Come Enjoy the Holidays in Jax
The holidays are coming! Jacksonville is full of holiday traditions that are fun for visitors and locals alike.
The holidays are coming and family-friendly, fun events fill the calendar this season in Jacksonville.
Experience holiday extravaganzas, dazzling boat parades, extraordinary light displays and much more. Find out why everyone wants to spend their “Winter On The Water” in Jacksonville with these events that will surely get you in the holiday spirit!
November 11
Come celebrate the beginning of the holiday season at St. Johns Town Center Mall. From 1 PM-8 PM, you can enjoy family-friendly activities, musical performances and a visit from Santa to light the tree.
Starts November 19, 2023 and goes until February 18, 2024. Check the website for specific dates and times.
Experience One of the Largest Asian Lantern Events in the Country this Winter! See the Zoo in a whole new light with a fascinating fusion of lanterns, wildlife and wild places. Step into awe where Asian lanterns take on life as animals and plants in a striking showcase of beauty with more than 70 displays throughout the park.
November 27, 2024-January 1, 2025 at Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach
More than 40 American Red Cross lifeguard chairs will be decorated in coastal-themed designs and lights for Deck the Chairs in Jacksonville Beach. Kickoff is November 27 and the nightly display continues through New Year's Day.
November 24-December 29
The Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens is transformed into Florida's version of a winter wonderland during Dazzling Nights! Embrace the holiday spirit with family and friends with thousands of lights and magic all around you.
Check out what our social media ambassador, Elle, had to say about last year's event.
November 24-26
Get started on your holiday shopping at the Prime F. Osborn Convention Center at the annual Christmas Made in the South event.
November 25
A Jacksonville holiday tradition is making its return to Thanksgiving weekend. The Jacksonville Light Boat Parade will be held Saturday, November 25, 2023 on the St. Johns River at 6:00 pm. Vessels of all shapes and sizes adorn their hulls with festive decorations as they float along the north and south banks of the St. Johns River.
December 2
The streets of Avondale will come alive with holiday spirit on December 2. Festivities include music, Santa, face-painting, cake walk, silent disco, popcorn, and much more!
December 8-27
Come view this extravagant gingerbread display and holiday gift shop at Old St. Andrew’s Church in Downtown Jacksonville.
December 8 and 9
Take a ride on the Polar Express model train and enjoy hot cocoa, a visit from Santa and much more!
December 9
Enjoy oceanfront views while dining with Santa at the Courtyard by Marriott Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront.
December 9
Experience the magic of the holidays and indulge in winter festivities at the Museum of Science of History.
December 12
Enjoy a leisurely evening ride through the Historic Springfield District to enjoy the lights and spectacle of the holidays. Bike decorations and holiday costumes are encouraged!
December 16
Stop by Visit Jacksonville’s table at the St. Johns Town Center on December 16 to write a letter to Santa! Visit Jacksonville will provide the materials and make sure your letter gets delivered directly to Santa and his elves at the North Pole.
December 29
This annual football game is played at the EverBank Stadium in Downtown attracting thousands of visitors from out of town. Come experience the excitement as the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl treats thousands of fans to one of the most exciting bowl games in college football.
December 31
The City of Jacksonville invites you to say goodbye to 2022 and welcome in the New Year at the annual New Year's Eve Fireworks. The waterfront and skyline will serve as a backdrop for this amazing display over the St. Johns River. Fireworks will begin at exactly midnight.
2023 dates to be announced
One of the best lights displays in North Florida with the entire neighborhood decorated in lights. You can drive through the Christmas lights display on Sunday thru Thursday 6 to 10 pm and Friday & Saturday 6 to 11 pm.
2023 dates to be announced
Load up the family and tune your car radio to our special radio station. Listen to your favorite holiday tunes as you drive through a Million lights that dance, twinkle, and sparkle to the music. The drive thru spectacular features two mega trees, a 300 ft tunnel of lights, custom Christmas scenes and much more.
December 10
Now in its 39th year, Luminaria is one of the premier holiday events in the Riverside Avondale communities. Since 1984, friends and neighbors have come together to light up the sidewalks as a way to socialize and commemorate the season. This beloved event, which saw more than 24,000 kits distributed last year, is returning this December 10, 2023.
November 11- Candy Cane Class at Sweet Pete's
November 24- 34th Annual Christmas Made in the South
December 1&2, 8&9, 15&16- German Christmas Market at Buchner's Bierhalle
December 2- Christmas in Avondale
December 10- Pop Up in the Park: Holiday Market
December 16- Breakfast with Santa at Sweet Pete's
December 21- Vagabond Flea Market at MOSH
November 15-Straight No Chaser: Sleighin' It Tour
November 16-December 24- Miracle on 34th Street at Alhambra Theatre and Dining
November 17- Home Alone in Concert
November 19- Cirque Dreams Holidaze
November 21- Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis
November 27- Frosty: A Musical Adventure
November 28- Manchester Orchestra
November 30- Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour
December 1-17- The Winter Wonderettes
December 2 & 3- The Jacksonville Christmas Spectacular
December 8- Sarah Brightman: A Christmas Symphony
December 8- Holiday Pops
December 9- Jax Tuba Christmas
December 9- Spirit of the Season
December 10- Christmas with C.S. Lewis
December 11- Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra Holiday Concert
December 12- A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage
December 16 & 17- Cosmic Concerts at MOSH
December 18- IL Divo: A New Day Holiday Tour
December 20- Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
December 21- Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
December 21- Hellzapoppin Holiday Hullabaloo Circus Sideshow
December 22- The Nutcracker Jax City Ballet
December 27- Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
December 28- A Drag Queen Christmas
Come Enjoy the Holidays in Jax
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