The holiday season in Northeast Florida is truly magical, with festive lights, family-friendly activities, and plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit. From charming small-town parades to lively markets and unique events like bioluminescent kayaking, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re planning a cozy night out with loved ones, looking to explore holiday markets, or seeking outdoor adventures, this guide highlights the top events to make the most of this holiday season in Northeast Florida. Dive into the categories below to find your perfect holiday experience.
Festivals & Celebrations
- Vilano Holiday Village
- Description: Festive holiday market with food trucks, live music, and Santa.
- Date: December 2, 2024
- Location: Vilano Beach, St. Augustine, FL
- More Info: Vilano Holiday Village
- Deck the Chairs
- Description: Creative display of decorated lifeguard chairs with lights, music, and interactive displays.
- Dates: December 1-31, 2024
- Location: Jacksonville Beach, FL
- More Info: Deck the Chairs
- Dickens on Centre
- Description: Victorian holiday festival with entertainment, period costumes, and holiday activities.
- Dates: December 7-10, 2024
- Location: Amelia Island, FL
- More Info: Dickens on Centre
- Hometown Holiday
- Description: Holiday event with lights, crafts, and family fun.
- Dates: December 13-14, 2024
- Location: Green Cove Springs, FL
- More Info: Hometown Holiday
Holiday Light Displays
- Nights of Living Light: Bioluminescent Kayaking
- Description: Bioluminescent kayaking adventure with glowing waters.
- Dates: December 1-23, 2024
- Location: St. Augustine, FL
- More Info: Nights of Living Light
- Lighthouse Illuminations
- Description: Themed Christmas trees at St. Augustine Lighthouse.
- Dates: November 27, 2024 – January 17, 2025
- Location: St. Augustine, FL
- More Info: Lighthouse Illuminations
- Nights of Lights
- Description: Millions of white lights illuminate St. Augustine’s historic district.
- Dates: November 23, 2024 – January 31, 2025
- Location: Historic District, St. Augustine, FL
- More Info: Nights of Lights
- Glowing Gardens at Jacksonville Arboretum
- Description: Jacksonville Arboretum transformed into a holiday light display.
- Dates: December 1-31, 2024
- Location: Jacksonville, FL
- More Info: Glowing Gardens
- Parade of Trees in Spring Park
- Description: Walk through Spring Park to see beautifully decorated holiday trees.
- Dates: December 1-31, 2024
- Location: Green Cove Springs, FL
- More Info: Parade of Trees
Markets & Shopping
- Lightner After Hours and Holiday Market
- Description: Evening holiday market with tours, live music, and shopping.
- Date: December 20, 2024
- Location: Lightner Museum, St. Augustine, FL
- More Info: Lightner After Hours
- Orange Park Farmers and Arts Market
- Description: Local produce, handmade crafts, and holiday treats.
- Dates: Sundays in December
- Location: Orange Park, FL
- More Info: Orange Park Market
- Kidz Entrepreneur Holiday Market
- Description: Holiday market featuring unique kid-made products and crafts.
- Date: December 16, 2024
- Location: St. Augustine, FL
- More Info: Kidz Entrepreneur Market
- Bar O Winter Market
- Description: Holiday market with local vendors offering unique gifts.
- Date: December 17, 2024
- Location: Palatka, FL
- More Info: Bar O Winter Market
Performances & Entertainment
- St. Augustine Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
- Description: Classic holiday ballet performance of The Nutcracker.
- Dates: December 16-17, 2024
- Location: St. Augustine, FL
- More Info: The Nutcracker
- First Coast Opera Presents La Bohème
- Description: Opera performance of Puccini’s La Bohème.
- Date: December 30, 2024
- Location: St. Augustine, FL
- More Info: La Bohème
- A Christmas Story: The Musical at Alhambra Dinner Theatre
- Description: Dinner and musical performance of A Christmas Story.
- Dates: November 24 – December 24, 2024
- Location: Jacksonville, FL
- More Info: A Christmas Story
- Grinchmas Ride NOL
- Description: Holiday-themed ride with music, treats, and Grinch decorations.
- Dates: December 1-24, 2024
- Location: St. Augustine, FL
- More Info: Grinchmas Ride NOL
Parades & Community Gatherings
- Palm Coast Holiday Tree Lighting
- Description: Annual tree lighting ceremony with music and family activities.
- Date: December 5, 2024
- Location: Central Park, Palm Coast, FL
- More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting
- Palm Coast Starlight Parade
- Description: Nighttime holiday parade with decorated floats.
- Date: December 9, 2024
- Location: Palm Coast, FL
- More Info: Starlight Parade
- 1st Annual Christmas Movie Night Under the Stars
- Description: Outdoor Christmas movie night for families.
- Date: December 15, 2024
- Location: St. Augustine, FL
- More Info: Christmas Movie Night
Outdoor Adventures & Active Events
- A Country Christmas on the Farm
- Description: Holiday activities on the farm with animals, a Christmas market, and festive fun.
- Date: December 9-10, 2024
- Location: Wesley Wells Farm, St. Augustine, FL
- More Info: A Country Christmas
- Nights of Pints
- Description: Holiday pub crawl with limited-edition brews from local breweries.
- Dates: November 17, 2024 – January 31, 2025
- Location: Various Breweries in St. Augustine, FL
- More Info: Nights of Pints
- Bike and Brew at Azalea Brewing Co.
- Description: Join a scenic bike ride followed by a refreshing brew at Azalea Brewing Co.
- Date: December 5, 2024
- Location: Palatka, FL
- More Info: Bike and Brew
No matter how you celebrate, Northeast Florida offers a wealth of holiday activities to create cherished memories with friends and family. From light shows and parades to cozy performances and community markets, these events bring people together and showcase the unique charm of the season. Be sure to mark your calendar and explore the festivities in your area—you might just discover a new tradition along the way! Wishing you a joyful and festive holiday season filled with laughter, light, and lots of holiday cheer.