The winter holiday season can be full of hustle and bustle, especially if you have a busy family. But, you should make sure to set aside some time to do fun things as a family and get in a festive mood. These family-friendly holiday events in Jacksonville provide the perfect opportunity for family memory-making.
Jax Illuminations 7th Annual Drive Thru Holiday Light Show
November 20 – January 4 (Extended Hours on December 22 & 23)
Holiday lights are one of the brightest and most festive sights of the season. Jax Illuminations allows families to take in a fantastic light display as they drive through the grounds of the Morocco Shrine Center. For information on the schedule and ticket prices, visit the Jax Illuminations site.
WinterFEST at Adventure Landing
November 22 – January 6th
People living in Florida usually don’t experience a white Christmas. Heading to WinterFEST at Adventure Landing won’t change the actual weather, but it does give families in the Jacksonville area the chance to partake in some cold-weather activities. Shipwreck Island Waterpark is transformed into a snowy alpine village where you and your family can cruise down alpine slides, ice skate, and explore a winter wonderland. Santa Claus is in the park on select dates, providing the perfect Christmas photo opportunity. Visit Adventure Landing’s site for detailed information on the schedule, including when Santa will be in the park.
Jacksonville Beach Deck the Chairs
November 23 – January 1
If you’re looking for family-friendly holiday events in Jacksonville, head to the beach and check out a popular event that is celebrating its 7th year. Individuals, organizations, and businesses sponsor lifeguard chairs on Jacksonville Beach. The chairs are festively decorated to celebrate the season. Along with the skillfully designed chair displays, the event is a platform for local young musicians and artists to perform. Proceeds from Jacksonville Beach Deck the Chairs are used to fund the Jacksonville Beach Life Saving Corps.
The Alhambra Theatre and Dining Presents Elf the Musical
November 27 – December 24
Based on the beloved movie, this musical tells the story of Buddy, a human who grew up in the North Pole thinking he was one of Santa’s elves. Follow Buddy as he journeys to the big city to find his father and spread some holiday cheer in the process. The play is family-friendly and there are special kids meals featuring spaghetti inspired by the dish Buddy creates in the story. More grown-up palates can choose from several options to create a delicious three-course meal. For information on showtimes and ticketing, visit the Alhambra Theatre & Dining site.
Build a Menorah at Lowes
December 8th
This hands-on event hosted by Jewish St. Johns County allows children to prepare for Hanukkah by building their own menorah. There are a limited number of free spaces for this event that includes a lowe’s apron, homemade menorah, selfies with Judah Maccabee, and traditional Hanukkah sufganiyot. RSVP on the Jewish St. Johns County website.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens ZOOLights
December 14 – January 5 (Closed Christmas Day)
During the holiday season, Jacksonville Zoo will transform into a festive wonderland adorned with beautiful lights. Santa Claus will be there nightly from 6-9 pm for photos, and there are family-friendly activities and shows to enjoy. There are also train rides, a carousel, and a 4D theater. To up the fun factor, ZOOLights has theme nights that provide the perfect opportunity for dressing up. Check the ZooLights website to get information on the schedule and ticketing.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer the Musical
December 20
This family-friendly holiday musical brings the classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer TV special to life. Favorite characters Rudolph, Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Abominable Snow Monster, the Misfit Toys, and more will tell the story of how Rudolph went from being an outcast to a holiday hero. Ticket information can be found on the Florida Theatre website.
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
December 22
The Florida Theatre has another must-see holiday show just days after the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer musical. The Moscow Ballet is performing a holiday classic, the Great Russian Nutcracker. This fabulous performance is not just any old ballet. This extravaganza features over 200 beautiful costumes, fantastic sets, giant puppets, and more. Plus Tchaikovsky’s iconic music will get everyone into the spirit of the season. The spectacle is sure to keep both children and adults entertained. For tickets, click here.
Umoja – The First Day of Kwanzaa
December 26th
Celebrate the first day of Kwanzaa at the Ritz Theatre and Museum. This event is non-denominational and inclusive to all who want to learn about this cultural celebration. The focus of the Kwanzaa celebration is unity, and attendees will learn how to apply this principle throughout the rest of the year. You can also find out about other Kwanzaa celebrations throughout the Jacksonville community. The event is free, and you can find details about time and registration on their eventbrite page.
Hemming Park’s Third Annual Totally Lit Hanukkah
December 29th
Celebrate the traditions of Hannukkah at Hemming Park on December 29th from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The whole family can enjoy crafts, storytelling, dreidel games, and live music. The highlight of the night is the menorah lighting at 6:15 pm. The event is free and open to the public.
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At Carithers Pediatric Group, we love being part of the Jacksonville community year-round, but there is something special about the holiday season. While you’re enjoying these family-friendly holiday events in Jacksonville, make sure you pay attention to your child’s health, as illness spreads just as much as holiday cheer during winter. If your child needs to see a pediatrician, we have two convenient locations in Riverside and Southside. To schedule an appointment, call (904) 997-0023 for the Southside office, or (904) 387-6200 for the Riverside office.