A Twistmas Carol, a new holiday comedy by Kevin Rainsberger, opens Saturday, Dec. 5, on the Hippodrome's cinema stage in Gainesville and runs to Dec. 21.
A Twistmas Carol is a new holiday comedy by Gainesville actor Kevin Rainsberger, playing Saturday, Dec. 5, to Monday, Dec. 21, on the Hippodrome Theatre’s cinema second stage at 25 SE Second Place in downtown Gainesville. General admission is $35 on the theater’s ticket page.
Last checked 2026-11-09.
Upcoming dates
- Sat. Dec. 5, 6 p.m. (opening)
- Sun. Dec. 6, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- Mon. Dec. 7, 6 p.m.
- Tue. Dec. 8, 6 p.m.
- Sat. Dec. 12, 6 p.m.
- Sun. Dec. 13, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- Mon. Dec. 14, 6 p.m.
- Tue. Dec. 15, 6 p.m.
- Sat. Dec. 19, 6 p.m.
- Sun. Dec. 20, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- Mon. Dec. 21, 6 p.m. (closing)
These are the 14 performances listed on the Hippodrome’s ticket page, all on sale. There are no Wednesday, Thursday or Friday shows.
The play is new. The theater describes it as a comedy by Rainsberger, a local actor and Hippodrome alumnus, that takes its cue from Dickens but moves the story to a retirement home for older actors, giving a familiar tale a fresh and unexpected turn.
Do not mix it up with the Hippodrome’s other holiday show: A Christmas Carol is a separate production, the theater’s holiday tradition with music, Dec. 5-20. The two run side by side, and A Twistmas Carol has the extra performance on Monday, Dec. 21.
Where it is and parking
The Hippodrome is at 25 SE Second Place, in the heart of downtown Gainesville. A Twistmas Carol is a live performance in the building’s cinema, which the theater uses as its second stage, so it is not in the main auditorium.
The theater’s parking advice:
- Street parking downtown is free after 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and all day on Saturday and Sunday. For the 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday shows, the free period has not started when you arrive.
- The Downtown Parking Garage on Second Avenue, a block away across from Dragonfly and Mark’s US Prime, offers secure parking, and the theater validates your ticket for $2 off the garage price.
Tickets and cost
The Hippodrome’s ticket system lists one price, $35 general admission, for each performance. Book on the ticket page, by phone at the box office, 352-375-4477, or by email at boxoffice@thehipp.org.
What to know
- Seating: tickets are general admission, so seats are not assigned. Arrive early if your group wants to sit together.
- Matinees: the three Sunday shows at 1 p.m. are the only daytime performances.
- Running time: the theater has not published one.
- More holiday theater: see our holiday shows guide, holiday lights and Christmas events and things to do this weekend. For dinner before the show, see date night ideas.
Dates and venues as listed on the Visit Gainesville calendar and confirmed on the organizer’s site.
Frequently asked questions
When is A Twistmas Carol at the Hippodrome?
The Hippodrome lists 14 performances from Saturday, Dec. 5, to Monday, Dec. 21, 2026, at 6 p.m., with 1 p.m. matinees on Sundays.
How much are tickets for A Twistmas Carol?
The Hippodrome’s ticket system lists general admission at $35. Seats are not assigned.
Is A Twistmas Carol the same show as the Hippodrome’s A Christmas Carol?
No. A Twistmas Carol is a new comedy by local actor Kevin Rainsberger, set in a retirement home for older actors, on the cinema second stage. The Hippodrome’s A Christmas Carol is a separate production, Dec. 5-20.
Where do I park for the Hippodrome?
Downtown street parking is free after 8 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends. The Downtown Parking Garage on Second Avenue is a block away, and the theater validates tickets for $2 off.
Have your say