December in Northeast Florida is pure holiday magic. From St. Augustine’s cobblestone streets and sparkling bayfront to Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Green Cove Springs, Orange Park, Jacksonville, and beyond, there are festive things to do on almost every corner. If you’re looking for the best holiday events in Northeast Florida in December 2025, this guide will help you plan it all without getting overwhelmed.

Whether your idea of Christmas fun is strolling artisan markets, watching lighted boat parades, taking the kids to outdoor movie nights, or getting dressed up for The Nutcracker, you’ll find something here for every age and season of life. You’ll see events in St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Clay County, Flagler County, and St. Johns County—many of them family-friendly and budget-friendly.

Use this December 2025 holiday events guide to map out your weekends, start a new family tradition, or discover a new corner of Northeast Florida you haven’t explored yet. Grab your calendar, a cozy drink, and let’s dive into 48 festive ways to celebrate the season across our beautiful slice of Florida.

MARKETS & SHOPPING

Holiday Market at Lightner Museum — Thu, Dec 4, 2025 — 5:00–8:00 PM — Lightner Museum, 75 King St., St. Augustine, FL 32084 — One-night artisan market with 35+ makers inside the historic Alcazar pool room. — https://lightnermuseum.org/events/holidaymarket/

Artisan Christmas Market at Coconut Barrel — Sat, Dec 6, 2025 — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM — Coconut Barrel, 2121 U.S. 1 S., St. Augustine, FL 32086 — Indoor/outdoor maker market with local artisans and food trucks. — https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/events/artisan-christmas-market-at-coconut-barrel/

German Christmas Market (Buchner’s Bierhalle) — Fri–Sat, Dec 5–6, 12–13, 19–20, 2025 — ~5:00–10:00 PM — 1188 Edgewood Ave S., Jacksonville, FL 32205 — Festive biergarten-style Christmas market with vendors, Glühwein, and German bites. — https://www.facebook.com/BuchnersBar/videos/1195419752464513/

Night Market at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm — Tue, Dec 16, 2025 — Evening — 999 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine, FL 32080 — One-night holiday market on the zoo grounds featuring local artists and makers. — https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/events/night-market-at-the-st-augustine-alligator-farm/

12th Annual Holiday Market in the South (Clay) — Sat, Dec 6, 2025 — 11:00 AM–3:00 PM — Thrasher-Horne Center, 283 College Dr., Orange Park, FL — Indoor holiday market with 70+ local creatives and retailers. — https://exploreclay.com/event/12th-annual-holiday-market-in-the-south/

PARADES & BOAT PARADES

St. Augustine Christmas Parade — Sat, Dec 6, 2025 — 9:00–10:30 AM — Historic Downtown St. Augustine (starts 27 Ocean Ave; ends 10 W Castillo Dr.) — City’s signature holiday parade with floats, marching bands, and Santa. — https://www.visitstaugustine.com/event/christmas-parade

Hastings Hometown Christmas Parade — Sat, Dec 13, 2025 — 10:00–11:00 AM — Downtown Hastings (starts W.E. Harris Community Center), Hastings, FL — Small-town Christmas parade with floats and community groups. — https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/events/hastings-hometown-christmas-parade/

Palm Valley Boat Parade (Ponte Vedra) — Sat, Dec 6, 2025 — 6:00–7:30 PM — Viewing near Palm Valley Bridge, 6 Roscoe Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL — Lighted boats cruising the Intracoastal through Palm Valley. — https://www.palmvalleyboatparade.com/

Holiday Regatta of Lights (St. Augustine Bayfront) — Sat, Dec 13, 2025 — Evening — Viewing along the Bayfront between Bridge of Lions & Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine, FL — Decorated boats parading along Matanzas Bay. — https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/events/holiday-regatta-of-lights/

Palm Coast Starlight Parade — Sat, Dec 6, 2025 — Pre-parade activities from 4:00 PM; Parade at 6:00 PM — Central Park in Town Center, 55 Town Center Dr., Palm Coast, FL — Night parade with floats, lights, and live entertainment. — https://www.palmcoast.gov/events/home/details/starlight-parade

Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade — Sat, Dec 13, 2025 — 6:00 PM — Intracoastal Waterway, Palm Coast, FL — One of Florida’s largest lighted boat parades along the Intracoastal. — https://www.palmcoast.gov/events/home/details/holiday-boat-parade

Holiday at the Beach Parade (Flagler Beach) — Sat, Dec 6, 2025 — 1:00–2:00 PM — Flagler Beach Pier area, 105 S 2nd St., Flagler Beach, FL — Daytime seaside holiday parade along A1A. — https://www.visitflagler.com/event/holiday-at-the-beach-parade-2025/22313/

Whitey’s 25th Annual Christmas Boat Parade — Sat, Dec 13, 2025 — 6:00 PM — Whitey’s Fish Camp, 2032 County Rd 220, Fleming Island, FL 32003 — Beloved lighted boat parade benefiting SAFE Animal Shelter; arrive early for parking. — https://www.facebook.com/whiteysfishcamp/posts/pfbid02UAN3S9S1h4h8nM1bX3Z2uQnu6h1C8Gm1C8tQG1P8d3t1wH/

PERFORMANCES & SHOWS

Saint Augustine Ballet presents The Nutcracker — Fri–Sun, Dec 19–21, 2025 — Fri 7:00 PM; Sat 1:30 & 7:00 PM; Sun 2:00 PM — Lewis Auditorium, 14 Granada St., St. Augustine, FL 32084 — Full-length holiday classic with local dancers and guest artists. — https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/events/saint-augustine-ballet-presents-nutcracker-ballet/

Christmas Fantastique (Zoika’s Dance) — Sat–Sun, Dec 6–7, 2025 — Sat 7:00 PM; Sun 1:00 PM — Lewis Auditorium, 14 Granada St., St. Augustine, FL 32084 — Festive holiday dance program for all ages. — https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/events/christmas-fantastique-2024/

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve — Thu, Dec 11, 2025 — 7:00 PM — VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32202 — High-energy arena rock holiday spectacular. — https://arena.jaxevents.com/event/trans-siberian-orchestra-the-ghosts-of-christmas-eve/tm_1aefzbygkme8oot/

First Coast Nutcracker (Jacksonville Symphony) — Fri–Sun, Dec 12–14, 2025 — Fri 8:00 PM; Sat 2:00 & 8:00 PM; Sun 2:00 PM — Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water St., Jacksonville, FL 32202 — Beloved Nutcracker production with full live symphony orchestra. — https://my.jaxsymphony.org/overview/nutcracker-2025

Community Nutcracker (Florida Theatre) — Sat, Dec 13, 2025 — 1:00 PM & 7:30 PM — Florida Theatre, 128 E Forsyth St., Jacksonville, FL 32202 — Long-running community Nutcracker production. — https://fun4firstcoastkids.com/calendar/eventdetail/481053/20/the-florida-theatre-presents-the-annual-community-nutcracker

Vienna Light Orchestra: Christmas Tour — Tue, Dec 16, 2025 — 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM — Florida Theatre, 128 E Forsyth St., Jacksonville, FL 32202 — Orchestral holiday program with vocal soloists and cinematic lighting. — https://www.visitjacksonville.com/events/vienna-light-orchestra/

A Very Merry Christmas Ball — Thu, Dec 18, 2025 — 7:30–9:00 PM — The Glass Factory, 601 Myrtle Ave N, Jacksonville, FL 32204 — Theatrical holiday spectacle with singers, dancers, and specialty acts. — https://www.visitjacksonville.com/events/a-very-merry-christmas-ball/

Elf (Alhambra Theatre & Dining) — Thu, Nov 20–Wed, Dec 24, 2025 — Showtimes vary — Alhambra Theatre & Dining, 12000 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246 — Stage musical of Elf with dinner-theatre experience. — https://www.alhambrajax.com/

MOVIES & FAMILY NIGHTS

Free Holiday Movie Night at The AMP (The Polar Express) — Sat, Dec 6, 2025 — Evening — St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340C A1A S., St. Augustine, FL 32080 — Outdoor screening of The Polar Express as part of the AMP’s holiday festivities. — https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/events/free-movie-night-at-the-amp/

Christmas Movie Night at Tringali Barn (Elf) — Fri, Dec 19, 2025 — 6:00–9:00 PM — Tringali Barn, 7310 U.S. 1 S., St. Augustine, FL 32086 — Holiday movie night with popcorn, photo ops, and a visit from Santa. — https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/events/christmas-movie-night-at-tringali-barn/

Movie in the Park (Treaty Park) — Sat, Dec 6, 2025 — 5:30–8:00 PM — Treaty Park, 1595 Wildwood Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32086 — Outdoor family movie night; bring chairs and blankets. — https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/events/movie-in-the-park/

HISTORY & RE-ENACTMENTS

Colonial Night Watch & Torchlight Parade — Fri–Sat, Dec 5–6, 2025 — Encampments both days (times vary); Torchlight Parade Sat ~7:00 PM — Castillo de San Marcos & Historic District, St. Augustine, FL — 18th-century encampments, drills, and a torchlit march through downtown. — https://oldcity.com/events/colonial-night-watch-events-2025/2025-12-06/2/

FITNESS & FUN RUNS

Santa Suits on the Loose 5K (St. Augustine Beach) — Sat, Dec 6, 2025 — Morning — St. Augustine Beach Pier area, St. Augustine Beach, FL — Festive 5K where participants often dress in Santa and holiday gear. — https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/events/santa-suits-on-the-loose-5-k/

Candy Cane Course 5K/12K (Jacksonville) — Sat, Dec 27, 2025 — 9:00–11:30 AM — 11751 McCormick Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32225 — Family-friendly holiday run with medal, shirt, photos, and sweet treats. — https://www.visitjacksonville.com/events/candy-cane-course-jacksonville/

COMMUNITY FESTIVALS & WALK-THROUGHS

Parade of Trees (Green Cove Springs) — Mon, Dec 1–Wed, Dec 31, 2025 — Nightly until 10:00 PM — Spring Park, 200 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL — Walk-through display of 245 decorated Christmas trees lighting up the park all month. — https://exploreclay.visitwidget.com/events/parade-of-trees-in-spring-park-2

Christmas on Walnut Street & Parade (Green Cove Springs) — Sat, Dec 6, 2025 — Festival Noon–9:00 PM; Parade 6:00 PM — Spring Park & Downtown, Green Cove Springs, FL — Full-day Christmas festival capped by an illuminated night parade. — https://www.greencovesprings.com/calendar.aspx?CID=24&day=6&month=12&view=list&year=2025

Hometown Holiday (Orange Park) — Sat–Sun, Dec 13–14, 2025 — 5:00–9:00 PM — Clarke House Park, 1039 Kingsley Ave., Orange Park, FL — Holiday village with shopping, hay rides through decorated trails, live entertainment, and Santa. — https://exploreclay.com/event/hometown-holiday-2025/2025-12-14/

Christmas in the Village (Clay County Fairgrounds) — Fri, Dec 12 & Fri, Dec 19, 2025 — 4:00–10:00 PM — Clay County Fairgrounds, 2493 SR-16 W, Green Cove Springs, FL — Evening Christmas celebration with cookies, Santa, live music, cocoa, and a holiday movie. — https://www.clayevents.org/p/tickets--deals

Holiday in the Gardens (Washington Oaks Gardens State Park) — Sat, Dec 13, 2025 — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM — Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, 6400 N Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast, FL 32137 — Holiday fun in the gardens with music, vendors, kids’ activities, and Santa. — https://oldcity.com/venue/washington-oaks-gardens-state-park/

Bunnell Christmas 2025 — Fri, Dec 12, 2025 — 5:00–9:00 PM — 300 Citrus St., Bunnell, FL 32110 — Community Christmas event with carnival area, “Florida snow,” characters, s’mores, games, music, and more. — https://www.visitflagler.com/event/bunnell-christmas-2025/22175/

Reel Fun Nights (Clay County Fairgrounds) — Fridays in Dec 2025 (Dec 12 & 19 highlighted) — Gates 5:30 PM; Movie 7:00 PM — Clay County Fairgrounds, 2463 FL-16 W, Green Cove Springs, FL — Family movie nights with concessions; bring your own chairs/blankets. — https://exploreclay.com/venue/clay-county-fairgrounds/

POP-CULTURE CONS & PARTIES (JAX)

Enchantment Con — Sat–Sun, Dec 6–7, 2025 — Sat 2:00–9:00 PM; Sun hours vary — The Glass Factory, 601 Myrtle Ave N, Jacksonville, FL 32204 — Immersive themed realms, vendors, artists, Creature Café, and more. — https://www.enchantmentcon.com/

Mandarin Mini-Con: Holiday Edition — Sat–Sun, Dec 13–14, 2025 — 11:00 AM–5:00 PM — 11111 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223 — Two-day comic/collectibles show with artists, cosplay, and holiday shopping. — https://www.visitjacksonville.com/events/mandarin-mini-con-2025-holiday-edition/

Bingo Loco (Early Show) — Sat, Dec 13, 2025 — 5:00–9:00 PM — Decca Live, 323 E Bay St., Jacksonville, FL 32202 — “Bingo meets party rave” with DJs, dance-offs, lip-sync battles, confetti, and wild prizes. — https://www.visitjacksonville.com/events/bingo-loco-1213/

SPORTS & TOURNAMENTS

Annual St. Augustine Amateur Men’s Tournament — Fri–Sun, Dec 5–7, 2025 — Tee times vary — St. Johns Golf Club, 4900 Cypress Links Blvd., Elkton, FL 32033 — 54-hole amateur men’s golf championship at St. Johns Golf Club. — https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/events/annual-st-augustine-amateur-mens-tournament/

THEATRE, CONCERTS & SHOWS

“Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Play” (A Classic Theatre) — Fri–Sun, Dec 5–7, 2025 — Evenings; matinee(s) vary — The Waterworks, 184 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine, FL 32084 — 1940s-style live radio staging of the beloved holiday classic. — https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/events/miracle-34th-street-a-live-radio-play/

The Nutcracker at Deck the Chairs (Florida Ballet) — Fri, Dec 5, 2025 — 6:00–7:00 PM — Latham Plaza, 75 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 — Outdoor Nutcracker excerpts performed during the Deck the Chairs holiday display. — https://deckthechairs.org/jax-beach-deck-the-chairs/schedule-of-events/

Broadway Rave at Café Eleven — Fri, Dec 12, 2025 — Evening — The Original Café Eleven, 501 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine, FL 32080 — High-energy night of Broadway hits, singalongs, and costumes. — https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/live-music/live-music-venues/the-original-caf%C3%A9-eleven/

WORKSHOPS & CREATIVE

Cookie Cutter Clay Ornaments Workshop (The Art House) — Sat, Dec 6, 2025 — 10:00–11:00 AM — The Art House, 3920 A1A S., Unit 8, St. Augustine, FL 32080 — Hands-on clay workshop (ages 5+) to make and take holiday ornaments. — https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/directory/the-art-house/

FAITH & PAGEANTS (CLAY)

The First Christmas Story Ever Told (Spotlight Center) — Multiple dates Fri–Sat, Dec 5–20, 2025 — Times vary — Spotlight Center, 1809 E West Pkwy, Fleming Island, FL — Family-friendly live Nativity and Christmas story production. — https://exploreclay.com/series/the-first-christmas-story-ever-told/

YOUTH DANCE

The Nutcracker in a Nutshell (Clay) — December 2025 — Times/venue vary — Clay County, FL (see listing) — Condensed Nutcracker experience suitable for young audiences; check listing for exact date/time and location. — https://exploreclay.com/event/the-nutcracker-in-a-nutshell/

However you like to celebrate, there’s no shortage of things to do this December in Northeast Florida. From Christmas parades and twinkling boat parades on the Intracoastal, to small-town markets, live performances, and walk-through light displays, you can fill your calendar with as much holiday cheer as you’d like—without ever leaving St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Clay County, Palm Coast, or Flagler.

Be sure to double-check event websites before you go in case times, ticket info, or details change. I recommend bookmarking this guide, sharing it with friends and neighbors, and picking a mix of big “wow” events and smaller, local favorites so you get the best of both worlds this season.

And if you visit for a holiday event and find yourself thinking, “I could really see myself living here…” you’re not alone. Many people fall in love with Northeast Florida during the holidays. If you’re dreaming about making St. Augustine or the surrounding area home in 2026, I’d love to help you find the right neighborhood and the right house for your next chapter.

When you’re ready to turn “visiting” into “living in Northeast Florida,” reach out—I’m here to help.

Written By Machell Klee, Realtor

815-210-3557

[email protected]