We are so lucky that Jacksonville offers so many fun winter festivals during the holiday season! Some of JMB’s top picks include Dickens on Centre in Amelia Island, Enchanted Christmas, Hometown Holiday in the Park and Hollidazzle. Check out our list below and get in the holiday spirit!
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Enchanted Christmas Village
November 25-December 31
The Enchanted Christmas Village is a magical and delightful experience that brings Christmas to life. Bringing families together in a fun and safe environment is the Village’s first goal. Guests will be surrounded by over one million Christmas lights that will illuminate the magic of the season for all to enjoy! An animated Christmas Tree performs every half hour in the evenings. The beauty of the Village will be set in the most beautiful backdrop of lush acres of land, complete with lake front views and country Christmas atmosphere!
Jekyll Island Skating Village
November 19 – January 8
A new, signature experience on the Georgia Coast, oceanfront “ice” skating on Jekyll Island. Located oceanfront and situated just south of the Holiday Inn Resort, the outdoor synthetic rink is open November through January. New for the 2016-2017 season, a bigger rink! More “ice” for more fun on Jekyll. Skate rentals, concessions, and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean are all available at the Jekyll Island Skating Village.
Dickens on Centre
December 8-11
Travel back in time December 8-11, 2016 during the second annual Dickens on Center festival in Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach, Florida, on beautiful Amelia Island. Free to the public, this Victorian- inspired holiday festival is as “fun as the dickens” for the entire family. Enjoy costumed characters, themed entertainment and performances, visits from Saint Nick, and a variety of vendors selling seasonal gifts and wares. Inspired by Charles Dickens’ novella “A Christmas Carol,” Dickens on Centre transform downtown Fernandina into a classic English village, sure to enliven your Christmas spirit. Think chestnuts roasting, carolers strolling, and readings of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. This Christmas, come make memories.
Babies “R” Us Baby’s First Christmas
November 5, 12, 19
Join Us on the Saturday corresponding to your baby’s birth month so you can meet other local parents with babies the same age. (Can’t make your date? Feel free to come to one you can! Siblings welcome, too.) Participate in fun, free holiday activities including turning a Koala Baby bodysuit into baby’s first “ugly Christmas sweater” and creating Baby’s First Wish List. Plus, find great gift ideas and more! Reservations preferred, but walk-ins are always welcome. Sponsored by Pampers.
Adventure Landing WinterFEST
November 18- January 8
Enjoy snow in Florida during the 6th Annual WinterFEST at Adventure Landing in Jacksonville Beach. The winter activities and holiday fun include ice skating, snowfall, s’more roasting, light display, holiday carnival games and much more. Schedule and times change daily, be sure to check the website.
Vilano Beach Dressing of the Palms
November 1 – December 31
Vilano Beach’s Dressing of the Palms offers a unique kind of season decorative display over the holidays, from October 30 through December 31, 2016. The palm trees that line the streets of Vilano Beach’s Town Center are decorated by local artists in true St. Augustine (i.e., quirky) style.
Jaguars Holiday Open House
November 19:: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Come on down to EverBank Field to take your professional holiday photo, enjoy a self-guided locker room tour, shop until you drop at the Jags Pro Shop, meet Santa de Ville, and so much more! This will be one family event you will not want to miss. Holiday attire is greatly encouraged. Beverages and snacks will be available for purchase.
Christmas Made in the South
November 25-27 :: Various Times
As Christmas time approaches what better way to get ready for the holiday season than to stroll the aisles for treasures at this year’s award winning 27th annual Christmas Made in the South! Christmas Made in the South is focused on keeping the world of fine artisans and craftspeople vibrant. Exhibitors will be there all three days demonstrating and selling their handcrafted works.
Santa Express Train Rides
November 26, December 3 & 10
Ride the rails to Santa Land where Jolly Old St. Nick will board the train with gifts for all the good little boys and girls. Entertainment all along the way. Great family outing to get into the spirit of the holidays. Pre-purchased tickets highly recommended.
Kirby Family Farm Christmas Express
November 25 – December 28
The 2016 Christmas Express is the Kirby Family Farm’s 5th year hosting this family fun event. At least 2-3 hours are recommended for the entire Christmas Express experience. The highlight of the evening is a featured train ride through thousands and thousands of Christmas lights pulled by an old-fashioned locomotive! Enjoy more activities and amusement rides, a craft and gift Christmas Town, a ride on the farm’s imported Italian carousel, live entertainment, free meet & greets with Ol’ Saint Nick, a special secret Santa Elf Shoppe just for children ages 10 & under, and great food too.
Christmas in Avondale
December 3 :: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
This December 5th, the streets of Avondale will be closed and packed with families and friends celebrating the start of the holiday season. Christmas in Avondale will include live music, games, Santa, and many planned activities to ensure that everyone has a great time.
Hometown Holiday in the Park
December 9-10 :: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Hometown Holiday in the Park at Clarke Park is a free event and we will have a shopping village, magical snow rides through our decorated magical trail in the woods, live entertainment, Clarke House tours, classic holiday films projected on the big screen and more- it may even snow!! Parking will be available at First Baptist Church of Orange Park- no parking will be available inside the park.
Beaches Polar Express
December 9:: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
December 10 :: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Come visit the Beaches Polar Express and Santa! You can write a letter to Santa, color pictures, enjoy some cookies and drinks, and see a model of the Polar Express as well as the big train! Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
Hollidazle
December 10 :: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Enjoy extended shopping hours at Riverside Arts Market during this special holiday experience the entire family will love! This nighttime Riverside Arts Market experience will include holiday as well as winter brews, wine and holiday cocktails for the grown-ups and hot chocolate and other treats available for the kids. Holiday-themed activities will complete the festive experience!
Christmas in Fleming Island
December 17 :: 2:00 pm-midnight
Turning the Village Square Shopping Center into a whimsical night for Christmas with a parade of trees, food, drink, and a kids zone! Dancers, Singers, Pony Rides, Vendors, Food Trucks, Bouncey Houses, Rock Walls and More! Come and Enjoy a Night of Fun! Costume Pictures with Santa and the Grinch!
2nd Annual Holidays in Hemming
December 17
Enjoy train rides, a snow zone, scrumptious sweets, wintery crafts, ornament decorating, photos with Santa, holiday story time, live music by the Crescendo Amelia Big Band, local food trucks and more from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Downtown Jacksonville.
