14 minute read
December Events
by Jax4Kids
Beyond Van Gogh • Thru February 26
Beyond Van Gogh is a new truly immersive experience. While other shows use virtual reality or still images, this show incorporates both still and moving art. Masterpieces, now freed from frames, come alive, appear and disappear, and flow across multi-surfaces. The show is projected on every surface around you, which makes you feel as though you have stepped directly into a Van Gogh painting. The visual artwork is accompanied by a beautiful score. Tickets start at $23.99 for children and $39.99 for adults. Children 4 years and younger enter the show for free and do not require a ticket when accompanying an adult with a ticket. Immersive Art Space / 800-441-0819 / 119 West Beaver Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / vangoghjacksonville.com
Voyage to the Deep at MOSH Thru January 13, 2023
Based on French author Jules Verne’s 1870 classic 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, the exhibition brings to life the deep-sea adventures of Captain Nemo, his fantastical Nautilus submarine, and the mythical world he inhabited. The exhibition is designed to provide a range of interactive experiences including full-body interactions, mechanical and electro-mechanical exhibits, interactive projections, and touchscreens. Museum of Science and History / 904-396-6674 / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / themosh.org
St. Augustine Nights of Lights Thru January 31
The Annual Nights of Lights lights up St. Augustine with over three million lights. Nights of Lights is the winter holiday celebration in St. Augustine where each historic downtown business and many residents participate by lighting up their buildings. Nights of Lights holds the distinct honor as one of the 10 Best Holiday Displays in The World by National Geographic. The main plaza, called the Plaza de la Constitución, features lights draped around every tree. There's also a Christmas tree in the center where photos can be taken. The view of the Bayfront from the Bridge of Lions during Nights of Lights is also a favorite photo opportunity. Continues through January 31. Plaza de la Constitución / King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.oldcity.com
Ice! at Gaylord Palms • Thru January 1
During Christmas at Gaylord Palms, families can enjoy holiday displays that include more than 2 million twinkling Christmas lights. Explore acres of twinkling lights and decorations and holiday activities, shows, and events, featuring Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Activities include snow tubing, gingerbread house decorating, Cirque Spirit of Christmas, Shine Light Show, photos with Santa, Christmas Tree Trail, Snow Factory, Elf Training Academy, Naughty or Nice Escape Room, and more. Events are priced individually, or combo tickets are available. Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center / 407-586-0000 / 6000 West Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34746 / www. ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com Christmas. Showtimes are Tuesday through Sunday and include some matinee performances as well as evening shows. Tickets start at $66 per person plus tax. Children 12 and under are $40 plus tax. Reserve early, as tickets will sell out. Children under the age of 5 are not permitted. The dress code for the theatre is smart casual. Sports jackets are encouraged, but ties are not required. Please refrain from wearing overly casual attire such as jeans, t-shirts, and flip-flops. Alhambra Theatre & Dining / 904-641-1212 / 12000 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.alhambrajax.com
Dazzling Nights at Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens • Thru January 1, 5:30pm to 9pm
The Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens hosts Dazzling Nights, a holiday display featuring a million lights and interactive displays set up along winding pathways. There will be a photo opportunity in front of a unique 30’ tall towering Christmas tree, live entertainment, holiday-inspired food and drinks, interactive lights on the ground that light up when you walk on them, a forest of light and fog, a 65’ long tunnel of light, snow, and holiday music. Tickets must be purchased for a specific time and date and are not available at the door. Cost is $25 per adult and $22 per child (plus fees). Children 2 and under enter free. On-site Parking is $12 and must be purchased in advance, online only. Free off-site parking is available with complimentary shuttle service. Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens / 904-318-4342 / 1445 Millcoe Road, Jacksonville, FL 32225 / www.dazzlingjax.com
Journey to the Nativity December 2-3, 5:30pm to 8pm
Join River Christian Church and journey back in time to experience the story of Christ’s birth. Your journey begins with Christmas worship and then transitions back in time with a guided walking tour through RCC’s nativity. When you return to the present, you are invited to enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, and fellowship by campfires. This event is free and open to the community. Shuttles will be provided from the parking area on Radar Road to the event entrance. River Christian Church / 904458-4809 / 5900 US 17, Fleming Island, FL 32003 / riverchristian.church
Palm Valley Boat Parade December 3, 6pm
The annual Palm Valley Lighted Boat Parade will be held rain or shine, beginning at 6pm and reaching the final viewpoint by 9:30pm. The lighted spectacle covers over 7 miles of Palm Valley's Intracoastal Waterway and features a traditional parade experience for hundreds of uninterrupted docks, local restaurants, and noted public viewing areas. The parade will start 1 mile south of the Palm Valley Bridge. Address given is for reference only. Restaurants in the area do have good areas for viewing the parade during dinner. Be sure to make reservations in advance, as spots will fill up quickly. Palm Valley Outdoors / 904-395-5217 / 377 S Roscoe Blvd, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081/ www.palmvalleyboatparade.com
White Christmas at the Alhambra Thru December 24
The Alhambra presents the holiday classic White
Annual St. Augustine Christmas Parade December 3, 9am to 11am
St. Augustine’s Annual Christmas Parade ushers in DECEMBER 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 22
the holiday season with floats, festive decorations, and more. The parade begins at the Mission of Nombre de Dios at 27 Ocean Ave and continues through the downtown streets of historic St. Augustine along the Bayfront, ending behind the Visitors Center on Castillo Drive. Downtown St. Augustine / 904-824-4997 / 10 W. Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.floridashistoriccoast.com
Bank of America Museums on Us December 3-4
For the past 25 years, during the first full weekend of every month, Bank of America has offered valued cardholders free general admission to more than 225 cultural institutions in dozens of cities across the United States where their customers live and work. Museums on Us is available to Bank of America, Merrill, or Bank of America Private Bank (U.S. Trust) credit or debit cardholders during the first full weekend of every month. Excludes ticketed and special exhibitions and fundraising events. Bank of America / about.bankofamerica.com Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens / 904-3566857 / 829 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204 The Museum of Science and History (MOSH) / 904-396-7062 / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207
ELF the Musical • December 6-8, 7:30pm; December 9, 8pm; December 10, 2pm, 8pm; December 11, 1:30pm, 7pm
Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit, ELF the Musical features hit songs by Tony Award nominees. Tickets start at $40.50 and are available online. Everyone, including infants and toddlers, must have a theater ticket for admission. Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts / 904-632-5000 / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.fscjartistseries.org
Light the Park December 6, 5pm to 6pm
Join the Town of Orange Park as they light up Town Hall Park for the Holiday season. They will also have a reading of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Santa does not attend this event. The event is free. Town Hall Park / 904-278-3043 / 2042 Park Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073 / www.townoforangepark.com
Annual Gingerbread House Extravaganza December 8 – December 27
The Jacksonville Historical Society will host the 20th Annual Gingerbread Extravaganza. The event includes the traditional exhibit at Old St. Andrew’s Church, as well as a holiday gift shop. New this year: Kids Day will be held on Sunday, December 11. The special family day will feature a photo op with Santa Claus, a balloon artist, face painting artists, and more. All proceeds from the Gingerbread Extravaganza benefit the educational programs and archival repository of the Jacksonville Historical Society. Tickets are available online. Select days December 8 – 27. Old St. Andrew’s Church / 904-665-0064 / 317 A. Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxhistory.org
December 8, 7:30pm; December 9, 7:30pm; December 10, 3pm and 7:30pm; December 11, 3pm
Step inside Jacoby Symphony Hall decked in boughs of holly and swirling with snow, and surround yourself in a musical winter wonderland. The Jacksonville Symphony, dancers from Douglas Anderson School for the Arts, and other shining talent bring you the gift of the holiday season's most festive classics. Carol along with your family and friends in this cherished tradition and experience the joy Jacksonville awaits all year long. Tickets start at $27. Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, Jacoby Symphony Hall / 904-354-5547 / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org
Youth Night Out: Christmas Slumber December 9, 6pm to 9pm
Parents are invited to drop their kids off at the Solomon Calhoun Center for an evening of activities. Participants will come dressed in their pajamas and enjoy a movie on the big screen while eating popcorn and pizza. There will be carols, dancing, and more. This special event is limited. Cost is $5. Solomon Calhoun Center / 904-209-0379 / 1300 Duval Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.sjcfl.us
Florida Ballet: The Nutcracker December 9, 10:30am – Nutcracker in a Nutshell • December 9, 7:30pm; December 10, 2pm and 7:30pm; December 11, 2pm
The Florida Ballet presents The Nutcracker at the Thrasher-Horne Center. Set to the music of Tchaikovsky, the classic ballet is brought to life on stage. Tickets start at $28. There will also be a special Nutcracker VIP Experience available after the Saturday Matinee. Separate tickets must be purchased for the VIP Experience. A special abbreviated performance, "Nutcraker in a Nutshell," will be performed on December 9 at 10:30am. "Nutcracker in a Nutshell” is an abbreviated performance designed to introduce children to ballet as a performance art. This 50-minute performance will feature select excerpts from the full-length production, providing a fun-filled opportunity for families with younger children and students. Tickets are $15. Thrasher-Horne Center / 904-2766815 / 283 College Drive, Orange Park, FL 32065 / www.thcenter.org
Hometown Holiday in the Park December 9-10, 5pm to 9pm
The Town of Orange Park and The Historical Society of Orange Park team up to bring you an old-fashioned holiday celebration. This event features a shopping village, hayrides through the decorated trail of lights, live entertainment, Clarke House tours, photos with Santa, and more. It may even snow. Admission and many activities are free. Photos with Santa will have a fee for a digital image that will be emailed to you. Pony rides are $5 per ride. General parking is available across Kingsley at the First Baptist Church of Orange Park. Orange Park Police Officers will be on-site to help everyone safely cross Kingsley Ave. Limited handicapped parking is available within the park. Clarke House Park / 904-278-3043 / 1039 Kingsley Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073/ www.townoforangepark.com
The 31st Annual Community Nutcracker December 9, 7:30pm; December 10, 1pm and 7:30pm
The Community Nutcracker returns to the Florida Theatre. More than 200 children from Northeast Florida audition for and perform in the production. Additionally, The Community Nutcracker is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization that offers a portion of its proceeds to local charitable agencies. Tickets range from $20 to $59.50. Florida Theatre / 904-355-2787 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / jaxnutcracker.org
Budding Gardeners: Jolly Greens December 10, 9am to 11am
Children learn how to design a floral arrangement using holiday greenery during this festive event. Then, each of their designs will be entered in the Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow Flower Show. The program is free for members and $5 for nonmembers, but space is limited. Registration is required so that they know how many supplies to provide. Budding Gardeners is aimed at children in grades 1 through 6 to discover gardening, conservation, and wildlife through interactive programs, crafts, and outdoor projects. Children and their parents or caregivers collaborate during a morning of healthy and fun activities. A snack in sealed packaging will be served. Garden Club of Jacksonville / 904-3554224 / 1005 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / www.gardenclubjax.org
Regatta of Lights • December 10, 6pm
This is an annual holiday parade hosted by the St. Augustine Yacht Club. The parade features motorized vessels – sailboats, trawlers, shrimp boats, and many other vessels all-a-glitter with brilliant lighted displays ranging from patriotic to whimsical. Beginning at 6pm, the boats will light up St. Augustine's Matanzas Bay between the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Marcos. Parade can be viewed from along the Bayfront. Free. St. Augustine Bayfront / 904-824-9725/ Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.staugustineyachtclub.com
The Hip Hop Nutcracker December 12, 7pm
A holiday mash-up for the whole family. The Hip Hop Nutcracker re-imagines Tchaikovsky’s classic score through explosive hip hop choreography. A dozen all-star dancers, an on-stage DJ, and an electric violinist bring the traditional Nutcracker story to life in contemporary New York City. Tickets start at $39.50. Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202/ floridatheatre.com
Jacksonville Symphony: First Coast Nutcracker December 16, 8pm; December 17, 2pm and 8pm; December 18, 2pm
The First Coast Nutcracker returns to the Jacksonville Center for its 50th anniversary performance. Experience Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet with Jacksonville’s only full symphony orchestra. Performances are expected to last between 60 and 75 minutes, and there will be no intermission. Tickets start at $25. Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts – Moran Theater / 904-354-5547 / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland December 16, 7pm
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland brings the joy of the holiday season to all ages. This all-new production features some of the greatest holiday songs of all time performed with the world-renowned cast of Cirque Musica. Tickets start at $29.50. Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland VIP Meet & Greet tickets are also available. Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202/ floridatheatre.com
The Venardos Circus December 16 – January 1
Venardos Circus, a Broadway-style animal-free circus, is back on the road and returns to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. There will be multiple shows in the intimate red-and-white striped tent. Parking is free. Festive preshow entertainment begins an hour prior to showtime. Tent concessions will be available when doors open. Classic circus treats like fresh popcorn, cotton candy, housemade all-natural pink lemonade, nachos, hot dogs, packaged candy, and more are available. General Admission tickets start at $16.50 for youth under age 12 and $27 for adults. One child 12 months or younger free per paying adult if seated on a lap. Premium Reserved seating is available for premium pricing. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre / 904-209-0367 / 1340C A1A South, St. Augustine, FL 32080 / www.staugamphitheatre.com
Saint Augustine Ballet: The Nutcracker December 17, 1:30pm and 7pm; December 18, 2pm
The Saint Augustine Ballet presents the 14th Annual Nutcracker, a timeless classic featuring professional ballet dancers and dance students from around the area. This holiday favorite will be staged in Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College. Tickets range from $35 to $50. Lewis Auditorium / 855-222-2849 / 14 Granada Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.saintaugustineballet.com
Christmas Movie on the Lawn December 17, 7pm
Families are invited for a free showing of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Food trucks will be on-site if you would like to purchase food. There will also be door prizes for attendees. 1 Lord of Jax / 904-387-5888 / 5901 Vernon Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32209 / 1lord1faith1baptismoutreachministry.com
Nutcracker: Magic of Christmas Ballet 2022 December 21, 4pm and 8pm
The acclaimed holiday tradition is live in theaters for the 30th Anniversary tour. The show features larger-than-life puppets, acrobatics, and dazzling costumes. Experience the artistry of the international cast, featuring stars of Ukraine ballet. Tickets start at $33.50. VIP ticket packages are also available. Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202/ floridatheatre.com
EDITOR’S NOTE: Dates, times and locations are accurate at time of publication; events and activities listed in this guide are subject to change without notice. Visit Jax4Kids. com for updated information and more events!
TM & © New Line Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. Illustration by Hugh Syme. Photo by Amy Boyle.
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The Broadway Musical
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“SPLASHY, PEPPY, SUGAR-SPRINKLED ENTERTAINMENT!” DECEMBER 6-11
