Plan your festive season itinerary with ease in Jacksonville. Our guide has all the top holiday events. For both locals and travelers, this guide reveals the best holiday activities in Jacksonville.
Among the many highlights, the Nights of Lights transforms the city into a luminous wonderland, featuring dazzling displays throughout historic districts. In addition, the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade showcases brilliantly decorated boats gliding along the waterways, creating a magical atmosphere. And the Glowing Gardens is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it captures the spirit of the season with its enchanting light displays. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Jacksonville
- Nights of Lights (St. Augustine)
- Jacksonville Light Boat Parade
- Glowing Gardens
- Christmas Made in the South
- Lighted Christmas Parade (Fernandina Beach)
- A Very Merry Christmas Ball
- 2nd Annual Jacksonville Holiday Community Event
- Oceanfront Brunch with Santa (Jacksonville Beach)
- 2ND Annual Toys 4 Tots Car, Truck & Bike Show
- Jacksonville Santa Bar Crawl
See these and even more events listed below!
Jacksonville Holiday Light Displays
Nights of Lights
What to Expect:
Dazzling display of millions of white lights illuminating historic St. Augustine.
Description:
St. Augustine's Nights of Lights is a spectacular holiday light display featuring millions of tiny white lights adorning historic buildings, public spaces, and landmarks throughout the city. The event includes a festive Light-Up Night ceremony with musical performances and the official lighting of the city's lights. Visitors can stroll through the city's Old World Streets, take horse carriage rides, or board special holiday tour vehicles to enjoy the displays.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Nights of Lights
Jacksonville Light Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Judging of vessels based on overall look and decoration composition.
Description:
The Jacksonville Light Boat Parade is a holiday tradition featuring vessels of all shapes and sizes adorned with festive decorations as they float along the St. Johns River. Residents and visitors gather to witness this spectacular event, which concludes with a beautiful fireworks show.
Where: Jacksonville | More Info: Jacksonville Light Boat Parade
Glowing Gardens
What to Expect:
Illuminated art sculptures and hanging stars inspired by the Arboretum.
Description:
Glowing Gardens at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens features a month-long celebration with millions of glowing lights, sculptures, and immersive natural surroundings.
Where: Jacksonville | More Info: Glowing Gardens
Lighted Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Spectacular lighted floats and decorations along a traditional parade route.
Description:
The Lighted Christmas Parade in Fernandina Beach features a festive procession of lighted floats and decorations, celebrating the holiday season with a fun and lively atmosphere.
Where: Fernandina Beach | More Info: Lighted Christmas Parade
Jacksonville Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Made in the South
What to Expect:
Handmade, one-of-a-kind designs and unique gourmet food.
Description:
Christmas Made in the South is a premier fine arts and crafts festival featuring handmade, one-of-a-kind designs, unique gourmet food, and diverse entertainment. Exhibitors demonstrate and sell their handcrafted works, including silk wearables, fabric bags, and dichroic glass jewelry.
Where: Jacksonville | More Info: Christmas Made in the South
2nd Annual Jacksonville Holiday Community Event
What to Expect:
Santa Meet & Greet
Description:
The 2nd Annual Jacksonville Holiday Community Event is a festive gathering featuring vendors, food, and music, where attendees can visit with Santa and enjoy a variety of activities.
Where: Jacksonville | More Info: 2nd Annual Jacksonville Holiday Community Event
Jacksonville Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Very Merry Christmas Ball
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas cocktail experience with festive-themed booths.
Description:
A Very Merry Christmas Ball is an elegant and beautiful Christmas spectacular featuring live big band performances, mesmerizing dancers, and breathtaking vocal arrangements. The event includes a pre-show interactive Christmas cocktail experience with three festive-themed booths offering unique and delicious holiday cocktails.
Where: Jacksonville | More Info: A Very Merry Christmas Ball
Oceanfront Brunch with Santa
What to Expect:
Meet Santa while enjoying Italian-American breakfast favorites.
Description:
Join Maggiano's Little Italy in Jacksonville for a delightful Breakfast with Santa, where you can enjoy traditional Italian-American dishes while meeting Santa Claus.
Where: Jacksonville Beach | More Info: Oceanfront Brunch with Santa
2nd Annual Holiday Music and Film Awards
What to Expect:
Recognition of exceptional holiday music and film talent.
Description:
The 2nd Annual Holiday Music and Film Awards celebrate the best in holiday music and film, honoring outstanding achievements in the industry.
Where: Jacksonville | More Info: 2nd Annual Holiday Music and Film Awards
Jacksonville Holiday Giving Opportunities
2ND Annual Toys 4 Tots Car, Truck & Bike Show
What to Expect:
Collecting toys for children in need.
Description:
The 2ND Annual Toys 4 Tots Car, Truck & Bike Show is a community event designed to help children in need by collecting toys and showcasing vehicles. It takes place on December 9, 2023, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at 8909 Baymeadows Road in Jacksonville, Florida.
Where: Jacksonville | More Info: 2ND Annual Toys 4 Tots Car, Truck & Bike Show
Jacksonville Other Holiday Activities
Jacksonville SantaCon
What to Expect:
Thousands of Santas crawling the streets with free entry into over 4 venues.
Description:
Join fellow merrymakers for a holiday-themed bar crawl at Graffiti American Burger Bar, featuring festive decorations, holiday spirits, and special drink deals.
Where: Jacksonville | More Info: Jacksonville SantaCon
Jacksonville Santa Bar Crawl
What to Expect:
Thousands of Santas crawling the streets with free entry into over 4 venues.
Description:
Join fellow holiday enthusiasts for a Santa Bar Crawl in Jacksonville Beach, featuring festive drink specials, live DJs, and a digital bar crawl map.
Where: Jacksonville | More Info: Jacksonville Santa Bar Crawl
Luminaria
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday decorations and community involvement.
Description:
Celebrate Riverside Avondale Preservation Luminaria Night with a party at the Garden Club of Jacksonville. Enjoy luminaria tours, holiday music, beverages, small bites, and lawn games. Peruse vendors selling homegrown and handmade items, including plants, garden-produced goods, honey, artwork, jewelry, and handcrafts. Attend Budding Gardeners Shell Holiday for children to make holiday decorations using seashells.
Where: Jacksonville | More Info: Luminaria
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Fruit Cove (15 miles)
- Oakleaf Plantation (15 miles)
- Lakeside (16 miles)
- Jacksonville Beach (16 miles)
- Fleming Island (17 miles)
- Ponte Vedra Beach (17 miles)
- St. Johns (18 miles)
- Palm Valley (19 miles)