Things To Do
Get Downtown! for Church Tour, Walking Dinosaurs & Fashion Fight
Downtown's Bi-Weekly Events Listing (Nov 24-Dec 7)
Sugar plums, turkeys and art dance in my head as I stroll the sidewalks of Downtown! There is no place like Downtown during the holidays with a light parade, Santa at the Art Walk, Nutcrackers and so much more. So grab your calendar and fill those days with great Downtown events.
holiday celebration
You're invited to an afternoon of architecture, history and culture as we tour several of Downtown’s historic churches during the Downtown Historic Church Tour. Buy your tickets now. (Dec 6 from 1pm - 5pm)
The Junior League of Jacksonville is proud to announce the 2008 Festival of Trees in partnership with the Jacksonville Public Library. Guaranteed fun for the young and young-at-heart will be found as the library is transformed into a holiday playground. (Nov 24 - Jan 7)
Join The Jacksonville Landing for the 22nd annual Tree Lighting Ceremony for this year’s big wow. The selected tree, created especially for The Landing, will stand 56 feet tall, decorated with more than 78,000 L.E.D. lights, 240 ornaments and features hourly light shows. Music performed by Douglas Anderson School of the Arts with a grand finale firework show over the St. Johns River. (Nov 28 from 7pm-10pm)
New this year is a window gazing of festive proportions with Celebrate the Holidays, Celebrate Downtown! The City of Jacksonville will unveil decorated windows throughout Downtown. Maps with locations of all decorated Downtown windows will be available during the City Hall at St. James’ opening celebration and online. (Nov 28 at 5pm)
For more than 20 years, the Jacksonville Light Parade has graced the majestic St. Johns River. It has become a tradition for thousands of local families to line the river banks and watch the elaborately decorated boats glide through the water at the area's largest lighted boat parade. After the parade, the St. Johns River and Downtown serve as the perfect backdrop for the spectacular fireworks show. (Nov 29 from 7pm - 10pm)
You can have the best seat in the house for the Light Parade and Fireworks by celebrating at Hyatt’s Winter in Florida. Santa will make a special stop at the River Deck. Activities include face painting, cookie decorating, reindeer ears, pictures with Santa and much more! (Nov 29 from 6pm - 10pm)
Celebrate the nostalgia of the season with gumdrop rooftops, snowflake icing and candycane lanes. Gigantic creative Gingerbread Houses built by architects, engineers and home builders along with other local professionals will be on display during the Ginger Bread House Extravaganza. (Nov 29 - Dec 23 from 11am - 5pm)
Enter the magical world of childlike imagination at one of Jacksonville's greatest holiday traditions. The First Coast Nutcracker will enchant the whole family, showcasing internationally renowned principal dancers, the area's finest young dance corps and Tchaikovsky's best-loved melodies. (Dec 5 – 6 from 8pm – 10pm & Dec 6 – 7 from 2pm – 4pm)
The Sugar Plum Luncheon, prior to the First Coast Nutcracker Saturday matinee performance, has become a special annual treat for families. The luncheon offers a meet-and-greet session, including photo-taking opportunities, with the Nutcracker dancers. (Dec 6 at Noon)
Mayor's Annual Holiday Festival for Seniors is an event for seniors 60 years and over to mingle and spend time with one another while sharing the spirit of the season. Seniors will enjoy a traditional holiday dinner, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, fabulous door prizes including a color television, chance drawings, and dancing. (Dec 6 from 2pm - 5pm)
family fun
The award-winning BBC TV series Walking with Dinosaurs comes to life in a stunning theatrical event. Internationally-renowned designers have worked with scientists to create 15 life-sized dinosaurs, including that terror of the ancient terrain, Tyrannosaurus-Rex! Be amazed and thrilled as the greatest creatures ever to walk the earth return before your eyes. (Nov 26 - Nov 30)
Santa's Pancake Breakfast is a delicious chance to visit with the big man. Santa's visit is to benefit the Safe Harbor Boy's Home and he wants you to join him in this time to give back. There will be delicious food, holiday music, a caricature artist and surprises for all! (Nov 30 & Dec 6 from 9am - 12pm)
Kids will enjoy the beautiful exhibition of trees and a wide variety of events during Children's Holiday Program. Each week features a new story of wonder and fun read by a special guest followed by a craft making event. Start the reading fun with "Bella Butterfly" presented by the Tree Hill Nature Center. (Dec 6 from 2pm - 2:30pm)
Do you know what Santa eats for breakfast? Find out at the MOSH's Breakfast with Santa. Children can sit on Santa's lap for photos. Enjoy a continental breakfast, free admission into the museum, and free admission into MOSH's Arts & Craft fair. (Dec 6 from 8:30am - 12pm)
downtown culture
First Wednesday Art Walk has a twinkle in the eye and a jolly ole’ laugh or rather Santa does. That is right, Santa Claus is back this year to listen to your holiday wish! Don’t miss the chance to buy some great holiday gifts from local artists and Downtown businesses. (Dec 3 from 5pm - 9pm)
Carlos Mencia is one of today's lauded entertainers and feared comics. Whether it is man-on-the-street interviews, studio comedy, commercial parodies, or nationwide sold-out tours, Mencia demonstrates an extraordinary ability to connect with a diverse audience...showcasing his brand of confrontational humor. (Nov 29 from 7pm - 10pm)
Deadpaper Readings is Downtown’s local book haven come to life with reading, music, and yummy beverages. Listen, read, sing, meet people and browse for books before the reading. It’s your forum, so express yourself! (Dec 5 from 7pm - 9pm)
Ritz Jazz'n Jam is an evening of jazz flavors, smooth sounds and cool people. Experience relaxing music, beverages and a unique atmosphere. Na'im and the Jazz Band welcomes you to bring your instrument or vocals and jam with the band. (Dec 6 from 7pm - 10pm)
Music @ Main - Music for Violin & Piano is a recital by the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra’s violinist Piotr Szewczyk and pianist Christine Clark. A free concert open to the public, it explores the harmonic sounds of the symphony on an intimate level. (Dec 8 from 6:15pm - 7:15pm)
join the cause
In recognition of World AIDS Day the Jacksonville Public Library in partnership with the Northeast Florida World AIDS Day committee is hosting a fashion & talent expo and a day of education about the worldwide HIV/AIDS epidemic during the Fashion Fight for Life. (Dec 4 from 1pm - 8pm)
This year celebrates 32 years of the Art & Antiques Show, recognized as one of the premier antiques and decorative arts shows in the country. Benefiting Wolfson Children's Hospital, the Show features 54 of the nations leading exhibitors and galleries and five renowned lecturers. (Dec 3 - Dec 6)
In the Hot Seat is the first annual fundraiser to benefit The Art Center. Come enjoy a pleasant evening of fellowship, music, art, wine, food and a silent auction of painted chairs as well as other artwork by Art Center members. (Dec 5 6pm - 9pm)
more downtown
Christmas Made In The South
Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center | Nov 28 - Nov 30 | 8pm - 2am
River City Band: Yuletide Swing
Jacksonville Main Library | Dec 3 | 10am - 1pm
Victorian Carolers
Jacksonville Main Library | Dec 6 | 1:30pm - 2:30pmKids Karaoke
Northstar Substation | Dec 6 | 12pm-8pm
A Temptations Christmas
Florida Theatre | Dec 7 | 8pm - 10pm