Jacksonville, Florida, December 18, 2025
Riverside Avondale is ready to celebrate the 41st annual Luminaria event, bringing together the community for a night of festive activities. The historic district will be illuminated with candlelit streets, a live nativity, and a bike ride. Participants are encouraged to join in the holiday cheer and support the event by purchasing Luminaria kits available through the Riverside Avondale Preservation.
Luminaria Lights Up Riverside Avondale for 41st Holiday Season
Jacksonville, Florida – Riverside Avondale is set to shine once again as the 41st annual Luminaria celebration illuminates the historic district on Sunday, December 21, 2025. This cherished event brings together residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday season with candlelit streets, festive activities, and community spirit.
Event Details
The Luminaria festivities will commence at dusk, with the Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) organization leading the celebration. Participants can look forward to:
- Candlelit Streets: Thousands of luminaries will line the sidewalks, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the neighborhood.
- Live Nativity: Riverside Avenue Christian Church will host a live nativity scene from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, featuring a full cast and animals, accompanied by live concerts in the sanctuary.
- Luminaria Bike Ride: Organized by ZenCog Bicycle Company, this annual tradition invites cyclists to decorate their bikes and join hundreds of others for a festive ride through the illuminated streets. The ride begins at approximately 5:30 pm at the FSCJ Kent Campus (Blanding Blvd entrance).
- Garden Club of Jacksonville Celebration: The Garden Club will host a party featuring holiday music, beverages, small bites, lawn games, and a pop-up shop with vendors selling homegrown and handmade items.
How to Participate
Community members are encouraged to participate by purchasing Luminaria kits, which support the event and help fund luminaries in parks, churches, and common areas. Kits can be purchased at the RAP office, located at 2623 Herschel Street, or online through the RAP website.
Background
Established in 1984, Luminaria has become a beloved tradition in Jacksonville, uniting the Riverside and Avondale communities each December. The event not only showcases the neighborhood’s historic charm but also fosters a sense of togetherness and holiday cheer among residents and visitors alike.
For more information on the 41st annual Luminaria celebration, including details on purchasing kits and participating in activities, visit the Riverside Avondale Preservation website.
Key Features of the 41st Annual Luminaria Celebration
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Candlelit Streets | Thousands of luminaries lining the sidewalks, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the neighborhood. |
| Live Nativity | Hosted by Riverside Avenue Christian Church from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, featuring a full cast and animals, accompanied by live concerts in the sanctuary. |
| Luminaria Bike Ride | Organized by ZenCog Bicycle Company, inviting cyclists to decorate their bikes and join hundreds of others for a festive ride through the illuminated streets, beginning at approximately 5:30 pm at the FSCJ Kent Campus (Blanding Blvd entrance). |
| Garden Club of Jacksonville Celebration | Featuring holiday music, beverages, small bites, lawn games, and a pop-up shop with vendors selling homegrown and handmade items. |
FAQ
What is Luminaria?
Luminaria is an annual event in Jacksonville’s Riverside Avondale district where thousands of luminaries light up the streets, accompanied by various festive activities, to celebrate the holiday season.
When is the 41st annual Luminaria celebration?
The 41st annual Luminaria celebration is scheduled for Sunday, December 21, 2025, starting at dusk.
How can I participate in Luminaria?
Community members can participate by purchasing Luminaria kits, which support the event and help fund luminaries in parks, churches, and common areas. Kits can be purchased at the Riverside Avondale Preservation office or online through their website.
What activities are planned for the 41st annual Luminaria celebration?
Activities include candlelit streets, a live nativity scene at Riverside Avenue Christian Church, a Luminaria Bike Ride organized by ZenCog Bicycle Company, and a celebration at the Garden Club of Jacksonville featuring holiday music, beverages, small bites, lawn games, and a pop-up shop with vendors selling homegrown and handmade items.
Where can I find more information about the 41st annual Luminaria celebration?
For more information, visit the Riverside Avondale Preservation website.
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
