Weekend Activities Guide: Things to Do in Jacksonville (Dec. 12-17)
Looking for exciting activities to fill your calendar? We’ve curated a comprehensive roundup of must-attend events happening across Jacksonville from Thursday through next Wednesday. Our guide offers something for everyone – no planning required!
22nd Annual Gingerbread Extravaganza
Photo credit: dtjax.com
📍 Old St. Andrew’s Church: 317 A. Philip Randolph Blvd., Jacksonville
📅 Select dates between December 7 and 28, 2024
🕛 11AM – 3PM (Dec. 12-13) | 11AM – 4PM (Dec. 14, 17-18)
🎟️ $5 – $10
This beloved Jacksonville tradition transforms Old St. Andrew’s Church into a delightful celebration of culinary creativity, featuring an impressive gingerbread exhibit that showcases intricate and imaginative designs. Families will love Kids Day on Saturday, December 14, which includes a photo opportunity with Santa Claus and festive face painting. Visitors can also explore the charming holiday gift shop and enjoy a short tour of the historic Merrill House Museum, making this event a perfect winter outing for all ages.
Tickets can be bought here.
Asian Night Market
📍 7534 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville
📅 December 13, 2024
🕛 4PM – 11PM
🎟️ Free
Discover a vibrant celebration of Asian culinary culture at Jacksonville’s Asian Night Market! This exciting event brings together food lovers for an evening of delectable cuisine, live music, and traditional dance. Held twice monthly at RD International Supermarket and Asian Square Supermarket, the market offers an incredible array of authentic Asian foods that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s more than just a market—it’s a cultural gathering where community comes together to share delicious dishes, enjoy entertainment, and create memorable experiences. Whether you’re a foodie, cultural enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique weekend activity, the Asian Night Market promises an exciting and flavorful adventure.
Jax Parks’ Community Winterfest
📍 Legends Community Center, 5130 Soutel Dr., Jacksonville
📅 December 13, 2024
🕛 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
🎟️ Free
Celebrate the season at Community Winterfest with JaxParks at Legends Community Center! Enjoy festive fun for the whole family, including games, prizes, holiday crafts, a hot chocolate bar, refreshments, face painting, a bounce house, and live performances. Then, settle in for an indoor movie screening of Jingle Jangle from 8 to 10 PM. This event is the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit with your community!
Ugly Sweater Party and Live Music at Top Dawg Tavern
📍 13820 Old St. Augustine RD, STE 417, Jacksonville
📅 December 13, 2024
🕛 7PM – 10PM
🎟️ Free
Get ready to embrace holiday hilarity at Top Dawg Tavern’s 2nd Annual Ugly Sweater Party! Break out your most outrageous, tackiest holiday sweater and compete for a chance to win a tavern gift certificate during the live music set. Enjoy happy hour specials, live tunes from 7-10 p.m., and the festive “Ugly Grinch-Mas” drink for just $8. It’s the perfect night to eat, drink, and be delightfully ugly while celebrating the holiday season with great music and even better company.
The 33rd Annual Community Nutcracker
📍 128 East Forsyth StreetSuite 300, Jacksonville
📅 Dec. 13-14, 2024
🕛 7:30 PM (Friday) | 1:00 PM and 7:30 PM (Saturday)
🎟️ $36 – $65
Celebrate the holiday season with the 33rd Annual Community Nutcracker! This cherished tradition brings Clara’s winter wonderland to life with stunning performances by over 200 local dancers. As Northeast Florida’s only nonprofit, volunteer-run ballet, it has donated over $800,000 to local charities like Dreams Come True. Don’t miss this magical production that combines artistry with a commitment to giving back!
Tickets can be purchased here.
Jacksonville Holiday Marketplace & Food Festival
📍 Jacksonville Fairgrounds, 510 Fairground Place, Jacksonville
📅 December 13-14, 2024
🕛 3 PM – 6PM (Friday) | 10 AM – 5 PM (Saturday)
🎟️ Free (General admission and child admission) | $5 (VIP admission)
Get into the holiday spirit at the Jacksonville Holiday Marketplace & Food Festival! Held at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds, this festive event offers a delightful mix of unique gifts, delicious local cuisine, and family-friendly activities. Browse handmade crafts, sample tasty treats, and find the perfect presents for your loved ones while enjoying a fun community celebration.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Viva La Fiesta Jax
📍 135 W Monroe St., Jacksonville
📅 December 14, 2024
🕛 12PM – 6PM
🎟️ Free
Get ready for the ultimate holiday shopping experience at the Christmas Market! With over 80 vendors offering a diverse array of gifts and treasures, this market is your one-stop destination for finding the perfect presents for everyone on your list. Enjoy a festive atmosphere with delicious food trucks on site, making your shopping day fun and convenient. Whether you’re looking for unique crafts, holiday decorations, or special gifts, this market has something for everyone – don’t miss out on this fantastic shopping opportunity!
Santa Brunch at Prati Italia
📍 4972 Big Island Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32246
📅 December 15, 2024
🕛 10AM – 11:30AM
🎟️ Adults: $48 | Children 5-12: $24 | Children 4 & Under: Dine Free
Celebrate the season at Prati Italia’s Santa Brunch, where festive fun meets delicious dining! Enjoy a family-style menu featuring brunch favorites and seasonal treats while spending time with special guests. Capture memories at the photo station, and keep little ones entertained with holiday-themed crafts. A perfect way to make the holidays magical for the whole family!
Tickets can be purchased here.
Oyster Social at Congaree and Penn
📍 11830 Old Kings Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32219
📅 December 15, 2024
🕛 3PM – 5:30PM
🎟️ $30
Get ready for a shucking good time at Oyster Social at Congaree and Penn! Gather on the farm grounds to shuck your own oysters, enjoy live music, and sip on drinks from the pop-up bar. Tickets are $30 per guest and include a farm pass and access to the music. Beer, wine, cider, and more will be available for purchase. It’s the perfect way to savor fresh flavors and good vibes in a beautiful farm setting!
Tickets can be purchased here.
A Slightly Wicked Holiday Show
📍 300 Water Street Jacksonville, FL 32202
📅 December 17, 2024
🕛 7:30PM – 9:30PM
🎟️ Starts at $39.50
Celebrate the holidays with a unique twist at A Slightly Wicked Holiday Show! Featuring three talented stars from the Broadway sensation WICKED, this event promises an evening of unforgettable performances. Enjoy festive songs, lively audience banter, and a fresh spin on holiday classics. It’s the perfect way to bring Broadway magic to your holiday season!
Tickets can be purchased here.