Jacksonville Christmas Events to visit in your new Toyota

Dec 11, 2025

Hand-picked Jacksonville & nearby St. Augustine holiday events with official links & dates.
Mix of light shows, parades, markets, and performances—great for families and visiting guests.
Plan around your service appointment or test drive at Keith Pierson Toyota.

Updated Dec 11, 2025. Times/dates can change; always confirm on the official pages linked below.

Must-See Holiday Light Displays

Jacksonville Light Boat Parade & Fireworks

One of downtown’s favorite traditions returns to the St. Johns River—free to watch from the Northbank and Southbank Riverwalks, capped by the signature waterfall fireworks from the Main Street and Acosta bridges.

When: Nov 29, 2025; parade starts about 6:30 p.m.
Where: St. Johns River, Downtown Jacksonville (loops both banks for better viewing)
Parking & transit: Yates Garage (Northbank), Kings Avenue Garage & DCPS Building (Southbank). JTA Skyway not operating on weekends; St. Johns River Taxi boards at 5:15 p.m. from the DoubleTree dock (tickets via River Taxi).
Pro tip: Best fireworks views near Riverfront Plaza or along the Northbank by the Hyatt.

Driving tonight? Give yourself extra time for the posted bridge/road closures and consider parking once, then walking the Riverwalk. Check Hours & Directions if you’re coming from the dealership.

Official event page

Deck the Chairs (Jacksonville Beach)

Iconic lifeguard chairs transform into glowing art installations at the Seawalk Pavilion, with family activities and performances all season.

When: Nov 26, 2025–Jan 1, 2026 (lights nightly 5 p.m.–1 a.m.)
Access: Free, handicap accessible, and dog-friendly (leashed).
Extras: Select dates feature student performances, ballet, worship night, Jags-themed activities, and a Christmas Market.

2025 schedule & details

St. Augustine Nights of Lights (Nearby)

Make the short drive for millions of white lights across the historic district—one of the world’s most celebrated holiday displays.

When: Nov 15, 2025–Jan 11, 2026 (nightly)
Cost: Free to enjoy; specialty tours by land and water available.
Park & Ride: Free shuttles on Light-Up! Night and select dates with lots at Broudy’s, North San Marco, and St. Johns County Health Department; additional Anastasia Island lots on Light-Up! Night.
Pro tip: Golden hour on the bayfront and the Bridge of Lions gives you postcard photos without crowds.

Visitor guide & shuttle info

Jacksonville Zoo: Colors of the Wild (ZOOLights Lantern Experience)

Stroll immersive lantern trails from ocean scenes to African savannas, plus themed nights and a festive Holiday Market—an easy win for family photos.

When: Select nights Nov–Feb, 5:30–9:30 p.m. (check schedule)
Tickets: Non-members typically $25–$35; members $20–$25 (2 & under free). Includes early zoo admission from 3 p.m.
Santa & extras: Santa visits on select dates; Holiday Market runs Dec 17–21.
Where: Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, 370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218.

Event info & tickets

Iconic Performances & Holiday Markets

Jacksonville Symphony Holiday Pops

Festive favorites with chorus and guest vocalists in Jacoby Symphony Hall—a perfect downtown night out before you wander the lights.

When: Dec 4–7, 2025 (matinee & evening options)
Featured: Conductor Tim Hankewich; vocalists Carole Bufford & Campbell Walker Fields; Jacksonville Symphony Chorus; dancers from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts.
Where: Jacoby Symphony Hall, Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water St.

Showtimes & tickets

First Coast Nutcracker

The region’s tradition with full symphony and over 100 dancers—the quintessential holiday ballet.

When: Dec 12 (8 p.m.), Dec 13 (2 p.m. & 8 p.m.), Dec 14 (2 p.m.)
Where: Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.

Showtimes & tickets

Christmas Made in the South (Prime Osborn)

A juried artisan market for gifts and decor across three days—come for handmade ornaments, gourmet treats, and seasonal demos.

When: Nov 28–30, 2025 (Fri 9–5, Sat 10–5, Sun 11–5)
Where: Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, 1000 Water St., Jacksonville
Admission: $9 adults (at door); kids 12 & under free. One paid admission is good for all three days with hand stamp. Overflow parking available.

Event details & parking

Neighborhood Traditions

Gingerbread Extravaganza (Jacksonville History Center)

Dozens of whimsical gingerbread creations in the Jacksonville History Center’s Haskell Building—plus a holiday gift shop, Kids Day, and after-dark candlelight hours on select dates.

When: Dec 13–27, 2025 (closed Dec 14 & Dec 23–25). Typical hours 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; check calendar for special evenings.
Where: 318 Palmetto St., Jacksonville, FL 32202 (behind VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena).
What you’ll see: 40+ edible builds from local artists, schools, and bakeries; decorated trees; model train.

Event listing

Riverside & Avondale Luminaria

Blocks of candlelit sidewalks glow at dusk as neighbors stroll, sip cocoa, and celebrate a beloved community night.

When: Sun, Dec 21, 2025 (dusk; many activities 5–8 p.m.)
Where: Riverside & Avondale neighborhoods; activations at Cummer Museum lawn (5–7 p.m.) and Garden Club of Jacksonville (4–9 p.m.).
How to ride: Book an open-air Go Tuk’n Luminaria tour (sells out).

RAP Luminaria info · Cummer Museum activation · Go Tuk’n tour

Make It a Smooth Holiday Drive

Heading to an event from the dealership? Check Hours & Directions, book service online, browse new Toyota inventory or used cars, and contact us with any questions.

FAQs: Jacksonville Christmas Events

Which holiday light displays are best for families with young kids?

Deck the Chairs in Jax Beach and the Zoo’s Colors of the Wild are easy crowd-pleasers for little ones; for a bigger night out, stroll St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights. See links above for dates and tips.

Are any of these events free?

Spectating the downtown Light Boat Parade and walking Deck the Chairs are free; Nights of Lights is also free to enjoy (tours cost extra). Always review the official page before you go.

Can I schedule service or a test drive around an event?

Yes—use our online service scheduler and check Hours & Directions. If you’re shopping, browse new models or pre-owned inventory before you head to your event.

Is Deck the Chairs pet-friendly and accessible?

Yes. The display is free, handicap accessible, and dogs are allowed on leash. Lights run nightly 5 p.m.–1 a.m. (see schedule link above).

Where do I park for the Light Boat Parade?

City garages include Yates (Northbank) and Kings Avenue/DCPS (Southbank). The JTA Skyway doesn’t run on weekends, but the St. Johns River Taxi boards at 5:15 p.m. from the DoubleTree dock (tickets required).

How can I see Nights of Lights without driving into downtown?

Use the City’s free Park & Ride shuttle on Light-Up! Night and select dates, or book a trolley/boat tour. The visitor guide above lists shuttle lots and participating tour providers.

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