Spend Winter on the Water in Jacksonville

The holidays are coming and family-friendly, fun events fill the calendar this season in Jacksonville.

Experience holiday extravaganzas, nightly snowfalls, 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
December

St. Johns Town Center Holiday Spectacular

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.

Alhambra Theatre and Dining Presents Miracle on 34th Street

November 16-December 24
Based on the classic holiday film with book and music by Meredith Willson, follow the story of a single mom who doesn’t want her daughter's head filled with fairy tales. When the new department store Santa, introduces himself as the real Kris Kringle, the two will need to open their minds and their hearts. Tickets can be purchased online.

Dazzling Nights

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.

Deck the Chairs

2023 dates to be announced
Celebrating 10 years, more than forty American Red Cross life guard chairs will be decorated in coastal-themed designs and lights for Deck the Chairs in Jacksonville Beach. Kickoff is Wednesday, November 23 and the nightly display continues through New Year's Day.

Dazzling Nights

2023 dates to be announced
Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens will transform into a magical wonderland this holiday season featuring a million dazzling lights, shining forests, magical displays and beautiful sculptures during “Dazzling Nights™”, a family friendly adventure that gives guests the opportunity to embark on a three-quarter-mile interactive holiday experience. Tickets must be purchased for a specific time and date.

Check out what our social media ambassador, Elle, had to say about last year's event.

Blackhawk Bluff Christmas Lights Display

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 10pm and Friday & Saturday 6 to 11pm.

Jax Illuminations Annual Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show

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.

ZooLights

2023 dates to be announced
ZooLights is the winter wonderland for this holiday season. The artistry of interactive lights and sounds in eleven themed areas will bring out the fantastical beauty of the Zoo’s gardens. Warm your hearts among the people with whom you share it—be they friends, family or a special someone.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

December 27
Gather your loved ones for the warm-glow-nostalgia of America’s favorite Christmas celebration at the Florida Theatre. Experience the extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists performing at the peak of classical European Ballet. Be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger than life puppets and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes. Tickets are available online.

A Drag Queen Christmas

December 28

The Florida Theatre and Murray & Peter present, “A Drag Queen Christmas”, the longest-running drag tour in America. Get ready for your favorite queens to perform live on stage. We’ve got Winners, Fan Favorites, OGs, Miss Congeniality, plus queens from Season 15 and All Stars 8. All patrons must be 18 or older to attend. Tickets are available online.

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

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.

New Year’s Eve Celebration

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.

Holiday Fun

More Annual Events