Experience the magic of the holiday season in Jacksonville, FL, with an array of festive events that cater to both locals and visitors. Stroll along Jacksonville Beach during Deck the Chairs, where lifeguard chairs transform into dazzling holiday art installations, sparking joy with creative designs and twinkling lights.
For a maritime spectacle, the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade lights up the St. Johns River, showcasing boats adorned with stunning holiday displays. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Zoo invites you to wander through ZOOLights, a luminous nocturnal safari featuring thousands of LED lights and live nocturnal animals.
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The Top Christmas Events in Jacksonville
- Jacksonville Light Boat Parade
- Zoo Lights at Jacksonville Zoo
- Enchanted Christmas Village
- Christmas in the Cathedral District
- Riverside Avondale Luminaria
- Jax Illuminations Winter Drive Thru
- Christmas Made in the South
- The Gingerbread Extravaganza
- Holiday Pops
- Hemming Park Christmas Festival
Jacksonville Holiday Light Displays
Jacksonville Light Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Illuminated boats parading along the St. Johns River
Description:
The St. Johns River comes alive with a flotilla of twinkling lights during the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade. Vessels of all sizes, from small fishing boats to luxury yachts, cruise the waterway adorned with elaborate light displays and holiday decorations. The parade, a tradition since 1984, draws thousands of spectators to the riverbanks. Boats compete for prizes in various categories, inspiring captains to outdo each other with increasingly creative designs. Listen for the cheerful honking of boat horns as they pass by, adding to the lively atmosphere.
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Jacksonville Light Boat Parade
Zoo Lights at Jacksonville Zoo
What to Expect:
Animal-themed light displays and nocturnal animal encounters
Description:
ZOOLights transforms Jacksonville Zoo into a luminous nocturnal safari. Thousands of LED lights form animal-shaped displays, creating a unique blend of wildlife education and holiday cheer. Visitors can explore the zoo after dark, encountering both illuminated sculptures and live nocturnal animals. The event, which began in 2012, has grown to include special animal demonstrations and keeper talks. Take a ride on the illuminated train for a different perspective of the glowing exhibits and a chance to spot real animals in their nighttime habitats.
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Zoo Lights at Jacksonville Zoo
Riverside Avondale Luminaria
What to Expect:
Neighborhood-wide luminaria display and home tours
Description:
The Riverside Avondale Luminaria bathes this historic neighborhood in a warm glow. Thousands of candle-lit paper bags line the streets, creating a mesmerizing display of light and shadow. This community-driven event, started in the 1980s, brings neighbors together in a shared celebration. Residents open their beautifully decorated homes for tours, offering a rare peek into some of Jacksonville's most stunning historic residences. Stroll through the illuminated streets, admiring the diverse architectural styles that make this neighborhood a local treasure.
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Jax Illuminations Winter Drive Thru
What to Expect:
Mile-long drive-through light display synchronized to music
Description:
Jax Illuminations Winter Drive-Thru offers a dazzling light show from the comfort of your car. This mile-long route features over a million LED lights synchronized to holiday music, creating a dynamic and immersive experience. The display, which debuted in 2020, quickly became a new holiday tradition for Jacksonville families. Tune your car radio to the designated station and watch as the lights dance and pulse to the rhythm of familiar holiday tunes. The drive-through format allows visitors to enjoy the spectacle at their own pace.
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Jax Illuminations Winter Drive Thru
Jacksonville Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Made in the South
What to Expect:
Juried craft show featuring handmade Southern gifts and decor
Description:
Christmas Made in the South celebrates the rich crafting traditions of the American South. This juried show brings together hundreds of skilled artisans from across the region, offering a wide array of handcrafted gifts, decorations, and gourmet treats. The event, which has been running for over 30 years, showcases the diversity and creativity of Southern craftsmanship. Discover unique items like hand-carved wooden Santas, quilted tree skirts, or locally made preserves. Each piece tells a story of Southern heritage and skill, passed down through generations.
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Jacksonville Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas in the Cathedral District
What to Expect:
Historic churches open for tours and holiday concerts
Description:
Christmas in the Cathedral District showcases Jacksonville's rich architectural heritage through a series of open houses and concerts. Five historic churches, some dating back to the 19th century, welcome visitors to admire their stunning interiors and holiday decorations. Each venue hosts special performances, from traditional choral concerts to contemporary worship services. This event highlights the district's role in Jacksonville's history, offering a glimpse into the city's diverse religious traditions. Embark on a self-guided tour to discover the unique architectural features of each church.
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Christmas in the Cathedral District
Holiday Pops
What to Expect:
Symphony orchestra performance of holiday classics with special guests
Description:
Holiday Pops elevates familiar carols and seasonal tunes to new heights with the full power of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. This annual concert series features beloved holiday music performed by world-class musicians, often joined by special guest vocalists and local choirs. The tradition, which dates back several decades, has become a cornerstone of Jacksonville's cultural calendar. Experience the rich, resonant sound of a full orchestra bringing holiday classics to life in the acoustically superb Jacoby Symphony Hall.
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Jacksonville Other Holiday Activities
Enchanted Christmas Village
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday village with live performances and activities
Description:
The Enchanted Christmas Village brings a European-inspired holiday experience to Jacksonville. This immersive event features charming wooden chalets, street performers, and interactive activities. Visitors can explore themed areas, each offering unique experiences like cookie decorating or ornament making. The village, inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, introduces a touch of Old World charm to Florida. Savor the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread as you wander through the village, stopping to watch skilled artisans demonstrate their crafts.
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The Gingerbread Extravaganza
What to Expect:
Elaborate gingerbread creations showcasing local landmarks
Description:
The Gingerbread Extravaganza transforms Jacksonville's landmarks into edible works of art. Local bakers and amateur enthusiasts craft intricate gingerbread replicas of iconic buildings, bridges, and scenes from around the city. This sweet-smelling exhibition, hosted by the Jacksonville Historical Society, combines architectural appreciation with culinary skill. Visitors can marvel at the detailed recreations, from the towering Main Street Bridge to miniature historic homes. The event, which began in 2003, raises funds for historic preservation efforts in Jacksonville.
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Hemming Park Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Downtown holiday celebration in Jacksonville's oldest public park
Description:
The Hemming Park Christmas Festival brings holiday cheer to the heart of downtown Jacksonville. This event transforms the city's oldest public park into a hub of seasonal activities, featuring local vendors, live performances, and family-friendly attractions. Hemming Park, established in 1857, serves as a historic backdrop for this modern celebration. Participate in hands-on craft workshops led by local artisans, learning traditional holiday skills like wreath-making or ornament painting. The festival highlights Jacksonville's vibrant downtown community and supports local businesses during the holiday season.
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Hemming Park Christmas Festival
Nearby Events
Deck the Chairs (Jacksonville Beach)
What to Expect:
Lifeguard chairs transformed into holiday art installations
Description:
Jacksonville Beach's iconic lifeguard chairs transform into dazzling holiday art installations during Deck the Chairs. Local artists and organizations unleash their creativity, adorning these beach sentinels with lights, decorations, and innovative designs. Stroll along the shoreline to admire these unique creations, each telling its own story. This event, born in 2013, has quickly become a beloved tradition, blending coastal culture with holiday cheer. You can vote for your favorite chair design, contributing to the friendly competition among participants.
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Winter Wonderland at Adventure Landing (Jacksonville Beach)
What to Expect:
Beach-themed winter activities including ice skating and snow tubing
Description:
Winter Wonderland at Adventure Landing brings frosty fun to the Sunshine State. This unique attraction features an outdoor ice skating rink and a snow tubing hill, offering a taste of winter sports in Florida's mild climate. The event, which began in 2013, has become a favorite among locals seeking a cooler holiday experience. Try your hand at ice skating surrounded by palm trees, or race down the snow tubing hill for an exhilarating ride. The contrast of winter activities against a backdrop of Florida scenery creates a truly memorable experience.
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Winter Wonderland at Adventure Landing