Jacksonville, Florida, December 18, 2025
In Jacksonville, a variety of festive events are happening during the last weekend before Christmas, from December 20 to December 22. These include concerts, dance performances, and holiday markets. Enjoy pleasant weather and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with activities such as ‘Christmas in Motion,’ the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade, and a scenic outdoor ice rink. Families can gather to explore the city’s diverse offerings as the community comes alive with the joy of the season.
Jacksonville, Florida: Festive Events for the Last Weekend Before Christmas
As the final weekend before Christmas approaches, Jacksonville offers a variety of festive events to celebrate the season. Here’s a roundup of activities taking place from December 20 to December 22, 2025.
Weather Forecast
Enjoy pleasant weather throughout the weekend:
- Saturday, December 20: Sunny, High: 67°F (19°C), Low: 44°F (7°C)
- Sunday, December 21: Sunny, High: 72°F (22°C), Low: 53°F (12°C)
- Monday, December 22: Mostly sunny, High: 67°F (20°C), Low: 56°F (13°C)
Featured Events
Wehner’s School of the Arts Presents “Christmas in Motion”
On December 20 at 7:30 PM, the Thrasher-Horne Center will host “Christmas in Motion,” featuring over 80 dancers and a live band performing holiday favorites. Tickets start at $25.
Cool Side of Yuletide Holiday Concert
The Jacksonville Children’s Chorus and Voices of Jacksonville will perform seasonal favorites and sing-alongs on December 20 at 2 PM and 5 PM at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church.
Vienna Light Orchestra Performance
Experience the Vienna Light Orchestra’s holiday concert on December 16 at the Florida Theatre, featuring classics like “White Christmas” and “Ave Maria.”
Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland
On December 22, the Florida Theatre will host “Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland,” blending acrobatics, seasonal music, lights, and theatrical magic.
JAX Artist Walk on Ice & Holiday Market
From November 28 through January 19, the Artist Walk Park transforms into a festive winter destination with an outdoor ice rink and a holiday market curated by Riverside Arts Market. The ice rink operates Monday–Thursday from 4–9 PM, Friday from 4–10 PM, Saturday from 10 AM–10 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM–8 PM. The holiday market is open Friday from 5–8 PM, Saturday from 2–8 PM, and Sunday from 2–8 PM.
Riverside Avondale Preservation’s Luminaria
On December 21 at dusk, streets and sidewalks in Riverside Avondale will be lined with candlelit bags, creating a festive atmosphere best appreciated on foot or by slow local transit.
Jacksonville Light Boat Parade
Celebrate the start of the holidays with this free, family-friendly event. The Jacksonville Light Boat Parade has been a true tradition for over 30 years, featuring a fleet of decorated boats along the St. Johns River, followed by a fireworks display.
Additional Activities
Holiday Pops Concert
The Jacksonville Symphony’s Holiday Pops concert will be held from December 4–7 at Jacoby Symphony Hall, featuring the full orchestra, Symphony Chorus, and guest vocalists Carole Bufford and Campbell Walker Fields.
Sarah Brightman: A Winter Symphony
On December 6, the world’s biggest-selling soprano and GRAMMY-nominated artist, Sarah Brightman, returns with her new holiday spectacle, “A Winter Symphony,” at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.
Cathedral Hill Christmas Walking Tour
On December 6, experience a two-hour stroll through history, architecture, and the glowing artistry of stained glass in Cathedral Hill, led by local historian Mike Field.
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. Performances are scheduled for December 12, 13, and 14.
Third Thursday Sip & Stroll
On December 18, join the Third Thursday Sip & Stroll 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. This event is free to attend.
Ongoing Attractions
Colors of the Wild Lantern Experience
The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens hosts “Colors of the Wild,” a nighttime lantern experience presented on select nights from November 22, 2025, through February 8, 2026. The walk-through format emphasizes illuminated wildlife scenes and themed zones that change year to year, with clearly posted operating dates.
Jacksonville Holiday Market
The 3rd Annual Jacksonville Holiday Market will be held on December 13 at the Adam W. Herbert University Center, featuring over 50 local retailers. Admission is free, and the event is designed to engage community participation and stimulate local commerce during this bustling season.
Farm & Flea Holiday Market
This year’s second annual Farm & Flea Holiday Market will showcase local vendors in a lively setting on December 10 at Edgewood Avenue S. This free event promotes community engagement and supports local artisans while offering unique shopping experiences for the holidays.
Plan Your Visit
With a variety of events and activities, Jacksonville offers something for everyone this holiday season. Be sure to check event websites for the most current information and any potential updates.
FAQ
What is the weather forecast for Jacksonville during the last weekend before Christmas?
Enjoy pleasant weather throughout the weekend:
- Saturday, December 20: Sunny, High: 67°F (19°C), Low: 44°F (7°C)
- Sunday, December 21: Sunny, High: 72°F (22°C), Low: 53°F (12°C)
- Monday, December 22: Mostly sunny, High: 67°F (20°C), Low: 56°F (13°C)
What are some featured events in Jacksonville during the last weekend before Christmas?
Featured events include:
- Wehner’s School of the Arts Presents “Christmas in Motion”: December 20 at 7:30 PM at the Thrasher-Horne Center. Tickets start at $25.
- Cool Side of Yuletide Holiday Concert: December 20 at 2 PM and 5 PM at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church.
- Vienna Light Orchestra Performance: December 16 at the Florida Theatre.
- Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland: December 22 at the Florida Theatre.
- JAX Artist Walk on Ice & Holiday Market: November 28 through January 19 at Artist Walk Park.
- Riverside Avondale Preservation’s Luminaria: December 21 at dusk in Riverside Avondale.
- Jacksonville Light Boat Parade: A free, family-friendly event featuring decorated boats along the St. Johns River, followed by a fireworks display.
What are some additional activities happening in Jacksonville during the last weekend before Christmas?
Additional activities include:
- Holiday Pops Concert: December 4–7 at Jacoby Symphony Hall.
- Sarah Brightman: A Winter Symphony: December 6 at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.
- Cathedral Hill Christmas Walking Tour: December 6, a two-hour stroll through history and architecture in Cathedral Hill.
- First Coast Nutcracker: December 12, 13, and 14, a Jacksonville Symphony tradition.
- Third Thursday Sip & Stroll: December 18 on the Southbank Riverwalk, featuring Mr. and Mrs. Claus and hot chocolate.
What are some ongoing attractions in Jacksonville during the holiday season?
Ongoing attractions include:
- Colors of the Wild Lantern Experience: November 22 through February 8 at the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens.
- Jacksonville Holiday Market: December 13 at the Adam W. Herbert University Center, featuring over 50 local retailers.
- Farm & Flea Holiday Market: December 10 at Edgewood Avenue S, showcasing local vendors.
Key Features of Jacksonville’s Holiday Events
| Event | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas in Motion | December 20 | Thrasher-Horne Center | Over 80 dancers, tickets from $25 |
| Cool Side of Yuletide Holiday Concert | December 20 | Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church | Two performances |
| Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland | December 22 | Florida Theatre | Acrobatics and seasonal music |
| Jacksonville Light Boat Parade | December (TBD) | St. Johns River | Free event, family-friendly |
| Riverside Avondale Preservation’s Luminaria | December 21 | Riverside Avondale | Candlelit bags along streets |
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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.
