Though this year has seen more than its fair share of challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic, families and friends can still find lots of holiday events in Jacksonville and the St. Augustine area to enjoy this year!
Here are some of the best holiday events and activities happening in St. Johns County, home to Jacksonville and St. Augustine:
WinterFEST is the annual winter transformation of Adventure Landing into an Alpine Snow Village filled with winter fun for families to enjoy. This year, WinterFEST will be held November 21, 2020 through January 3, 2021.
In the Alpine Snow Village this year, visitors will find a white Christmas as they enjoy ice skating fun complete with nightly snowfalls. Kids will enjoy a visit to Santa’s Workshop, where they’ll find Santa and his elves ready to read stories by the fire. Children can give Santa their Christmas list, and even have a photo taken with Santa. Of course kids of all ages will appreciate the plethora of delectable holiday treats, including hot cocoa as well as the opportunity to roast s’mores over the fire.
Please note: WinterFEST is open on select days/times, so check the calendar for availability as activities and attractions are subject to change. Santa is also at the park on select days/times, please refer to the schedule of events to ensure he is available on the day of your visit.
The annual Jax Illuminations Drive Thru Holiday Light Show runs this year from November 19, 2020 to January 2, 2021. Already socially distanced, the Holiday Light Show allows families to experience the sights and sounds of the holidays in their vehicle.
Gather the family and head to the show, where you can tune into holiday favorites synchronized to a million lights which sparkle and shimmer to the music. Featuring two giant trees, special Christmas scenes, a tunnel of light, and much more; everyone will enjoy the sights and sounds of the Jax Illuminations Annual Drive Thru Holiday Light Show. Fees per car (7 passengers) are $20 per car (Sunday through Thursday) and $25 per car (Friday and Saturday). The fee for passenger vans is $35.
Please note: Jax Illuminations Annual Drive Thru Holiday Light Show has a 7 feet height limit for vehicles and cannot accommodate buses.
Deck the Chairs will open this year from November 21, 2020 to January 1, 2021 in Downtown Jacksonville Beach and feature more than forty American Red Cross Lifeguard chairs. Each chair will feature a coastal holiday theme with lights on every evening from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The non-profit event focuses on children’s arts programming and includes many weekend activities for kids. The free event is pet-inclusive and offers wheelchair accessibility so everyone can join in the fun while celebrating the community in a safe, family-friendly environment.
If you are looking for something completely different, check out the Annual Holiday Lights Tours by Go Tuk’n!
Locations include Avondale, Downtown, Riverside, or Springfield and feature transportation in the warmth of luxury heated Tuk Tuks. The Holiday Light Tours are a fun way for families to relax and enjoy the area’s beautiful holiday lights.
You and your family can choose from among these great events:
Please note: Go Tuk’n also offers the option of an ADA compliant bus with the ability to accommodate 14 comfortably. For tours, pricing is per person or per private Tuk Tuk.
Make your plans now for family fun at one or all of these holiday events in Jacksonville and the St. Augustine area. And should you be looking for a place to call home for the holidays – explore the amazing homes the community at Beacon Lake has to offer! Happy Holidays!
