Santa Fe College (SF) students — including live vocalists, actors, dancers and tech theatre students — will assemble to present “Holiday at Santa Fe” on Saturday, Dec. 6.

There will be two performances at 2 and 6 p.m. in the Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall, 3000 NW 83rd St. in Gainesville. Tickets may be purchased here.

This presentation will feature singing, dancing, laughs, adventure and audience participation — with a cameo by Santa Claus.

“This event is all about community, collaboration and education,” said SF Assistant Professor of Dance and performance director, Melissa Brenner, in the press release. “Many areas of the campus, Fine Arts, Zoo, Planetarium, and the Little School, work together throughout the semester to learn from one another, and the result is what we share with the community during the December event.”

The college’s dance students will collaborate with the SF Little School, teaching their young students the basics of movement and performance. In turn, the college students will gain experience educating and connecting with children.

To help recreate authenticity for their animal-inspired performance, SF Fine Arts performers visited the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, where they observed animals and studied their natural movements, with insights from Zoo faculty and students. The Planetarium offered a scientific perspective that will be woven into the event’s theatrical elements.

One of many highlights will be a traditional West African dance, inspired by the Gray Crowned Crane, a bird that symbolizes hope and perseverance in its native region. With live drumming and audience participation, this performance promises to be a dynamic and engaging experience. The performers will also recreate SF’s iconic squirrel monkeys, sailing across the stage on ropes.

After each performance, families can enjoy a variety of activities, including photos with Santa and Frosty, meet-and-greets with live animals, and arts and crafts led by the Little School. Light refreshments will also be available.

“Holiday at Santa Fe” is sponsored and organized by the Santa Fe College Fine Arts and Entertainment Technology Department in collaboration with SF’s Teaching Zoo, Kika Silva Pla Planetarium and Little School, and funded in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.