Good morning, Gainesville.

Alachua County Animal Resources hosts its third annual Whisker Wonderland Adoption Drive today and tomorrow from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at its Gainesville shelter (3400 NE 53rd Ave.), offering free pet adoptions, holiday fun, and a pet supply donation drive this December.

The Mills Group is hosting its fourth annual Santa Paws Walk and Run to benefit the Humane Society, inviting locals to join a fun day of exercise and fundraising for pet care (event details will be shared soon).

Gainesville P.K. Yonge High School senior Reid Roberts was chosen to join the Bands of America Honor Band for the 2026 Rose Parade on New Year's Day in Pasadena; he will rehearse and perform with hundreds of national musicians ahead of the widely viewed event.

The University of Florida is offering an Honors Program class that explores Gainesville's punk rock history through Matt Walker's book (Gainesville Punk) while taking students to local music landmarks and featuring guest speakers like Tony Weinbender this fall.

Alachua County Public Schools is hosting its first community session to collect ideas that will shape short-term recommendations for the 2026-27 school year and a long-term plan for county schools — further details provided by ACPS.

UF/IFAS and the Florida Wildflower Foundation started the Florida Native Seed Partnership (FNSP) with a kickoff meeting on Nov.

14 last month in Gainesville. The steering committee, which includes conservation, utility, and research experts, aims to boost native seed supply for state restoration projects.

Community Hospice & Palliative Care is hosting free 'Hope for the Holidays' workshops to help locals coping with grief during the holiday season.

The Gainesville session is scheduled for Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 3870 NW 83rd Street.

Florida’s women’s basketball team will play Virginia Tech at 5 p.m. Thursday in Blacksburg during the SEC/ACC Challenge.

They come off an impressive win at the Grand Cayman Islands Classic (Liv McGill was named Most Outstanding Player) and aim to tie their season win record.

Florida football coach Jon Sumrall introduced his family at a Gainesville press conference on Dec.

4 as he outlined plans to revive the program with a complete, fundamental approach. His wife Ginny and their four children expressed enthusiasm about becoming active in the community (reflecting his trusted mentors' influence).

Dylan Morton, captain and president of UF's hockey leadership group (DIII team), discussed the squad's growth and challenges playing off-campus, noting the need for a rink in Gainesville to boost practice frequency.

He said additional local facilities would enable more community engagement and support UF players for Friday games.

Newberry's Tree Lighting Ceremony

6-8 p.m. — City of Newberry — Free entry — Celebrate the season with Santa photos, hot cocoa, and fun kids activities.

Florida Gators Women's Basketball vs. South Alabama

2-4:30 p.m. — Stephen C. O'Connell Center — Check website for ticket info — Cheer on the Gators as they face off against South Alabama in a thrilling basketball matchup.

Candlelight Christmas Carols on Strings

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Hippodrome Theatre — Tickets required — Experience the magic of Christmas through beautiful string renditions of your favorite holiday carols in a candlelit setting.

Gainesville's Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

4:30-9:00 p.m. — Silver Q Billiards & Sports Bar — Tickets required — Dress in your ugliest holiday sweater for a night of festive fun with games, contests, and prizes.

Florida Gators vs. St. Francis (PA) Red Flash

7 PM — Stephen C. O'Connell Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting NCAA basketball matchup featuring the Gators and the Red Flash.

Dance Alive National Ballet - The Nutcracker

7:30-9 p.m. — Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of The Nutcracker with live music by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra.

Jingle Bell Jog 5k and Holiday Social

1-5 p.m. — Haile Plantation — Free entry — Celebrate the season with a family-friendly 5k jog followed by festive food and games.

Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Florida Gators Women's Basketball

2:45 p.m. — Stephen C. O'Connell Center — Tickets available — Cheer on the Gators as they face off against Tulsa in women's basketball action.

Dartmouth Big Green vs. Florida Gators Basketball

6-7:30 p.m. — Stephen C. O'Connell Center — Admission varies — Watch the Gators take on Dartmouth in an exciting basketball showdown, followed by postgame layups!

Family New Year’s Eve Bash

4-8 p.m. — Dave & Buster's Gainesville — Tickets required — Celebrate 2026 early with food, games, and family-friendly countdown fun.