Good morning, Gainesville.

Gainesville’s Streatery will host the Downtown Winter Market Series starting Friday through Jan.

25 along SW 1st Avenue. The market runs on Friday and Saturday evenings plus Sunday midday with themed events and free Skill Share workshops from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Gainesville Housing Authority will host its ELITE Plaza Unity Dinner and Festival on Thursday, Dec.

18 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the newly unveiled ELITE Training Plaza (2626 East University Avenue), inviting community members to share a family style meal while supporting local housing and workforce development.

Officials announced a public viewing on Monday, Dec.

15 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Williams Thomas Funeral Home and a public funeral service on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at noon at Trinity United Methodist Church for Floyd 'Sonny' Tillman, founder of Sonny's BBQ, while burial will remain private.

Santa Fe College’s planetarium revived Pink Floyd Fridays last month with immersive shows featuring (Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall, and Wish You Were Here) and will resume every Friday at 9 p.m. next semester after a limited winter holiday schedule.

Dream on Purpose will host a free financial education workshop for girls ages 11 to 18 on Dec.

13 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Santa Fe College NW Campus (3000 NW 83rd Street, S-29 Multipurpose Room) where Larry Tuch will explain budgeting, saving and wealth building.

If a car blocks a private driveway, Gainesville residents can have it towed without calling police (Florida law allows towing when access is obstructed).

They should document the scene and contact the tow company or non-emergency line immediately if their vehicle goes missing.

Rep. Hayes Hinson filed legislation on Dec.

10 to address perimenopause and menopause effects on women in Gainesville. The bill requires the Health Department to form a workgroup (including providers and advocates) that will create outreach resources and guide treatment options.

Local restaurants will be open on Christmas Day to offer dining options from brunch to late-night meals.

Bangkok Square (noon–3 p.m. and 5–9 p.m.) and establishments like IHOP and Waffle House provide extended or 24-hour service for holiday dining.

The Florida Gators men's basketball team lost to No. 5 UConn 77-73 at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday after 12 turnovers hurt their chances, and they will face George Washington at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

Florida basketball prepped for its game against UConn at Madison Square Garden on Dec.

10 (with shootaround sessions, film review, and coordinated travel planning) that showcased players' excitement and personal ties to New York.

Former Florida Gator Pete Alonso is set to sign a five-year, $155 million free-agent deal with the Baltimore Orioles, and his $31 million average annual salary will rank as the second highest among MLB first basemen (behind Toronto’s Vladamir Guerrero Jr.).

Gainesville-area high school football coaches expressed strong support for new Florida coach Jon Sumrall—citing his energy, proven turnaround skills, and local ties—and noted he will take full charge after Tulane’s season ends.

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.