Weekend Guide 10+ Things to do in Jax this Weekend

  • by Catherine Tortorici
  • November 30, 2021

December is here! Meaning we have all sorts of Holiday events to keep you busy. There are various light displays, some free and some not. Check out Miracle on the Square for a Holiday pop-up bar. If you want events not Holiday related we have Icemen and UNF basketball games for the sports fans out there. We also have plenty of restaurants for whatever cravings you have. Read below to plan this weekend and beyond!

 

 

Nitro RX
When: 12/4-5 10-6PM
Where: The Firm
Needing a break from holiday lights? Nitro RX has your thrill-seeking needs covered!
Founded by Motorsport icon, Travis Pastrana, Nitro RX is coming to North Florida with custom tracks for racing like you’ve never seen. We’re talking tabletop jumps, massive gap jumps, multiple line choices.. you’re going to be on the edge of your seats watching these drivers! Speaking of drivers…
Come and cheer on CHASE ELLIOTT- NASCAR’s Cup Series’ 2020 champion as he races on both Saturday + Sunday!

 

 Wednesday Art Walk 
First Wednesday Art Walk returns! Stroll between the three main art hubs and make sure to stop into your favorite participating businesses along the way.
When? Wednesday, December 1st from 5 - 9 p.m.
Art Hubs: @JamesWeldonJohnsonPark (135 W. Monroe Street), @TheJessieJax (40 E. Adams Street) and the @VagabondFleaJax at the @VyStarCreditUnion Breezeway (100 W. Bay Street)
Visit dtjax.com/artwalk to get the full scoop, including an interactive map of the participating venues and their unique programming!

   

The Lark

Stop by @thelarkjax, downtown Jax’s newest event venue for a special pop up artist exhibition during Art Walk this Wednesday evening!

This months artist exhibition will feature "Last Coast: Come Ups from the Broke Down" A Danger Tape Fling. Featuring work from: Walter Coker @wecoker, Sean Kelly Conway @imaginefineartprinting, Malcolm Jackson @malcjax, Curated by: Roy Albert Berry @blogmarley & Tony Rodrigues @t0nyrodrigues.


This month they will have the one and only DJ WESREES @wesreed on the decks as well as the fabulous ladies from Regard Libations @_regardlibations_ serving up beer, wine and the seasonal cocktail du jour.
The Lark will be open from 5-9pm, located near the corner of Hogan and Monroe. Pop in and stay for a good time

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 Christmas Market at TAE on Talbot

Where: 1816 Talbot Ave

Shop with local vendors for Christmas gifts and more! Buy some unique items for friends and family that they will be sure to love!

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 Sea Island

Since 1928, Sea Island has been known as an exceptional destination appealing to those who appreciate gracious service and heartfelt hospitality. It’s also the only resort in the world to achieve four Forbes Five Stars 13 years in a row.

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Donatos

Have you checked out Jacksonville's pizza spot Donatos? They’ve got a Drive Thru that's open late and their pizza is some of the best in JAX .They’re located at 1500 Beach Blvd in between Taco Lu & Engine 15 Brewing! To place your order for delivery or for pickup in their pizza drive thru, call (904) 366-2867‬

  

New Year, Miracle on The Square

Kicking off November 23rd through the will feature a holiday oasis with over the top kitschy, festive décor and a themed cocktail menu with fan favorites such as Christmapolitan, Christmas Carol Barrel, Snowball Old-Fashioned, Yippie Ki Yay Mother F****r!, Jingle Balls Nog, Nice Shot, and Naughty Shot. New this year is the Elfing Around cocktail as well as freshly updated and renewed recipes for the Jolly Koala, On Dasher, and SanTaRex.This year, Miracle will donate 10% of all proceeds from the sale of Santa Pants, Christmas Carol Barrel and Santa Heads signature glassware to the James Beard Foundation Open for Good campaign to aid the relief efforts of independent restaurants. 

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Lighthouse Illuminations

When: 11/21/21 - 1/22/22

Discover twenty-one uniquely decorated trees, each with a distinct theme during this special after hours event. Explore the Keepers’ house and grounds illuminated by lights and garlands, and enjoy a sensational view of the lighthouse’s night mark. Please reference the website for availability. Tickets are $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for children ages 12 and under.

 

Deck the Chairs

When: opening 11/24

Jacksonville Beach Deck The Chairs (JBDTC) is an annual lighted sculptural exhibit using lifeguard chairs. Marking its seventh year in community service, JBDTC gathers community to decorate and display the Beaches lifeguard chairs during the month of December to promote local business, instill public pride, and share cultural diversity through creative expression. Free and open to the public, the light display aims to provide a wholesome and festive downtown during the holidays.  

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Light up the Beach!

When: 11/27-1/1

Enjoy colorful light displays along A1A Beach Boulevard and St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park as the St. Augustine Beach LIGHTS UP THE BEACH this 2021 holiday season. The event takes place each evening through January 1, 2022.

 

Festival of Trees at Lightner Museum

When: 11/29-12/2

Help light the way home with the Inaugural Festival of Trees presented by St. Francis Shelter at Lightner Museum. Enjoy an amazing display of theme decorated trees and wreaths for auction, holiday music, photos with Santa, and Letters to Santa’s Mailbox. All this while supporting local unhoused families, individuals, and youth. Festival of Trees is free and will be open to the public in the foyer of the Lightner Museum

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Luminary Night

When: 12/1

Visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum for a family friendly tradition during Nights of Lights from 6-9 p.m. with holiday crafts, visits with Santa, yuletide refreshments and live music. Admission is free. There is a suggested donation of a non-perishable food item. 81 Lighthouse Ave., St. Augustine 904-829-0745

 

Christmas at the Villa Zorayda Museum

When: see schedule

Join us this holiday season for a special Christmas experience at Villa Zorayda Museum The villa is decorated for the holidays with a spectacular Christmas tree and more than 100 candles throughout the museum.

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Christmas on the Farm at Sykes Family Farms

When: 11/26-12/18

Enjoy this ¾ miles drive thru light display at Sykes Family Farms, 5995 Brough Rd., Elkton. Fridays and Saturdays beginning at 6 p.m. from November 26-December 18. Admission is $15 per person on Fridays & Saturdays.

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Movie Night at Southside Methodist
Bring your blankets and chairs to enjoy a movie night on the front lawn of Southside United Methodist! Free hot chocolate and popcorn! Daily's Food Truck will be available for dinner items as well. Movie will start at 6:30pm!
December 3rd - The Grinch (2018)
December 10th - Elf

  

Jax Veg Fest 

When: 12/4 10AM-4PM

Where: Riverside Park, 753 Park St.

Welcome to 2021! Get ready for more food, more crafts, more music & local awesomeness for our first Jax Veg Fest of the year! 
We're working on safety measures to make sure we navigate this pandemic responsibly while having a great time.
The return of this extremely successful event has been eagerly anticipated!
Get ready, come hungry, and join foodies from all across Florida for the return of this unique plant based dining celebration featuring the best of Global Vegan Cuisine!
We, Brazilian Fun Foods,
We will be serving:
Gourmet Stuffed Churros
Yuca Sandwiches
Yuca Crepes
Brazilian Soda
Brazilian Cheese Bread
Fresh Juices
Premium Choco Treats
Vegan and Gluten-Free!!
**WE ALSO HAVE OUR NEW GLUTEN-FREE CHURROS!!!**

 

 Fast Eddy’s

 Fast Eddy’s, Jacksonville’s new Fast Casual Middle Eastern & American Restaurant is now open at 10915 Baymeadows Road (Just off I295)

The new spot serves Chaldean Iraqi inspired dishes as well as several popular American entrees (Everything we tried was delicious . Their unique blend of homemade spices and flavors set them apart from similar concepts. Their signature Spicy Chicken Curry, homemade Falafel, amazing Hummus and sizzling Grilled Tikka and Kabobs are hugely popular with their growing and dedicated customer base. Other popular items include their Signature Beef or Chicken Eddy pita wrap, 1/2 lb Star Spangled Burger and Derby Fillies(chicken or steak). They also have several Vegetarian and Gluten Free options and plan to add more. Fast Eddy’s food is inspired by their mixed cultural upbringing as first generation American boys. Their restaurant is inspired by the music they love and grew up with through the height of the 90’s grunge and metal era. It all comes together to create a unique fun and delicious dining experience that leaves you hungry for more.

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Friday Night Picnic

Where: The Cummer

When: Fridays 5-9PM

Wind down and decompress as you relish in the beauty of the historic Cummer Gardens. Guests will enjoy al fresco dining with a picnic, and access to seating throughout the Museum’s 1.45 acre property or bring your own blanket.

Get Information and Tickets

 


St. Johns River Taxi Tours

St Johns River and Taxi Tours is a great way to spend your day or night. They have cruises for happy hour, dolphin lovers, and more. They even offer cruises for transportation to Jags games and Daily’s Place.

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Lucky Goat

Everything they do is rooted around that basic concept. Located right on the corner of Kernan & Beach Blvd (12620 Beach Blvd), Their specialty coffee shop opened last year and is open 7 days a week 7am-6pm except Sunday’s 8am-6pm.

 

Simply Tasty Thai

Where: 2292 Mayport Rd

Voted BEST THAI RESTAURANT in Jax countless times and been serving the community for over 15 yrs! Nancy, their owner & chef has over 20 years experience in traditional Thai food. She has studied with the best chef’s in both Thai and Filipino cuisine and her Pad Thai and Curry are at the top of our favorites list in the 904! Stop in soon and give Nancy’s spot a try - You won’t be disappointed!

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Riverside Arts Market

When: Saturdays 10-3

Where: 715 Riverside Ave

Enjoy local makers, artists, and farmers under the bridge. It’s free and pet friendly. Bring some friends and enjoy the market rain or shine.

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Jacksonville Icemen Games

Where: Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena

Hockey season is back! Check out the upcoming games at home.

Jacksonville Icemen vs Orlando Solar Bears 12/1 7PM

 Jacksonville Icemen vs SWAMP RABBITS 12/10 7PM

Jacksonville Icemen vs Orlando Solar Bears 12/11 7PM

Jacksonville Icemen vs SWAMP RABBITS 12/15 7PM

 

 

UNF Sports 

UNF Men's Basketball vs Edward Waters 12/2 7PM

UNF Men's Basketball vs Austin Peay 12/11 2PM

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Prospect 5 Points

Prospect has happy hour from 3-6pm daily including $2 bottled beers, $3 wines, $5 well cocktails & $8 flat breads PLUS Brunch Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 11am-2pm!

They are open everyday for dinner (excluding Tuesday) & their address is 1521 Margaret Street! To make a reservation, call (904) 503-3430 or check out their menu.

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 CHRISTMAS CAROLE  

When: 11/17-12/24

Where:  Alhambra Theatre

 Based on the book written by the incomparable Charles Dickens, this Alhambra classic follows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his extraordinary journey. This musical is sure to delight people of all ages.

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Pedal Pub

Experience some of Jax’s locally owned and long-enjoyed bars and pubs while rolling through the high rises of the business district. One stop is Bold City Brewery, featuring a custom Pedal Pub Brew!

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Trace Adkins

Where: St. Augustine Ampitheatre

When: 12/2 7PM

In his 25-year career in Country music, Trace Adkins has sold over 11 MILLION albums, charted over 20 singles, earned numerous awards and GRAMMY nominations, and garnered over TWO BILLION streams. A Grand Ole Opry member for nearly two decades, the Louisiana native is known for dynamic baritone and fiery, always-memorable live performances, and has expanded his Country career to include film and TV acting.

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X106.5 Next Big Thing

Where:  St. Augustine Amphitheatre

When: 12/3 6:30PM

Come Join Bastille, Girl in Red, Nessa Barret, and Mod Sun at the Next Big Thing! It will be a great night with lots of great artists.

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Christmas Parade

When: 12/4 

Experience St. Augustine's annual Christmas Parade with floats, marching bands, cars, horses and the arrival of Santa. The parade starts at 9 a.m. by the Mission Nombre de Dios off San Marco Avenue and continues through the downtown streets of historic St. Augustine.

Colonial Night Watch

When: 12/4

Join Historic Florida Militia for activities depicting 18th century combined Spanish, British, French, colonial militia and Native American military arts, culture and lifestyles throughout the day at the Colonial Quarter, 33 St. George St., and Castillo de San Marcos, 1 S. Castillo Dr. The St. Augustine Colonial Night Watch Torchlight Parade is at 7 p.m. from the Castillo to the Governor's House Cultural Center & Museum.

Surf Illumination

When: 12/4

This free holiday event from 4-7 p.m. at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park features a ceremonial lighting of the holiday tree, a visit from Santa, music, arts and crafts and children’s activities.

 



Palm Valley Boat Parade

When: 12/4

Enjoy this annual tradition of lighted boats to celebrate the holiday season in Ponte Vedra Beach. The parade route is seven miles of the Intracoastal and starts one mile south of the Palm Valley Bridge and travels north. It begins at 6 p.m.

Holiday Regatta of Lights

When: 12/4

This is an annual holiday parade, hosted by the St. Augustine Yacht Club, of motorized vessels - sailboats, trawlers, shrimp boats and many other vessels decorated with brilliant lighted displays. Beginning at 6 p.m., the boats will light up St. Augustine’s Matanzas Bay between the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Marcos.

 

 

Luminaria

Come see the 37th anniversary of Luminaria in the historic Avondale.At dusk, the luminaries are lit and live bands, hot chocolate and caroling begins. Families have a chance to meet Santa before the sun goes down at Memorial park.

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Night of Pints

When: 11/19/21- 1/21/22

Coinciding with St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights, local St. Augustine breweries are hosting Nights of Pints with a passport for craft beer lovers and stops at local breweries.

 

The Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island Holiday Breakfast with Santa 2021 at Jacksonville

When: 12/4

Children of all ages will delight in sharing their holiday wishes with Santa Claus. Indulge in a lavish buffet adorned with magical gingerbread houses and holiday decorations. Fun breakfast favorites for the entire family compliment an array of delectable pastries and a holiday cookie-decorating station. Includes a complimentary holiday photo with Santa.

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Ugly Sweater Beer Run

When: 12/5

 Break out your ugliest sweater and join us at Veterans United Craft Brewery Sunday December 5th. This event we are giving out  some of our favorite race finisher medals and shirts from 2021 - no guarantee on the medal or shirt but all that register before December will be guaranteed a random medal and shirt size they select.  

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Girvin Road

Blackhawk Bluff is a sight to see during the holidays. It is right off of Girvin. Neighbors come together to create a beautiful light display. Play some music and drive through to see the holiday magic.

Zoo Lights

When: select December nights

ZOOLights, a fantastical holiday light experience set to transform Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, will take guests on a magical journey of the artistry of lights, sound, and nature itself. During this nightly event, the animals settle down for their long winter’s nap, while the lights take center stage.

From our daytime magic into a winter wonderland, ZOOLights will immerse guests in a joyous multimedia light and musical experience. The season will come alive through different zones combined with twinkling replicas of zoo animals, strolling performers, carolers, hot chocolate, s'mores, and ever-warming adult beverages.

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Downtown Laura Street

Check out Laura Street, Adams, and Bay Streets and the illuminated streets of the Urban Core. You will see trees with lights of all colors. 

 

Tour of Homes

 The Third Annual Holiday Tour of Homes (HOTH) fundraiser will take place on Sunday, December 5, 2021, from 3:00 – 7:00 pm.  Several local homes, porches, and businesses in the Avondale and Riverside areas will be adorned in holiday décor.

This year the HTOH theme is Around The World! Each venue will each have their own holiday theme designed by local decorators, and take-away activities will be available at each themed location. Start your journey at the Riverside House to pick up your HTOH passport and enjoy the festivities!

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 Christmas on the Green

Looking for some family fun? Check out  Christmas on the Green for a variety of events and the best part is FREE ADMISSION!

 

Upcoming Events

 

Main & Six Christmas Drag Show

When: 12/9

The time has come and we are finally doing it, our first drag show! The always amazing Karrissa Wade will be hosting the fun evening!  This will be a private, ticketed event, so once the tickets sell out, there will be none left to purchase. So be sure to buy your tickets early.  Tickets are only $5! We will of course have a special tapping for this event, so stay tuned for those details!

Get Tickets and Information

 

 Jacksonville BBQ Fest

When: 12/10-12 

The inaugural Jacksonville BBQ Fest is making its debut next weekend at TIAA Bank Field! ⁣
Over 30k pounds of BBQ will be smoked by pitmasters from across the country! Live music from local bands like @ramona_and_the_riot , @chillulatheband , and more!⁣
This event is FREE to attend, with food + drink available for purchase. ⁣
Want some extras?! Purchase a Pit Pass and enjoy *all you can eat* food and drink, no lines, private restrooms, and parking included! ⁣

Very Shrimpy Christmas

When: 12/11

Where: 121 Financial Ballpark

The event will run from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with Christmas movie classics How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Frosty's Winter Wonderland being shown on the high-definition video board. Fans can also enjoy free pictures with Santa Claus, face painting and Christmas crafts. There will be a full range of concessions available, as well as other Christmas treats, and a kid zone on the field with a bouncy house and inflatable slide.

Admission is only $1 per person at the home plate gate or free with one new unwrapped toy, per family, to donate to children in need this holiday season. All toys will be donated to the Florida Baptist Children's Homes and One More Child.

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Root Realty’s annual Festive Family Films: Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Where: Memorial Park

When: 12/11 7:30 PM

Food Trucks: Mikes Yum Yum Come Getcha Some + Papa Churros

Please join us for Root Realty‘s annual Festive Family Films events in October, November & December!For December’s event, we will be showing Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! Bring your favorite blankets, lawn chairs, & the whole family! This event is free to the public, there will be free popcorn , two food trucks (Mikes Yum Yum Come Getcha Some & Papa Churros), & lots of fun! 

We hope to see you there 

 

 The Christmas Market at Rusted

When: 12/12

A fun gathering of vintage and maker vendors...a dozen, or so, tents out back for your shopping pleasure...a good opportunity for some last minute decorating and/or gift shopping.

 

EMMA Concert Association Presents Holiday Pops Concert

When: 12/15

EMMA Concert Association presents the Holiday Pops Concert. The concert takes place at Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College at 7:30 p.m. General admission is $55.

 

Wicked Barley's 6th annual Ugly Sweater Party and Holiday Charity Drive! 

When: 12/17

It's the Most Wonderful Time for a Beer... AND time for Wicked Barley's 6th annual Ugly Sweater Party and Holiday Charity Drive! Dust off your Ugly Sweaters and join us Friday, December 17th for an family friendly Holiday Party benefiting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville, Inc. This year's festivities include live music, a holiday inspired tap list, local vendors, face painting and a visit from SANTA from 6:30-8:30!

 

St. Augustine Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

When: 12/18-19

St. Augustine Ballet’s The Nutcracker is a family friendly holiday classic production comprised of student and professional dancers. Performances are Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College. 

 


 

Noche de Navidad and Las Posadas

When: 12/18-19

Celebrate Las Posadas commemorates the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem at Mission Nombre De Dios. Each evening from 5 to 10 p.m. there will be five tours for Las Posadas and two performances of the Living Nativity and Eucharistic Adoration. Eucharistic Adoration is not a performance, people will come and go during the time it is open. Admission is free.

  

Venardo's Circus at The St. Augustine Amphitheatre

When: 12/18-1/2

The St. Augustine Amphitheatre welcomes back the Venardos Circus! Created by former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Kevin Venardos, the Venardos Circus wraps world-class circus acts into a Broadway Musical-style format that is called “the American Circus with the heart of a Broadway Show.” Shows run Wednesday through Sunday for the entire engagement, with multiple show times on weekends.

 

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