ZooLights at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
Kick off the holiday season with a visit to the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo for their annual ZooLights celebration! As you stroll along the lit pathways, you’ll encounter colorful light displays and opportunities to meet and feed some of the zoo’s animal ambassadors. Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, and holiday tunes as you take in the sights. The event runs select evenings in November and December. Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo 3000 NW 83rd St, Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 395-5604.
Light Up Gainesville at Depot Park
On the first Saturday in December, head to Depot Park downtown for Light Up Gainesville! This free community event features the lighting of Gainesville’s official Christmas tree along with live music, dance performances, visits with Santa, arts and crafts vendors, delicious food trucks, and more. It’s a beloved local tradition and the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Depot Park 200 SE Depot Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601.
Holiday Fantasy of Lights at Capri Community Center
Drive through a dazzling display of over 200,000 lights choreographed to holiday music at the Holiday Fantasy of Lights! This family-friendly event takes place every evening from mid-November through early January at the Capri Community Center. Your group can ooh and aah at the twinkling light displays from the comfort of your warm charter bus. Capri Community Center 1029 SW 64th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 393-8536.
Ice Skating at Campus USA Credit Union Holiday Ice Rink
Lace up your skates and glide your way into the holiday spirit at Gainesville’s outdoor ice skating rink! The rink is open from late November through early January, providing plenty of opportunities for your group to take a spin on the ice. Skate rentals are available and the venue also offers fun events like Skate with Santa. Campus USA Credit Union Holiday Ice Rink 3100 SW 35th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 273-1094.
Shop Local at the Holiday Market and Bazaar
Discover unique handcrafted gifts while supporting local artisans at the Holiday Market and Bazaar in early December! The two-day event held at the Alachua County Fairgrounds features over 100 vendors selling jewelry, pottery, clothing, home goods, gourmet foods, and much more. It’s the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind presents and decor. Alachua County Fairgrounds 23100 W Newberry Rd, Newberry, FL 32669.
Holiday Concerts Around Gainesville
From classical orchestral performances to pop, rock, and jazz shows, Gainesville has no shortage of festive concerts during the holiday season. Catch a Christmas-themed performance by the Gainesville Orchestra at the Phillips Center or University Auditorium. Or check out holiday shows at local venues like High Dive and The Wooly. Your group will love jamming out to cheerful tunes together! Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 315 Hull Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611 (352) 392-2787 High Dive Gainesville 210 SW 2nd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 872-5949.
Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Amelia’s Farm
Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland at Amelia’s Farm’s Santa’s Winter Wonderland! This immersive holiday experience includes a live nativity scene, opportunities to feed animals like reindeer and alpacas, a bonfire with s’mores, pictures with Santa in a vintage sleigh, and more. Your group can even ride through the winter wonderland trail on a horse-drawn carriage. Amelia’s Farm 23908 W Newberry Rd, Newberry, FL 32669 (352) 472-1142.
Holiday Lights at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
See Kanapaha Botanical Gardens transformed into a twinkling winter wonderland during their annual Holiday Lights event! As you stroll through the gardens, you’ll encounter thousands of lights and handmade displays. Enjoy live music, hot beverages, and the chance to roast marshmallows over an open fire. It’s sure to get your group into the holiday mood! Kanapaha Botanical Gardens 4700 SW 58th Dr, Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 372-4981.
Rent With Charter Bus Company Gainesville To Hit Every Attraction
Make the most of this special season in Gainesville by renting a charter bus from Charter Bus Company Gainesville. We’ll match you with the perfect vehicle for your group’s size and provide a skilled driver to transport you safely and comfortably between holiday happenings. Our charter buses feature amenities like WiFi, power outlets, and entertainment systems to make traveling even more enjoyable. Contact our team at (352) 505-4601 to get a free quote on renting a charter bus for your upcoming holiday event or outing in Gainesville. We’ll help you arrange the group transportation so your group can simply focus on celebrating!