Jacksonville, Florida, December 14, 2025
The Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center in Jacksonville was buzzing with excitement as thousands gathered for the 26th Children’s Christmas Party. The event aimed to provide underprivileged children with gifts for the holiday season. Mayor Donna Deegan officially opened the festivities, where children under 12 received toys on a first-come, first-served basis. Volunteers played a vital role in ensuring successful toy distribution, highlighting the community’s support for families in need during challenging times.
Jacksonville Hosts 26th Annual Children’s Christmas Party
Jacksonville, Florida – The Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center was filled with excitement on Saturday morning as thousands of children poured in for the 26th Children’s Christmas Party of Jacksonville. The event, held on December 13, 2025, aimed to ensure that children in need had something special to open on Christmas morning.
Event Highlights
The festivities kicked off with Mayor Donna Deegan cutting the ribbon to signal the opening of the event. The line of eager families stretched around the parking lot, with some arriving as early as Friday afternoon to secure their place. Inside, children aged 12 and under were eligible to receive gifts ranging from small novelty items to bicycles and other wheeled toys, all handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. Volunteers from local organizations played a crucial role in distributing toys and bikes that had been generously donated during the Channel 4 Toy Drive earlier in the month.
Community Impact
The event made a significant difference for families like that of 11-year-old Christopher Smith. For many attendees, including Christopher’s grandmother, Marsha Bozich, the gifts provided a vital relief during a challenging year. The event exemplifies the importance of community support, especially in tough times. The Mayor remarked on the great need for initiatives like this, underscoring the invaluable role they play in uplifting families who may struggle to provide a festive holiday atmosphere.
Background
Established in 1999, the Children’s Christmas Party of Jacksonville has become a cherished tradition within the community. Its primary mission is to ensure that Jacksonville’s children in need have toys to unwrap during the holiday season. The event caters to children aged 12 and under and maintains a first-come, first-served admission policy. Since its inception, the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center at 1000 Water Street in downtown Jacksonville has served as a steadfast venue, hosting this heartwarming event year after year.
Additional Information
For those interested in learning more about the Children’s Christmas Party of Jacksonville, including ways to contribute or volunteer, additional details can be found on the official website.
Related Events
- Deck the Chairs: An annual holiday tradition in Jacksonville Beach featuring 70 decorated chairs and a nightly light show from November 26 to January 1, 2026.
- Christmas Carnival and Showcase: Scheduled for December 20, 2025, at Lonnie C. Miller Sr. Regional Park, offering a Christmas parade, live entertainment, activities for kids, food, crafts, and a visit from Santa.
- River City Theatre’s “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!”: A performance based on Barbara Robinson’s novel, running on December 14, 2025, at 3:00 PM at 1100 Stockton St, Jacksonville, FL 32204.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Name | 26th Children’s Christmas Party of Jacksonville |
| Date | December 13, 2025 |
| Location | Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, 1000 Water Street, Jacksonville, Florida |
| Target Audience | Children aged 12 and under in need |
| Admission | First-come, first-served basis |
| Gifts Provided | New toys, including bikes and other wheel toys |
| Organizers | Children’s Christmas Party of Jacksonville |
FAQ
What is the Children’s Christmas Party of Jacksonville?
The Children’s Christmas Party of Jacksonville is an annual event established in 1999, designed to provide toys to Jacksonville’s children in need, ensuring they have gifts to open during the holiday season. The event is open to children aged 12 and under, with admission granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
When and where is the event held?
The event is held annually in December at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, located at 1000 Water Street in downtown Jacksonville, Florida.
How can I contribute or volunteer?
For more details about contributing or volunteering, visit the official website of the Children’s Christmas Party of Jacksonville.
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