When the holiday season arrives in Jacksonville, the River City transforms into a festive wonderland where coastal charm meets holiday cheer. With mild winter weather, waterfront celebrations, and family-friendly events spanning from Thanksgiving through New Year's, Jacksonville offers a refreshingly different way to experience the season.
These are the holidays with a coastal twist - all the magic, none of the heavy coats.
Pack your sunscreen along with your Santa hat. Jacksonville is ready to show you that holiday spirit thrives just as well under palm trees as it does in the snow.
Jacksonville's Holiday Events
Here are some of Jacksonville's top holiday attractions, organized by type to help you plan the perfect festive getaway.
✨ Light Displays & Illuminated Attractions
Colors of the Wild (Nov. 22–Feb. 8, select nights) – Experience over 1,000 intricate Asian lanterns bringing wildlife and wild places to life. Journey from ocean depths to African savannas to mystical Asian creatures in this captivating display. Each lantern tells a conservation story while creating stunning photo opportunities. Includes same-day zoo admission starting at 3 p.m. Special themed nights feature holiday characters, a Holiday Market, and s'mores by the fire.
Glowing Gardens (Nov. 28–Dec. 28) – The Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens transforms into an enchanting light display specifically designed for its 136-acre botanical setting. Stroll stroller-friendly woodland paths illuminated with color-changing lights, admire light sculptures inspired by native Florida plants like glowing bromeliads and shimmering hummingbirds, and marvel at a stunning ground display resembling a flowing river of lights. Special nights include character meet-and-greets, s'mores, and live music.
Deck the Chairs (Nov. 26–Jan. 1) – Jacksonville Beach's iconic lifeguard chairs become festive works of art at the Seawalk Pavilion. More than 70 chairs decorated by local students, community groups, and businesses line the beachfront in this free outdoor gallery. This multi-week event also features nearly 50 student performances showcasing 1,000 young performers, including Florida Ballet's The Nutcracker and Tuba Christmas with 200 tuba players. Nightly light shows illuminate downtown Jacksonville Beach hourly from 6–9 p.m. Two DTC Christmas Markets on Nov. 29 and Dec. 6. Free admission and parking. See the full events calendar.
🎄 Holiday Parades & Waterfront Celebrations
Jacksonville Holiday River Fest (Nov. 29) – Inaugural celebration bringing festive cheer to downtown's Northbank and Southbank. Begins at 5 p.m. with performances at Riverfront Plaza ahead of the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at 6:15 p.m. Features performances from Alhambra Theatre's “ELF the Musical” cast, Scott Jones School of Dance, and SK8hers Inc., with Mayor Donna Deegan. Free event. Many more details here.
Jacksonville Light Boat Parade (Nov. 29, 6:30 p.m.) – For more than 30 years, beautifully decorated boats have lit up the St. Johns River in this cherished tradition. Watch from various vantage points along the Northbank and Southbank Riverwalks as vessels of all sizes glide past with festive displays. Culminates with stunning fireworks including unique waterfall effects cascading from the Main Street and Acosta Bridges. Book a Holiday Lights Cruise aboard the Royal Princess for an up-close view.
JAX Artist Walk on Ice & Holiday Market (Nov. 28–Jan. 19) – Jacksonville's first-ever real outdoor ice rink debuts at Artist Walk Park in Riverside. Glide across the ice in the heart of Riverside, browse local makers at the holiday market curated by Riverside Arts Market, and enjoy festive music and entertainment. Reservations recommended.
Mandarin Community Christmas Tree Lighting (Dec. 5) – Beloved neighborhood tradition bringing the community together for an evening of carols, hot cocoa, and holiday spirit.
🎭 Performing Arts & Holiday Shows
Florida Ballet's The Nutcracker (“Dec. 5”, Dec. 13-14, Dec. 19-21) – The beloved production performs at multiple venues throughout the season, including a performance as part of Deck the Chairs.
Jacksonville Symphony Holiday Concerts (Dec. 4-14) – Annual Holiday Pops concert and Handel's Messiah at Jacoby Symphony Hall.
Florida Theatre Holiday Shows – The historic venue hosts The 34th Annual Community Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, and special concerts featuring Sarah Brightman, Dave Koz and Friends Christmas, and Celtic Angels Christmas.
River City Theatre's The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Dec. 10-14) – Presented at Betsy Lovett Hall at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd.
🎁 Holiday Markets & Festive Shopping
36th Annual Christmas Made in the South (Nov. 28–30) – Handcrafted items from local artisans in a showcase celebrating regional creativity.
DTC Christmas Markets (Nov. 29 & Dec. 6) – Beachside shopping at Jacksonville Beach with an ocean breeze, adjacent to the main Deck the Chairs exhibit.
For the Soul Holiday Market (Nov. 29) – Support local makers while finding the perfect seasonal gifts.
Holiday on the Farm (Dec. 5) – Combine shopping with seasonal farm activities for a unique holiday experience.
🎅 Unique Jacksonville Holiday Experiences
Go Tuk'n Holiday Lights Tour (Dec. 6–22, select nights) – Climb aboard a festively decorated tuk tuk for a 75-minute ride through Jacksonville's charming historic neighborhoods. Features twinkling décor, holiday music, jingle bells, and optional adult beverages.
Holiday Brunch Cruise with Santa (Dec. 7) – Set sail on the Royal Princess yacht for a festive St. Johns River cruise featuring a chef-curated buffet, mimosas for adults, cocoa for kids, and visits with Santa.
Jingle Bells, Cocktails & Cruising (Dec. 12) – Sunset cruise aboard the Royal Princess with light bites, festive drinks, and sparkling views of downtown Jacksonville and the St. Johns River. Young children must be accompanied by an adult.
Jacksonville History Center Gingerbread Display (Dec. 13–27) – Extravagant gingerbread display and holiday gift shop in downtown Jacksonville.
🏛️ Ring in the New Year
New Year's Eve Fireworks (Dec. 31, midnight) – The waterfront and downtown skyline serve as a stunning backdrop for this spectacular pyrotechnic display over the St. Johns River. Free viewing from Northbank and Southbank Riverwalks, or enjoy VIP views from the Royal Princess New Year's Eve cruise.
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl (Dec. 27, 7:30 p.m.) – Annual college football bowl game at EverBank Stadium featuring teams from the Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference. Televised nationally on ABC. Championship-level football excitement during the holiday season.
Always double-check event calendars for current dates and times. Events can change or require tickets, so confirm details before making plans. See the VISIT FLORIDA events calendar for more information and event listings.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Holidays in Jacksonville
What are the must-see holiday light displays in Jacksonville?
The three premier light displays each offer something unique. Colors of the Wild at the Jacksonville Zoo features over 1,000 massive illuminated lanterns with same-day zoo admission, making it perfect for families who want to see animals by day and lights by night. Glowing Gardens at the Arboretum provides a more intimate botanical experience with nature-inspired light sculptures along peaceful woodland paths. Deck the Chairs at Jacksonville Beach offers a free beachfront experience with decorated lifeguard chairs, live student performances, and nightly light shows. If you can only choose one, families with kids will love Colors of the Wild's scale and variety, while couples seeking a quieter experience might prefer Glowing Gardens.
Are there free holiday events in Jacksonville?
Yes. Deck the Chairs at Jacksonville Beach is completely free, including parking, and features 70 decorated chairs, nearly 50 student performances, and nightly light shows. The entire Holiday River Fest on Nov. 29 is free, including the Christmas Tree Lighting, Light Boat Parade viewing from the riverwalks, and Holiday Silent Disco at Friendship Fountain. The New Year's Eve Fireworks over the St. Johns River is free to watch from anywhere along the downtown waterfront.
What makes Jacksonville's holiday celebrations unique?
Jacksonville's holiday season embraces its coastal identity with waterfront celebrations you won't find inland. The Light Boat Parade transforms the St. Johns River into a floating holiday display, while Deck the Chairs turns iconic beach lifeguard chairs into festive art installations. The mild winter weather means you can enjoy outdoor ice skating at JAX Artist Walk on Ice without bundling up, and explore botanical gardens under the stars without freezing. Jacksonville uniquely blends Southern hospitality with coastal charm, combining traditional holiday magic with laid-back beach town vibes. With 22 miles of beaches and extensive riverfront access, you can combine holiday festivities with beach walks, kayaking, or waterfront dining.
What are the best holiday events for families with children?
Colors of the Wild tops the list for families, offering both daytime zoo visits and nighttime lantern displays in one ticket. Kids love the interactive activities on the Great Lawn and holiday character meet-and-greets on select nights. Deck the Chairs provides free entertainment with student art displays and nearly 50 youth performances throughout the season, plus the beach setting lets kids burn energy. Glowing Gardens features stroller-friendly paths, s'mores stations, and holiday characters on select nights. The Holiday Brunch Cruise with Santa on Dec. 7 is specifically designed for families, while JAX Artist Walk on Ice gives kids the memorable experience of ice skating outdoors. Most community events like the Holiday River Fest offer activities suitable for all ages.
