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

Alhambra Theatre and Dining Presents White Christmas

November 17 - December 24
When two WWII GI’s discover the secret their General has been keeping from his family, they use their musical talents to help him out. Tickets can be purchased online.

Deck the Chairs

November 23 - January 1
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

November 25 - January 1
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

November 25-December 31
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

December 3 - December 31
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.

Sun – Thur 6:00pm – 9:30pm
Fri & Sat 6:00pm – 10:30pm

Mon – Thur $25 per vehicle
Fri – Sun $30 per vehicle
12-15 Seat Passenger Vans and Limos $40

ZooLights

December 9-11, 15-18, 22-24
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.

  • Themed characters such as the Grinch, a toy soldier stilt walker and Santa Claus himself
  • Musical performers
  • Breath-taking illumination with more than 2 million twinkling lights
  • Hot chocolate and s'mores available for purchase
  • Holiday souvenirs available for purchase
  • Creative imagery and Instagram-worthy photo ops
  • Tickets include access to the Wildlife Carousel for children 12 and under
  • 4D Theater playing a clip from Polar Express

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

December 30
This annual football game is played at the TIAA Bank Field 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.

Early Bird New Years Eve at Legacy Ale Works

December 31
Celebrate New Years Eve but be home before bedtime! Join Legacy Ale Works for their Early Bird New Years Eve! This free family friendly event will feature MagnetiX DJ Services pumping out tunes from 3-6pm. Head out into the courtyard for a fun-filled countdown with a free champagne or "sparkling" toast at "midnight" (aka 6pm). They will be offering drink specials all night as well as games and dancing for the little ones. The best part of all is you get to be back home in jammies by 8!

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