Feel the holiday spirit in Jacksonville! Discover all the exciting events and activities with our guide. For both locals and travelers, this guide reveals the best holiday activities in Jacksonville.
Kick off your season with the Jacksonville Winterfest, where you can enjoy festive light displays and family-friendly entertainment. Experience the unique maritime charm with boats adorned in glowing decorations at the New Bern Christmas Flotilla. And definitely don't forget the Sneads Ferry Christmas Parade, which promises an event filled with lively floats and holiday cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Jacksonville
See these and even more events listed below!Jacksonville Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Pops Concert
What to Expect:
Fusion of classical and contemporary holiday music
Description:
Jacksonville's Holiday Pops Concert elevates the season with a unique blend of musical styles. This event stands out by fusing classical orchestral pieces with contemporary holiday favorites. The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, established in 1965, showcases its versatility with this eclectic program. Attendees can experience the powerful resonance of a full orchestra performing beloved Christmas tunes. The concert features guest appearances by local choirs, adding rich vocal harmonies to the instrumental arrangements. You'll hear everything from Handel's Messiah to modern pop renditions, creating a diverse musical journey through holiday traditions.
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Jacksonville Other Holiday Activities
Jacksonville Winterfest
What to Expect:
Interactive winter-themed activities in a warm climate
Description:
Jacksonville Winterfest transforms the coastal city into a chilly paradise. This event stands out with its unique blend of winter activities in North Carolina's mild climate. Visitors can glide across a synthetic ice rink, a rarity in the region. The festival pays homage to Jacksonville's military heritage with special discounts for service members. As you explore, the aroma of freshly roasted chestnuts fills the air. Originally started in 2015, the Winterfest has grown to become a cherished local tradition, uniting the community in celebration of the season.
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Nearby Events
Sneads Ferry Christmas Parade (Sneads Ferry)
What to Expect:
Coastal-themed Christmas parade with fishing boats
Description:
Sneads Ferry's Christmas Parade captures the essence of this charming fishing village. Unlike typical holiday processions, this parade features decorated fishing boats alongside traditional floats. Spectators can wave to Santa as he cruises by on a shrimp trawler. The event celebrates the town's rich maritime history, which dates back to the 18th century. Local seafood vendors line the parade route, offering a taste of the region's famous cuisine. You'll hear the merry sounds of boat horns mingling with holiday tunes, creating a unique coastal Christmas atmosphere.
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New Bern Christmas Flotilla (New Bern)
What to Expect:
Illuminated boat parade on the Neuse River
Description:
New Bern's Christmas Flotilla illuminates the Neuse River with a dazzling display of decorated boats. This aquatic parade sets itself apart from land-based events, as vessels of all sizes compete for the best holiday decorations. Spectators line the riverbanks to witness the floating spectacle. The flotilla honors New Bern's maritime heritage, which has been integral to the city since its founding in 1710. Visitors can vote for their favorite boat designs using a mobile app, actively participating in the judging process. The event culminates with a spectacular fireworks show reflecting off the water.
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Swansboro Christmas Flotilla (Swansboro)
What to Expect:
Small-town charm combined with coastal holiday spirit
Description:
Swansboro's Christmas Flotilla embodies the intimate charm of a small coastal town during the holidays. This event distinguishes itself with its close-knit community feel and picturesque historic waterfront setting. Boats adorned with twinkling lights parade along the White Oak River, reflecting off the calm waters. The flotilla tradition in Swansboro dates back several decades, evolving from a small gathering to a beloved annual celebration. Visitors can enjoy local oysters while watching the illuminated vessels pass by. The event concludes with the lighting of the town Christmas tree, a symbol of community unity.
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Enchanted Airlie (Wilmington)
What to Expect:
Historic gardens transformed into a holiday light extravaganza
Description:
Enchanted Airlie breathes new life into the historic Airlie Gardens with an extraordinary light display. This event stands out for its seamless blend of natural beauty and holiday illumination. Visitors stroll through meticulously decorated garden paths, each turn revealing a new spectacle. The gardens, dating back to 1901, showcase their century-old live oaks draped in shimmering lights. You can warm up with a cup of hot cocoa while admiring the 150,000 lights reflecting in the freshwater lakes. Local artists contribute handcrafted lanterns, adding a unique touch to the displays.
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Christmas Candlelight Tours at Tryon Palace (New Bern)
What to Expect:
18th-century holiday traditions brought to life
Description:
Christmas Candlelight Tours at Tryon Palace transport visitors to a colonial-era celebration. This event distinguishes itself by authentically recreating 18th-century holiday customs. Guests explore the palace by candlelight, immersing themselves in the ambiance of a bygone era. The tours highlight the stark differences between modern and colonial Christmas traditions. Visitors can participate in period-appropriate games and dances, gaining hands-on experience of historical holiday festivities. The palace, completed in 1770, served as the first permanent capital of North Carolina, adding layers of historical significance to the event.
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Christmas Candlelight Tours at Tryon Palace
Christmas on the Square (Burgaw)
What to Expect:
Small-town holiday celebration centered around a historic courthouse
Description:
Christmas on the Square in Burgaw captures the essence of small-town holiday spirit. This event distinguishes itself with its focus on community and local heritage. The historic Pender County Courthouse, built in 1936, serves as the backdrop for the festivities. Visitors can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides around the picturesque town square. The celebration honors Burgaw's agricultural roots with locally crafted gifts and produce available at the holiday market. You'll feel transported to a simpler time as the town comes alive with the warm glow of vintage decorations and the sounds of carolers echoing through the square.
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Santa's Village (Wilmington)
What to Expect:
Interactive North Pole experience with educational elements
Description:
Santa's Village in Wilmington offers an immersive North Pole adventure with a twist. This event sets itself apart by combining holiday fun with educational activities. Children can visit Santa's workshop and learn about toy-making processes and simple engineering concepts. The village showcases Wilmington's diverse community, featuring holiday traditions from various cultures. Visitors can decorate eco-friendly ornaments, promoting environmental awareness. The event pays homage to Wilmington's coastal location with a "Santa's Beach House" exhibit. You'll discover how different professions contribute to holiday preparations, from logistics to agriculture, providing a unique learning experience wrapped in holiday cheer.