arrive, not by sled or by reindeer, but by helicopter! This event is a carnival-like celebration featuring Santa’s grand entrance on a ShandsCair helicopter, photos with Santa, and vendors with free games, arts and crafts, and food. Join in the holiday fun from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 16 at Santa Fe College’s North Fields, located at the intersection of Northwest 39th Avenue and Northwest 91st Street. Free entry; items and food for sale. For more information, visit facebook.com/lifesouth.
DEC. 16
CHIP TRAVERS MEMORIAL CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE: Help children who are in need have a merry Christmas with a donation to the Chip Travers Memorial Christmas Toy Drive. The annual event is in its second year, and is held in remembrance of Chip Travers. All toys go to kids in need at Christmastime. Drop off your donation of an unwrapped toy or cash between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 16 at Williston Horseman's Park, 1610 SW Eighth Terrace in Williston. For more information, visit bit.ly/ctmemorial23.
DEC. 16
DASHING THROUGH HISTORY: STEP BACK IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Join the Matheson History Museum for a journey through time this holiday season as they celebrate "Dashing Through History" at their festive holiday open house. Step into a world where history and the holidays intertwine, and experience the magic of the season as it was celebrated in different eras. The museum complex will be adorned with decorations inspired by different historical periods. Marvel at the charm of bygone traditions and enjoy the sparkling decorations. A live band will be located in both the museum and on the front porch of the Matheson House. As attendees stroll the grounds, they can enjoy listening to sounds of the season from Patchwork and Annie and David Cook from Bella Luna. Sweet Tooth Creations will be providing cookies, cupcakes and dessert shooters. Attendees also will enjoy a self-serve drinks station with hot chocolate and more. There's something to delight every palate. Engage in hands-on historical craft activities for the entire family, such as gilded nuts, paper ornaments and paper chains. Sweetwater Branch Inn also will be hosting a cookie decorating station. Learn about the history of the Matheson family, the four historic buildings in the museum complex and the almost 30-year history of the museum. Explore the gift shop, where attendees can find unique presents and books on local and Florida history to make their own holiday season truly special. Capture memories with photo opportunities including a photobooth with Santa Claus by Sharplenz Photobooth. The holidays are all about coming together, and this open house is a time to connect with friends, family and neighbors. Share stories, laughter and the spirit of the season. This is a timed ticketed event to help manage crowd size. Organizers estimate that visitors will spend an hour enjoying the festivities. Tickets are $16 for members, $20 for the general public and $10 for ages 5-18. Children ages 4 and younger are free. The Matheson History Museum is located at 513 E. University Ave. For more information, visit simpletix.com/e/dashing-through-history-step-back-in-time-tickets149324 and mathesonmuseum.org.
DEC. 16
CHARITY BALL OF ST. NICHOLAS: The Charity Ball of St. Nicholas is an annual holiday event to support the Alachua Woman’s Club “Community Service Projects” supporting youths in the city of Alachua. The ball features a silent auction, a wine and beer bar, food, DJ and dancing, and a special visit from St. Nicholas, including photo opportunities. It will run from 7 to 11 p.m. Dec. 16 at the GFWC Alachua Woman's Club, 14565 Main St. in Alachua. Tickets are $75. For more information, visit alachuawomansclub.org/charity-ball-of-st-nicholas.
DEC. 16 THROUGH DEC. 17
CLASS WITH CLARA: Join the charming Clara, heroine of “The Nutcracker” ballet, for a princess-style ballet class onstage in the Kingdom of the Sweets. Training is not required. Street shoes are acceptable, but participants can dance in socks or ballet shoes. Company dancers will be available to help as well, so participants will have the most possible attention given. Special gifts will be handed out following the class. This class is intended for children, and it begins at 4 p.m. Dec. 16-17 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets are $25 for participants and free for spectators. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: What's Happening: 'Twelfth Night,' Christmas Markey, 'Nutcracker'
