Find Your Holiday Spirit in JAX
Dazzling lights, spectacular celebrations, sweet treats and eats… what more could you ask for? JAX is the best place to experience the magic of the holiday season — from holiday pop up bars to amazing light displays, there’s no shortage of opportunities to feel the enchantment of the holidays all throughout the region.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry: Holiday Pop Up Bars
Cheers to you, cheers to me, cheers to being merry! Enjoy festive fun at any of the whimsical destinations offering hand-crafted holiday cocktails throughout the region:
- Grey Matter Distillery, Atlantic Beach — A Home Alone themed bar and McCallister Speakeasy? Say less! With every inch of the distillery decked out in festive decorations and movie references galore, you can help Kevin defeat the Wild Bandits with any of their delicious Christmas spirits. Check out their Instagram page to stay tuned on the fun events happening throughout the season (name that tune is one of our favs!).
Photo Credit: Grey Matter Distillery
- Grape & Grain Exchange, San Marco — Sip, savor, and soak in the holiday cheer at Grape & Grain’s Christmas Miracle Pop-Up! Every year, Grape & Grain is adorned with over-the-top holiday décor and offers hand-crafted specialty cocktails that are sure to put you in the Christmas spirit as part of the worldwide Miracle Pop Up experience.
Photo Credit: Grape & Grain Exchange
- Red Gill Bistro, Jacksonville — Envision Santa on a surfboard instead of a sleigh, replace the classic pine tree with palms decked with ornaments and hang hibiscus garlands alongside tinsel—that’s the Sippin’ Santa spirit you’ll find at Red Gill Bistro! With holiday-themed cocktails like the Ho Ho Hot Buttered Rum, Merry Spritzmas and more, you’re sure to find a tasty drink that pairs well with their delicious food.
Photo Credit: Red Gill Bistro
- Forgotten Tonic, St. Augustine —A hidden neighborhood gem located in the heart of St. Augustine’s historic art district, Fogotten Tonic is also taking part in the Miracle Pop Up experience. Boasting a night of “festive debauchery,” their holiday menu features festive cocktails like the Christmapolitan, Rudolph’s Replacement and some mocktails too!
Photo Credit: Forgotten Tonic
- Tipsy Elf Bar, Downtown Jacksonville — This all-encompassing Christmas bar will have your festive dreams coming true with an unforgettable immersive, holiday experience at RL Lounge! This first-ever Tipsy Elf Christmas Bar to pop-up in Jacksonville is a ticketed event that includes a festive beverage, reserved seating and holiday games.
Photo Credit: Downtown Vision, Inc.
Light Up JAX This Holiday Season
In JAX, the lighted beauty of our cities and attractions can grow the hearts of even the grinchiest of Grinches. Be sure to check out these impressive light displays before you’re “rocking around the Christmas tree” to get in the holiday spirit:
- Deck the Chairs, Jacksonville Beach — Named one of America’s Most Unique Holiday Celebrations by People, Deck the Chairs is celebrating its 11th year as a spectacle that can’t be missed. A beloved tradition by locals, Seawalk Pavilion and Latham Plaza are radiant with decorated lifeguard chairs and scenes through January 1st.
Photo Credit: Deck the Chairs
- Night of Lights, St. Augustine — Heralded for their light displays with coverage from National Geographic Traveler, CNN Travel, USA TODAYand Coastal Living, more than three million lights are used in illuminating the nation’s oldest city, on buildings, in and around foliage and along the bayfront. Witness this spectacle by foot, car, carriage or guided tours. The two-month celebration ends January 28th.
Photo Credit: Florida’s Historic Coast
- Parade of Trees, Green Cove Springs — Walk through a holiday wonderland as Spring Park glows with 225 lit Christmas Trees every night until 10 pm through December 31st! Food trucks, craft tents and winter activities abound among the wonderfully decorated trees at this family-friendly holiday tradition.
Photo Credit: Fun 4 Clay Kids
- Colors of the Wild, Jacksonville Zoo — Step into awe where Asian lanterns take on life as animals and plants in a striking showcase of beauty with more than 70 displays at the Jacksonville Zoo’s newest event, Colors of the Wild. Each intricately designed lantern tells its own story about the importance of conservation, and illuminating the night with a magical glow in a breathtaking visual presentation.
Photo Credit: Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
- Dazzling Nights, Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens — Declared a magical experience for the entire family, the perfect date night and a great time with friends, this unique light display is on full display! Dazzling Nights at the Jacksonville Arboretum is a night-time immersive walking experience throughout the beautiful gardens guided by a bright, candy-cane corridor with thousands of brilliant, twinkling lights and snowflakes.
Photo Credit: Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
From all of us at Find Your JAX, we hope your holiday season is filled with loved ones, delicious drinks and eats, festive activities, cherished memories… and of course, that special gift you’re waiting for under the tree!