Holiday Events Around Northeast Florida: What to Do This December

December is a lovely time to explore Northeast Florida. St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights fills the historic district with holiday sparkle, while communities across the region host parades, boat displays, markets, concerts, and family events.

Here are some of the holiday happenings on the calendar this December, with a few ideas beyond St. Augustine if you’re ready to explore.

St. Augustine and St. Johns County

• Nights of Lights — November 21, 2026–January 18, 2027
  The city’s signature holiday display returns, lighting up the historic district each evening. You can walk the downtown streets or look into a trolley, boat, or other guided tour. The lights are free to enjoy; tours and other activities may have a cost. Nights of Lights details and visitor information St. Johns County

• St. Augustine’s 68th Annual Christmas Parade — Saturday, December 5, 9–10:30 a.m.
  Make a morning of it downtown and enjoy the floats, decorations, and the arrival of Santa. Parade details Visit St. Augustine

• Colonial Night Watch and Torchlight Parade — December 4–5
  Historic interpreters bring the city’s colonial past to life, followed by a torchlight parade on Saturday evening. Event details St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra, FL

• Luminary Night at the St. Augustine Lighthouse — Wednesday, December 2, 6–9 p.m.
  This family-friendly evening includes holiday lights and decorations, seasonal refreshments, and a chance to visit with Santa. Luminary Night details Visit St. Augustine

• Lightner After Hours & Holiday Market — Thursday, December 3, 5–8 p.m.
  Browse local artisan gifts and enjoy live music and refreshments at the Lightner Museum. Event details Visit St. Augustine

• Hastings Hometown Christmas — December 11–12
  Hastings celebrates with a tree-lighting event on Friday, followed by its Christmas parade, makers market, and live performances on Saturday. Hastings holiday information St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra, FL

• St. Augustine Beach Holiday Market — Saturday, December 12, 3–7 p.m.
  Shop for holiday gifts and crafts near the St. Johns County Ocean Pier. Market details Visit St. Augustine

• Una Noche de Navidad and Las Posadas — Saturday, December 12, 3–8 p.m.
  Mission Nombre de Dios hosts a distinctive seasonal celebration featuring a live nativity and a Florida Militia procession. Event details Visit St. Augustine

• Holiday Regatta of Lights — Saturday, December 12, around 6 p.m.
  Decorated boats cruise St. Augustine’s bayfront, bringing the holiday lights to the water. Regatta information Visit St. Augustine

• Christmas Experience at Ancient City Farmstead — December 12–13 and 18–22
  A family-focused holiday outing with activities including a skating rink, reindeer games, and Santa’s workshop. Dates and event details Visit St. Augustine

Jacksonville and Duval County

• Deck the Chairs — November 25–January 1
  Jacksonville Beach’s Seawalk Pavilion becomes a holiday display of decorated, illuminated lifeguard chairs, with performances during the season. Deck the Chairs information Visit Jacksonville

• Gingerbread Extravaganza — December 11–27
  A Jacksonville holiday tradition featuring creative gingerbread displays, a gift shop, and special events. Check the event page for opening days and hours. Gingerbread Extravaganza details Visit Jacksonville

• Jacksonville Symphony Holiday Pops — December 3–6
  A festive concert with holiday favorites, vocalists, the Symphony Chorus, and dancers from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. Holiday Pops information Downtown Jacksonville

Clay County

• Christmas in the Village — December 4, 11, 12, 18, and 19, 6–10 p.m.
  Early Florida Village in Green Cove Springs hosts five festive evenings, with Santa available from 6–9 p.m. Dates, tickets, and details Clay County

• Cocoa & Carols — Friday, December 11, 5–8:30 p.m.
  Hear local student musicians and singers, enjoy cocoa, and find food trucks, crafts, and holiday photo opportunities. Clay County December event calendar Clay County

Flagler County

• Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade — Saturday, December 5, 6 p.m.
  Decorated boats light up the Intracoastal Waterway for this annual Palm Coast tradition. City event information Palm Coast Connect

• Christmas in the Country — Wednesday, December 9, 4–7 p.m.
  This family-friendly Bunnell gathering includes barbecue, a photo booth, and the chance to share Christmas greetings on local radio. Santa is expected at 6 p.m. Event details Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce

• Palm Coast Starlight Parade — Saturday, December 12
  The celebration at Central Park in Town Center starts with family activities at 4 p.m.; the parade begins at 6 p.m. City schedule and details Palm Coast Connect

Whether you’re planning a full evening out or just looking for a festive stop along the way, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season around Northeast Florida. Check the event links before you go for ticket information, parking, and any schedule updates.

Machell Klee, Realtor®
ONE Florida Group · Real Broker LLC
815-210-3557 · [email protected]
Well Rooted in Northeast Florida · Simple rhythms. Deep roots.