JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It's the most wonderful time of the year! Are you already in the holiday spirit? First Coast News has put together a list of holiday events that will delight even The Grinch himself.
From stunning light displays, to themed events and photo-ops with Santa, we think yule love these events a latke.
Have an event you'd like to share? Email us at news@firstcoastnews.com.
Events:
Now through Dec. 31 - City of Green Cove Springs Parade of Trees - Walk through a holiday wonderland as Spring Park glows with 160 lit Christmas trees every night until 10 p.m. throughout the month of December. Each tree is decorated by families, organizations or local businesses, and many are dedicated to loved ones. Parade of Trees is free and open to the public. Located at 106 St. Johns Avenue. For more information, visit exploreclay.com.
Now through Jan. 9 - "Dazzling Nights" at Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens - Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens will transform into a magical wonderland this holiday season featuring a million dazzling lights, shining forests, magical displays and beautiful sculptures during “Dazzling Nights,” a family-friendly adventure that gives guests the opportunity to embark on a three-quarter-mile interactive holiday experience. The 120-acre Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens will be transformed into a stunning holiday wonderland with lights, music and interactive elements. Tickets are $22 for weekdays or $25 for weekends. Timed entry takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. For tickets and information, visit www.dazzlingjax.com.
Now through Jan. 31, 2022 - The 28th Annual Nights of Lights dazzles with more than 3 million lights adorning every corner of the historic district for two months. This award-winning holiday lights display runs from November 20, 2021, to January 31, 2022, in historic St. Augustine. During the seasonal display, businesses downtown stay open later, letting you dine in view of the lights and browse the shops of the decorated buildings. The trains and trolleys offer special seasonal tours that take you through the best areas, and there are also a variety of specialty tours — everything from walking to electric cart tours, and even tours to see the lights from the water and from the air. Check out our complete list of Nights of Lights tours and all the other holiday events happening in St. Augustine.
Now - Jan 1 - Deck the Chairs in Jax Beach - Deck The Chairs was founded in 2013 to serve the Beaches community by providing a free, six-week holiday event promoting art in public space and creating opportunity for children’s arts education and outreach. Visitors from all over the world walk through the beautiful seaside park space and enjoy 40 decorated chairs, nightly light shows, weekend stage programming as well as several major art installations including Beaches Go Green Octopus Garden.
Now - Jan. 2, 2022 - Jekyll Island’s Holly Jolly Holiday Season runs from Nov. 26 to Jan. 2. With over half a million light bulbs, 35,000+ lights on the Great Tree, 712 firework shells, 15 Santa sightings and so much more… this little island will be transformed into the brightest isle on the coast. Attractions include Peppermint Land, Holidays in History, Mailbox on Main and Fireworks displays. This year, guests can enjoy seeing all of the lights through an open-air trolley tour on select nights throughout the season. More info here: jekyllisland.com/holiday.
Now until after Christmas - Girvin Road Light Display - Bumper-to-bumper traffic in the Blackhawk Bluff neighborhood off of Girvin Road around the holidays is nothing new. For about the last couple of decades, the community in Jacksonville's East Arlington area boasts some of the best holiday lights displays in the state attracting families from all over the First Coast.
Dec. 10-12, 17-19 and 22-24 & 26 - ZOOLights returns bringing holiday cheer to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens - The event is known for transforming Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens into a magical holiday light experience. During this event, the animals get to relax for the winter break, while the lights take center stage. Tickets must be purchased online, in advance. The event sells out every year, so organizers encourage those interested to secure their tickets ahead of time. Click here to learn more about ZOOLights or to purchase tickets.