Spend Winter on the Water in Jacksonville

Name: Holiday Spectacular
Start: 2018-11-10T14:00
End: 2018-11-10T20:00
Location: St. Johns Town Center

The holidays are coming and family-friendly, fun events fill the calendar this season in Jacksonville.

Experience holiday extravaganzas, dazzling boat parades, extraordinary light displays and much more. Find out why everyone wants to spend their “Winter On The Water” in Jacksonville with these events that will surely get you in the holiday spirit!

Holiday Events You Can't Miss

Holiday Spectacular at the St. Johns Town Center

November 9
The 17th annual Holiday Spectacular will take place on Saturday, November 9 at St. Johns Town Center Mall! Enjoy a day of free family fun, music performances, and holiday cheer for all shoppers and visitors. Plus, stick around to see Santa!

Colors of the Wild at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Select dates from November to February
Colors of the Wild is one of the largest Asian lantern events in the country. This event offers an enchanting journey through a world glowing with Asian lanterns. Immerse yourself in a magical experience where art and nature come together to form a stunning display.

Deck the Chairs

November 27, 2024-January 1, 2025 at Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach
More than 40 American Red Cross lifeguard chairs will be decorated in coastal-themed designs and lights for Deck the Chairs in Jacksonville Beach. Kickoff is November 27 and the nightly display continues through New Year's Day from 5 pm- 1 am daily. This event is free and open to the public. It is handicap accessible and dog-friendly as well.

Christmas Made in the South

November 29-December 1
Get started on your holiday shopping at the Prime F. Osborn Convention Center at the annual Christmas Made in the South event.

Glowing Gardens at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

November 29-December 29
Glowing Gardens will go beyond light displays – think immersive experiences with plenty of "instagramable" moments, delicious food, holiday drinks, tasty treats, meet and greets with holiday characters on select nights, and more!

Jacksonville Light Boat Parade

November 30
The Jacksonville Light Boat Parade will be held Saturday, November 30, 2024 on the St. Johns River at 6:30 pm. Vessels of all shapes and sizes adorn their hulls with festive decorations as they float along the north and south banks of the St. Johns River.

Mandarin Community Christmas Tree Lighting

December 6
This free event is family-friendly and open to the public. Come out to the Mandarin Community Christmas Tree Lighting to see the 20-foot live Christmas tree get lit up with thousands of lights to begin the holiday season. Tony Boselli will be lighting the tree this year as well!

Mandarin Winter Celebration

December 7
Head to Walter Jones Historical Park in Mandarin to experience free, festive fun for the entire family, including photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, crafts and games, live performances, pony rides and more!

22nd Annual Gingerbread Extravaganza

December 7-28
Come view this extravagant gingerbread display and holiday gift shop at Old St. Andrew’s Church in Downtown Jacksonville. This display includes dozens of handmade gingerbread creations. The Jacksonville History Center will offer Kids Day on Saturday, December 14 from 11 am-4 pm featuring photo ops with Santa Claus, face painting, a scavenger hunt, food truck and more.

Beaches North Pole Express

December 13
Write a letter to Santa, share cocoa and cookies, ride the trackless train, and create holiday crafts – so many wonderful activities at the Beaches North Pole Express.

Christmas at the Cabin

December 19
The spirit of the holiday season will be alive at the Beaches Museum's annual festivity of twinkling lights and convivial carolers. There will be music and dance performances, lights on display throughout the history park and an open fire for marshmallow roasting.

Luminaria at Congaree and Penn

December 20
Brighten up the night at Congaree and Penn! Celebrate the season on the farm as paper lanterns light the winding paths across our acres. Warm up with s’mores by the fire, enjoy festive drinks, and listen to holiday music performed by String Theory.

Santa Brunch at Congaree and Penn

December 23
Santa Claus is coming to town! Join the jolly man in red at Congaree and Penn for a festive family-friendly brunch. Everyone, young and young at heart, can enjoy a fun-filled day with a “sleigh” ride, farm exploration, animal greetings, and plenty of bouncing in the inflatable bounce house.

New Year’s Eve Celebration

December 31
The City of Jacksonville invites you to say goodbye to 2024 and welcome in the New Year at the annual New Year's Eve Fireworks. The waterfront and skyline will serve as a backdrop for this amazing display over the St. Johns River. Fireworks will begin at exactly midnight.

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

January 2
This annual football game is played at the EverBank Stadium in Downtown attracting thousands of visitors from out of town. Come experience the excitement as the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl treats thousands of fans to one of the most exciting bowl games in college football.

Best Light Displays

Blackhawk Bluff Christmas Lights Display

November 29, 2024 - January 1, 2025
One of the best lights displays in North Florida with the entire neighborhood decorated in lights. You can drive through the Christmas lights display on Sunday thru Thursday 6 to 10 pm and Friday & Saturday 6 to 11 pm.

Riverside Avondale Luminaria

December 8, 2024
Now in its 40th year, Luminaria is one of the premier holiday events in the Riverside Avondale communities. Since 1984, friends and neighbors have come together to light up the sidewalks as a way to socialize and commemorate the season.