Kids Market at 5th Annual Jacksonville Holly Jolly Fest

Young Entrepreneurs Take Center Stage at Jacksonville's Holiday Market

The 5th Annual Jacksonville Holly Jolly Fest brings its Kids Market back to Artist Square Amphitheater on Sunday, December 13th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This kids market in Jacksonville flips the traditional holiday shopping script by putting children behind the vendor tables, selling their crafts, baked goods, and handmade items while learning real-world business skills. The riverside amphitheater setting adds an open-air charm to the experience, with the St. Johns River providing a scenic backdrop for what amounts to a crash course in entrepreneurship wrapped in holiday cheer.

What to Expect:
Artist Square Amphitheater transforms into a bustling marketplace run entirely by young vendors, each managing their own booth and learning to interact with customers. The four-hour window gives families plenty of time to browse without feeling rushed, and the all-ages format means everyone from toddlers to grandparents can participate in supporting these budding business owners. The Holly Jolly Fest atmosphere brings seasonal decorations and festive energy, but the real draw is watching kids gain confidence as they make sales and handle transactions.

Insider Tips:
- Bring small bills and change since young vendors may not have extensive cash reserves for breaking larger denominations
- Arrive closer to 11:00 AM for the fullest selection before popular items sell out
- Let kids do the browsing and purchasing themselves to make it a learning experience on both sides of the transaction
- Dress in layers since the amphitheater's open design means weather plays a role in comfort
- Check the event's social channels before heading out for any last-minute vendor lineup announcements or special activities
- Budget for impulse buys—the handmade ornaments and baked goods tend to be irresistible

Getting There:
Artist Square Amphitheater sits right on Riverside Avenue in the heart of Jacksonville's Riverside neighborhood, making it accessible from multiple directions. Cummer Museum Parking on Riverside Avenue offers the closest option just 91 meters from the venue, though it fills quickly for weekend events. A second Cummer Museum lot on Post Street sits 161 meters away and provides overflow parking. Fidelity National Financial Parking at 631 Peninsular Place, about 155 meters from the amphitheater, adds another nearby option. Street parking along Riverside Avenue and surrounding blocks works for those comfortable with a short walk. The venue's riverside location means approaching from Park Street or King Street provides straightforward access to the general area.

Local Scene:
The Riverside neighborhood delivers plenty of family-friendly options before or after the market. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens sits just 75 meters away at 829 Riverside Ave, making it an easy addition to the day's activities for families wanting to extend their cultural outing. River & Post at 1000 Riverside Ave, about 259 meters from Artist Square, offers brunch options with rooftop seating if families want to fuel up before hitting the market. Waffle Cone, roughly 344 meters away, provides the perfect post-shopping treat with budget-friendly desserts and vegan options. Hawkers Asian Street Food in Five Points, 385 meters from the amphitheater, brings more substantial lunch options for those who work up an appetite browsing vendor booths. Cuisine 76 and Bar, about 405 meters away, rounds out the choices with outdoor dining and a menu that accommodates various dietary preferences.