University of Florida students, faculty, staff and families are invited to attend the sixth annual “Lighting of the Holiday Gator” on Friday. 

The celebration will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the lawn of the University Auditorium near the corner of Newell Drive and Union Road in Gainesville. 

The Holiday Gator, a large, forged steel alligator sculpture, was created by UF College of the Arts alumna Leslie Tharp and has been placed on the lawn to celebrate the holiday season every year since 2019. 

Interim UF President Donald Landry will welcome guests and lead the countdown to Friday’s ceremonial lighting of the sculpture, which will glow with orange and blue LED lights until Dec. 22.  

This year’s festivities will include hot chocolate, apple cider and other holiday treats, along with performances by members of three UF groups: the Gator Marching Band, the UF Sunshine Steelers and the UF Concert Choir.