Gainesville gathers to celebrate the fifth annual Lighting of the Holiday Gator

University of Florida students, faculty, staff, and families – along with Gainesville community members – gathered around a forged, 8-foot-tall steel alligator sculpture known as the Holiday Gator for a lighting ceremony last Thursday. 

The lawn of the University Auditorium was filled with laughter, lighthearted conversations, and joyous music, including live performances from the UF Sunshine Steelers, the UF Concert Choir, and the Gator Marching Band.

Emma Suttell, a fourth-year public relations student, enjoys the annual event because it “brings Gator flair to the holiday season,” while serving as a showcase for some of UF’s most notable performance groups. 

As the marching band prepared to perform holiday classics like “Jolly Old Saint Nicholas,” band member Mia Braswell expressed her feelings about spreading holiday cheer with spectators. 

“The holidays are my favorite time of the year, and I love being a Gator Band member, so combining the two is always a wonderful mix,” Braswell said.

Long-time attendee and statistics major Lance Stern, who sported an orange-and-blue-colored “ugly” sweater, was excited to listen to the holiday music. 

Sipping on hot chocolate and snacking on sugar cookies, UF students enjoyed a nice break from studying for finals and began reflecting on the personal traditions they cherish most. 

CT Ryczek stays up until midnight each Christmas Eve with family and opens gifts around 2 a.m., while Salim Moutaouakkil hosts a gift exchange each New Year’s Eve after diving into a layered red velvet cake. 

“Holiday time feels so different in Florida,” said event worker Abel Abraham, a fourth-year UF public health student. “It’s a cooler day and everyone is in a good mood.” 

UF health science student Shree Patel joined friends as they commemorated the end of the semester. As she prepares to return home for the break, she is most excited to spend time with family, eat good food, and reflect back on this year. 

Since the original event in 2019, families have also been encouraged to attend the Lighting of the Holiday Gator. This year, elementary school students made wishes for a variety of dream gifts: a new Nintendo Switch for Archie, a new iPad for Hailey, and a new Star Wars Lego set for Ian. 

UF Interim President Kent Fuchs invited all attending children to join him for a backwards countdown from 10. As the gleaming orange and blue lights began to flicker, cheers emerged from the crowd. 

“Have a wonderful holiday, you all!” Fuchs said. 

For those who have yet to see the sculpture, the Holiday Gator will remain glowing until Dec. 23.