Saturday , December 7 2024

Festive Fun Events Around Town

Gainesville

Mayhem Ranch Winter Festival

The 2nd Annual Mayhem Ranch Winter Festival is now open! Come see Santa and his Reindeer on the farm!

Tickets are limited for this event & can be purchased here.

$15.00 Per Person, 2 & under FREE!

December 21-23

We are open 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Last admission at 9:00 PM.

LIVE MUSIC: 6PM – 9PM

Tickets include:
Santa Appearances
Live Reindeer Exhibit
Lighted hayride through the forest
Christmas Light Display
Grinch Appearances
FirePit
Farm Train
Petting Farm
Live Nativity Scene
Outdoor Movie Theatre (6:30 PM & 8:30 PM)
Swings
Slides
Games
Pig Races (6:30 PM & 8:30 PM)

Animal Experiences Each Night:
Mini Cows
Gyr Brahmas
Goats
Mini donkeys
Alpacas
Ostriches
Emus
Pony
Camel
Sulcutta Tortoises
sheep
Swamp Water Buffalo
River Water Buffalo
Warthogs

Additional Activities:
Santas Workshops $3.00 each
Ornament making
Cookie Decorating
Smore’s Kits $3.00
Pony Rides $5.00
Santa Family Photo pass $5.00 (5:30PM – 7:30PM)
Concessions

When visiting the Farm:

1. Please remember to wear closed toe shoes.

2. Seating will be available but feel free to bring a blanket and/or a lawn chair for the movies.

3. We accept Cash and Credit Cards.

4. No pets are allowed.

5. All sales are final. If you need to change your ticket date, please contact us directly

Grand Chanukah Celebration and Giant Menorah Lighting at Bo Diddley Plaza – Now – December 26th

Enjoy hot latkas, sufganiyot, dreidels, live music from the Klezmer Katz Band and more. Several dignitaries will be on hand to join in the celebration of Chanukah and deliver Holiday greetings. Admission is free.

Make sure you arrive early or bring your own chairs to ensure a spot. Bring a blanket to wrap up if it’s going to be chilly!

Carson Springs Walk or Ride Tour

Stroll or ride through a Christmas-themed landscape creating the home environment to rare and endangered species and over 100 animals guided by professional zoologists. Witness big cat feeding demonstrations, rare and endangered animals, and learn about the animal’s personal stories as well as important details about the species and their preservation, all while enjoying the expansive outdoor setting with friends and family. Carson Springs is located on 275 acres of lush Florida woods and farmland.

History and Holidays Guided Tours at Historic Haile Homestead Now – 12/31
Now through Saturday, December 31
Once a year, Historic Haile Homestead gets decorated for the holidays. Learn about the 1856 homestead, the Haile family and the laborers who lived and worked there.

Ocala

Santa & Grinch Photo Experience at Deluca YMCA

Bring your children for a memorable photo with Santa. Photos start at $15.00 for a single 5×7, other packages will be available along with our Wall Crawl that includes 4 beautiful Christmas backdrops for all your family photo needs. Also guest appearances from the Big Green Man himself! For times please check their Facebook page here.

Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree

What’s more authentic than strapping on your hiking boots and walking into the Ocala National Forest on the search for the best Sand Pine you can find?! Make sure you purchase a permit before cutting. *Use of chainsaws is not permitted. You can find a map and some tips on cutting and selecting your tree here. For more information you can call the Lake George Ranger District station at (352) 625-2520 or National Forests in Florida at (850) 523-8500.