Some of Northeast Florida’s most treasured events happen during the holiday season. Locals and visitors alike look forward to the region’s many light and fireworks displays as well as holiday home tours, gingerbread contests and beloved performances including several productions of “The Nutcracker.” Our December guide also features tips on where to find beautiful gifts and watch festive parades. ONE Sotheby’s International Realty wishes you Happy Holidays.
Holiday Cheer
Jacksonville’s Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Lounge falls on Art Walk (JWJ Park, December 4). Santa appears December 14 during the 22nd annual Gingerbread Extravaganza (Old St. Andrew’s Church, December 7-28). The Garden Club of St. Augustine’s 53rd Holiday Tour of Homes is themed “Christmas in the Gilded Age” (December 8). Experience a Victorian Christmas at Fernandina Beach Village’s Dickens on Centre festival (December 12-15).
jamesweldonjohnsonpark.org | jaxhistory.org | gardenclubofstaugustine.org | fernandinamainstreet.com
Jacksonville, the largest city geographically in the contiguous U.S., boasts an incredible variety of green spaces and beaches, as well as prime waterfront from the Atlantic Ocean to St. Johns River with its iconic bridges. The city’s vast network of neighborhoods and islands further invites nonstop adventure. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Jacksonville
Part of the Sea Island archipelago in the Southeastern U.S., Amelia Island tops many vacationers’ bucket lists. Eight flags have flown over the centuries-old, historic destination, whose quiet beaches and premier resorts such as the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island continue to draw residents and visitors. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Amelia Island
Festive Performances
At the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, Jacksonville Symphony puts on “Holiday Pops” (December 5-8), followed by Handel’s “Messiah” with its chorus (December 14-15). The Florida Ballet performs “The Nutcracker” (Thrasher-Horne Center, December 14-15; UNF Fine Arts Center, December 20-22). See St. Augustine Community Chorus’s “Noel! Noel!” (Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, December 14-15), and St. Augustine Ballet’s “Nutcracker” (Flagler College, December 20-22).
jaxsymphony.org | floridaballet.org | staugustinecommunitychorus.org | saintaugustineballet.org
Jacksonville, the largest city geographically in the contiguous U.S., boasts an incredible variety of green spaces and beaches, as well as prime waterfront from the Atlantic Ocean to St. Johns River with its iconic bridges. The city’s vast network of neighborhoods and islands further invites nonstop adventure. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Jacksonville
In 1565, Spanish explorers established the oldest continually inhabited European settlement in the U.S. Known as the Ancient City or the Old City, St. Augustine charms residents and visitors to this day with its historic architecture, over 42 miles of barrier coastline and thriving hospitality scene. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
St. Augustin
Holiday Boat & Street Parades
St. Augustine presents its Christmas Parade (Downtown, December 7) and Holiday Regatta of Lights hosted by the St. Augustine Yacht Club (North of the Bridge of Lions, December 14). On December 7, watch Ponte Vedra Beach’s Palm Valley Holiday Boat Parade (Intracoastal Waterway) and Fernandina Beach’s Lighted Christmas Parade and Party (Central Park). Attend the Hastings Hometown Christmas Parade & Holiday Market (Main Street, December 14).
staugustineyachtclub.com | palmvalleyboatparade.com | fernandinamainstreet.com | hastingsfl.org
An idyllic oceanside enclave 18 miles south of Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach is often discovered while watching the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass or vacationing at its iconic Ponte Vedra Inn and Club. Many visitors fall in love with its quiet, chic lifestyle and make it their home. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Ponte Vedra Beach
Part of the Sea Island archipelago in the Southeastern U.S., Amelia Island tops many vacationers’ bucket lists. Eight flags have flown over the centuries-old, historic destination, whose quiet beaches and premier resorts such as the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island continue to draw residents and visitors. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Amelia Island
Seasonal Spectacles
Whether on foot or by Old Town Trolley to boat, don’t miss St. Augustine’s famous Nights of Lights with destinations like the lighthouse and Plaza de la Constitución (through January 26). Illuminated crystals, stars and sculptures dazzle during the inaugural Glowing Gardens (Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens through December 29). Riverside-Avondale’s Luminaria shine December 8, while Blackhawk Bluff neighborhood’s Christmas Lights runs through January 1.
floridashistoriccoast.com | jacksonvillearboretum.org | riversideavondale.org
In 1565, Spanish explorers established the oldest continually inhabited European settlement in the U.S. Known as the Ancient City or the Old City, St. Augustine charms residents and visitors to this day with its historic architecture, over 42 miles of barrier coastline and thriving hospitality scene. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
St. Augustine
Great Gifts
Swarovski’s new concept store in St. Johns Town Center serves as brilliant inspiration when shopping for jewelry, accessories and holiday ornaments. Another new addition to the center, Breitling offers men’s and women’s luxury watches including the limited-edition, Chronomat B01 42 Jacksonville Jaguars edition from its recently released NFL Collection. For outdoor types, visit Bass Pro Shops’ brand-new St. Augustine Outdoor World store.
swarovski.com | breitling.com | basspro.com
Jacksonville, the largest city geographically in the contiguous U.S., boasts an incredible variety of green spaces and beaches, as well as prime waterfront from the Atlantic Ocean to St. Johns River with its iconic bridges. The city’s vast network of neighborhoods and islands further invites nonstop adventure. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Jacksonville
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Nothing beats the classic combination of chilled champagne and fireworks to celebrate New Year’s Eve. At the stroke of midnight, Jacksonville shoots off its legendary fireworks display downtown on the St. Johns River between the Hyatt and DoubleTree hotels. Coastal residents also like to head to St. Augustine’s St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park for the “Light Up the Night! NYE Fireworks Show” at 8:30 PM.
specialevents.coj.net | floridashistoriccoast.com
In 1565, Spanish explorers established the oldest continually inhabited European settlement in the U.S. Known as the Ancient City or the Old City, St. Augustine charms residents and visitors to this day with its historic architecture, over 42 miles of barrier coastline and thriving hospitality scene. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
St.Augustine
