11/02/2009

Contact: Jennifer Bryant at (904) 421-9161 or jbryant@visitjacksonville.com

Holiday Traditions Shine Bright in Jacksonville
Family-Friendly Events, Fireworks Displays and Performing Arts Usher in the Season

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Nov. 2, 2009) - Jacksonville holiday traditions feel like the smooth touch of your favorite book - comfortable, worn, but there's always something new you haven't discovered. Many holiday events in Jacksonville were created more than 20 years ago and are well-loved by visitors and residents alike. As the holidays become more hectic for many of us, perhaps its time to slow down and enjoy familiar traditions in Jacksonville.

For 23 years, The Jacksonville Landing Tree Lighting has signaled the start of the holidays in Downtown Jacksonville. The 56-foot artificial, eco-friendly tree lights up over the St. Johns River creating a festive atmosphere. Festivities include live entertainment and a fireworks show on Nov. 27. The fun continues as scheduled synchronized music and light performances will take place weekly at The Landing leading up to New Year's Eve.

The St. Johns River continues to sparkle during the Jacksonville Light Parade on Nov. 28. Sailboats and other watercrafts parade down the river in the heart of Downtown festively decorated for the holidays. Holiday enthusiasts light up the sails and dress up as Santa, while waving to the crowds along the riverbanks. A spectacular fireworks show follows the parade, with Jacksonville's signature "waterfall" fireworks cascading from two Downtown bridges.

The Alhambra Dinner Theatre reopens its doors on Dec. 1, just in time to put on its annual production of A Christmas Carole, shown at the theatre for the last 20 years. The theatre recently closed while new management took over and renovations were completed. Patrons will be most excited by a new buffet-style menu created by acclaimed local chef Matthew Medure, of Matthew's Restaurant, Restaurant Medure and Take Away Gourmet fame. A Christmas Carole is a family-classic and a performance not to be missed this holiday season. 

The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) invites visitors "all aboard!" for their annual Trains! exhibit. Hundreds of model trains are on display and Jacksonville's rich railroad history is celebrated. Santa Claus stops by to have breakfast with children on Dec. 5 and 12. Mr. Claus also makes an appearance at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Dec.19-20. Lions, elephants and a man in a big red suit, oh my! 

There are many opportunities to catch a showing of The Nutcracker in Jacksonville and every local is sure to have a favorite, so ask around. The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra presents this much-loved fairy-tale on Dec. 4. And the Symphony continues to celebrate the holidays with its Holiday Pops concert Dec. 11-13 and the angelic Handel's Messiah on Dec. 19.

The Florida Theatre presents The Nutcracker with the Florida Ballet, Dec.18-20. Children will also be interested in Mooseltoe: A New Moosical on Dec. 16. This is the tale of a young hero, Mooseltoe, when he leaves his mother, father and sister to follow his dream of learning to fly so that he can help pull Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve.

A new tradition returns for its third year, The Lighting of the Great Tree at the St. Johns Town Center is another festive way to celebrate the holiday spirit. This year, the event has expanded and now offers a free day filled with holiday festivities including kids' activities and a concert with American Idol season 5 winner Taylor Hicks. This holiday event, Nov. 21, kicks-off the holiday season early and gets shoppers in the mood to purchase the perfect gift at one of the Town Center's stores, many not found anywhere else in Jacksonville. Festivities begin at noon, Santa and Mrs. Claus light the tree at 8:30 p.m. and a fireworks finale concludes this festive event.

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Visit Jacksonville is the marketing organization contracted by the Duval County Tourist Development Council (TDC) to champion the growth of business and leisure tourism in Northeast Florida. Along with its nearly 400 tourism partners, Visit Jacksonville stimulates economic impact, quality of life and recognition for the Northeast Florida region. For a closer look at all there is to see and do in Jacksonville, go to www.VisitJacksonville.com.