Good morning, Gainesville.

A Very GNV Holiday Parade spread festive cheer today in Gainesville as over 100 themed floats, dance troupes, marching bands and community groups participated — a lively display for local families.

Florida volleyball ended its season in NCAA Tournament round two when the unseeded Gators lost to SMU in three sets; the team finished a 16-12 record in its first season under coach Ryan Theis.

Florida Gators football added 19 players by signing local standout Justin Williams and four-star safety Kaiden Hall on Friday, Dec.

5 & hiring defensive coordinator Brad White on Thursday as coach Jon Sumrall prepares for National Signing Day on Feb. 4.

Florida's new football coach Jon Sumrall will finish coaching Tulane, which clinched the AAC title on Friday in a 34-21 win over North Texas, before he transitions to the Gators to focus on roster retention.

Sumrall emphasized that keeping his current players is key to building his new program.

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.