The Gainesville area has 10 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Recycled Graphic Novel Holiday Globes in Gainesville on December 2 to Makerspace: Holiday Cards in Gainesville, on December 18. 8 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Florida, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 10 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Gainesville for 2026, in Gainesville, Newberry, Waldo, Hawthorne and Micanopy
- First: Recycled Graphic Novel Holiday Globes, Gainesville, December 2. Runs latest: Makerspace: Holiday Cards, Gainesville, through December 18
- Free: Recycled Graphic Novel Holiday Globes, ArtSpace: Holiday Gift Making Workshop, 8th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Santa Claus at the Library, Holiday Tree Ornament Event, Winter Holiday Crafts for Kids, ArtSpace: Ceramic Holiday Tree Painting and Makerspace: Holiday Cards
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Florida Christmas train rides page.
Gainesville Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 10 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Gainesville, Newberry, Waldo, Hawthorne and Micanopy
- Season
- December 2 to December 18, 2026
- Free events
- 8
- Kinds of events
- holiday crafts, tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus and holiday show
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Gainesville Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Recycled Graphic Novel Holiday Globes in Gainesville on December 2; the last runs to December 18. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Recycled Graphic Novel Holiday GlobesGainesville · Dec 2
- ArtSpace: Holiday Gift Making WorkshopWaldo · Dec 3 to Dec 5
- 8th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting CeremonyNewberry · Dec 5
- Newberry Christmas MarketNewberry · Dec 5
- Santa Claus at the LibraryHawthorne · Dec 5
- Holiday Tree Ornament EventGainesville · Dec 12
- NACC Movie on the Lawn: Polar Express & Cookie DecoratingNewberry · Dec 12
- Winter Holiday Crafts for KidsMicanopy · Dec 12
- ArtSpace: Ceramic Holiday Tree PaintingWaldo · Dec 18
- Makerspace: Holiday CardsGainesville · Dec 18
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Gainesville? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Gainesville
3 confirmed events for kids in Gainesville, soonest first.
Gainesville: Recycled Graphic Novel Holiday Globes
Holiday craftsFreeAlachua County Library District · Gainesville
- Host
- Alachua County Library District (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Tower Road Branch Library, 3020 SW 75th St, Gainesville, FL 32608
- When
- Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 3 to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Elementary (6 to 11)
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
At the Tower Road Branch Library, elementary-age children create globe ornaments out of strips cut from children's favorite graphic novels. The craft runs Wednesday, December 2, 2026, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
The Library District lists the program for ages 6 to 11. Registration is listed for this event, so families should sign up through the Library District's event page. The program is free.
See dates and details from Alachua County Library District (opens in a new tab)Gainesville: Holiday Tree Ornament Event
Holiday craftsFreeAlachua County Library District · Gainesville
- Host
- Alachua County Library District (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Cone Park Branch Library, 2801 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32641
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 2 to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Elementary (6 to 11)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Cone Park Branch Library hosts a Holiday Tree Ornament Event, billed as fun family time, on Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. The event invites children to think about which holiday they celebrate in December and make ornaments to match.
The Library District lists the age group as elementary school children, ages 6 to 11. The event is free and the calendar shows no registration requirement.
See dates and details from Alachua County Library District (opens in a new tab)Gainesville: Makerspace: Holiday Cards
Holiday craftsFreeAlachua County Library District · Gainesville
- Host
- Alachua County Library District (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Millhopper Branch Library, 3145 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, FL 32606
- When
- Friday, December 18, 2026, 11 am to noon
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Elementary (6 to 11)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Millhopper Branch Library's Makerspace hosts a holiday card making session on Friday, December 18, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The library describes it as a way to kick off winter break by unleashing creativity and having fun with crafting.
The Library District lists the age group as elementary school children, ages 6 to 11. The program is free and the calendar shows no registration requirement.
See dates and details from Alachua County Library District (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Newberry
3 confirmed events for kids in Newberry, soonest first.
Newberry: 8th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Tree lightingFreeCity of Newberry · Newberry
- Host
- City of Newberry (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Newberry City Hall, 25 NW 1st Ave, Newberry, FL 32669 (near Gainesville)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 6 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Newberry kicks off Weekends of Wonder with its 8th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The tree is lit in front of city hall, and the city invites families, friends and holiday spirit for an evening of festive cheer for all ages.
The ceremony happens at the same time as the Newberry Main Street Christmas Market in Barry Park, so families can browse the market, which has food, gifts and pony rides, and then walk over for the lighting. The city lists the event as a community celebration and shows no ticket requirement.
Parent tip: Combine with the Christmas Market in Barry Park that afternoon and evening.
See dates and details from City of Newberry (opens in a new tab)Newberry: Newberry Christmas Market
Tree lightingCity of Newberry · Newberry
- Host
- City of Newberry (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Barry Park, Newberry, FL 32669 (near Gainesville)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 2 to 8:30 pm
- Cost
- Free entry, prices for rides and goods not stated
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Newberry Main Street hosts its annual Christmas Market in the park on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 2:00 to 8:30 p.m. in Barry Park. The city says there will be food, gifts, pony rides and plenty of holiday joy.
The market is held in conjunction with the City of Newberry's Tree Lighting Ceremony, which takes place at 6:00 p.m. in front of city hall. Pony rides give the market a kid-friendly angle. The listing does not state prices for rides or goods, so bring some cash or a card for food and rides.
Parent tip: Prices for rides and food are not listed, so bring cash or a card.
See dates and details from City of Newberry (opens in a new tab)Newberry: NACC Movie on the Lawn: Polar Express & Cookie Decorating
Holiday showNewberry Area Chamber of Commerce · Newberry
- Host
- Newberry Area Chamber of Commerce (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Barry Park, Newberry, FL 32669 (near Gainesville)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Cost
- Not stated
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Newberry Area Chamber of Commerce invites families to a night under the stars at Barry Park on Saturday, December 12, 2026. The evening includes a fun cookie decorating activity and an outdoor showing of the Polar Express movie on the lawn.
The city calendar lists the event as an all-day entry and does not give start times, ticket prices or registration details, so families should check with the chamber before going. This is a movie screening, not a train ride. Bring blankets or lawn chairs for the lawn.
Parent tip: Times and prices are not listed, so confirm with the Newberry Area Chamber before you go.
See dates and details from Newberry Area Chamber of Commerce (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Waldo
2 confirmed events for kids in Waldo, soonest first.
Waldo: ArtSpace: Holiday Gift Making Workshop
Holiday craftsFreeAlachua County Library District · Waldo
- Host
- Alachua County Library District (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Waldo Branch Library, 15150 NE US Highway 301, Waldo, FL 32694 (near Gainesville)
- When
- Thu December 3 (4 to 5 pm) and Sat December 5 (2 to 3 pm), 2026
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Waldo Branch Library's ArtSpace hosts a Holiday Gift Making Workshop in which participants make thoughtful handmade gifts for the season. The workshop is offered Thursday, December 3, 2026, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. and again on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
The Library District lists the workshop for all ages, including elementary-age kids and teens, and the calendar shows no registration requirement. The workshop is free. Waldo is a short drive north of Gainesville on US Highway 301.
See dates and details from Alachua County Library District (opens in a new tab)Waldo: ArtSpace: Ceramic Holiday Tree Painting
Holiday craftsFreeAlachua County Library District · Waldo
- Host
- Alachua County Library District (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Waldo Branch Library, 15150 NE US Highway 301, Waldo, FL 32694 (near Gainesville)
- When
- Friday, December 18, 2026, 4 to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Waldo Branch Library's ArtSpace invites families to decorate their own ceramic holiday tree on Friday, December 18, 2026, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Guest artist Lindi Baldwin guides participants in using colorful paints and festive designs.
The Library District lists the session for all ages, from elementary children to adults, and the calendar shows no registration requirement. The program is free.
See dates and details from Alachua County Library District (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Hawthorne
1 confirmed event for kids in Hawthorne, soonest first.
Hawthorne: Santa Claus at the Library
Santa and Mrs. ClausFreeAlachua County Library District · Hawthorne
- Host
- Alachua County Library District (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Hawthorne Branch Library, 6640 SE 221st St, Hawthorne, FL 32640 (near Gainesville)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 3:30 to 4:45 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
After the Hawthorne Christmas Parade and Festival on Saturday, December 5, 2026, Santa and Mrs. Claus walk over to the Hawthorne Branch Library. Children can tell Santa their wish and take a photograph with him and Mrs. Claus.
The visit runs from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. and is open to all ages. It is free, and the library calendar shows no registration requirement. Families can make a day of it by watching the parade and festival first, then following Santa to the library. The branch phone number is 352-481-1920.
See dates and details from Alachua County Library District (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Micanopy
1 confirmed event for kids in Micanopy, soonest first.
Micanopy: Winter Holiday Crafts for Kids
Holiday craftsFreeAlachua County Library District · Micanopy
- Host
- Alachua County Library District (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Micanopy Branch Library, 706 NE Cholokka Blvd, Micanopy, FL 32667 (near Gainesville)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 2 to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Preschool to elementary (3 to 11)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Micanopy Branch Library hosts Winter Holiday Crafts for Kids on Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. The program, subtitled Holiday Season Crafts and Fun, offers holiday and winter themed crafts, games and more.
The Library District lists the age groups as preschool (3 to 5), elementary (6 to 11) and teens. The event is free and the calendar shows no registration requirement. Micanopy is about 15 minutes south of Gainesville.
See dates and details from Alachua County Library District (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our Florida Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Tallahassee, Pensacola, Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale, St. Petersburg and West Palm Beach. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonGainesville Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Gainesville in 2026?
We confirmed 10 Christmas events for kids in Gainesville for 2026 on each host’s own page: Recycled Graphic Novel Holiday Globes in Gainesville (December 2), ArtSpace: Holiday Gift Making Workshop in Waldo (December 3), 8th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Newberry (December 5), Newberry Christmas Market in Newberry (December 5), Santa Claus at the Library in Hawthorne (December 5), Holiday Tree Ornament Event in Gainesville (December 12), NACC Movie on the Lawn: Polar Express & Cookie Decorating in Newberry (December 12), Winter Holiday Crafts for Kids in Micanopy (December 12), ArtSpace: Ceramic Holiday Tree Painting in Waldo (December 18) and Makerspace: Holiday Cards in Gainesville (December 18). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Gainesville, Florida?
For families in and around Gainesville, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Recycled Graphic Novel Holiday Globes (Wed, Dec 2, 3 to 4 pm, free); Holiday Tree Ornament Event (Sat, Dec 12, 2 to 3 pm, free); Makerspace: Holiday Cards (Fri, Dec 18, 11 am to 12 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Gainesville section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Newberry, Florida?
For families in and around Newberry, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: 8th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (Sat, Dec 5, 6 to 8 pm, free); Newberry Christmas Market (Sat, Dec 5, 2 to 8:30 pm, free entry, prices for rides and goods not stated); NACC Movie on the Lawn: Polar Express & Cookie Decorating (Sat, Dec 12, evening (times not listed), not stated). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Newberry section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Waldo, Florida?
For families in and around Waldo, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: ArtSpace: Holiday Gift Making Workshop (Thu, Dec 3, 4 pm and Sat, Dec 5, 2 pm, free); ArtSpace: Ceramic Holiday Tree Painting (Fri, Dec 18, 4 to 5 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Waldo section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Hawthorne, Florida?
For families in and around Hawthorne, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Santa Claus at the Library (Sat, Dec 5, 3:30 to 4:45 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Hawthorne section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Micanopy, Florida?
For families in and around Micanopy, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Winter Holiday Crafts for Kids (Sat, Dec 12, 2 to 3 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Micanopy section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Gainesville?
Yes. 8 of the 10 events here are free: Recycled Graphic Novel Holiday Globes in Gainesville, ArtSpace: Holiday Gift Making Workshop in Waldo, 8th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Newberry, Santa Claus at the Library in Hawthorne, Holiday Tree Ornament Event in Gainesville, Winter Holiday Crafts for Kids in Micanopy, ArtSpace: Ceramic Holiday Tree Painting in Waldo and Makerspace: Holiday Cards in Gainesville. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Gainesville this December?
Santa appears at Santa Claus at the Library in Hawthorne (December 5). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Which Gainesville Christmas events are best for toddlers?
These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Winter Holiday Crafts for Kids in Micanopy (Preschool to elementary (3 to 11)).
How much is Recycled Graphic Novel Holiday Globes in Gainesville?
Free. Recycled Graphic Novel Holiday Globes is on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 3 to 4 pm at Tower Road Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is ArtSpace: Holiday Gift Making Workshop in Waldo?
Free. ArtSpace: Holiday Gift Making Workshop is on Thu December 3 (4 to 5 pm) and Sat December 5 (2 to 3 pm), 2026 at Waldo Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is 8th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Newberry?
Free. 8th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 6 to 8 pm at Newberry City Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Newberry Christmas Market in Newberry?
Free entry, prices for rides and goods not stated. Newberry Christmas Market is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 2 to 8:30 pm at Barry Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Santa Claus at the Library in Hawthorne?
Free. Santa Claus at the Library is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 3:30 to 4:45 pm at Hawthorne Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Tree Ornament Event in Gainesville?
Free. Holiday Tree Ornament Event is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 2 to 3 pm at Cone Park Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is NACC Movie on the Lawn: Polar Express & Cookie Decorating in Newberry?
Not stated. NACC Movie on the Lawn: Polar Express & Cookie Decorating is on Saturday, December 12, 2026 at Barry Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Holiday Crafts for Kids in Micanopy?
Free. Winter Holiday Crafts for Kids is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 2 to 3 pm at Micanopy Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is ArtSpace: Ceramic Holiday Tree Painting in Waldo?
Free. ArtSpace: Ceramic Holiday Tree Painting is on Friday, December 18, 2026, 4 to 5 pm at Waldo Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Makerspace: Holiday Cards in Gainesville?
Free. Makerspace: Holiday Cards is on Friday, December 18, 2026, 11 am to noon at Millhopper Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Gainesville?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Gainesville Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
