Magical Moments at Alachua’s Christmas on Main Street and Tree Lighting

ALACHUA ‒ Downtown Alachua was host to throngs of merrymaking crowds who showed up for the annual Christmas tree lighting event Friday, Dec. 2. New this year was the addition of Christmas on Main Street, a collaborative effort between the Alachua Chamber of Commerce, City of Alachua, and local businesses that sponsored all manner of festivities, music, activities, and Christmas trees lining Main Street.

The holiday season in Alachua officially kicked off at 6 p.m. with the annual lighting of the Christmas tree next to Skinner Park on Main Street. City Manager Mike DaRoza and Mayor Gib Coerper welcomed families to downtown Alachua.

But no Christmas tree lighting would be complete without an appearance from the one, the only, Santa Claus. And to the delight of youngsters, Jolly Old Saint Nicholas and Mrs. Claus did roll in on a shiny sleigh led by reindeer that slightly resembled miniature horses. All this with an escort from Alachua’s finest, the Alachua Police Department.

After leading the countdown to the tree lighting and saying a few jovial words to the youngsters gathered to catch a glimpse of that magical man in red, Santa and Mrs. Claus hopped back on their sleigh for a short ride down Main Street to his workshop. Children, and some adults as well, had the opportunity to sit with Santa, have their photographs taken, and share their Christmas wishes.

But the magic continued as all of Main Street was decked out with boughs of holly, garland and sparkling Christmas trees and festive light displays. Shops stayed open with lights ablaze welcoming the merrymakers as they made their way up and down the street.

Dozens of children’s activity stations and giveaways lined Main Street as children hurried to sample hot cocoa, pizza, popcorn, pastries, and cider and to pick up gift boxes and more. Youngsters had the opportunity to play in a bounce house, make ornaments, take a miniature train ride or a sleigh ride, try their hand at holiday crafts or have their faces painted. All activities and refreshments were free for children to enjoy.

At the south end of Main Street, Music Junction provided live music, while midway along Main Street, Randy and Antoinette Hunt also provided live seasonal music courtesy of Boukari Law. Theatre Park was the site of plays performed by the Children’s Theater as gaily costumed children entertained crowds gathered in the historic park that once served the community as a theatre.

Event sponsors included the City of Alachua, Visit Gainesville, Alachua County, Boukari Law, Alachua County Today, Dollar General Distribution, Walmart Distribution and the Alachua Chamber of Commerce.

Activity sponsors included the City of Alachua, Alachua Sports Pub & Grill, Good Life Station, Kelly’s Kreations, Pink Threads, Tony and Al’s, Alachua Flowers, Valerie's Loft, Mother Lode, City of Alachua and Youth Council, Cardinal's Nest, Alachua Police Department and Explorers, Boukari Realty with Santa Fe High School Cheerleaders, Boy Scout Troop 88, Mi Apa, Alachua Business League, Okito America, Capital City Bank, Polaris, Santa Fe Ford, Alachua Women's Club, Alachua Flowers & Tuxedo Rentals, Florida Phone Systems, Ryan Larmann State Farm, Music Junction, Alachua County Today and Boukari Law.

Sharing his excitement, one young child exclaimed, “Everything is free? What kind of town is this?” The efforts and generosity of many made the evening possible as the City’s official tree lighting and the Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas on Main Street proved to be a winning combination this holiday season as hundreds of people undoubtedly made magical memories to remember for years to come.

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