It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year in JAX!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year (especially here in Northeast Florida!). With the region’s countless holiday attractions and festivities, there is no better place to celebrate the season. Whether you’re looking to spend the day at a holiday event or if a festive pop up bar is more your speed, JAX has got you covered.

Here are a few ways you can celebrate the holidays in JAX:

Indulge in a delicious holiday treat and drink

Since 2021, Grey Matter Distillery in Atlantic Beach has celebrated the season by bringing a popular holiday movie to life. Running now until the first week of January, this bar will completely transform with Christmas Vacation decorations, making you feel like you stepped right into the movie! They will also be offering special holiday drinks throughout the season as well as trivia and scavenger hunts on select nights. This is the perfect spot for a date night!

Why not start your morning with some holiday cheer? Foxtail Coffee Co. has locations all across the region, including St. Augustine and San Marco, and it is the perfect spot to stop for a delicious cup of joe. From a gingerbread dirty chai to a peppermint mocha, this coffee shop has something for everyone.

FYJ Pro tip: For a list of more coffee shops around the Jacksonville region, check out our coffee tour blog series!

Located in Jacksonville Beach, Cinotti’s Bakery is the ideal spot for a holiday treat. The desserts they offer here are endless, including adorable Christmas cookies with a variety of themes like a yule log cake. Also, if cooking is not your thing… you can pick up a pre-made holiday dinner to save you the time and trouble!

Photo Credits: Grey Matter Distillery

Attend a holiday event in JAX

Every year, the old St. Andrew’s Church in Downtown Jacksonville will showcase tons of beautifully decorated gingerbread houses. From popular JAX spots to more of a classic gingerbread house, the themes shown at this event are very creative. Santa Claus will also be stopping by on December 14th  to take pictures and hear what the young ones want for Christmas!

Need an event that would be fun for the whole family? On December 13th and 14th, Santa Claus and the North Pole Express conductor will be visiting the Beaches Museum in Jacksonville Beach for a day full of fun! They will be offering train rides, exciting holiday crafts and delicious holiday treats. This event is only for two days, so make sure to grab your tickets now!

Name a better tour guide than the Grinch… we’ll wait! During the holiday season, the grinch will be taking people all around St. Augustine to view popular attractions and sight-seeing spots. During the tour, there will be lots of laughs and great photo opportunities. This is a great idea for a friends night out!

Photo Credits: Visit Jacksonville

Go see a holiday show

Take a trip through Christmas past, present and future all while watching A Christmas Carol. The Florida Theatre in Downtown Jacksonville will be showing this holiday classic on December 22nd. Make sure to get your tickets because you will not want to miss this!

This show has been a Northeast Florida tradition for over 50 years, so if you haven’t already, this is a must-do during this holiday season! The First Coast Nutcracker includes beautiful dances and songs that will definitely put you in the holiday spirit. This show will be running from December 13th-15th at the Jacksonville Symphony in Downtown Jacksonville.

If you love comedy, then this show is for you! Alhambra Theatre & Dining in Intracoastal West will be showing A Christmas Story, the Musical, from now until the end of December. This show will make you laugh, smile and want to sing along!

Photo Credits: Jacksonville Symphony

It’s clear that JAX knows how to celebrate the holidays! Whether that be all of the exciting events or the delicious treats. How will you #FindYourJAX this holiday season?

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