Robert D. Thompson 
” OLIVIER ! “: Fall in love with the classic tale of “Oliver!” At 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday through December 19 at the Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Based on the novel “Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens, the show, set in Victorian London, follows the trials and tribulations of young orphan Oliver as he seeks safety and being loved. Masks are compulsory. Tickets cost $ 23 for general admission, $ 19 for seniors, and $ 12 for students. For more information on this and upcoming performances, visit gcplayhouse.org.
“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”: Holiday tradition, Racecourse’s own adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” is back on stage. Gather with your family and friends for a song and storytelling show for all ages. The classic tale follows a cranky businessman named Ebenezer Scrooge who doesn’t believe in the magic of Christmas. Scrooge is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve who hope to change his outlook on the holidays. Find out what’s happening at noon and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and at 7 p.m. on Sundays until December 23; Additional sessions are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on December 20, 2 p.m. on December 21, 7 p.m. on December 22 and 2 p.m. on December 23. The Hippodrome Theater is located at 25 SE Second Place. Tickets cost between $ 15 and $ 42 and can be purchased at thehipp.org.
“MIRACLE ON 34E RUE”: Celebrate the holidays with this all-time favorite classic story presented by the Hippodrome Theater. A last-minute replacement Santa for Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade pretends to be the real Kris Kringle, and a little girl’s belief brings love, happiness, and the heart of the holiday spirit to everyone. Be a part of the studio audience as the cast tells this beloved story through incredible songs and live sound effects in this radio musical adapted from the original Lux Radio show from 1947. Screenings are set at 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays until December 23; Additional screenings are scheduled for December 21 at 7 p.m., December 22 at 2 p.m. and December 23 at 7 p.m. The Hippodrome Theater is located at 25 SE Second Place. Tickets cost between $ 10 and $ 47. To purchase tickets, or for more information on this and other upcoming presentations, visit thehipp.org.
NOL EXPRESS: Kirby Family Farm opened for its annual Christmas Express, which runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. today through Saturday, as well as December 10-12, December 17-23, and December 26. The Christmas train is a holiday event with lots of things to see and do. Organizers recommend at least two hours for the entire experience, which includes shows, vendors, a petting zoo, rides, and a tour with Santa Claus. The highlight of the evening is a train ride through thousands of Christmas lights pulled by one of the farm’s old-fashioned locomotives. Tickets cost $ 15.99 for ages 10 and up up front, $ 20 for ages 10 and up at the door, $ 10.99 for ages 3 to 9 up front, $ 15 for kids 3 -9 years in advance and free for children 2 and under. Tickets can be purchased in advance at kirbyfarm.com/the-christmas-express. The Kirby Family Farm is located at 19630 NE 30th St. in Williston.
SUWANEE LIGHTS: It’s almost Christmas and the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park and Campground has announced the return of its Suwannee Lights driving and walking. This holiday event, which runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. until January 2, features over 10 million colorful lights as well as lively exhibits, amazing sites, a craft village, Santa’s Workshop and their Patriotic exhibition with soldiers on the move. After seeing the lights, you’ll find Santa in the Country Store every night where the kids can chat with Santa about what they’re hoping to get for Christmas. Check out all of the items available for Christmas gifts in the country store or from craft vendors. Guests will also be able to enjoy hot chocolate, s’mores, Christmas candy, Christmas carols, campfires and create memories that will last a lifetime. Suwannee Lights has become a tradition for families from all over to visit each year. Tickets are based on the date you attend: $ 12 for adults on Saturday, $ 10 for adults on Friday, $ 8 for adults Sunday through Thursday, and $ 2 for children. They can be purchased online at suwanneelights.com/tickets. The SOS Café and New Porch are open Thursday through Saturday and feature live music every Friday and Saturday night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The SOS Café is open from Thursday to Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For advance reservations, call 386-364-1703. The SOSMP is located off US 129 at 3076 95th Drive in Live Oak.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Gainesville Holiday Events: A Christmas Carol, Miracle on 34th Street
