Northeast Florida Shines Bright!
The Best Holiday Events of November and December
The holiday season in Northeast Florida is a magical time filled with light displays, parades, festivals, and community gatherings that bring locals and visitors together. From historic St. Augustine to the beaches of Jacksonville and the charm of Fernandina Beach, November and December transform the region into a festive celebration of coastal living, creativity, and community spirit.
November: Where the Holidays Begin
Nights of Lights – St. Augustine
Starting November 15, this world-famous event turns the nation’s oldest city into a glowing masterpiece. Millions of white lights illuminate the historic district from the bayfront to the Plaza de la Constitución. Locals and tourists alike stroll the cobblestone streets, take trolley tours, and enjoy the holiday magic that lasts through January.
Jacksonville Christmas Markets and Craft Fairs
November weekends are packed with markets across the city — from Riverside Arts Market to San Marco, Springfield, and the Beaches. Shoppers can browse handmade goods, local art, gourmet foods, and holiday décor while enjoying live music and food trucks.
Community Runs and Surf Competitions
Thanksgiving week brings annual favorites like the Turkey Trot races and Surf Into the Holidays events at Jacksonville Beach. These gatherings capture the area’s active, outdoor lifestyle — families running together in the morning, then heading to the coast for surf contests or beach festivals.
Amelia Island’s Dickens on Centre Preview
Although the main event happens in December, the anticipation builds in late November. Downtown Fernandina begins its transformation into a Victorian-style Christmas village, with merchants decorating storefronts and performers preparing for the season’s most charming festival.
December: The Season in Full Swing
Dickens on Centre – Amelia Island
December brings the official return of Dickens on Centre, when Fernandina Beach embraces the spirit of Charles Dickens. Costumed carolers, themed vendors, and horse-drawn carriages fill the streets with 19th-century nostalgia. It’s one of the most photographed holiday scenes in Northeast Florida.
Christmas Light Boat Parades – Jacksonville and St. Augustine
Holiday lights aren’t just on land. The Jacksonville Light Boat Parade and St. Augustine’s Regatta of Lights are signature events where boats decorated in twinkling displays glide across the water, creating unforgettable reflections of color and cheer.
Beaches Town Center Christmas Celebration
Atlantic and Neptune Beaches come alive with family-friendly fun, local performers, and a tree-lighting ceremony by the ocean. It’s a picture-perfect way to celebrate small-town charm and coastal tradition in one evening.
ZooLights at the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
Every December, the Jacksonville Zoo turns into a dazzling display of lights and holiday exhibits. It’s a must-visit for families and one of the area’s top seasonal attractions.
Deck the Chairs – Jacksonville Beach
Each winter, Jacksonville Beach’s iconic “Deck the Chairs” transforms the oceanfront into a dazzling holiday display unlike anything else in Florida. Local artists and businesses decorate more than 40 lifeguard chairs with creative lights, themes, and coastal flair — turning the beach into a festive outdoor gallery. The event also features nightly light shows, family activities, and performances throughout the season. It’s free, fun, and perfectly captures the community spirit of the beaches.
Celebrating Community and Connection
What makes the holidays in Northeast Florida special isn’t just the events themselves — it’s the sense of community they inspire. Each festival, parade, and market tells the story of a region that values togetherness, creativity, and celebration. Whether you’re sipping cocoa under the lights in St. Augustine, shopping small at a local market, or watching the boats drift by along the St. Johns River, these moments capture the heart of life on Florida’s First Coast.
November and December here aren’t just months on the calendar — they’re a reminder of why so many people love to call Northeast Florida home.
