Grab some eggnog and sweet treats because it’s officially the most wonderful time of the year. When the holiday season arrives, the First Coast transforms into a winter wonderland with extravagant Christmas light displays that are sure to fill anyone with festive cheer. From local neighborhoods to places like the Zoo, we are sure for all to end the night with a twinkle in their eyes. ‘Tis the season to enjoy festive holiday activities and we hope you enjoy our list that we think are too good to miss!
Step into a Winter Wonderland:
The First Coast’s Most Magical Walk Through Light Displays
Deck the Chairs
Experience the delightful Deck the Chairs Competition at Jacksonville Beaches from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Every year Jacksonville Beaches hosts the beloved Deck the Chairs competition. This coastal attraction features a holiday light show at Seawalk Pavilion that is sure to enchant visitors of all ages. It’s a fun and quirky tradition that should not be missed, especially if you have children with you.
Dates: November 22, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Admission Cost: Free
Address: Seawalk Pavilion, 75 1st St North, Jacksonville Beach, FL
2023 Beauclerc Christmas Lights
For over 30 years the Aldreds family home has been a staple for a twinkling showcase during the Holiday season. This single family home was featured on ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight and sits on an acre of land boasting over a MILLION lights, several walk through displays with inflatables, and so much more. Doug Aldred makes Clark Griswold look like a rookie.
Dates: November 24, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Admission Cost: Free
Address: 3710 Beauclerc Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257
Spring Park Parade of Trees
Experience the magic of the holiday season by taking a stroll through Spring Park’s Parade of Trees. From December 2, 2023, to December 31, 2023, the park will be aglow with 225 beautifully-lit Christmas Trees, each one uniquely decorated by families, organizations, or local businesses. Each of the trees are decorated by local businesses and organizations, families, and some dedicated to loved ones; making this not only a festive display but also a heartwarming tribute to those who are special to us. This beloved Green Cove Springs Christmas tradition is free and open to the public, so be sure to include it in your holiday plans and join in on the community celebration!
Dates: December 2, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Admission Cost: Free
Address: 106 St Johns Ave, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
Cruise through a Winter Wonderland:
The First Coast’s Most Magical Drive Through Light Displays
Blackhawk Bluff Neighborhood
Located off of Girvin Road, this neighborhood transforms into a winter wonderland with dazzling lights everywhere you look. The residents living here are serious about their holiday cheer, and their festive displays prove it. If you’re a holiday fanatic, you can’t miss out on driving through this charming neighborhood and basking in the glow of the twinkling lights.
Dates: November 24, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Admission Cost: Free
Address: Blackhawk Bluff Subdivision, 1435 Blackhawk Trail East, Jacksonville, FL 32225
Arbor Glade Neighborhood
Much like Blackhawk Bluff, Arbor Glade is a staple neighborhood in Jacksonville for holiday lights. From different themes like Star Wars, Christmas Vacation, and even St. Patricks day- NONE disappoint and they will all leave you with a twinkle in your eyes and in awh.
Dates: December 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Admission Cost: Free
Address: Backwind Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32258
More Magical Light Displays on The First Coast
St. Augustine Nights of Lights
Gear up for the PERFECT photo opportunity at St. Augustine’s 30th 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.
Dates: November 18, 2023 – January 28, 2024
Admission Cost: Free
Address: 1 Cathedral Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Jacksonville Colors of the Wild ZOOLights Lantern Experience
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.
Dates: November 19, 25, 26, Thursday – Sunday November 30-December 10 and January 4-18, December 14-24, 26-31
Admission Cost: Zoo Members: $20-$25, Non-Members: $25-$30, Children 2 & Under: Free
Address: 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218
Dazzling Nights at Jacksonville Arboretum
The Jacksonville Arboretum is known to go all out on their events and the 2023 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 24, 2023 – December 29, 2023
Admission Cost: Adults: $27, Kids 3-13: $22, Children 2 & Under: Free
Address: 1445 Millcoe Road, Jacksonville, FL 32225
From ours to yours, we hope you have the BEST holiday season!