UNF Athletics
UNF Men's Basketball vs Trinity Baptist 12/18
UNF Men's Basketball vs Florida National 12/30
Weekend Guide 10+ Things to do in Jax this Weekend
- December 14, 2021
Jacksonville is filled with fun events this week! With Christmas around the corner there are activities for that, but also some other events if you'd rather do that. We have plenty of light displays and places to shop. Be sure to check out our Holiday Gift Guide to find something unique for your loved ones! It is the most wonderful time of the year after all.
2021 Holiday Gift Guide
It is holiday season, meaning it is also gift giving season! Check out our guide featuring all sorts of places to find presents for your friends and family. We have chocolate, health services, restaurants, and more!
Wicked BAO 4th Anniversary
When: 12/20
Wicked BAO is turning 4 and we are so excited! Come celebrate Wicked BAO 4th Anniversary with an evening of tasty Asian Flavors, curated wines, live music, and great company... Limited tickets available. This is THE EVENT to usher in the festive holiday season.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Where: The Florida Theatre
When: 12/19
The Florida Theatre and CSX present How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), to benefit Feeding Northeast Florida. Admission is FREE for every adult and child with a gift of canned or nonperishable food. How the Grinch Stole Christmas begins at 2 p.m. Runtime is 104 min.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Where: The Florida Theatre
When: 12/21
The beloved TV Classic Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer soars off-screen and onto the stage!
Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL.
It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us. This show is great for the entire family!
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.
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.
Run Santa Run 5k
When: 12/18
Where: Klutho Park
The one mile and 5K courses are lined with Christmas lights, inflatables, and music. Runners and walkers start from Santa’s lighted Runway and run through Candy Cane Land, Hershey Kiss Kingdom, Winter Wonderland, Snowman’s Paradise, Rudolph’s Run, and finish under Santa Bowlegs in a snow blizzard. This 5K is run after dark so that participants can enjoy the full effect of the Christmas lights.
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.
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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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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.
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.
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.
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 12/15 7PM
Jacksonville Icemen vs Atlanta Gladiators 12/22 7PM
Jacksonville Icemen vs Atlanta Gladiators 12/28 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!
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.
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.
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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!
Candy Cane Making
When: 12/11-28
Celebrate the holidays with family, friends and Sweet Pete's Candy! Join us to make candy canes. All guests will make four to seven candy canes. Includes a scoop of ice cream. Only paid participants are allowed in the candy making room. Children under thirteen years of age must be accompanied by a paid adult. $15.00
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.
UPCOMING
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.
Verdi's La Traviata presented by First Coast Opera
When: 12/31 7:30PM and 1/2 at 2PM
What better way to ring in the new year than with this classic Verdi masterpiece, fully staged with orchestra? First Coast Opera presents one of the most iconic, romantic and tragic scores of all time at Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College.
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
Light Up the Night! Fireworks and Beach Blvd. Block Party
When: 12/31
Enjoy the fireworks from multiple locations at this year's Fireworks & Beach Blvd. Block Party! This community-based celebration, offers a true taste of St. Augustine Beach. Stay the weekend or enjoy a night out with the family or friends. The block party takes place at businesses along A1A Beach Blvd. The block party is happening all day with businesses along the Blvd offering discounts, live music and other specials, fireworks start at 8:30 p.m.
