Spend Winter on the Water in Jacksonville

Name: Holiday Spectacular
Start: 2018-11-10T14:00
End: 2018-11-10T20:00
Location: St. Johns Town Center

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!

Holiday Events You Can't Miss

Deck the Chairs

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 from 5 pm- 1 am daily. This event is free and open to the public. It is handicap accessible and dog-friendly as well.

Christmas Made in the South

November 29-December 1
Get started on your holiday shopping at the Prime F. Osborn Convention Center at the annual Christmas Made in the South event.

Glowing Gardens at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

November 29-December 29
Glowing Gardens will go beyond light displays – think immersive experiences with plenty of "instagramable" moments, delicious food, holiday drinks, tasty treats, meet and greets with holiday characters on select nights, and more!

Jacksonville Light Boat Parade

November 30
The Jacksonville Light Boat Parade will be held Saturday, November 30, 2024 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.

22nd Annual Gingerbread Extravaganza

December 7-28
Come view this extravagant gingerbread display and holiday gift shop at Old St. Andrew’s Church in Downtown Jacksonville.

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

January 2
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 2023 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.

Best Light Displays

Blackhawk Bluff Christmas Lights Display

2024 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.

Jax Illuminations Annual Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show

2024 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.

Riverside Avondale Luminaria

2024 dates to be announced
Now in its 40th 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.