Where can families find Santa Claus in Alachua County this holiday season?
The Christmas holiday is just a few weeks away and children might be wondering when and where they can catch the jolly red-suited man with a white beard.
Santa Claus will be making a few special appearances across Alachua County spreading holiday cheer and presenting photo opportunities.
Here are some of the many locations families can get pictures and give those long gift lists to Ol' Saint Nick:
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Haile Village Center – Light the Village
Friday, Dec. 9 from 5-9 p.m. at Haile Village Center, located at 5100 SW 91st Ter. in Gainesville. The event is free.
Shoppes at Thornebrook
Friday, Dec. 9 from 5-9 p.m. at Shoppes at Thornebrook, located at 2441 NW 43rd Street, Gainesville. The event is free.
Amber Brooke Farms Christmas Time on the Farm
Saturday, Dec. 10-11, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at 3250 NE 140th Ave. in Williston. The cost of attendance is $13 in advance and $15 at the door. Kids 2 years and under are free.
Christmas at Butler
Saturday, Dec. 10, 4 p.m.-7:15 p.m. 3217 SW 35th Blvd. in Gainesville.
Gainesville High School Drama Club: Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 10, 8 a.m.–10 a.m. at Southwest United Methodist Church, located at 2400 SW Williston Road, Gainesville. The event is $15 per person. Tickets are available until Dec. 7 at 9 p.m.
Hair n Hand Winterland Beauty Expo
Saturday, Dec. 10 at 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at 6860 SE 221st Ave. in Hawthorne. Admission is $1 but free for children.
Waldo Santa at the Caboose
A free event on Dec. 15, starting at 6 p.m. at Waldo City Park in Waldo.
Hitchcock's Markets Santa
The free event begins Dec. 16, from 6-8 p.m. at 15560 NW US Highway 441 in Alachua.
Bonnie Melrose Christmas Parade of Lights
Saturday, Dec. 17 from 2 p.m. Heritage Park, located at 300 FL-2 in Melrose. The event is Free.
CountryWay Town Square
Saturday, Dec. 17, 6 p.m., at CountryWay Town Square, 1739 SW 248th Dr. Suite 20, in Newberry. The event is free.
Gainesville Harley-Davidson Santa Visit
The free event will be held Saturday, December 17, 12-4 p.m. at 4125 NW 97th Blvd. in Gainesville.
Alachua County Farmers Market Winter Festival
The event is free and will be held Saturday, Dec. 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 5920 NW 13th St. in Gainesville.
Blackadder Brewing Sunday with Santa
The free event will take place Sunday, Dec. 18, from 2-4 p.m. at 618-A NW 60th St. in Gainesville.
Newberry Main Street Gingerbread Village Events
A free event on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 3-6 p.m. at County
Deeper Purpose Community Church Presents Police Kids Christmas Party
Wednesday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the High Springs Civic Center, 19107 NW 240th St. in High Springs. The event is free.
Walk to Bethlehem
It's a free event running from Dec. 9-23, from 7-9 p.m., at 4551 SE Rd 121 in Morriston.
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop
Available through Dec. 24. Book a reservation online. Bass Pro Shop is located at 2650 Bass Pro Shops Blvd. in Gainesville.
Halycon Days Photography Christmas and Santa Mini Sessions
The events will be held throughout December at 825 NW 13th St. in Gainesville. The cost is $150.
This list will be updated throughout December as more events pop up.
Gershon Harrell is an education reporter at The Gainesville Sun. He can be reached by phone at (352)338-3166, by email at Gharrell@gannett.com or on Twitter at @GershonReports.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Here's where to find Santa Claus in Alachua County this holiday season
