Nine Lessons and Carols in Gainesville: time and parking

First Presbyterian Church’s Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is a service of Bible readings, choir anthems and carols for the whole congregation, on Sunday, Dec. 6, at the church at 300 SW 2nd Ave. in downtown Gainesville. Brass and handbell music starts at 4:30 p.m., the festival itself at 5 p.m., and the church asks only for an RSVP.

Last checked 2026-11-15.

Upcoming dates

• Sun. Dec. 6, 4:30 p.m.: prelude of seasonal music by the Gainesville Brass Quintet and the First Presbyterian Jubilate Ringers, the church’s handbell choir
• Sun. Dec. 6, 5 p.m.: Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, followed by the festival of trees, hot cocoa and cookies

The festival is one night only. It is part of the church’s 2026-2027 concert series, and the next program in that series is an Advent organ concert with Matt Bickett on Tuesday, Dec. 15.

Where it is and parking

The festival is in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 300 SW 2nd Ave., at the corner of SW 3rd Street. The church office is around the corner at 106 SW 3rd St.

The church’s visitor page says it owns a large parking lot across SW 2nd Avenue from the sanctuary’s main entrance. Drive in from SW 3rd Street (southbound traffic only) or from SW 5th Street. There is also diagonal parking behind the church on SW 1st Avenue, which the church asks be kept mainly for people with mobility needs. If the lot fills, the church points to street parking and a nearby city garage.

The festival does not close any streets. For more on getting around downtown, see our downtown Gainesville guide.

Tickets and cost

The church’s event page lists no admission price and no tickets, only an RSVP button. The Visit Gainesville calendar lists the festival as free.

What to know

• The tradition: the church says its festival is patterned on the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College, Cambridge, in England, a service largely unchanged since the Victorian era. It opens with the processional hymn “Once in Royal David’s City,” begun by a single treble voice before the choir and congregation join in.
• Sing along: the church invites the audience to sing the carols as well as listen.
• On the program: the featured choir pieces include “Stars” by Ēriks Ešenvalds, “Night of Silence” by Daniel Kantor (arranged by John Ferguson), “What Sweeter Music” by John Rutter, “Children, Go Where I Send Thee” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain.”
• After the service: tour the church’s festival of trees with hot cocoa and cookies, and step out to the North Courtyard, just outside Gordon Hall, for nativity animals shown in artwork and lights.
• Watch from home: the festival is livestreamed on the church’s YouTube channel.
• Questions: call the church office at 352-378-1527, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

For more of the season’s music and lights, see our holiday lights and Christmas events guide, The Nutcracker and holiday shows and the holiday parade the day before.

Dates and venues as listed on the Visit Gainesville calendar and confirmed on the organizer’s site.

Frequently asked questions

When is Nine Lessons and Carols at First Presbyterian Church in Gainesville?

Sunday, Dec. 6. Seasonal brass and handbell music starts at 4:30 p.m., and the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols follows at 5 p.m.

Where is the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols held?

At First Presbyterian Church, 300 SW 2nd Ave., in downtown Gainesville.

Where do I park for First Presbyterian Church?

The church has a large lot across SW 2nd Avenue from the sanctuary’s main entrance, entered from SW 3rd Street (southbound only) or SW 5th Street. Street parking and a city garage are nearby if the lot fills.

Can I watch Nine Lessons and Carols online?

Yes. The church’s music program says the festival is livestreamed on its YouTube channel.

Do I need a ticket?

The church lists no ticket price, only an RSVP on its event page. The Visit Gainesville calendar lists the festival as free.