Weekend Guide 15+ Things To Do in Jax This Weekend

  • by
  • December 17, 2020

Photo credit: Jerry Genuine McGovern

The holidays are upon us and we have a fun filled list of activities for you to enjoy this weekend! The temperature might be lower than us Floridians are used to but no problem you can stay warm in your car while looking at Christmas lights, drive in movies, and more! Don’t forget to tag us @904happyhour & #904happyhour Stay safe out there!

904 Pop Up 

The 904 Pop Up: Holiday Edition! Happening at the James Weldon Johnson Park this Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm! There will be creative artists, makers, local businesses, fashion photographers, vintage collectors, artisans, food trucks and live music. This event is free and pet friendly. 

Celebrate on Jekyll Island 

The holidays are here, and Jekyll Island is one of our top holiday road trip destinations to visit! Jekyll Island is just a little over an hour away from Jacksonville and is transforming into a winter wonderland with over a half-million lights, holiday events and so much more! Enjoy the Holly Jolly Jekyll season from November 27- January 3!

All of the Events on the Island

Christmas Concert 

Michael W. Smith is bringing his iconic Christmas show to Jacksonville! The highly anticipated full band show will feature holiday classics spanning his expansive catalogue at Thrasher-Horne Center in Orange Park this Saturday.

Get Tickets

Christmas Lights Contest Sponsored by Daily’s 

Tis the season to decorate! Home Registration is now open for our annual Holiday Home Decorating Contest presented by Daily’s! We will be giving away over $1,000 in cash, prizes and trophies to the top decorated homes around the 904! To enter your home, please send 3-8 photos and include your address by email to [email protected]!

Check Out All The Homes

Where to see the best Christmas Lights?

It's officially that time of year! We all want to see the best Christmas Lights, but where do you go? We've compiled a list of the best spots to bring the family to see the ultimate Christmas Light displays.

List of Best Spots

Riverside Luminaria 

For the 36th year, Riverside Avondale Preservation's Luminaria brings the people of Riverside and Avondale together for a night of lights, celebrations, and good cheer. 

The celebration begins when neighborhood luminaries are lit at dusk this Sunday.

Get More Info

Get Outdoors & Explore

As the largest city by land area in the United States, Jacksonville has a ton of amazing places to explore. Keep moving this December by exploring our curated list of the best parks, trails, lakes, beaches and other outdoor recreational areas in North Florida. We’ve also included tips for staying active at home!

See Decembers Parks & Start Exploring

Gingerbread House Extravaganza

The Jacksonville Historical Society is hosting the 18th Annual Gingerbread Extravaganza at Old St. Andrews Church! Come check out over 50 homemade extravagant Gingerbread Houses at the annual event happening in one of Jacksonville oldest churches.

Get More Info

Kanine Social Ugly Sweater Party

This Saturday it’s going to snow at Kanine Social’s 3rd Annual Ugly Sweater Party presented by Bud Light happening from 5 – 9 pm! Join for a night of snow, ugly sweaters, Christmas shopping, live music, photos with Santa, and more! Dress in your ugliest sweater to participate in a variety of contests!

Get More Info

Free Holiday Movie: ELF

This Sunday at the Florida Theatre ELF will be playing starting 2 pm. This is a socially distanced event with safety protocols in place. Admission is free with a canned or nonperishable food item per one per adult and per child. Donations will be received by Feeding Northeast Florida. 

Sun-Ray Cinema Pop-Up Drive In

All month long Sun-Ray Cinema will be showing Holiday Movies at Tailgaters Parking in downtown Jax! A collaboration toy drive for United Way of Northeast Florida will be going on throughout December. Enjoy a movie and help a good cause!

Movie Showing + Times

San Marco Luminaria 

Lighting up San Marco this Saturday at dusk. This year there will be a guided walking route completely lit with luminaries for San Marco’s Night to Shine!

Miracle Pop Up Christmas Bars

Happening now until Christmas, Miracle Pop-Ups coming to two locations: Miracle on the Square at Grape & Grain Exchange in Jacksonville, and Miracle at Forgotten Tonic in St. Augustine. Miracle pop-up bars are festive, fun and whimsical destinations for gathering with friends to enjoy delicious seasonal drinks, and 2020 will bring the same holiday magic along with a few twists to keep the health and safety of guests a top priority.  

Learn More

Order Holiday Cupcakes from Sweet by Holly

It’s pure holiday magic when you serve cupcakes baked in festive flavors like Peppermint Red Velvet, White Chocolate Mocha and Ginger Bread. The Hollyday Collection of Hand decorated cupcakes features 12 unique seasonal designs, that can be picked up or delivered straight to your door. Sweet by Holly offers a variety of cupcakes, cakes, and more delicious desserts and are a 3x Cupcake Wars Award Winner!

Visit their website

Enjoy a Night Cruise Through Downtown Jax

Experience JAX from the St. Johns River and enjoy a night cruise on Kraken Cycle Boats pedal-powered party on the water

​Coupon: All December, save 20% off Private Cruises or Individual Tickets when you use promo code “Holiday904” at checkout. Valid for new bookings only.

Learn more

Take a Break From The Holiday Craziness & Enjoy Some Self Care @ Thrive

Thrive is Jacksonville’s premier IV hydration & medical spa with locations in Durbin Park & the St. Johns Town Center! This month they have several specials including:

  • Holiday Happy Hour: Every day from 1-4pm, take advantage of 20% off any IV bag of $100 or greater
  • Emscuplt: Buy a package of 4, get 2 sessions free
  • Latisse: 20% off all month
  • Facials: Free add on with any facial including red light therapy, blue light therapy, dermaplaning, eye perk, or lip perk
  • Freebie: Spend $250 or more and get a special gift such as ZO Skin Care, Free B12 Booster, $40 off IV's + more
  • Plus ALL MONTH, Bring 5 canned food items and get a free B12 Booster

Learn more

Start Eating Healthier for Bikini Season Next Year

Try fully customizable, fresh, healthy and local meals available throughout North Florida from our friends at Superfit Foods. Pick up or have it delivered from the many convenient locations around town.

COUPON: Get 25% OFF your first order with promo code “904”

Learn More

ZooLights

ZOOLights will immerse guests in a joyous multimedia light and musical experience. The season will come alive through different zones combined with twinkling replicas of zoo animals, strolling performers, carolers, hot chocolate, s'mores, and ever-warming adult beverages. Dates are December 17-20, 26-31 & January 1-3 from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Get tickets + more info

Wicked Barley Ugly Christmas Party 

It's the Most Wonderful Time for a Beer... AND time for Wicked Barley's 5th annual Ugly Sweater Party and Holiday Charity Drive! Dust off your Ugly Sweaters and join on Saturday, for an ALL DAY family friendly Holiday Party benefiting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville, Inc. This year's festivities include a holiday inspired tap list, sweet treat pop-up shops and a visit from SANTA!

Last Minute Gift Guide 

If you're still searching for the perfect gift, then fear not! Explore our Last Minute Gift Guide for a list of our local favorite businesses that have the perfect gifts in stock and ready to wrap. 

Check out the Gift Guide

 

For more ways to stay active & healthy this December, check out our Keep Jax Moving page in partnership with Baptist Health.

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