This week has plenty of exciting events happening! There are so many Holiday festivities, from lights to movie showings. The UNF Mens basketball team has a game along with the Icemen! We have a couple of restaurants featured along with a BBQ festival. We have some places to shop at so you can find the perfect gift for the Holidays. Read below to plan for this week and beyond.
Swift and Sour
Grab your drivers license and hop in your getaway car — we're bringing our Switft x Sour dance party to Jacksonville! Come sing, dance and cry along to Taylor Swift & Olivia Rodrigo. We'll be playing all the deep cuts and popular hits that swifties and livies love.
This is event is all ages. Doors at 8pm. Admission comes with free slim can koozie. Costumes encouraged, there will be a photographer and costume contest!
Diamonds Direct
Have you been jumping through hoops to find the perfect gift?
You can’t go wrong with diamond earrings, & our friends at Diamonds Direct have their 25% OFF Earring Event THIS WEEKEND, December 10-12! It’s the biggest discount they offer all year and valid on ALL earrings - diamond hoops, diamond studs, colored gemstones, pearls and more.
Holiday Bingo
Looking for a fun way to find events this month? Look at this Bingo card that allows you to make a game out of attending events.
THE 30TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY NUTCRACKER
When: 12/10-11
Where: Florida Theatre
There is something exceptional about Community Nutcracker that no one can deny. This highly sophisticated production is built purely upon a passion for art and selfless will for an emotionally stirring result. Every performance exudes imagination and creativity. Dancers gracefully twirl and twist in Clara’s winter wonderland, pulling the audience into the jubilant scenes.
Community Nutcracker is the only nonprofit, volunteer-run organization that offers a portion of its proceeds to local charitable agencies with each performance and has donated over $600,000 in the past 25 years! The performing company is made up of local talent with more than 200 dancers ranging in age from 9 to adult from Northeast Florida auditioning and performing in the production. Join us with your family for the 29th annual production!
Purchase “Unmasked”, the documentary exploring the last 30 years of the Community Nutcracker of Jacksonville bundled with a 30th Anniversary commemorative poster here.
12 Days of Giveaways!
Daily’s and 904 Happy Hour are ready to make it a December to remember by kicking off the holiday season with our 12 Days of Giveaways! Starting December 7th, we will be giving away one prize package a day on our social media platforms. Be sure to follow Daily’s and 904 Happy Hour on Instagram and Facebook, turn on post notifications and tell your friends! Prizes are coming straight from Santa’s Workshop. #ItsNicerHere
Basilica Lights
When: 12/10-26 Thursday through Sunday
For three weekends before Christmas – December 10-26, Thursday through Sunday, an incredible Light Art & Sound Installation will take place on one of the Cathedral District’s Historic Churches! This visual marvel light installation will be projected onto the façade of a church. Enjoy the spectacular beauty of the show accompanied by recorded performances of the Cathedral District Church musicians, the Jacksonville Symphony, and the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus.
Light show repeats every 15 minutes.
Brought to you by Cathedral District Jax, Inc. the Basilica Lights is presented by Sight & Sound, with thanks to the Castano Group and for generously offering this Christmas Light Art Installation as a high point for LET THERE BE LIGHT! This is the third year for this FREE EVENT is brought to you by the Cathedral District – Jax, Inc.
NYC Sample Sale at The Markets at Town Center
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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
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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.
Dazzling Nights
When: 11/19-1/9/22
Where: Jacksonville Arboretum
Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens will transform into a magical wonderland this holiday season featuring a million dazzling lights, shining forests, magical displays and beautiful sculptures during “Dazzling Nights™”, a family friendly adventure that gives guests the opportunity to embark on a three-quarter-mile interactive holiday experience taking place November 19-January 9, 2022.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Jacksonville Icemen Games
Where: Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena
Hockey season is back! Check out the upcoming games at home.
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
Night of Lights St. Augustine
When: November 20, 2021, to January 31, 2022,
The 28th Annual Nights of Lights dazzles with more than 3 million lights adorning every corner of the historic district for two months.
This award-winning holiday lights display runs from November 20, 2021, to January 31, 2022, in historic St. Augustine. During the seasonal display, businesses downtown stay open later, letting you dine in view of the lights and browse the shops of the decorated buildings.
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.
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.
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!
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!
Jacksonville BBQ Fest
When: 12/10-12
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.
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.
Dashing Through Downtown Hunt!
From December 13-17, 2021, you’re invited to join our Dashing Through Downtown Hunt! Scan QR Codes and snap photos at local businesses for a chance to win prizes while you shop and support local for the holidays.
UPCOMING
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.
DTJax Sip & Stroll
When: 12/16 5-8PM
Where: South Riverbank
Mark your calendars for December 16th for another #DTJax Sip & Stroll Presented by PNC!
Every Third Thursday of the month from 5-8 p.m., we are bringing you the perfect opportunity to unwind with the folks you love while strolling along the beautiful Southbank Riverwalk.
Enjoy live music, incredible eats, cocktails a-plenty, all with the picturesque background of the #DTJax skyline at sunset.
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Trans-Siberian Orchestra
When: 12/16
Where: Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena
Looking for a night of colorful lights and loud music?
After a long year off the road, we mean it when we say... we've missed you. And that's why we're psyched to say we're BACK and coming to see YOU live and in person as we celebrate 25 years of Trans-Siberian Orchestra with the show, Christmas Eve and Other Stories.
Merry & Bright Movie Night Presented by Live Oak Contracting
When: 12/17
Free holiday movies are returning to #DTJax this holiday season!
Join us on Friday, December 17th for two Christmas classics on the big screen at Riverfront Plaza! Grab dinner to-go from Downtown restaurants or grab a bite from our food trucks. Kids can sip on hot chocolate and adults can enjoy beer, wine and cocktails. Bring your own picnic blankets, camping chairs, and ugly Christmas sweaters. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
6 p.m. The Santa Clause
9 p.m. Die Hard
First Coast Nutcracker
When: 12/17-19
Where: Times Union Center for the Performing Arts
Enter the magical world of childlike imagination and experience Tchaikovsky’s ballet, The Nutcracker. A family tradition in Northeast Florida for over 40 years, this timeless masterpiece comes to life with the only performance in Jacksonville with a full, live symphony orchestra.
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Jurassic Quest
When: 12/17-19
Where: Prime Osborne Center
Jurassic Quest is back indoors and better than ever. See Over 100 Life Size animatronic Dinosaurs including Apatosaurus, Spinosaurus, T-Rex and an incredible 50 Foot Long Megalodon. Jurassic Quest is the world’s largest, most popular dino event on tour with unique and exciting experiences for the whole family. Meet our trainers, Baby Dinos and walking dinosaurs, and watch a live interactive show. You don’t want to miss the dinosaur rides, giant fossil Dig, Face Painting, Bounce House, Science Stations, Games, & More!
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans
When: 12/19 1PM
Where: TIAA Bank
Come see the Jaguars play the Texans! Bring family and friends for a fun day!
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Gameday Tailgate Experience
Where: Tailgater's Parking: First and Ten Lot
When: 9AM -1 PM
Join Gameday Tailgate Experience (“GTE”) at a pre-game tailgate for the Houston vs Jaguars game on December 19. Tailgate is hosted by former Jaguars’ Kicker Mike Hollis, Professional Wrestler Brandi Rhodes, Houston Superfans Debbie the Texan and Steve Ultimate Texan.
Enjoy Unlimited Food and a 4 Hour Open Bar with hundreds of fans! Food, Beverages, Tented Seating Areas, Live Music & Entertainment, Celebrity Host Meet and Greets, Family Friendly Tailgating Games and Amenities, TVs, Bathrooms, and more are all included with your ticket! Tailgate with former Players and Celebrities!
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer the Musical
When: 12/21 7PM
Where: Florida Theatre
Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer The Musical brings the classical holiday movie to life on stage. Characters are designed to look like the stop motion we all grew up on. This show is great for the entire family!
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
When: 12/31 at 11AM
Where: TIAA Bank
It’s Official, Bowl’d City! @wakefootball takes on the @aggiefootball in the 77th @taxslayergatorbowl , December 31st at 11 AM on Bill Gay Grounds at TIAA Bank Field!
Get Tickets and Information
