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

St. Johns Town Center Holiday Spectacular

November 15
Join the St. Johns Town Center for a day of holiday fun with family activities, live entertainment, and music from 11AM–6PM, followed by the grand tree lighting with fireworks.

Colors of the Wild

November 22, 2025-February 8, 2026
Colors of the Wild will be held on select nights November through February at the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Experience a collection of stunning lanterns you’ve never seen before in a magical setting!

Deck the Chairs

November 26, 2025-January 1, 2026
A holiday tradition like no other takes place at Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach! Check out the incredibly decorated lifeguard stands on display and watch holiday performances at Deck the Chairs.

Christmas Made in the South

November 28-30
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 Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

November 28-December 28
Glowing Gardens is a dazzling celebration of community, nature and holiday spirit at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Join them for the new and improved 2025 show and experience a tradition sure to become a seasonal favorite.

JAX Artist Walk on Ice

November 28, 2025-January 19, 2026
JAX Artist Walk on Ice is making its debut this winter, and it’s officially the coolest place to be! Come for an unforgettable skating experience surrounded by lights, music, and holiday magic.

Springfield Holiday Tree Lighting & Lantern Parade 2025

November 28
SPAR and Jacksonville Magazine are excited to bring you the annual Springfield Holiday Tree Lighting & Lantern Parade! Join them for a festive evening filled with holiday cheer, music, food, and community fun.

Holiday River Fest

November 29
The Holiday River Fest includes the Christmas tree lighting at Riverfront Plaza, Light Boat Parade and fireworks, activities at Friendship Fountain and JAX Artist Walk on Ice where attendees can ice skate and attend a holiday market! Find more details here.

Jacksonville Light Boat Parade

November 29
The Jacksonville Light Boat Parade will be held Saturday, November 29, 2025 on the St. Johns River. 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.
Experience and be part of the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade from the Royal Princess while it cruises along the St. Johns River. Find more information here!

USS Orleck Silent Disco at Jax Boat Parade

November 29
Dance under the stars with wireless headphones and the best riverfront views of the parade! Find more details here.

Mandarin Community Christmas Tree Lighting

December 5
Experience Jacksonville’s largest live tree lighting with festive music, Santa visits, local food trucks, and holiday giving opportunities at the Mandarin Community Club.

Go Tuk'n Jacksonville Holiday Lights Tour

December 6-22 (excluding Dec 7, 9, 14, and 16)
Climb aboard a festively decorated tuk tuk and enjoy a joyful holiday lights tour through one of Jacksonville’s charming historic neighborhoods. With twinkling décor, holiday music, jingle bells, and optional adult beverages, this 75-minute ride is perfect for families, friends, or coworkers.

Holiday Brunch Cruise with Santa

December 7
Set sail for holiday magic on the St. Johns River with a festive Brunch Cruise with Santa aboard the Royal Princess, featuring a chef-curated buffet, mimosas for adults, cocoa for kids, and stunning river views. Limited seating-reserve your spot today!

Jingle Bells, Cocktails, & Cruising

December 12
Step aboard the tri-level 125' Royal Princess Yacht for a festive holiday sunset cruise with light bites, cheerful drinks, and sparkling views of Downtown Jacksonville and the St. Johns River.

23rd Annual Gingerbread Extravaganza

December 13-27
Come view this extravagant gingerbread display and holiday gift shop at Jacksonville History Center in Downtown Jacksonville. This display includes dozens of handmade gingerbread creations.

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

December 27
This annual college football game is held at EverBank Stadium in Downtown, attracting thousands of visitors. Come experience the excitement as the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl treats fans to one of the most exciting college bowl games.

New Year's Eve Downtown Cruise

December 31
Ring in the New Year aboard Royal Princess, Jacksonville’s premier luxury yacht. Enjoy festive music, chef-prepared appetizers, and a champagne toast as the clock strikes midnight w/ fireworks!

New Year’s Eve Celebration

December 31
The City of Jacksonville invites you to say goodbye to 2025 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

Deck the Chairs

November 26, 2025-January 1, 2026
A Christmas tradition like no other takes place at Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach! Check out the incredibly decorated lifeguard stands on display and watch holiday performances.

Blackhawk Bluff Christmas Lights Display

November 28, 2025 - January 1, 2026
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.

Riverside Avondale Luminaria

December 21, 2025
Now in its 41st 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.