There’s certainly no shortage of holiday fun across the First Coast this Thanksgiving week. Here’s a rundown of some of the biggest events on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday across the First Coast.
Thursday, November 22
Pete’s Bar Thanksgiving Day Party - Over the years Atlantic and Neptune beaches have become the home to the area’s biggest Thanksgiving Day block party thanks to Pete’s Bar. The tradition continues this year from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pete’s Bar is located at 117 First St., Neptune Beach. Additional information.
Friday, November 23
32nd Annual Chistmas Tree Lighting at the Jacksonville Landing – The annual lighting of downtown’s signature Christmas tree in the Landing courtyard, 2 W. Independent Drive, will be held Friday night. The 56-foot tree features more than 78,000 LED lights and more than 150 ornaments. Musical entertainment is included in the free event, which starts at 7 p.m. The tree will be lit at 8:30 p.m. Additional information.
St. Augustine Nights of Lights – Downtown St. Augustine is lit with white lights strung from trees in the Plaza de la Constitucion. The lights are up through Feb. 3, along with an extensive list of holiday events throughout the downtown area. A free shuttle runs from two parking locations north of downtown to the Visitor Information Center during peak times. Additional information.
30th Annual Christmas Made In the The South – The annual holiday crafts show at the Prime Osborn Convention Center, 1000 Water St., runs through Sunday. Admission: $7 adults, Children 12 and under free. Hours: Fri. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Additional information.
Downtown Fernandina Beach Pajama Party - Downtown merchants will have special offers, free services, treats, activities for kids, live music, and Santa along with a pajama contest, holiday music and block party on Second Street from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Additional information.
Saturday, November 24
Jacksonville Light Boat Parade – The annual parade of holiday-decorated boats is floating once again down the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville. The evening culminates with fireworks, including “waterfalls” off the Main Street and Acosta bridges. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. Additional information.
30th Annual Christmas Made In the The South – The annual holiday crafts show at the Prime Osborn Convention Center runs through Sunday. Admission: $7 adults, Children 12 and under free. Hours: Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Additional information.
St. Augustine Nights of Lights – Downtown St. Augustine is lit with holiday white lights. The annual event, that runs through Feb. 3, features an extensive list of holiday events throughout the downtown area, including a free shuttle from two parking locations north of downtown to the Visitor Information Center during peak times. Additional information.
Holly Jolly Jekyll Tree Lighting Festival – Jekyll Island, Georgia, hosts its annual Christmas tree lighting Saturday as part of its season long Holly Jolly Jekyll. The island will have a snow and an ice skating village along and plenty of holiday lights from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Jekyll Island’s National Historic Land District. Festival parking will be at Great Dunes Golf Course with shuttles. The free festival also includes a candy cane hunt. Additional information.
Annual Christmas On Walnut Street Festival In Green Cove Springs - Santa will be in the Pool Pavilion from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to hear kids' wish lists. The annual parade begins with a 1-mile Jingle Bell Fun Run at 5:45 p.m. At 8:30 p.m. the Parade of Trees will be lit. The festival will be held in and around Spring Park and City Hall in Green Cove Springs. Additional information.
Sunday, November 25
Deck The Chairs – Jacksonville Beach is lit up with beach-inspired holiday themes through January first with 40 decorated chairs and light shows. Additional information
30th Annual Christmas Made In the The South – Annual holiday crafts show at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. Runs through Sunday. Admission: $7 adults, Children 12 and under free. Hours: Sat. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Additional information.
St. Augustine Nights of Lights – Downtown St. Augustine is lit with holiday white lights. The annual event, that runs through Feb. 3, features an extensive list of holiday events throughout the downtown area, including a free shuttle from two parking locations north of downtown to the Visitor Information Center during peak times. Additional information.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org, 904-358-6349 or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
