Christmas on Walnut Street Festival
Visitors can browse handmade goods and gifts at the Christmas Village vendor market and grab a bite from a variety of food trucks. Families can take kids to meet Santa and share their wish lists at his workshop in the Spring Park pool pavilion. The celebration also features live musical entertainment, a community fun run, a stroll through the illuminated Parade of Trees, and the annual City Tree Lighting.
What to Expect
Holiday festival featuring a vendor village, fun run, and tree lighting.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Walnut Street Area
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
City of Green Cove Springs
Food & Drink
Food trucks serve food at the festival; it is a non-alcohol event.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and visitors looking for a community christmas celebration
Vibe
Festive and community-focused
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: The Jingle Bell Fun Run has no cost to participate.
- Hours: Food Vendors 10am - 9pm; Jingle Bell Fun Run 11am; Santa Visits & Workshop 3pm - 5:30pm; Live Music 5:30 pm - 8pm; Christmas Parade 6 p.m.; City Tree Lighting 8pm; Parade Awards to follow.
Tips & Advice
- Get into town before Hwy 17/Orange Ave closes for the parade, because after that southbound traffic detours onto CR 315 and only local parade traffic continues.
- Leave alcohol at home, since Christmas on Walnut Street is a non-alcohol event from the morning vendors through the parade awards.
- Fill out the Jingle Bell Fun Run sign-up form ahead of time so everyone in the family is set for the free morning run.
- Bring rain gear, because the festival goes ahead rain or shine and only major weather would change the plans.
- Stay after the parade for the City Tree Lighting and the parade awards, and take a walk through the Parade of Trees in Spring Park.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: no vendors on Magnolia Avenue, because it serves as the emergency route during the parade.
- The Christmas Village vendor market, organized by the owner of Essence of You, returns to Walnut Street.
- The free Jingle Bell Fun Run in Spring Park is open to walkers and runners of all ages and needs a sign-up form.
- Parade of Trees is lit in Spring Park all month long.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for kids?
Santa's workshop in the Spring Park pool pavilion, run by GCS Elks Lodge Number 1892, has Santa listening to kids' wish lists for a few hours in the afternoon. The free Jingle Bell Fun Run is open to walkers and runners of all ages.
How do we sign up for the Jingle Bell Fun Run?
Fill out the Jingle Bell Fun Run sign-up form. The run starts in Spring Park, is free, and is open to walkers and runners of all ages.
What food and drink is there?
Food trucks and food vendors are there all day, and the Christmas Village has vendors along Walnut Street. This is a non-alcohol event.
How will the parade affect driving?
Hwy 17/Orange Ave closes ahead of the evening parade. Southbound traffic detours onto CR 315, and northbound Hwy 17 traffic detours via SR 16 to CR 315. In town, N. Cypress Ave and N. Pine Ave become one-way going south, and Magnolia Avenue becomes the emergency route. All roads reopen after the parade.
Can I still sign up as a vendor?
Food truck spots are full. The GCS Business League is still taking vendors along the parade route at GCSparade@gmail.com. For the Christmas Village on Walnut Street, contact Essence of You at Book.essenceevents@gmail.com.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.