Our ULTIMATE Guide to Holiday Activities in Jacksonville - UNATION

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Discover the best holiday events

Get into the seasonal spirit with these local events and activities!

Christmas on Walnut

Kick off your holiday season with the Annual Christmas on Walnut Street Festival! During the day, enjoy food and craft vendors, a kids’ zone, and plenty of live entertainment. In the afternoon, Santa Claus himself will make an appearance to hear from all the boys and girls of Green Cove Springs. If you love being active, join the 1-mile Jingle Bell Fun Run in the evening, and be sure to stay for the dazzling night Christmas Parade. While the festival takes place on Saturday, you can continue to enjoy the Parade of Trees all month in Spring Park! Walk through 225 beautifully decorated Christmas Trees and read about each of their stories.

For visitor information, go to exploreclay.com!

Ancient City Christmas Experience

St. Augustine’s premier holiday destination is back and bigger than ever. Ancient City Farmstead is launching its 2nd Annual Christmas Experience, featuring North Florida’s only outdoor synthetic ice skating rink and the region’s tallest decorated Christmas tree. With Santa’s Workshop, festive caroling, holiday crafts, and countless family-friendly activities, this beloved event promises an unforgettable winter celebration for families looking to create cherished seasonal memories.

Celebrate with these seasonal treats

Sip and savor these holiday flavors in the 904!

Our favorite holiday pop-up bars

Celebrate the season with delicious sips and adorable decor!

Miracle pop-up at Forgotten Tonic

Stop in after an evening exploring the Night of Lights for more holiday cheer! Miracle Pop-Up Bar is just what the holidays needed. It is a pop-up bar serving holiday-themed drinks among over-the-top festive decorations. You can find a Miracle pop-up all over the world during the holiday season and this year they have returned to Forgotten Tonic in St. Augustine! You are not going to want to miss this one of a kind experience where you can be surrounded by the best holiday decor while sipping out of festive cups like a Santa cup and so much more.

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Business Details

6 Aviles St, St Augustine, FL 32084-4405, United States

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Grey Matter Distillery

This Mayport distillery always goes over the top with a holiday movie-themed pop-up! They went all out with past years recreating epic scenes and holiday displays from movies like Elf, Home Alone, and Christmas Vacation, and this year they’re doing The Grinch! Don’t miss out on delicious themed drinks and awesome movie recreations at Grey Matter Distillery, and stay tuned for this year’s movie!

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Business Details

1221 Mayport Rd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233, United States

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Holiday bucket list

From festive lights to seasonal activities, discover the magic of the holidays with these things to do around our city!

Seasonal activities in Jacksonville

Check out these festive things to do right in time for the holidays!

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Night of Lights: #1 Party Boat in St. Augustine, FL

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Nights of Lights - Private Christmas Car Photo Tour 4-6 people

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Private Nights Of Lights Tour- City Gates Departure

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Nights of Lights Private Boat Tour St. Augustine, max 6 passenger

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Adventure Boat Tours - Nights of Lights by Water in St. Augustine FL

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Nights of Lights by Golf Cart Limo in St. Augustine

Upcoming events in the First Coast

Embrace the magic of the holiday season with these festive celebrations!

Dickens on Centre

Head to Amelia Island for this unique holiday festival! The 9th Annual Dickens on Centre will transform the historic Fernandina Beach that we know and love into Victorian London! The weekend-long event is free to the public! Dress up in your favorite Victorian garb and spread Holiday cheer through the beautiful streets of Fernandina Beach! There will be tons of Victorian-Era-inspired entertainment, fun for the kids, delicious food and drink, and festive shopping! Even St. Nicholas will make an appearance, so you must show up!

Pro-Tip: Don’t miss out on the “Run like the Dickens” fun run – with all the silly costumes, you’re going to want to witness this!

Centre Street, Fernandina Beach
December 11 – 14, 2025

Jacksonville Light Boat Parade

Celebrate the start of the Holidays with this free, family-friendly event! Making its return to Thanksgiving weekend, the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade has been a true tradition for over 30 years! Head downtown to the banks of the St. Johns River and watch beautiful boats of all shapes and sizes float by. The best part is that they’re decked out in holiday decorations! After the parade, stay for a stunning fireworks show featuring the iconic golden waterfall fireworks off the Main Street and Acosta Bridge! This spectacle is certainly a sight to see and is a perfect Holiday activity for people of all ages.

Downtown Jacksonville
November 30th 2025

Riverside Avondale Luminaria

Another iconic and free Jacksonville event, the Riverside and Avondale Luminaria is in its 39th year! The entire community participates in this event, lining the sidewalks and streets with beautiful glowing luminaries. This event brings neighbors together and is the perfect way to socialize and explore this lovely area of Jacksonville!

Walk, bike, or drive through the neighborhoods to experience this beautiful and heartfelt event that has been bringing communities together since 1984.

Riverside & Avondale neighborhoods
December 21, 2025

Christmas at Sykes Family Farms

Celebrate the Holidays with Sykes Family Farms! For only $16 per person ($15 with military and age discounts!), you won’t break the bank with this fun family outing! Enjoy a comfortable hay ride through a 3/4 mile-long holiday light display. Afterward, grab some hot beverages while the kids enjoy an incredible play area, barnyard ball zone, and more! For an additional cost, make Christmas tree ornaments or roast marshmallows by the fire pit. Get cozy under blankets and watch holiday films on the big screen, too!

For adorable family photo ops, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will meet with all the boys and girls, and there will be cute spots set up for insta-worthy photos!

5995 Brough Rd, Elkton, FL 32033
TBA

Glowing Gardens

The Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens invites visitors to experience Glowing Gardens, an enchanting holiday light spectacular! This event transforms the natural landscape into a magical wonderland, offering guests a unique journey through illuminated gardens featuring spectacular light installations and artistic displays. Explore magical attractions that showcase glowing representations of local wildlife like hummingbirds and bromeliads. Families and friends can wander through this extraordinary light experience, enjoying the creative ways nature and holiday magic intertwine.

November 28 – December 28
1445 Millcoe Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225, USA

St, Johns Town Center

Nothing beats shopping during the Holidays! It really gets us in the seasonal spirit, and Town Center does an amazing job of keeping things festive with its enormous Christmas tree and twinkling white lights adorning each building. It really is quite beautiful during the evenings. We recommend holiday shopping after it gets dark, with a warm coffee in hand!

Pro-Tip: Be sure to catch the St. Johns Town Center Holiday Spectacular on Saturday, November 15, 2025!

Luminary Night

Luminary Night at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is a family-friendly tradition that takes place each year during the city’s Nights of Lights festival. Locals and visitors alike are invited to take in the sight of over 2,000 luminaries as they light up the grounds and surrounding streets of the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. Visit with Santa, enjoy yuletide refreshments and for a truly magical experience, climb the tower and see the sight of the luminaries below. When it comes to holiday lights in Jacksonville, this event is one-of-a-kind!

December 3
St. Augustine Lighthouse

Holiday hot spots

Want the inside scoop? Here's our teams favorite places for festive fun in the 904!

Habitat for Humanity

Volunteers make a real impact at Habitat for Humanity Jacksonville! On construction sites, they help install windows and siding, paint, and landscape new homes. At the ReStore, volunteers keep things running by moving inventory, organizing merchandise, and assisting shoppers. There’s always something meaningful to do!

Shop and support local

Grab some amazing gifts from our favorite businesses around Jax!

Rethreaded

This holiday season, shop chic apparel, beautiful jewelry, and other unique products from Rethreaded, and support a great cause! This local small business sells items created by survivors of sex trafficking. Founder Kristin Keen recognized the importance of a safe and supportive work environment where these women could earn money and heal through community. Rethreaded offers a wide variety of products, from tasty goodies to adorable accessories! Plus, all proceeds are reinvested in this amazing mission, so be sure to stop by and check off your shopping list!

Pandora

Nothing says I love you like a holiday gift that you put thought into and created for that special someone in your life. At Pandora, you can craft the perfect bracelet by selecting charms that remind you of the person you’re buying for. Hand-pick beautiful charms from various collections to create a beautiful gift, or you can choose from other beautiful jewelry pieces, like sparkling necklaces and rings. Surprise your loved ones with something that they will absolutely love this holiday season!

Momni Boutique

Momni boutique is the perfect one stop shop for all your fashion-related gift needs! From dresses to jumpsuits and accessories to shoes, this adorable fashion boutique has perfect holiday gift options for your best gal pals! At Momni, they stay up to date on all the latest styles and trends, and they already have tons of cute sweaters, jackets, and long sleeved blouses for the upcoming winter months! If you’re unsure of sizing or styles, you can also gift the beginning of a stylish new winter wardrobe through a gift card to the boutique!

Wick: A Candle Bar

Who said a DIY holiday gift can’t be elegant At Wick: A Candle Bar, you can create the perfect gift, made with love, for someone special in your life! If you don’t want the pressure of creating the perfect candle, you can also gift the candle pouring experience as well by making a reservation or purchasing a gift card! This unique experience walks you through the candle-making process, from picking the scents to pouring the wax. They’re such a blast to make and would be a great gift for anyone!

The Greenhouse Bar

Calling all Plant Moms and Dads out there! The Greenhouse & Bar has some of the most beautiful plants and pots. Whether you are stopping at their mobile boutique or their new storefront, you’ll find plant inspired merchandise, unique gifts, local artisan pottery, indoor house plants, cacti and much more. If someone in your life is a plant lover, then The Greenhouse & Bar has to go on your list as you’re shopping for holiday gifts for that special someone. Even if you need some advice on any plant you have, they will be the perfect people to talk to!

Sunhoney

If your style is a blend of boho chic, then Sunhoney Boutique is the place for you! Created to provide clothing that helps women shine, this woman-owned business offers fashion staples with a boho twist. From flannels, sweaters, cardigans, and everything in between, this is definitely a go-to when searching for holiday staples in Jacksonville. The best part This boutique is online, so you can shop whenever the mood strikes! No matter what it is you’re looking for, we’re sure you’ll find something you love at Sunhoney.

Gifts for him

Need inspo for the men in you life? We've got you covered!

Jacksonville Surf & Paddle

From surfing lessons to cool merch, this spot has plenty of awesome ideas!

Fore Score Golf Tavern

Treat your man to a premier golf simulator and delicious bites and drinks for a fun day out!

Manifest Distilling

Grab an award-winning bottle of his favorite spirit from this local distillery!

Sunrise Surf Shop

Find all your favorite beachy brands and all his surfing and skating needs in one place!

Beef Class with Cline's

Family butcher offers expert beef class: learn cuts, cooking tips & debunk myths!

8103 Clothing

Shop vintage Jax sports merch and game day gear! Find tie-dyes, caps and more.

Spruce

This adorable plant shop offers amazing gifts for all plant lovers! Whether you are looking for crafty potter to put your leafy friends in, a new plant baby, or other cute gifts, be sure to stop by Spruce’s Murray Hill location for amazing gifts this holiday season!

The Literary Lounge

Grab something for the book lover in your life! This recently opened Murray Hill bookstore is an adorable place to pick up your next obsession! With aesthetic decor, cozy seating, and walls full of books, we’re truly in love with the Literary Lounge. Plus, this local small business is woman and teacher-owned, so show up and support her! Keep your eye on their social calendar as well for fun upcoming events.

Fig & Willow

Fig & Willow is by far one of our favorite boutiques in Jacksonville! With two locations, one in Neptune Beach and one in San Marco and sizes ranging from S-XXL, this is one of Jacksonville’s most inclusive boutiques! Fig + Willow’s founder started this boutique in hopes of building connections with women and bringing out their confidence through a selection of beautiful clothes. This shop has cute and comfortable styles that you will surely want to live in!

Plus, if you have a little one, Fig + Willow offers the sweetest mommy and me outfits for both boys and girls!

The Pickle Factory

Pickle lovers, this one’s for you! The Pickle Factory in Jacksonville is your go-to spot for all things briny and bright! This fan-favorite factory has recently opened up a new location, and they’re jazzing up jars with handcrafted pickles made from time-tested recipes. Pop in to discover why locals are totally in a pickle over these tangy treats.

Chey & Chawn

If you haven’t shopped at Chey & Chawn yet, you are missing out! The moment we stepped in their doors, we were obsessed. The name comes from the sister power duo who own the boutique, Cheyenne and Chawnee. They opened their boutique in Jax Beach in December 2021 because they love fashion and wanted more boutiques like their own in the area!

One of the best boutiques in Jacksonville, you can shop everything from swimwear and accessories to shoes and formal wear. We especially love all the trendy pieces like their smiley apparel and checkerboard print. Stop by and pick out your next statement piece and discover your new favorite boutique.

The ultimate winter road trip guide

From theme parks to winter wonderlands, pack up the car and get ready!

Hammock Beach Golf Resort

We all need a stay-cation every once in a while. And why not take a short drive to Palm Coast to enjoy a relaxing experience at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa? It is situated on a beautiful beach along the Atlantic Coast in Palm Coast, Florida. Whether you want to plan a last-minute family vacation, a weekend with friends, or a couples getaway, this is the spot for you.

Festival of Trees, Orlando

Everyone knows that one of the best parts about the holiday season is getting to bask in the beautiful decor. If your favorite part of the season is getting to decorate your Christmas tree, then you’ll want to head over to Orlando for the annual Festival of Trees. One of the easiest day trips from Jacksonville, the 35th annual event invites you to explore an array of holiday decor including, trees, wreaths, gingerbread creations, and much more! The event will also include live entertainment, pop-up shops, and even a visit from Santa. The holidays have never been more festive!

Florida springs

Santa isn’t the only big guy you should think about during Winter! The peak season for Manatees kicks off in November, and we absolutely love seeing these gentle giants in the wild. Head to one of Florida’s Natural Springs, where they travel for warmer water during the winter months. The crystal clear waters allow easy visibility to see these adorable sea cows, and we seriously can’t get enough of this iconic Florida creature. Some great spots are Crystal River and Three Sisters Springs, Silver Springs, and Blue Springs State Park!

Pro-Tip: Keep your distance! Manatees are easily stressed. They are naturally curious creatures and will approach you if they are up to it!

Mount Dora

Mount Dora is an adorable and quaint town perfect for a weekend getaway! Relax by the lake, enjoy some small-town shopping, and dine at delicious restaurants. Everything is within walking distance, which makes this the perfect vacation if you love exploring new spots. Plus, they really go all out for the holidays! Check the events calendar and try to schedule your visit during a weekend of Holiday fun.

Asheville, NC

Holiday season at the Biltmore is unmatched. With over 60 elegantly decorated Christmas trees, incredible decorations, and a magical ambiance, this event is something you have to experience once in your life! Be sure to visit during the Candlelight Christmas Evenings, where America’s Largest House welcomes you home for the holidays with pathway luminaries and the beautiful glow of candles, fireplaces, and holiday lights. Asheville shines in winter with snow-dusted hikes along Blue Ridge Parkway, winter waterfalls, and local cuisine. Whatever you choose, Asheville delivers!

Places to see snow in the Sunshine State

You don't need to travel north to see some snow flurries! Check out these spots in Florida that offer seasonal magic!

Snowcat Ridge Alpine Snow Park

Visit a winter wonderland without leaving the state! Snowcat Ridge, Florida’s only Alpine Snow Park, allows Floridians to experience all the thrills and chills of winter activities. From snowball fights and snowmen building with real snow to ice skating and snow tubing, get a real taste of seasonal adventures!

Take a break from the frigid temps in your private igloo at the Eskimo Outpost! These igloos are available to rent and include a s’mores kit, firepit, and more! Kids can enjoy holiday magic at Santa’s Christmas Lane, and everyone can chow down at delicious dining opportunities around the park!

Holidays at the theme parks

Experience holiday thrills and winter chills at these fun theme parks around Florida.

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Curated by

Becca McCandless

Duval Native | Sunshine State ☀️ | Aspiring Plant Mom 🌱