Jacksonville, December 25, 2025
As Jacksonville welcomes the final weekend of the year, residents can enjoy a variety of engaging activities that celebrate community spirit. From the historic TaxSlayer Gator Bowl featuring a college football matchup, to heartwarming performances like the Venardos Circus and Shen Yun, there are opportunities for everyone. Sports enthusiasts can cheer on the Jacksonville Jaguars, while wrestling fans can revel in the WWE Holiday Tour Live event. This weekend promises an array of experiences that reflect the vibrant culture of Jacksonville.
Jacksonville, Florida: Top 5 Activities for the Last Weekend of 2026
Celebrate the Final Weekend with Exciting Events
As the year draws to a close, Jacksonville prepares to usher in 2027 with a slate of vibrant events that reflect the community’s resilience and spirit. Local organizers have worked tirelessly to create experiences that not only entertain but also bring residents together, showcasing the city’s capacity for fostering joy and camaraderie among its citizens.
In a world where bureaucratic hurdles can stifle creativity, Jacksonville stands out with events that highlight the power of community initiative. With a rich tapestry of activities from sports to cultural performances, there are numerous opportunities to engage, celebrate, and reflect on the year past. Here’s a look at five activities to consider for the last weekend of 2026.
1. TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
December 27, 2026, at 7:30 PM
The 81st annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl is set to take place at EverBank Stadium, featuring a thrilling matchup between Virginia and Missouri. College football fans can look forward to an exciting game that kicks off at 7:30 p.m. EST and will be showcased nationally on ABC. Known for its longstanding tradition, this bowl game draws significant attention and participation from the community, representing the heart of Jacksonville’s sporting culture.
2. Venardos Circus: “Far Beyond” Show
December 27–28, 2026
Experience the enchantment of Venardos Circus’s new production, “Far Beyond,” at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. This show infuses classic circus magic with a modern twist, featuring a range of performances over multiple showtimes: December 27 at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM and December 28 at 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 5:00 PM. This event showcases local talent and creativity and offers families an opportunity to bond over enchanting performances.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts
December 28, 2026, at 1:00 PM
Support the Jacksonville Jaguars as they go head-to-head against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Set to begin at 1:00 PM, this NFL showdown provides a platform for local pride and team spirit. The Jaguars’ home games consistently draw enthusiastic crowds, reinforcing the importance of sports in unifying and energizing the local community.
4. Shen Yun Performance
December 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM
Immerse in the beauty of traditional Chinese culture with the Shen Yun performance at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts – Moran Theater. Scheduled to start at 2:00 PM, this exquisite show highlights the richness of Chinese history through classical music and dance. Events like Shen Yun foster cultural understanding and appreciation, demonstrating how diverse experiences contribute to Jacksonville’s vibrant tapestry.
5. WWE Holiday Tour Live
December 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM
For fans of sports entertainment, the WWE Holiday Tour Live hits the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on December 28 at 7:00 PM. This dynamic event features popular WWE superstars in a night filled with adrenaline and excitement. Such events reinforce the importance of live entertainment in enhancing Jacksonville’s cultural landscape and highlight the role of community engagement in supporting local venues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl?
The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl is an annual college football bowl game featuring teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Southeastern Conference. The 81st edition is scheduled for December 27, 2026, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. The game is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. EST and will air on ABC.
When is the Venardos Circus “Far Beyond” show?
The Venardos Circus’s new production, “Far Beyond,” will be held at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on December 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, and on December 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 5:00 PM.
Where is the Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts game taking place?
The Jacksonville Jaguars will face the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on December 28, 2026, at 1:00 PM.
What is the Shen Yun performance?
Shen Yun is a cultural performance showcasing traditional Chinese music and dance. The show is scheduled for December 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts – Moran Theater.
When is the WWE Holiday Tour Live event?
The WWE Holiday Tour Live event is set for December 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.
Key Features of Jacksonville’s Last Weekend of 2026 Events
| Event | Date | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| TaxSlayer Gator Bowl | December 27, 2026, at 7:30 PM | EverBank Stadium | 81st annual college football bowl game featuring Virginia vs. Missouri |
| Venardos Circus: “Far Beyond” Show | December 27–28, 2026 | St. Augustine Amphitheatre | New production with multiple showtimes |
| Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts | December 28, 2026, at 1:00 PM | TIAA Bank Field | NFL matchup between local team and visiting Colts |
| Shen Yun Performance | December 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM | Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts – Moran Theater | Cultural performance showcasing traditional Chinese music and dance |
| WWE Holiday Tour Live | December 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM | VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena | Wrestling entertainment event featuring WWE superstars |
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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.
