Holidays in Downtown

Celebrate the Holiday Season

Spend the Holidays in DTJax

Experience the magic of the holidays in Downtown Jacksonville! From festive lights to exciting events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Join us and make unforgettable memories this season.

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit by visiting Downtown Jacksonville this holiday season. Stroll through decorated streets, enjoy seasonal treats and participate in a variety of holiday-themed activities. Whether you’re shopping for unique gifts or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Downtown offers plenty of ways to celebrate with family and friends.

Take Part in the Tinsel, Taps & 'Tinis Fun!

Visit participating Downtown bars and restaurants, collect stamps with each visit and redeem your card for a $25 DTJax e-Gift Card and Downtown merch. It’s a delightful way to explore the local scene and support Downtown’s businesses while spreading holiday cheer.

Explore the Participating Businesses

Bold City Brewery: 109 E. Bay St.
Dos Gatos: 123 E. Forsyth St.
The Greenhouse & Bar: 200 Riverside Ave. Unit 2
Hardwicks Bar: 100 E. Adams St.
Kanine Social: 580 College St.
Keane’s Irish Pub: 315 E. Bay St.
Pour Taproom: 61 N. Laura St.
Ruby Beach Brewing: 228 E. Forsyth St.
SIP Cocktail Bar: 323 E. Bay St.
The Volstead: 115 W. Adams St.

Visit any eight spots, collect your stamps, and unwrap a $25 DTJax e-Gift Card as your holiday treat. Feeling extra festive? Visit all 10 and receive a DTJax swag bag!

Please note: This stamp-card adventure is for those 21+. Please drink responsibly and enjoy the festivities!

DOWNLOAD THE STAMP CARD

How to Win: Email a photo of your stamp card showing stamps from at least eight locations to info@dtjax.com.

Discover the Magic of the Holidays in Downtown

Holiday Events and Festive Decor

Christmas Tree Lighting at Riverfront Plaza

Kick off the holiday season with the official lighting of the City of Jacksonville’s Christmas Tree at the newly renovated Riverfront Plaza! Be among the first to experience this refreshed Downtown landmark as it comes alive with music, magic and festive cheer.

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Jax Art on Ice & Holiday Market

DTJax is excited to welcome the city’s first outdoor ice rink at JAX on Ice, transforming Artist Walk Skatepark into a festive winter destination. Visitors can glide across a real outdoor ice rink, shop unique goods at Riverside Arts Market’s Holiday Market, and enjoy holiday cheer from Thanksgiving weekend through January.

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Sweet Pete's Candy

Step into a winter wonderland at Sweet Pete’s Candy, the largest candy store in the Southeast! Decked out in festive decorations and filled with seasonal treats and delicious offerings, Sweet Pete’s is the perfect spot to soak up holiday cheer. Visit this holiday season and experience the magic of sweet delights, colorful displays and festive fun in the heart of DTJax.

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Jacksonville Light Boat Parade 2025

Celebrate the holiday season at the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade! For more than 30 years, this beloved holiday tradition has filled the St. Johns River with boats of all sizes, each sparkling with festive decorations. Gather along the North and Southbank Riverwalks to take in the dazzling sights and a spectacular fireworks show.

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Don't Miss These Downtown Holiday Events

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

Cirque Dreams Holidaze brings a dazzling, family-friendly holiday spectacular to the stage, blending Broadway production with gravity-defying circus arts. Watch festive characters come to life in a 90 minute performance that Broadway World calls “a return to the wonderful dreams you had as a kid.”

November 30, 2025

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Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2025

Dave Koz and Friends present the 28th anniversary edition of the jazz Christmas tour at the Florida Theatre. Ushering in a new era of this beloved tradition, the show features fresh takes on timeless holiday classics, a special Chanukah medley and standout hits from each artist’s catalog.

December 2, 2025

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First Wednesday Art Walk Powered by Bank of America

Join us on Wednesday, December 3rd for a winter celebration at First Wednesday Art Walk Powered by Bank of America. Shop with local artists and vendors, enjoy live music and pop into participating businesses and restaurants for dinner and fun.

December 3, 2025

FREE

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Holly Jolly Happy Hour

The Holly Jolly Happy Hour returns to Hardwicks Bar the first three Wednesdays in December, featuring a new star-studded cast each week, sparkling vocals, themed cocktails, and a cabaret full of music, mischief, and mayhem.

December 3, 10 & 17, 2025

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CAROLMANIA! A Very, Very, Kool Christmas Extravaganza

Join Christmas Carols…Carol, Carole, and Caroline for an immersive, fun musical journey featuring all your favorite holiday songs. Take a picture with Santa, join the ugly sweater contest, win prizes, and enjoy time together with loved ones at a holiday fest you’ll never forget.

December 5, 2025

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Holiday Pops

Get ready to sleigh the season with the Jacksonville Symphony’s beloved Holiday Pops! Broadway vocalists Carole Bufford and Campbell Walker Fields return to light up the stage alongside the Symphony Chorus and the full power of the Jacksonville Symphony in an unforgettable festive spectacular.

December 5, 6, 7, 2025

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Sarah Brightman: A Winter Symphony

The world’s biggest-selling soprano and GRAMMY-nominated artist, Sarah Brightman, returns with her new holiday spectacle, “A Winter Symphony.” Joined by orchestra, choir, and special guests, she’ll perform holiday classics and greatest hits in an enchanting show that delivers an unforgettable Christmas experience.

December 6, 2025

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Cathedral Hill Christmas Walking Tour

Cathedral Hill’s beloved Christmas Walking Tour returns with a two-hour stroll through history, architecture and the glowing artistry of stained glass. Led by local historian Mike Field, experience the stories, colors and beauty that make Cathedral Hill shine during the holidays.

December 6, 2025

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First Coast Nutcracker

The cherished First Coast Nutcracker is back, filling the air with the wonder and joy of the season! For more than 50 years, this iconic Jacksonville Symphony tradition brings families and communities together to experience holiday enchantment.

December 12, 13, 14, 2025

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Third Thursday Sip & Stroll Presented by PNC Bank

Join us on December 18th at Third Thursday Sip & Stroll Presented by PNC Bank on the Southbank Riverwalk. Meet and greet with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, warm up with hot chocolate and take in beautiful views of the St. Johns River.

December 18, 2025

FREE

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