The holiday season is a magical time in Northeast Florida with many opportunities to create lasting memories. From
dazzling light displays to festive parades and community celebrations, there’s something for everyone. Gather your loved ones, have your camera ready, and get ready to explore some of the most festive experiences our region has to offer! As a bonus, many of these events are FREE. Click on event headings for more info.
Jacksonville
- Deck the Chairs (Nov 22–Jan 1): Explore the festive display of illuminated lifeguard chairs at Jacksonville Beach, perfect for a free, fun, dog-friendly family outing. Check out the schedule of performances held throughout this seasonal event.
- Colors of the Wild: A ZooLights Lantern Experience (Dec 8–31): Stroll through the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, lit up with more than 1,000 lanterns that come to life depicting animals and plants in diverse cultures. The
lanterns will be there through February; during the holidays there are activities, music, Santa visits and holiday treats. Be sure to check the calendar for details. - Totally Lit Hanukkah Celebration (Dec 20): Enjoy live music, storytelling and crafts, dreidel games and
more at this outdoor celebration of Hanukkah and its related traditions. celebration of Hanukkah and its related traditions.
- Jacksonville Light Boat Parade (Nov 30): This annual boat parade became a family tradition for us when we moved to the area 15 years ago. All these years later we still love it. Watch from the north or south bank of the St. Johns River and be sure to stay for the fireworks at the end.
- Gingerbread Extravaganza (Dec 7-28th) The Jacksonville History Center is once again hosting it’s Gingerbread Extravaganza Experience including a gingerbread display contest, Kids Day and Gingerbread by Candlelight.
St. Augustine
- Nights of Lights (Nov 18–Jan 31): This iconic event transforms the nation’s oldest city into a sparkling wonderland with over three million lights! See them from a trolley tour, or walk around on your own after twilight. Pro tip: this event draws big crowds and lots of traffic. If you can hold out (or just want to extend the holiday fun), visit in January for a calmer experience.
- St. Augustine Christmas Parade 2024 (Dec 7): Who doesn't love a parade? This year will be the 67th annual parade, where neighborhoods and local organizations join Santa in a procession through the city of St. Augustine.
Saint Johns
- Julington Creek Parade of Lights (Dec 7): Watch from shore as festively decorated boats parade along the Julington Creek, followed by fireworks. Hosted
by Julington Creek Prop Club and sponsored by local businesses. Which boat will win Light Parade 2024? - Friends of Alpine Park Winter Festival (Nov 30): Enjoy a day of fun, crafts, food trucks and Santa at Alpine Groves Park.
But Wait, There's More:
There are of course many other holiday activities - too many to list here. Some that my family has enjoyed in the past include the Parade of Trees in Green Cove Springs, Fernandina Beach's Dickens Festival, and Chabad St. Johns' Helicopter Gelt Drop and Menorah Lighting. Do you have a favorite holiday activity in NE Florida? I'd love to hear about it!
Julie Bentley is a Broker Associate/Realtor® with Watson Realty. She has been helping people sell and buy homes in northeast Florida since 2012, and enjoying holiday festivities for as long as she can remember.
