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December Newsletter: Holiday Fun in Gainesville

Holiday Fun in Gainesville Florida

December Newsletter: Holiday Fun in Gainesville – “Make a Weekend of It”

As the holiday season unfolds, Gainesville, Florida, transforms into a festive wonderland filled with events, activities, and celebrations for the whole family. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying longer at one of Gainesville’s charming accommodations—like StayGainesville Vacation Rentals, The Laurel Oak Inn, or The Camellia Rose Inn—you’ll find yourself at the heart of the holiday magic.


From enchanting light displays to nostalgic performances and unique cultural events, Gainesville offers something for everyone. Here’s your guide to a perfect holiday weekend getaway in Gainesville, featuring highlights from local favorites like Winter Wonderland, Christmas in the Quarry, and A Christmas Carol at The Hippodrome.


Weekend of December 13–15: A Festive Kickoff


Friday, December 13

Saturday, December 14

  • Morning Nostalgia: Step back in time with Vintage Holidays Guided Tours at the Historic Haile Homestead. Learn how holidays were celebrated in the past while exploring the beautifully decorated home.
  • Small-Town Cheer: Don’t miss the Christmas Parade on Main Street in Alachua at 11 a.m., featuring floats, marching bands, and festive cheer.
  • Nutcracker Magic: In the evening, head to High Springs for the enchanting Nutcracker Christmas Parade at 6 p.m., bringing the beloved ballet to life through creative floats.

Sunday, December 15


Weekend of December 20–22: Holiday Traditions


Friday, December 20

  • A Ballet Classic: Experience the magic of the season with Dance Alive National Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the UF Phillips Center at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 21

  • Holiday Nostalgia: Visit A Very Merry Gainesville, a nostalgic holiday event at Dragonfly Graphics featuring local vendors and unique gifts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Enchanting Gardens: In the evening, take a short drive to Williston for Christmas in the Quarry at Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens. From 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., stroll through beautifully illuminated gardens and enjoy the magic of the season.

Sunday, December 22

  • Matinee Marvel: Return to the UF Phillips Center for a 2 p.m. matinee of The Nutcracker by Dance Alive National Ballet—a perfect way to close out the weekend.


Weekend of December 27–29: Cultural Celebrations


Friday, December 27

  • Celebrate Kwanzaa: Learn about the rich history and cultural significance of Kwanzaa at A History of Kwanzaa at the A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center at 7 p.m.

Saturday, December 28

  • Local Discoveries: Spend your morning exploring Gainesville’s vibrant farmers' markets, featuring fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local delicacies.

Sunday, December 29


New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day


Tuesday, December 31

  • Downtown Countdown: Ring in the new year at the lively Downtown Countdown at Bo Diddley Plaza. From 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., enjoy live music, food vendors, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Wednesday, January 1

  • A Fresh Start: Start the year off right with a relaxing visit to Depot Park. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, pack a picnic, or simply soak in the natural beauty.

๏ปฟ

Holiday Highlights


Plan Your Stay in Gainesville


The Camellia Rose Inn, The Laurel Oak Inn, and StayGainesville Vacation Rentals provide the perfect base for your holiday adventures. Nestled in Gainesville’s historic and vibrant neighborhoods, these accommodations offer warmth, comfort, and convenience, ensuring your holiday weekend is as relaxing as it is festive.


Whether you’re strolling through twinkling gardens, watching timeless performances, or exploring Gainesville’s local culture, your holiday season here promises to be unforgettable.


Visit the following links for more detailed event information:


Make a weekend of it, and let Gainesville’s holiday magic create memories that will last a lifetime!

BAMBUU Asian Eatery in Gainesville Florida
By Susannah Peddie April 2, 2025
BAMBUU Asian Eatery: Gainesville’s Go-To Spot for Flavor-Packed Bowls and Modern Vibes Gainesville’s dining scene just got a major upgrade with the arrival of BAMBUU Asian Eatery, a fast-casual fusion concept that’s already making waves across town. From build-your-own bowls to freshly prepared appetizers and a welcoming atmosphere, BAMBUU offers a delicious, modern take on classic Asian flavors—all served fast and made with care. Whether you’re craving comfort food with a twist or just need a healthy lunch option near campus or work, BAMBUU hits the spot. ๐Ÿœ What Is BAMBUU? BAMBUU Asian Eatery is a Florida-born concept that blends traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cooking with a fresh, contemporary spin. It’s designed to deliver quick, high-quality meals built around customizable options and clean ingredients. Everything is made-to-order, and you’re in control—choose your base, mix in your favorite proteins or veggies, and top it off with scratch-made sauces. It’s a fun, casual experience that doesn’t compromise on flavor or freshness. ๐ŸŒ Visit BAMBUU Online ๐Ÿ“ Where to Find It The Gainesville location is right in the action at 3606 SW Archer Road , in the busy Butler Plaza area. That makes it super convenient for University of Florida students, Shands staff, and anyone shopping or running errands in the area. Whether you’re grabbing lunch between classes or picking up dinner on your way home, BAMBUU’s spot is easy to access and surrounded by plenty of parking. ๐Ÿฑ The Menu: Build Your Bowl, Your Way One of the most appealing aspects of BAMBUU is its build-your-own bowl format . Whether you're vegetarian, gluten-free, or just picky (hey, no judgment!), there’s something here for everyone. Start with a base like: White rice Fried rice Lo mein noodles Fresh greens Then add your proteins and vegetables—options include: Grilled chicken Spicy beef Korean BBQ pork Basil shrimp Tofu (for a plant-based option) Their signature combos include: The Bambuu Bowl : Choose 2 bases + 3 proteins/veggies The Four Bowl : 2 bases + 2 toppings The Two Bowl : A single base + 1 topping—perfect for lighter appetites Every bowl comes to life with bold sauces like sweet soy glaze, creamy sesame, or spicy chili garlic. ๐Ÿงพ Explore the Full Menu ๐Ÿฅ  Don’t Skip the Starters Before you even get to your bowl, BAMBUU’s appetizers deserve their own spotlight. They offer crave-worthy sides that are ideal for sharing (or hoarding for yourself). Top picks include: Cream Cheese Rangoon – Crispy and golden with a creamy, savory filling Veggie Spring Rolls – Light, crispy, and perfect with dipping sauce Whether you’re dining in or ordering out, these are the perfect sidekick to any bowl. ๐Ÿง‘‍๐Ÿณ Fast-Casual Done Right BAMBUU offers a quick and easy dining experience without sacrificing quality. Guests walk through the ordering line (similar to Chipotle), selecting bases, proteins, veggies, and sauces as they go. It’s efficient, friendly, and made right in front of you—so there’s no wondering what’s going into your food. The interior is clean and modern with just enough flair to feel fun and welcoming—whether you’re eating solo or with a group. ๐ŸŽ‰ Hosting an Event? They Cater, Too BAMBUU also provides group catering , which is perfect for office luncheons, family parties, or student events. Catering trays are available in several sizes and include full meals with proteins, bases, sauces, and sides. They make it easy to customize a spread for any crowd—with the same bold flavors and fresh ingredients they’re known for in-store. ๐Ÿฅก Order Catering via ezCater ๐Ÿ’ฌ Community First: Giving Back in Gainesville Since opening, BAMBUU has made it a point to give back to the Gainesville community. They’ve hosted appreciation events with free meals for teachers, hospital staff, and first responders , showing their gratitude to those who make the city better every day. That kind of heart isn’t something you see every day in a fast-casual restaurant—and it’s one of the many reasons BAMBUU is earning loyal fans quickly. ๐Ÿš€ Growing in Florida This is BAMBUU’s second location , following their successful debut in Vero Beach . Gainesville was selected as their next stop thanks to its diverse, energetic population and thriving food culture. Their vision doesn’t stop here—more locations are in the works, including one coming soon to Clermont, FL. ๐Ÿ“ See All BAMBUU Locations ๐ŸŒŸ What Customers Are Saying Reviews have been glowing so far. Customers love the bold flavors, the speedy service, and the freedom to create a meal that’s just right for them. One happy diner shared: “Fresh, flavorful, and fast. Exactly what Gainesville needed. The spicy sauce was amazing, and I’ll definitely be back for the cream cheese rangoons.” ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Read Reviews on Yelp ๐Ÿ“ฆ Dine Your Way: In-House, Pickup, or Delivery You can enjoy BAMBUU however you like: Dine-in for a casual sit-down meal Takeout for lunch breaks or dinners on the go Curbside pickup for convenience Delivery through DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats Whether you’re relaxing at home or on the move, your next flavorful meal is just a few taps away. Final Bite: Why BAMBUU Deserves a Spot on Your Foodie Radar Gainesville’s restaurant scene is always growing, but BAMBUU brings something fresh and exciting to the table. With high-quality ingredients, a commitment to community, and a menu that’s endlessly customizable, this is more than just another rice bowl joint. It’s a place to connect, eat well, and feel good about your meal—every single time. ๐Ÿ“ Visit BAMBUU at 3606 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608 ๐ŸŒ Order Online or View Menu Looking for a place to stay while visiting the local Gainesville attractions? Look no further than Gainesville's locally owned vacation rental company, StayGainesville . Book directly on our site, or call us at 352-519-3994 for guidance. For homes and condos, StayGainesville has many options- large and small/ budget and luxury, and more. For a shorter stay, we have 2 beautiful historic Inns in downtown Gainesville. The Camellia Rose Inn and The Laurel Oak Inn - both have unique personalities and they both feel like a home away from home. Looking for more things to do in Gainesville? Visit our Things to Do link.
Things to do in Gainesville Florida this week!
By Susannah Peddie March 26, 2025
From garden blooms to craft brews and scenic bike rides, Gainesville is full of life this weekend. Whether you’re planning to explore or host, this is the perfect time to enjoy all that spring has to offer. And when you’re ready to rest or celebrate, The Laurel Oak Inn and The Camellia Rose Inn provide ideal settings to unwind in style.
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