What's Happening: Tioga Outdoor Movie Night, 'Addams Family' and more
DEC. 8
TIOGA OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT: Tioga’s popular “movies on the lawn” event is getting into the holiday spirit with a free outdoor screening of “The Santa Clause.” Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and enjoy the movie under the stars. Local eateries will be open for snacks and meals before, during and after the movie. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8. Tioga Town Center is located at 133 SW 130th Way in Newberry. For more information, visit tiogatowncenter.com.
DEC. 8 THROUGH DEC. 10
“THE ADDAMS FAMILY”: In the kooky, upside-down world of the Addams family, to be sad is to be happy, to feel pain is to feel joy, and death and suffering are the stuff of their dreams. Nonetheless, this quirky family still has to deal with many of the same challenges faced by any other family, and the spookiest nightmare faced by every family creates the focus for this musical: the Addams kids are growing up. Catch a show at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 17 through Dec. 10. The Gainesville Community Playhouse is located at 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets are $24 for general admission, $20 for seniors and $12 for students. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit gcplayhouse.org.
DEC. 8 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, Dec. 1-17 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. 8 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. 8 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, Nov. 25 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. 8 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. 8 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. 8 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. 8-10, 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. 8 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. 8 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. 9 THROUGH DEC. 17
CHRISTMAS MARKET: The most wonderful time of the year will be celebrated on a Florida farm on weekends Dec. 9-17. 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. (amberbrookefarms.com/christmas-time-on-the-farm)
DEC. 10 AND DEC. 13
“A CHRISTMAS STORY” 40TH ANNIVERSARY: “A Christmas Story” is a beloved holiday classic. There will be special screenings of the film beginning at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 and Dec. 13. It's the final days before Christmas in early 1940s Cleveland, and 9-year-old Ralphie wants one thing from Santa more than anything else: a Red Ryder Carbine Action Air Rifle. As he trudges through the snow to school, faces the neighborhood bully and visits a malevolent department store Santa Claus, Ralphie connives, conspires and campaigns for the most fabulous Christmas present ever in this heartwarming, hysterical and sweetly nostalgic holiday film. Based on stories by Jean Sheppard. The screenings will be held at Regal Butler Town Center 14, 3101 SW 35th Blvd. Tickets are $15.05 for general admission and $12.90 for children. (fathomevents.com/events/A-Christmas-Story-40th-Anniversary)
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: What's Happening: 'Twelfth Night,' 'Winter Showcase 2023' and more
