Oh man, oh man, oh man, oh man! Can you feel it, friends? I know I can! It’s driving me crazy and I just can’t contain my excitement any longer.
Christmas is almost here!!!!!
Okay, sorry. Let me calm back down for a moment. Oh, who am I kidding — you guys know me by now. Calm and yours truly do not go hand in hand by any means. But, for the sake of time, let me try this again!
Hello everyone! It’s Twinkle Nights’ resident Elf on the Shelf, Sparkle! Yes, I am so excited right now because Christmas is right around the corner. One of my favorite things to do during this time of the year — besides building toys and enjoying the beautiful lighting displays Twinkle Nights hangs throughout the area — is to celebrate with ceremonies and special events! So, consider this your guide to “All Things Christmas in North Central and Northeast Florida.”
I’ll be your tour guide as we look at several major areas throughout this region of things you do not want to miss this year! Let’s start in good ole’ Jacksonville!
My favorite events in Jacksonville, FL
Since you’re all from this area, I won’t get bogged down with telling you how to get to Jacksonville. But, I am going to give you a command. I know, I’ve been taking leadership classes with Santa, so maybe that came across a little too strong!
But, hear me out. There are six opportunities you do not want to miss (I put the link to the event next to each one so you can check out the details).
Remember friends, this weekend your mission is to head over to Jacksonville so that you can experience the wonder of:
- St. Johns Town Center Holiday Spectacular: This special event starts on November 9th at 2pm, so it’s right around the corner! (LINK)
- A Night of Wonder at Orange Park: The grand unveiling is November 29th at 5pm at the Orange Park Mall! (LINK)
- Deck the Chairs: Who can forget Jacksonville’s annual six-week holiday event supporting children? I know I sure can’t! (LINK)
- Jekyll Island’s “Holly Jolly Jekyll”: Just a little way up in neighboring George is Jekyll Island. Starting November 29th, their annual event kicks off, and, well…you’ll have to see the pictures to believe it! (LINK)
- Glowing Gardens at the Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens: A quick math problem for you. Lights + flowers equals what? If you said a beautiful experience, you’d be right. This also kicks off on November 29th! (LINK)
- Dickens on Centre Amelia Island: I love Charles Dickens. He was such an amazing author — especially with his Christmas stories (there are several in case you didn’t know!). Amelia Island runs a Dickens-themed festival from December 12th to 15th, so mark your calendars! (LINK)
Opportunities for Christmas fun in the Gainesville area
Okay, moving right along, let’s head back a bit closer to home base. By that, I mean head over to the Gainesville area because there are some great opportunities for Christmas celebrations that you need to check out!
- A Very GNV Holiday Parade: Coming up in early December — the 7th, to be exact, is the annual GNV Holiday Parade. After that, there is a dance party and other celebrations. Man, if it wasn’t crunch time for me, I know where I’d be that day! (LINK)
- Winter Wonderland at The YMCA: Did you know that Winter Wonderland is a new, growing, and already pretty popular Christmas event in the GNV area? Hosted by my friends at Twinkle Nights, the fun starts November 29th and lasts through December 29th. It’s each weekend evening from 5:30pm to 9pm. Be sure to secure your spot ASAP and let my friends know that I sent you their way! (LINK)
- Light Up Tioga: The Tioga Town Center hosts an annual Christmas event in the Gainesville region too! This one-night celebration is on December 7th from 5 to 8pm and helps to support the United Way! (LINK)
- Shoppes at Thornebrook Tree Lighting and Holiday Market: Do you like celebrating the holidays with various local vendors and experiences? Then be sure to mark your calendar for Friday, December 6th from 5 to 8pm. Man, just the thought of food trucks makes my mouth water, but it’s Christmas-themed so you know it’s going to be amazing! (LINK)
- Kirby Family Farm’s Christmas Express: What is it about Christmas that makes us nostalgic for the olden days of riding a train? I can’t say for sure, but what I do know is that you should be sure to visit the Christmas Train at Kirby’s Farm this year for a truly magical experience! Visit the link for dates and how to purchase tickets. (LINK)
Places to celebrate the season in Ocala and St Augustine!
Another great place on my list to visit this year for holiday fun is Ocala! Let’s get right to it!
- Ocala Christmas Parade: This great event happens on December 14th this year, so there’s plenty of time to get it on your calendar. Rumor has it that upwards of 60,000 people turn out for this because it’s so amazing! (LINK)
- Light Up Ocala: This one is coming up a little sooner than many of the others I’ve mentioned today, so be sure to mark it down. On November 23rd from 3 to 8pm, you can come out for Light Up Ocala! (LINK)
- Winter Wonderland at the World Equestrian Center: What can I say? Horses and Christmas seem to go together, and this ongoing event starts November 29th and lasts through December 23rd. Be sure to check it out if equestrian activities are your thing! (LINK)
Over in St. Augustine, there is a very famous ongoing celebration starting November 29th and lasting through January 26th! It’s called Nights of Lights, and the event happens — you guessed it, literally every evening between those dates. If you want to see over three million lights in a single evening, this is the place for you to go! (LINK)
All Things Christmas in North Central and Northeast Florida
Well, friends, I should get going — after all, what did I say earlier?
Christmas is almost here!!!!
I have lots to do still, and if you’re busy like I am, be sure to contact my friends at Twinkle Nights to get your holiday lighting setup booked ASAP before the season gets too far away from you!
Until next time!
Here are some other resources to help light up your holiday season!
Benefits of Using a Christmas Lighting Service: 6 Reasons to Take the Hassle Off Your Shoulders
How To Hang Lights To Music: Guide To Avoid A Christmas Nightmare
