Weekend Activities Guide: Things to Do in Jacksonville (Dec. 19-25)
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
📍 Old St. Andrew’s Church: 317 A. Philip Randolph Blvd., Jacksonville
📅 Select dates between December 7 and 28, 2024
🕛 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Dec. 17-21) | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Dec. 22)
🎟️ $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. Visitors can 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.
Sip and Shop Under the Stars
📍 Ink Factory Brewing, 602 Shetter Avenue, Jacksonville Beach
📅 December 19, 2024
🕛 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎟️ Free
Head to Ink Factory Brewing for the Sip and Shop Under the Stars market, a festive evening filled with local flair and holiday cheer! Browse over 25 local vendors showcasing unique gifts and handmade goods, sip on hot chocolate, and enjoy delicious eats from Hard Pressed Burgers. Don’t miss a special appearance by Santa, plus the premiere of the Grom Surf movie from Bird Drop in collaboration with Flomotion.
Sip & Stroll
📍 Southbank Riverwalk
📅 December 19, 2024
🕛 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎟️ Free
Take in the beauty of the Downtown skyline at sunset during Sip & Stroll, a monthly event filled with live music, delicious food vendors, refreshing drinks, and engaging activities. Whether you’re relaxing by the river or exploring the lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to unwind and enjoy an evening in the heart of the city.
North Beaches Art Walk
📍 Beaches Town Center, 0 Atlantic Blvd, Neptune Beach
📅 December 19, 2024
🕛 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎟️ Free
Experience the creativity and community spirit of the North Beaches Art Walk, a lively monthly event that brings the Beaches Town Center to life. Discover local artists and their unique creations, browse through charming boutiques, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of our town center. With a diverse array of vendors, handmade crafts, and delicious dining options, the Art Walk offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Third Thursday Silent Disco
Photo credit: Visit Jacksonville
📍 Friendship Fountain, 1015 Museum Circle Dr., Jacksonville
📅 December 19, 2024
🕛 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎟️ Free
Get ready for an unforgettable night of music and dancing at the Third Thursday Silent Disco, where the Friendship Fountain transforms into an electrifying dance floor. Grab a pair of wireless headphones and choose your perfect music channel – whether you’re in the mood for current pop hits, nostalgic throwbacks, or classic tunes that span decades. With a limited number of headphones available on a first-come, first-served basis, this unique event promises an immersive musical experience where you can groove to your favorite beats while surrounded by fellow music lovers.
Art after Dark @ The Cummer Museum & Gardens
📍 Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside Ave. Jacksonville, FL
📅 December 20, 2024
🕛 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
🎟️ Members: Free | Adults: $20 | Students (Ages 6-17): $15 | Children (Ages 5 and under): Free
Experience the vibrant energy of Art After Dark at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens! This monthly event offers a unique opportunity to explore the museum’s galleries and gardens after hours, with live music, art demonstrations, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for art lovers of all kinds. Whether you’re looking to unwind with a drink in hand, enjoy local performances, or discover new art, Art After Dark is the perfect evening outing.
Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) in the Biergarten
📍 1188 Edgewood Ave S, Jacksonville
📅 December 20-21, 2024
🕛 5:00 PM
🎟️ Free
The 4th Annual Weihnachtsmarkt in the Biergarten is a festive German-inspired Christmas Market perfect for holiday shopping and seasonal cheer! Enjoy magical market nights featuring 6-7 local vendors each evening with unique gifts and holiday treasures. Sip on warm mulled wine, savor authentic German delicacies, and toast with bier as you soak in the holiday spirit. Don’t miss the enchanting tree lighting ceremony and cozy atmosphere that make this a must-visit tradition for the season!
Myrtle Ave Christmas Market
📍 633 Myrtle Ave N Jacksonville
📅 December 20, 2024
🕛 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎟️ Free
Discover unique last-minute gifts at the Myrtle Ave Christmas Market, featuring local vendors offering handcrafted and one-of-a-kind holiday items. Browse the market while enjoying fresh, locally brewed beer from Myrtle Ave Brewing, creating the perfect blend of shopping and holiday cheer. Don’t miss this festive opportunity to support local artisans and complete your holiday shopping in a vibrant, community-focused setting!
Ugly Sweater Silent Disco at MOSH
📍 1025 Museum Cir., Jacksonville
📅 December 20, 2024
🕛 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎟️ $30
Back by popular demand, this 21+ event combines outrageous holiday sweaters, festive drinks, and a high-energy silent disco experience. Dance the night away to multiple music channels while dazzling lights and holiday cheer set the scene for an unforgettable evening. Silent discos are one of Jacksonville’s hottest trends, and MOSH is taking it to the next level with this epic holiday bash. Don’t miss the chance to make this annual tradition your own!
Tickets can be purchased here.
Mayport Brewing Co.’s Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
📍 2152 Mayport Rd., Jacksonville
📅 December 20, 2024
🕖 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM
🎟️ Free
Celebrate the season at Mayport Brewing Co.’s Ugly Christmas Sweater Party on December 20, 2024! Wear your tackiest sweater for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate in the Ugly Sweater Contest at 10 PM. Enjoy $7 seasonal drinks like Spiked Eggnog, Coquito, and Hot Cider, plus $2 off holiday cocktails all night. Bring a toy for Toys for Tots and get a free beer, wine, or well cocktail as a thank-you!
The Nutcracker Ballet by Jax City Ballet
📍 2264 Bartram Road, Jacksonville
📅 December 21-22, 2024
🕒 7:00 PM (Dec. 21) | 3:00 PM (Dec. 22)
🎟️ Tickets: $38-$53
Experience the magic of the season with The Nutcracker Ballet, presented by Jax City Ballet! This timeless holiday tradition brings Clara’s enchanting journey to life with stunning choreography, dazzling costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. Perfect for families and ballet lovers alike, this production is sure to create lasting holiday memories.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Santa Brunch at Prati Italia
📍 4972 Big Island Drive, Jacksonville
📅 December 22, 2024
🕛 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🎟️ 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.
Christmas Day Dining at Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
📍 Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, 225 E Coastline Dr, Jacksonville
📅 December 25, 2024
🕛 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
🎟️ $62 per person plus tax and gratuity
Elevate your Christmas Day dining experience at SHOR Seafood Grill, located in the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. Indulge in an elegant three-course steak dinner that captures the essence of holiday luxury, featuring a gourmet salad with mulled wine poached pear, a perfectly grilled sirloin with creamy brandy sauce, and a decadent chocolate cake with peppermint mousse. Beyond the special holiday menu, guests can also explore SHOR’s regular offerings of Southern-inspired dishes that showcase the best of local comfort food and Florida flavors.
Reservations can be made here.