The University of Florida’s Holiday Gator, a forged steel sculpture located on the lawn outside of University Auditorium, is illuminated n Gainesville. Fla., on Thursday, November 30., 2023. (Ethan Goddard/WUFT News)
In a festive display of holiday spirit, the University of Florida lit up the Holiday Gator, a striking forged steel sculpture, on Thursday, November 30. This eagerly awaited event, which took place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the lawn of the University Auditorium, was led by UF President Ben Sasse.
The ceremony, a tradition since 2019, featured performances by the Gator Marching Band, UF Sunshine Steelers and UF Concert Choir, along with holiday treats for all attendees. The event marked a dazzling start to the holiday season for the UF community.
The University of Florida’s Holiday Gator, a forged steel sculpture located on the lawn outside of University Auditorium, is illuminated n Gainesville. Fla., on Thursday, November 30., 2023. (Ethan Goddard/WUFT News)
UF President Ben Sasse takes pictures with attendees at the UF Gator holiday lighting celebration in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 30, 2023. (Ethan Goddard/WUFT News)
A crowd gathers to see the lighting of the UF Holiday Gator outside of University Auditorium in Gainesville, Fla., Nov. 30, 2023. (Ethan Goddard/WUFT News)
A crowd gathers to see the lighting of the UF Holiday Gator outside of University Auditorium in Gainesville, Fla., Nov. 30, 2023. (Ethan Goddard/WUFT News)
People help themselves to holiday treats during the UF Gator holiday lighting celebration in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 30, 2023. (Ethan Goddard/WUFT News)
A Christmas choir sings at the UF Gator holiday lighting celebration in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 30, 2023. (Ethan Goddard/WUFT News)
A steel drum group performs at the UF Gator holiday lighting celebration in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 30, 2023. (Ethan Goddard/WUFT News)
Workers at the UF Holiday Gator lighting celebration prepare hot chocolate for attendees in Gainesville Fla., Nov 30, 2023 (Ethan Goddard/WUFT News)
Workers at the UF Holiday Gator lighting celebration prepare hot chocolate for attendees in Gainesville Fla., Nov 30, 2023 (Ethan Goddard/WUFT News)
A jeep dressed in lights drives past the UF Gator holiday lighting celebration in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 30, 2023. (Ethan Goddard/WUFT News)