Gainesville Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Gainesville and surrounding areas
Gainesville welcomes Christmas 2025 with Christmas markets and lively things to do centered near the historic downtown Green, where lights and festive energy create a cozy holiday scene. Christmas on Green Street and other local events bring light shows, Santa visits, and family-friendly holiday activities that showcase the town’s charm and community spirit. Stroll markets, take part in seasonal performances, and enjoy warm foods and lights tours while soaking up the festive season around familiar landmarks.
Find the best Gainesville Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Lights
29 eventsHistoric street transformed for holiday celebration with parade and tree lighting.
Christmas Shows
19 eventsClassic holiday special brought to life on stage
Christmas Markets
16 events5th annual Christmas festival with ice skating and Santa visits
Christmas Activities
33 eventsIntricate model train displays in a botanical garden setting
Editor's Picks (6)
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Christmas at The Mill Festival
(Canton)
5th annual Christmas festival with ice skating and Santa visits
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Christmas on Green Street
Historic street transformed for holiday celebration with parade and tree lighting.
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Winter WonderLights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia
(Athens)
Accessible half-mile light trail with themed displays.
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Holiday Model Trains
(Atlanta)
Intricate model train displays in a botanical garden setting
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Life University Lights of Life
(Marietta)
Over a million sparkling lights on a university campus.
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Christmas Jubilee & Parade of Lights
(Woodstock)
Annual Christmas Jubilee and Parade of Lights
Events Happening Soon (6)
Christmas Parties Near Gainesville
Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in Gainesville.
Christmas Prime Ribs To-Go
Elevate your Christmas Eve celebration with a succulent, slow-roasted Prime Rib To-Go from...
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Latest News & Updates
Stay informed about holiday events and activities in Gainesville
- Operation Christmas Child Drop-off Event Published: Sat, Nov 15, 2025
- YMCA Launches Campaign for Families in Need Published: Thu, Nov 13, 2025
Gainesville Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Gainesville
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Gainesville!
Gainesville Christmas FAQ
Gainesville often hosts a variety of large annual events, including tree lighting ceremonies, holiday festivals, and significant Christmas light displays in residential areas.
While many traditions are shared nationally, Gainesville often embraces its Southern charm with community gatherings and local artistic interpretations of holiday themes.
Neighborhoods like Haile Plantation are known for their elaborate Christmas light displays, with many residents decorating their homes extensively.
Christmas markets and local makers can often be found in downtown Gainesville, at community centers, and at various pop-up events throughout the holiday season.
Exploring neighborhood light displays, attending free tree lighting ceremonies, and enjoying festive window shopping downtown are great budget-friendly options.
Families often enjoy visiting Santa, attending holiday shows at local theaters, and exploring the festive light displays scattered throughout the city.