Last updated: November 11, 2024
Get ready for a holiday adventure in Jacksonville! Our guide features all the exciting festive events. For Jacksonville connoisseurs and newcomers, our guide is the recipe for holiday delight.
Popular during the holiday season is the enchanting Christmas at Biltmore, where visitors can experience stunning decorations and seasonal festivities in a grand setting. Showcasing beautifully illuminated landscapes, Glowing Gardens invites families to stroll through vibrant displays that bring the holiday spirit to life. And the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade is something you definitely don't want to miss, as decorated boats glide along the waterfront in a colorful display. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Holiday light display supporting garden projects.
Enchanted Airlie is a self-guided holiday light display at Airlie Gardens, featuring over one million festive lights and music. The event supports important projects in the gardens, including stormwater management.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: Enchanted Airlie
Interactive wagon rides with downtown shopping stops.
At ELJ Farms, Christmas Town offers an annual Christmas light show trail experience, featuring the area's largest light display, wagon rides, food trucks, market vendors, Santa, and Santa pictures. The event spans the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, making it a favorite among families, businesses, and organizations from the eastern coast.
Where: Jacksonville | More Info: Christmas at ELJ Farms
Unique gifts from local vendors.
Antique 2 Chic Christmas Gift Market offers a variety of unique gifts and seasonal items from local vendors, with a festive atmosphere and opportunities to visit with Santa and The Grinch.
Where: Jacksonville | More Info: Antique 2 Chic Christmas Gift Market
Family-friendly winter activities with artisan market shopping.
The Winterfest Artisan Market at Jacksonville Commons features holiday treasures, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities like sledding, ice skating, and petting zoos.
Where: Jacksonville | More Info: Winterfest Artisan Market
Unique gifts from local artisans and vendors.
The Outdoor Holiday Gift Market at Legacy Architectural Salvage offers a diverse array of handmade, vintage, and artisanal goods. Browse curated vendors and enjoy treats and drinks while shopping for unique gifts.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: Outdoor Holiday Gift Market
Thousands of twinkly lights float down the Intracoastal Waterway.
The Great Topsail Flotilla & Christmas Market combines a festive holiday market with a spectacular flotilla of twinkly lights floating down the Intracoastal Waterway. The event features unique and handmade gifts, food trucks, and entertainment in beautiful Soundside Park.
Where: Surf City | More Info: Great Topsail Flotilla & Christmas Market
Family-style dinner and festive hayride.
Mike’s Farm offers a festive holiday experience with a down-home country menu served buffet style, followed by a visit with Santa, and a ride through the Festival of Lights hayride.
Where: Beulaville | More Info: Mike’s Farm Hayride and Dinner Show
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
The Nutcracker at Thalian Hall features a classic holiday ballet with intricate set designs and over 100 dancers, bringing Clara’s journey to life in a winter setting.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: The Nutcracker at Thalian Hall
Cozy holiday setting with seasonal drinks.
Coffee Haven’s Merry Ferry Coffee & Christmas offers a cozy atmosphere with seasonal drinks and festive decorations.
Where: Sneads Ferry | More Info: Coffee Haven’s Merry Ferry Coffee & Christmas
Grinch-themed roller skating event with nostalgic decorations.
Join Roller City for a fun-filled evening of roller skating with Grinch-themed decorations and activities, creating a nostalgic and family-friendly atmosphere.
Where: Jacksonville | More Info: Sk8 with Grinch at Roller City
Honoring veterans through wreath-laying ceremonies.
Wreaths Across America is an event where participants honor veterans by laying remembrance wreaths on their graves, fostering a sense of community and respect for fallen heroes.
Where: Jacksonville | More Info: Wreaths Across America
