Grab some eggnog and sweet treats because it’s officially the most wonderful time of the year. ‘Tis the season to enjoy festive holiday activities and we wanted to provide our readers a list of a few that we think are too good to miss! The events below are just some of the many that take place in our wonderful city. The First Coast has several other amazing events and seasonal specials to enjoy throughout the area. There are several ways to discover these events such as the Visit Jacksonville website here, on Facebook and Google search. We hope you have a merry and bright holiday season First Coasters!
Deck the chairs
One of Jacksonville Beaches great traditions is the annual Deck the Chairs competition. From Thanksgiving to Christmas each year, the holiday light show is on display at Seawalk Pavilion. This quirky and fun coastal attraction is a must see for kids of all ages!
Admission: Free
Address: Seawalk Pavilion, 75 1st St North, Jacksonville Beach, FL
St. Augustine Nights of Lights
Gear up for the PERFECT photo opportunity at St. Augustine’s 29th Annual Nights of Lights. From the dazzling lights along the bayfront, to the Christmas tree placed in the center of the Plaza de la Constitución with holiday gifts surrounding it, you are sure to be captivated. It is hailed as one of the top ten holiday light displays in the world by National Geographic and attracts thousands of people annually. This magical wonderland boasts trains and trolleys that offer the most special seasonal tour of the downtown area. Be sure not to miss out on the Light-Up! ceremony on opening night, where they will illuminate the city for the first time this season!
This kicks off on November 19th at 4PM and goes through the end of January 2023. Select days, the city will be offering free park and ride shuttles.
Admission: Free.
Address: 74 King Street, St. Augustine, FL
11th Annual ZOOLights
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a perfect destination for those with children. The fun loving displays and attractions are destined to set the mood for a merry evening. This event uses thousands of LED lights to create nighttime displays of moving sculptures, forests of lighted trees and animal silhouettes throughout the zoo. Strolling performers, carolers, hot chocolate, s’mores and warming adult beverages are also part of the experience.
Admission: Zoo Members: $15.00, Non-Members: $25.00, children under 2 are free.
Address: 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218
Stephen Foster State Park Festival of Lights
Though a bit of a drive, Stephen Foster State Park offers a complete Christmas experience and is well worth the trip. Enjoy hot cocoa, popcorn, marshmallow roasting, bonfire, craft activities, snow flurries, train display, gift shop, music in the Tower, meeting Santa, an immersive light display, and more!
Dates: December 9, 2022 – December 23, 2022
Admission: $4 per person
Address: 11016 Lillian Saunders Dr. White Springs, FL 32096
Jax Illuminations Holiday Light Display
This unique drive through light display is nearly a mile long and features over 1 million lights! Both convenient and immersive, Jax Illuminations play fun Christmas music as you stroll through their display. Admission is per car rather than per person, so you can bring several family members and friends to share this experience. This is a cannot miss opportunity that everyone will enjoy!
Dates: December 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022
Admission: Sunday-Thursday: $25 per vehicle, Friday & Saturday $30 per vehicle
Address: Regency Square Mall, 9501 Arlington Expressway, Jacksonville, Florida 32225
2022 Beauclerc Christmas Lights
Featured on the 2021 season of The Great Christmas Light Fight, this home tops the legendary movie, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’s holiday decor. This single family home boasts over a million lights and is on an acre of land- truly giving the term Winter Wonderland a new meaning.
Dates: November 25, 2022 – January 1, 2023
Admission Cost: Free
Address: 3710 Beauclerc Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257
2022 Dazzling Nights at Jacksonville Arboretum
The Jacksonville Arboretum is known to go all out on their events and the 2022 holiday season is no exception. This destination is great for a date or just a fun night with friends and family. The walk-through light experience, Dazzling Nights, is a showstopper everyone should encounter. The ¾ mile light display is magical and sure to dazzle the senses.
Dates: November 25, 2022 – January 1, 2023
Admission Cost: Adults: $25, Kids 3-13: $22, Children 2 & Under: Free
Address: 1445 Millcoe Road, Jacksonville, FL 32225
We hope that you all enjoy these festive events and have the happiest holiday season on the First Coast!