Jacksonville, Florida, December 23, 2025
Jacksonville, Florida is gearing up for a vibrant holiday season with numerous family-friendly events leading up to the Gator Bowl. Highlighted events include the annual Gingerbread Extravaganza, Glowing Gardens at the Arboretum, and various festive performances. The community spirit shines as local businesses and families come together to celebrate, with activities that foster engagement and joy. The Gator Bowl, featuring teams from top conferences, adds to the excitement of this festive period, making it a perfect time for residents and visitors alike to participate in the local festivities.
Jacksonville, Florida – Upcoming Holiday Events and Gator Bowl
Celebrate the Season with Local Events and the Gator Bowl
Jacksonville, Florida is preparing for an exciting holiday season with numerous family-friendly events leading up to the much-anticipated Gator Bowl on December 27, 2025. The city showcases a colorful array of activities designed to engage both residents and visitors alike, reflecting the community’s spirit of resilience and creativity. It’s a testament to local organizers’ efforts and the minimal bureaucratic hurdles that allow such vibrant, festive gatherings to flourish.
As the holiday season approaches, Jacksonville’s vibrant community life stands out—these events not only bring joy but also foster local engagement. There’s a unique charm in how small businesses, families, and non-profits come together to create memories and celebrate in a beautifully decorated city. Each activity is a reminder of the power of community involvement and private initiative in nurturing Jacksonville’s thriving cultural landscape.
Annual Gingerbread Extravaganza
The 23rd Annual Gingerbread Extravaganza Experience marks a beloved tradition in our city, set to unfold at its new location in the Haskell Building of the Jacksonville History Center (318 Palmetto Street). Visitors can explore a holiday gift shop and partake in special activities, open daily from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. This experience promises a festive atmosphere that can delight individuals of all ages, reinforcing the importance of community events during the holiday season.
Glowing Gardens at Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
The Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is magically transformed into an enchanting wonderland with its second annual Glowing Gardens event. Spanning the entire month, this celebration showcases mesmerizing light displays, sculptures, and immersive experiences for attendees. Such events illustrate the remarkable potential of our public spaces when used creatively for community enjoyment and connection.
Colors of the Wild at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens
At the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, “Colors of the Wild” introduces an all-new collection of striking lanterns. This event, running on select nights through February 6, 2026, provides a colorful and imaginative experience, enhancing the local cultural offerings and highlighting the Zoo’s role as a vibrant community space.
Deck the Chairs at Latham Plaza and Seawalk Pavilion
Deck the Chairs transforms Latham Plaza and the Seawalk Pavilion into a festive holiday wonderland. This enchanting community event features over 40 lifeguard chairs adorned with creative decorations crafted by local businesses, artists, and non-profits. The stunning light displays evoke joy and creativity—an inspiring showcase of local artistry that reflects the goodwill of our community.
JAX Artist Walk on Ice in Riverside
Families can enjoy a refreshing twist on traditional winter fun at the JAX Artist Walk on Ice in Riverside, which remains open through January 19, 2026, at 718 Riverside Avenue. This event combines an ice skating experience with captivating displays from local artists, offering a delightful way to appreciate our area’s creative talents while having fun.
Upcoming Performances and Events
- Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland – December 22, 2025, at 7:00 pm at the Florida Theatre. A festive performance combining circus acts with holiday music.
- Venardos Circus Far Beyond – An All New Show – December 22, 2025, at 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. A unique circus experience with a fresh twist.
- Jacksonville Icemen vs. Orlando Solar Bears – December 26, 2025, at 7:00 pm at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. A thrilling hockey match between local teams.
- Venardos Circus Far Beyond – An All New Show – December 26, 2025, at 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Additional performances of the popular circus show.
- TaxSlayer Gator Bowl – Virginia vs. Missouri – December 27, 2025, at 7:30 pm at EverBank Stadium. The 81st annual Gator Bowl featuring teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Southeastern Conference. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. EST and will air on ABC.
- Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts – December 28, 2025, at 1:00 pm at TIAA Bank Field. An exciting NFL matchup to close out the weekend.
- WWE Holiday Tour Live – December 28, 2025, at 7:00 pm at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. A festive wrestling event featuring popular WWE superstars.
Tickets for these events can be checked via official channels to confirm availability. Staying connected with local event listings will ensure that residents and visitors do not miss out on any holiday opportunities.
About the Gator Bowl
The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl is a premier college football bowl game that will take place on December 27, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. The 81st annual Gator Bowl is set to feature the Virginia Cavaliers from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Missouri Tigers from the Southeastern Conference. The matchup, set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. EST and broadcasted on ABC, promises to be an exhilarating highlight of the holiday sports calendar.
If you’re interested in attending, be sure to check the Gator Bowl website for the latest information on ticket availability and additional event details.
Engage with Jacksonville’s Vibrant Community
Jacksonville’s holiday season is abundant with diverse events that cater to various interests. Whether you’re drawn to festive light displays, thrilling sports matches, or heartwarming performances, the city’s celebrations offer something for everyone. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to explore local calendars and event listings to stay updated and partake in the joys of Jacksonville’s holiday spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Gingerbread Extravaganza Experience?
The Gingerbread Extravaganza Experience is a holiday event featuring a gift shop and special activities, open daily from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
How long will the Glowing Gardens event last?
The Glowing Gardens event at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens will be celebrated for a month, transforming the area into a display of lights and sculptures.
When does the Colors of the Wild event run?
The Colors of the Wild event at the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens runs on select nights through February 6, 2026.
What is Deck the Chairs?
Deck the Chairs is a community event at Latham Plaza and the Seawalk Pavilion showcasing over 40 lifeguard chairs creatively decorated by local artists and businesses in a dazzling display of lights.
When is the Gator Bowl scheduled?
The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl is scheduled for December 27, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. EST at EverBank Stadium, featuring Virginia vs. Missouri.
Key Features of Jacksonville’s Holiday Events
| Event | Date | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gingerbread Extravaganza | Daily through holidays | Jacksonville History Center | Gift shop and special activities |
| Glowing Gardens | Throughout December | Jacksonville Arboretum | Light and sculpture displays |
| Colors of the Wild | Through February 6, 2026 | Jacksonville Zoo | Lantern displays |
| Deck the Chairs | Throughout December | Latham Plaza and Seawalk Pavilion | Decorated lifeguard chairs |
| JAX Artist Walk on Ice | Through January 19, 2026 | Riverside Avenue | Ice skating and art |
| Gator Bowl | December 27, 2025 | EverBank Stadium | Football matchup between Virginia and Missouri |
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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.
