Christmas in Alachua, Seasonal Festivities Underway

ALACHUA ‒ Monthlong seasonal festivities are in full swing in Alachua. Merrymaking kicked off last Friday evening at 6 p.m. with crowds gathering around the towering Christmas tree across from Alachua’s Skinner Field. The annual tree lighting tradition began in 2006 when the City of Alachua began holding a number of events to celebrate the Christmas season with the community. Every year, on the first Friday of December, the tree lighting ceremony is held followed by a visit from Santa Claus. This year Alachua will enjoy multiple events to make the whole month a celebration of the holiday season.

Friday’s official tree lighting ceremony was the center of attention as all eyes were on the larger-than-life Christmas tree as crowds gathered under strings of colorful Christmas lights as excited children awaited the arrival of Santa Claus in his horse drawn carriage. Helping to keep the experience alive long after the event ended, a cheerful background display with chairs for Santa and Mrs. Claus was available to offer free photos by Magnolia Lane Photography. Children also enjoyed boxes of treat-filled boxes after having their photo taken with the jolly couple from the North Poole.

A popular activity for the children was the ornament making stations for youngsters to create their own paper Christmas ornaments. Refreshments were abundant as Capital City Bank provided popcorn and costumed characters wandering in the park for children to greet and take photos with. Alachua’s Boy Scout Troop 88 provided steaming hot chocolate with marshmallows for the crowd. Dollar General provided free candies and cookies and Walmart provided juice boxes for the children.

Another highlight of the event was the snow blowing machine that created imaginary snow flurries for the children to play in. While all these activities provided the crowd with the Christmas feel, the big event was the tree lighting and arrival of Santa.

After short speeches by Mayor Gib Coerper and City Manager Mike DaRoza, all attention turned toward Main Street as police cars with lights flashing escorted a shiny white carriage with Santa, Mrs. Claus and two elves. Children excitedly lined the street for a glimpse of the carriage and its occupants.

DaRoza joined Santa in the street to lead a countdown for the tree to light up filling the park with shimmering multicolored illuminations. Families gathered around the tree to photograph their children as excited children waited in anticipation to sit on Santa's lap and tell him their Christmas wishes.

Alachua’s holiday celebrations will continue with a parade down Main Street on Saturday, Dec. 10 starting at 2 p.m. And for the next two Saturdays, “Holiday Nights” sponsored by the City of Alachua are also on tap on Saturday, Dec. 10 and Saturday, Dec. 17 with a variety of activities in the historic downtown area. Free showings of The Santa Claus film series will be happening downtown as well as free carriage rides up and down Main Street. Free Christmas gift wrapping will be provided and Santa will again be set up near Magnolia Lane Photography for additional photos. Two stages will feature acoustic musicians playing Christmas music as well as a performance by the Gainesville Youth Choir.

Wrapping up the season’s activities is a performance of The Nutcracker by Dance Alive. This special event hosted by the City of Alachua takes place Friday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. at Legacy Park, 15400 Peggy Road. This free event is not to be missed, and the public is encouraged to bring a bag chair and a blanket to enjoy this family tradition under a canopy of stars. Hot chocolate and popcorn will be available while supplies last, and a meet and greet the dancers will follow the performance.

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