11 Festive Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in Northeast Florida
Photo by Zach Sweat
Enjoy Not-So-Frightful Weather With These Holiday Activities in Jacksonville
Jacksonville may not transform into a winter wonderland on its own each winter, but there are still plenty of ways you can still celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. From glittering lights to snowy scenes, here are eleven fun and festive events in Jacksonville to enjoy this season.
Image by Jax Illuminations
1. Drive through a beautiful light show.
Watching a twinkling light show synchronized to holiday music makes for a fun and family friendly night. JAX Illuminations annual Drive Thru Holiday Light Show is located near the Morocco Shrine Center and goes from November 20th, 2020 to January 2nd, 2021. Kids will love watching the show - and can even get comfy in the backseat with their favorite holiday PJs.
Image by Zach Sweat
2. Take in the lights at the beach.
Want to celebrate festivities at the beach? Deck the Chairs is a fun light show that takes an ordinary lifeguard chair and turns it into a spectacular piece of art. Admission is free, and the event goes on from November 21st, 2020 to January 1st, 2021.
3. Drink craft beer in your favorite ugly sweater.
Get a taste of Jacksonville’s craft brews as you tour around the city, Holly Jolly Brewery Tours. The tour takes you throughout the heart of Downtown, Springfield, Riverside, Avondale, San Marco, and more! Make sure to wear your favorite ugly sweater for the chance to win a prize - and take some great photos.
4. Enjoy the snow in this winter wonderland.
Are you looking for a winter wonderland in Florida? Adventure Landing’s WinterFest has got you covered. They turn their place into an Alpine Snow Village full of amazing fun activities, including ice skating, s’mores roasting, and much more! The event goes from November 21st, 2020 to January 3rd, 2021.
Image by Jacksonville Symphony
5. Watch a timeless masterpiece.
A tradition for the past 40 years, the First Coast Nutcracker has been putting on beautiful performances every year. Kids and adults alike will love the live music as they watch the performance of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet.
6. Reimagine your favorite holiday tunes
Enjoy classic holiday songs reimagined live at the Times Union Center. Holiday Pops is a fantastic night full of wonderful performances by the Jacksonville Symphony, guest singers, and dancers from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. You’ll be tapping your feet to your favorite festive tunes the whole time!
Image by Jacksonville Zoo
7. Enjoy a night of lights at the Jacksonville Zoo.
We always love a trip to the zoo, but a magical night at the Jacksonville ZOOlights experience is unforgettable. With illuminated trees lining the paths, moving sculptures, and animals silhouetted against the twinkling lights, this is definitely fun for the whole family.
8. Listen to the sounds of TubaChristmas.
The musical performances of TubaChristmas have been held around the world for the past 47 years, hosted by passionate musicians as a way of celebrating the holidays. Jacksonville happens to be home to one of these events, which takes place yearly. This year, you’ll find the performance at the Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach on December 12th.
9. Learn to make some sweet treats.
Candy canes are a sweet staple treat of the holiday season. At Sweet Pete’s they will teach you how to traditionally make your own candy canes through their own classes! This seasonal class is offered only from November to December.
Image by Donna Lundgren
10. Visit Nocatee-A-Glow.
A spectacular light show, petting zoo, and a horse-drawn carriage there is a lot to do this season at Nocatee-A-Glow. One of the biggest events held in the neighborhood is free for residents and $10 for guests. This event only runs from December 4-5th.
11. Fill up with great tasting food year-round.
If you’re hungry for something fresh this holiday season be sure to come to Timoti’s in Nocatee for a tasty experience to kick start your holiday. We’re always serving up fresh and delicious fare - all year long.