Festive Holiday Events Around Jacksonville
We are getting in the holiday spirit over here at Genevieve Williams Real Estate and invite you to celebrate the season with us. From ice skating and tree lightings to gingerbread houses and musical performances, we have rounded up some of our favorite holiday events across Jacksonville this year.
For more information on each event, click on the event name.
Large-Scale Lighting Displays & Parades
November 15 - January 11 in St. Augustine
Widely considered one of the best holiday displays in the U.S., more than 3 million lights illuminate 20+ blocks of America’s Oldest City. Tour the lights by trolley, carriage ride, waterfront cruise, or by simply strolling the streets.
November 22 - February 8 at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Featuring over 1,000 large-scale silk lanterns in the shapes of animals, plants, and mythical creatures, Colors of the Wild gives the zoo a magical glow after dark all holiday season long.
November 26 - January 1 at Seawalk Pavilion (Jacksonville Beach)
Only in Florida can you celebrate the holidays with a day at the beach. Over 40 lifeguard chairs are decked and decorated, showcasing the creativity of local students and community groups. Plus, don’t miss the live entertainment and special events sprinkled throughout Seawalk Pavilion.
November 28 - December 28 at Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
2025 marks the second year of Glowing Gardens, a month-long celebration that transforms the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens with interactive displays and thousands of lights along the Lake Loop. Inspired by the arboretum’s flora and fauna, this year will feature a laser forest, neon flowers, a sparkling light “river”, and an oversized snow globe with a nightly “snowfall”.
Jacksonville Light Boat Parade
November 29 on the St. Johns River (Downtown Jacksonville)
A cherished holiday tradition for over 30 years, the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade once again takes the water this year. Decorated boats of all sizes light up the night as they cruise along the north and south banks of the St. Johns River before culminating in a dazzling fireworks display.
December 1 - December 31 at Spring Park (Green Cove Springs)
Walk through a winter wonderland of 245 lit Christmas Trees decorated by local families, businesses, and charities.
Events and Experiences
November 28 - 30 at the Prime F. Osborn Convention Center
This popular seasonal market is in its 36th season of showcasing 200+ artisans and crafters. It’s an incredible opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts and unique, handmade items for everyone on your Christmas list.
November 30 at Little Talbot Island State Park
Turkey Trot races are an America tradition and Jacksonville’s annual Turkey Trails is one of the best. In 2025, participants can choose from a 10K Run, a 5K Run/Walk, a 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk and a Kid’s Dash.
December 12 & 19 at Clay County Fairgrounds
Clay County Fairgrounds is turned into a magical Christmas village complete with cookie decorating, crafts, photos with Santa, live music, and an ugly sweater contest. Plus, end the evening with a classic holiday movie: The Grinch on December 12 and A Christmas Story on December 19.
December 13 - 14 at Clarke House Park (Orange Park)
The Historical Society and the town of Orange Park have teamed up to create an old fashioned holiday celebration complete with live entertainment, hay rides through a decorated trail of lights, photos with Santa, a shopping village, and so much more!
December 13 - 27 at Jacksonville History Center
Returning for its 23rd year, the annual Gingerbread Extravaganza displays incredible, edible gingerbread houses by professionals, amateurs, and kids alike. Plus, Kids Day kicks off the event on December 13 where families can enjoy a visit with Santa, face-painting, and a holiday scavenger hunt.
Performances
November 20 at Thrasher-Horne Center
A dazzling holiday variety show with laugh-out-loud comedy, gravity-defying acrobatics, and captivating circus acts set to a modern soundtrack of Christmas classics.
November 20 - December 24 at Alhambra Theatre
Treat yourself to an unforgettable show and a three-course meal at one of the longest-running dinner theaters in the nation. Based on the beloved 2003 film, enjoy the story of Buddy the Elf, a human who was accidentally sent to the North Pole as a baby to be raised by Santa Claus. A heart-warming and hilarious story for the whole family.
November 30 at Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts (Moran Theater)
Visually stunning holiday spectacle with circus arts, aerial acts, jugglers, acrobatics, and performers for a whimsical, contemporary take on the holidays.
December 5 - 7 at Jacksonville Center for the Performing Art
Sleigh the season with the Jacksonville Symphony featuring cherished carols and holiday favorites. Featuring vocalists from Broadway, every note of Holiday Pops sparkles with the spirit of the season.
Sarah Brightman: A Winter Symphony
December 6 at Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts
The world’s biggest-selling soprano and legendary GRAMMY® Award-nominated artist Sarah Brightman brings her new Christmas spectacle to Jacksonville this year. Accompanied by an orchestra, choir, and special guests, this enchanting holiday show will feature both Sarah’s holiday classics and greatest hits.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve
December 11 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
This award-winning, nationally-touring concert rolls back into Jacksonville in December to treat fans to their unique style and rock opera renditions of Christmas music.
December 12 - 14 at Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts (Moran Theater)
A beautiful adaptation of Tchaikovsky's timeless classic filled with mesmerizing choreography, stunning visuals featuring the Jacksonville Symphony and more than 180 local dance students.
December 13 - 14 at Thrasher-Horne Center
December 19 - 21 at UNF Fine Arts Center
An annual tradition by the Florida Ballet that tells the unforgettable tale of a young girl who enters a magical wonderful of toy soldiers, sugar plum fairies, and, of course, nutcrackers.
December 16 at Florida Theatre
Vienna Light Orchestra’s Christmas Tour stops in Jacksonville with its world-renowned ensemble of musicians and vocalists. A truly nostalgic experience of timeless Christmas music.
Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
December 19 at Jacksonville Public Library (Ann & David Hicks Auditorium)
String instruments like violins and cellos bring the magic of Christmas music to life under the gentle flow of a candlelit auditorium. It’s more than a concert. It’s a live, multi-sensory experience that is sure to inspire.
What holiday events do you have on your calendar this year? Let us know in the comments so we can add them to our list!