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As the holidays draw near, Jacksonville, Florida, magically transforms into a wonderland brimming with celebrations and festivities for everyone! With its unique ‘Winter on the Water’ events, this vibrant city promises to whisk you and your family straight into the heart of the holiday spirit. Come join the fun and make unforgettable memories with family and friends.

Must-Attend Holiday Events

Here are some must-see Winter on Water events you won’t want to miss!

Holiday Spectacular at the St. Johns Town Center

November 9

• Get ready for an unforgettable day at the 17th annual Holiday Spectacular on Saturday, November 9, at St. Johns Town Center Mall! Dive into a day brimming with free family fun, mesmerizing music performances, and festive holiday cheer that will light up the faces of shoppers and visitors alike. And yes, Santa will be there—don’t miss the magic!

Deck the Chairs

November 27, 2024-January 1, 2025 at Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach

• Experience a dazzling spectacle at Jacksonville Beach! Over 40 American Red Cross lifeguard chairs will shine with coastal-themed designs and twinkling lights at the Deck the Chairs event. The festive fun kicks off on November 27 and runs nightly until New Year’s Day, from 5 pm to 1 am. Best of all, it’s free, open to everyone, and perfect for both you and your furry friends.

Christmas Made in the South

November 29-December 1

• Begin your holiday shopping at the Prime F. Osborn Convention Center during the annual Christmas Made in the South event.

Glowing Gardens at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

November 29-December 29

• Step into Glowing Gardens for a spectacular experience beyond dazzling light displays! Dive into immersive adventures filled with “Instagrammable” moments, savor delicious food, festive drinks, and delightful treats. Plus, on select nights, meet your favorite holiday characters and discover even more surprises!

Jacksonville Light Boat Parade

November 30

• Get ready for an amazing sight! The Jacksonville Light Boat Parade is sailing into town on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 6:00 pm on the St. Johns River. Picture an array of boats in all shapes and sizes, dazzling with festive decorations, as they gracefully glide along the river’s north and south banks.

Mandarin Community Christmas Tree Lighting

December 6

• Take part in a family-friendly, public event to kick off the holiday season! Witness the enchanting illumination of a 20-foot live Christmas tree decked with thousands of lights. This year, the honor of lighting the tree goes to Tony Boselli.

Mandarin Winter Celebration

December 7

• Visit Walter Jones Historical Park in Mandarin for a day of free, festive fun for the whole family. Enjoy photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, engage in crafts and games, watch live performances, enjoy pony rides, and much more!

22nd Annual Gingerbread Extravaganza

December 7-28

• Head over to the extravagant gingerbread display and holiday gift shop at Old St. Andrew’s Church in Downtown Jacksonville. This exhibit features dozens of meticulously crafted gingerbread creations. Join us for Kids Day at the Jacksonville History Center on Saturday, December 14, from 11 am to 4 pm, with photo opportunities with Santa Claus, face painting, a scavenger hunt, a food truck, and more.

Beaches North Pole Express

December 13

• Experience the magic of the season at the Beaches North Pole Express. Delight in writing letters to Santa, savor cocoa and cookies, enjoy a ride on the trackless train, and immerse yourself in creating holiday crafts.

Christmas at the Cabin

December 19

• The holiday spirit will come to life at the Beaches Museum’s annual celebration, featuring twinkling lights and cheerful carolers. Enjoy music and dance performances, dazzling light displays throughout the history park, and a cozy open fire perfect for marshmallow roasting.

New Year’s Eve Celebration

December 31

• The City of Jacksonville cordially invites you to bid farewell to 2024 and usher in the New Year with its annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks. Experience the breathtaking display as it illuminates the waterfront and skyline over the St. Johns River. The fireworks will commence precisely at midnight.

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

January 2

• This annual football game, held at EverBank Stadium in downtown, draws thousands of out-of-town visitors. Experience the thrill as the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl delights fans with one of college football’s most exhilarating bowl games.

Light Displays

Jacksonville dazzles with its enchanting light displays, where the Blackhawk Bluff Christmas Lights Display and Riverside Avondale Luminaria truly shine. These neighborhoods transform into magical, festive spectacles, captivating visitors with their radiant beauty and holiday spirit.

Holiday Markets and classes

Discover holiday magic in Jacksonville with festive markets and fun-filled classes:

• November 16-17: Markets for Makers Jax Holiday Market
• November 29 – December 1: 35th Annual Christmas Made in the South
• December 6-7: Holiday on the Farm at North Florida School of Special Education
• December 28: Kwanzaa Celebration

Must-see Holiday shows and performances

Uncover the must-see holiday shows and performances that will captivate you this Winter on the Water! Don’t let these unforgettable experiences pass you by!

• November 11: Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
• November 17: Cirque Dreams Holidaze
• November 26: The Illusionists-Magic of the Holidays
• December 2: An Evening with Chevy Chase followed by a screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
• December 3: Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2024
• December 4: Robert Earl Keen’s: Lights, Camera, Christmas!
• December 7: First Coast Wind Symphony “Sounds of the Season” Holiday Concert
• December 9: JSYO Holiday Concert
• December 13-14: The 33rd Annual Community Nutcracker
• December 13-15: First Coast Nutcracker
• December 17: Mindi Abair’s I Can’t Wait For Christmas
• December 20: Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland
• December 22: Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
• December 26: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
• December 27: Jen Kramer’s Magical Holiday Show

Jacksonville’s Winter on the Water events offer a unique holiday celebration. From family-friendly activities to romantic boat parades, there’s something for everyone. Experience the holiday magic in Jacksonville and create unforgettable memories. Plan your trip today and enjoy this winter wonderland. Visit Jacksonville this holiday season and enjoy the Winter on the Water events.