If you’re looking to get in the spirit this holiday season, there are many things to see and do in the city that will leave you feeling jolly just in time for Christmas and Hanukkah. Celebrate the most magical time of the year and check out these 8 holiday activities to do in and around Jacksonville, Florida.
8. ReinBEER Run
December 17th, 2016
The third annual Tapestry Park ReinBEER Run is a 5k run where participants all get medals and beers, no matter how they did. For the younger crowd, there is a Gelato Gallop, where participants will receive gelato at the end of the race. Everyone can enjoy live music, prizes, surprises, and an ugly Christmas Sweater after the race.
7. Enchanted Christmas Village
November 25th – December 31st, 2016
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The Enchanted Christmas Village brings families together by bringing your Christmas memories to life. Featuring food and drinks, carolers, cookie decorating, ornament making, ice sculptures, rides, pictures with Santa, and over one million Christmas lights. It’s a magical event that you won’t want to miss out on.
6. JJC Annual Hanukkah Dinner
December 9th, 2016
This year’s annual Hanukkah dinner put on by the Jacksonville Jewish Center will feature brisket sliders, veggie sliders for the vegetarians, latkes with all the fixings, desserts and drinks. The fun starts at 6:30PM. Tickets are $12 per adult, $8 per child, children three and under are free.
5. Gingerbread House Extravaganza
November 30th – December 23rd, 2016
This is the 14th year that The Jacksonville Historical Society puts on their annual Gingerbread House Extravaganza. These beautiful, ornate, and large-scale gingerbread houses are built by chefs, bakers, architects, engineers, culinary school students, families, and anyone else that thinks their gingerbread making skills should be displayed to the public.
4. Hannukkah Story Time and Book Fair in Jacksonville
December 28th, 2016
Join the Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten at 5:30PM for a lighting of the Menorah and a reading of the popular children’s book, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins. There will be songs and playtime for the children, along with a book fair to benefit the school.
3. 62nd Annual St. Augustine Christmas Parade
December 3rd, 2016
Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit more than a holiday parade. Celebrate the holiday season with floats, festive decorations and lots of fun during the 62nd Annual St. Augustine Christmas Parade, beginning at 9:00AM until 10:30AM. It’s one of the biggest parades in all of North Florida.
2. Vodka and Latkes Event
December 24th, 2016
The Jewish Federation of Jacksonville is putting on a Vodka and Latkes event on Christmas Eve. The event will be co-hosted by T3 & So-Shul Network groups. It will begin at 7:00PM until 9:00PM. Support the Jewish community by drinking good drinks and eating great food.
1. Jekyll Island Skating Village
November 19th – January 8th, 2016
Head on out to Jekyll Island for some oceanfront ice skating fun. The Jekyll Island Skating Village runs from November to January, boasting an outdoor synthetic rink, now larger than ever. You can rent skates on site, enjoy the concession stands, and take in the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.