Christmas in Jacksonville: A Holiday Activity Guide (2024)
Forget the typical holiday postcard scenes of snow-covered mountains and cozy fireplaces. Jacksonville serves up its own brand of winter magic—where palm trees wear holiday lights and boats become floating Christmas canvases. In Jacksonville’s take on festive cheer, creativity meets tradition in a dazzling display of local spirit.
Imagine a city that doesn’t just celebrate the holidays but transforms completely, turning beaches, zoos, gardens, and waterways into enchanted playgrounds. From pop-up bars to boat parades, Jacksonville proves that holiday magic isn’t about snow—it’s about imagination.
Here are the must-see holiday experiences in Jacksonville this year.
Deck the Chairs
📍 SeaWalk Pavilion, 75 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach
📅 Nov. 27, 2024 – Jan. 1, 2025
🕛 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
🎟️ Free
Deck the Chairs is the annual holiday tradition that brings Jacksonville Beach to life! With over 20 unique chair displays, each one crafted by local businesses and organizations, this event showcases the creativity and community spirit of the area. It’s a true Jacksonville experience, with the holiday cheer spreading along the beach. Enjoy live music, delicious food, and plenty of festive events as you stroll through this sparkling winter wonderland. It’s a must-do for the whole family, and a perfect way to kick off the holiday season!
Blackhawk Bluff Christmas Lights Display
📍 1435 Blackhawk Trail East, Jacksonville
📅 Nov. 29, 2024 – Jan. 1, 2025
🎟️ Free
Located off Girvin Street, this stunning light show is a local favorite, featuring hundreds of thousands of lights twinkling in perfect holiday harmony. You can drive through this quiet neighborhood to experience the magic, and it’s free to visit, making it a great outing for families, couples, and friends.
Miracle Pop-Up Bar at Grape and Grain Exchange
📍 2000 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville
📅 Nov. 18, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2024
🕛 Mon: 5 PM – 12 AM | Tues-Thurs: 12 PM – 12 AM | Fri-Sat: 12 PM – 2AM | Sun: 12 PM – 12 AM
This year, the Miracle Pop-Up Bar is back at Grape and Grain Exchange, offering a festive, over-the-top holiday bar experience you won’t want to miss. The venue transforms into a winter wonderland, with Christmas cocktails, quirky décor, and a cozy vibe. Sip on creative drinks like the Christmapolitan with spiced cranberry sauce and the bold Christmasaurus, blending pineapple rum and coffee syrup.
Sippin’ Santa Pop-Up at Red Gill Bistro
📍 4660 Salisbury Rd., Jacksonville
📅 Nov. 21, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2024
🕛 Sun-Thurs: 5 PM – 10 PM | Fri-Sat: 5 PM – 12 AM
Head over to Sippin’ Santa at Red Gill Bistro for a merry time at this pop-up tiki bar! This seasonal transformation combines holiday cheer with tropical vibes, creating a festive and fun atmosphere unlike any other. Sip on holidaythemed cocktails, relax in the laid-back setting, and enjoy the playful, island-inspired décor. It’s the perfect blend of Christmas magic and beachy fun!
Glowing Gardens at Jacksonville Arboretum
📍 1445 Millcoe Rd, Jacksonville
📅 Nov. 29, 2024 – Dec. 29, 2024
🕛 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
🎟️ $22 (Adults, 18+) | $19 (Kids, 4-17)
Experience the magic of Glowing Gardens, a reimagined holiday light show at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Inspired by the Arboretum’s natural beauty, this event features stunning displays like bromeliad stars, hummingbird sculptures, and mesmerizing ground lights. Enjoy festive food and drinks, meet holiday characters, and snap unforgettable photos. With all proceeds benefiting the Arboretum, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss!
Tickets can be purchased here.
Christmas Experience at Ancient City Farmstead
📍 395 St Marks Pond Blvd, St. Augustine
📅 Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 29th through December 22nd
🕛 Friday: 5 PM – 9 PM | Sat-Sun: 2 PM – 9 PM
🎟️ $25 (Adults, 16-65) | $20 (Senior 65+ & Military) | $15 (Children, 3-15) | Free (Children under 3)
Nestled near historic St. Augustine, this enchanting venue offers family-friendly attractions like an outdoor skating rink, Santa’s Workshop, festive Reindeer Games, and the iconic Rockefeller Tree. Enjoy delicious treats from food trucks, warm up with cocoa, and even pick out the perfect Christmas tree to take home. Open select weekends, this magical holiday event is the perfect way to create lasting memories with your loved ones!
Tickets can be purchased here.
Colors of the Wild at the Jacksonville Zoo
📍 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville
📅 Select nights, November to February
🕛 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
🎟️ Ranges from $22 to $42
Embark on an enchanting journey at Jacksonville Zoo’s Colors of the Wild! This event brings over 1,000 intricately designed Asian lanterns to life, illuminating the night with vibrant colors and captivating stories. From towering cherry blossoms to glowing panthers and manatees, each lantern celebrates wildlife, wild places, and the beauty of diverse cultures.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) in the Biergarten
📍 1188 Edgewood Ave S, Jacksonville
📅 December 6-7, 13-14, and 20-21
🕛 5 PM
🎟️ Free
The 4th Annual Weihnachtsmarkt in the Biergarten is a festive German-inspired Christmas Market perfect for holiday shopping and seasonal cheer! Enjoy six 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!
22nd Annual Gingerbread Extravaganza
Photo credit: jaxhistory.org
📍 Old St. Andrew’s Church: 317 A. Philip Randolph Blvd., Jacksonville
📅 Select dates between December 7 and 28, 2024
🕛 Various times
🎟️ $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.
Myrtle Ave Christmas Market
📍 633 Myrtle Ave N Jacksonville
📅 December 20, 2024
🕛 6 PM – 9 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 PM – 10 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.
Jax Parks Movie Night: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
📍 729 Riverside Ave., Jacksonville
📅 December 20, 2024
🕛 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
🎟️ Free
Enjoy a festive evening under the stars with Jax Parks’ Movie Nights! On December 20, bring your family and friends to watch the holiday classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas in a beautiful park setting. Pack your blankets and chairs, grab some popcorn, and settle in for a magical night of holiday cheer. Don’t miss this free event that’s perfect for creating unforgettable holiday memories!
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 PM (Dec. 21) | 3 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 AM – 2 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.