Looking for some family events surrounding the holidays? The way we are all celebrating the holidays will look a little different this year, but there are still a variety of events available to get into the holiday spirit! Below is a roundup of some fun, family-friendly, holiday activities near Kings Bay.
WinterFEST at Adventure Landing
Looking for something a little “cool” to do? WinterFEST at Adventure Landing brings the concept of a “white Christmas” to Jacksonville. This event transforms the waterpark into a fun, family friendly winter wonderland, with Santa’s Workshop, holiday lights, smores, ice skating and a fun village with winter window displays. They recommend you purchase your tickets in advance. If you want to catch Santa, make sure you check their schedule. The festival runs thru January 3rd.
Jax Illuminations Drive Thru Christmas Lights
Enjoy a socially distanced drive through holiday light display down in Jacksonville. Load up your car (up to 7 people), tune your car radio to the special holiday station, and watch the lights dance to the music. The display is open nightly through January 2. Check out their website for information regarding operating times and to purchase tickets.
Christmas in the Cathedral District-Let There Be Light!
Located in the Cathedral District of Jacksonville, this event usually includes a Christmas Market, tours of local churches, musical performances and light display. This year, the District has created a drive through light display, with many of the churches illuminated. The event is even visible from the I-95 and the Acosta, Main Street, Heart and Mathews Bridges. For more information, or to listen to the guided audio tour, visit the Cathedral District Website. The display will run until December 31th.
ZOOlights at the Jacksonville Zoo
Come enjoy an outdoor, socially distanced light display at the Jacksonville Zoo. This event transforms the Zoo into a winter wonderland. In addition to the fun light displays, there are performers, carolers, hot chocolate, s’mores and adult beverages. This event is available December 17-20, 26-31 and January 1-3. Tickets MUST be purchased in advance.
Santa Special at the Georgia Coastal Railway
If you are looking for a fun activity for the children, this Santa Special has two different components: an open air railcar experience and a climate controlled Christmas show. The open air experience includes Santa and elves coming on board for pictures. The climate controlled cars include the “Nutcracker Realms Experience”. Tickets for the climate controlled car are sold per seating group due to COVID restrictions.
Set Sail with Santa
On Saturday, December 12, Santa will make an appearance at the St. Mary’s waterfront! Those with boats can decorate their boats and use the public docks to line the waterfront (if using your boat, you must arrive and be docked by 5pm). From the waterfront, enjoy a free show, with Santa sailing down the waterfront and enjoy some hot chocolate and Christmas music. Visit Facebook for more information relating to this event.
Christmas in the Park
On Saturday, December 12 from 2:oopm-5:00pm, come enjoy a winter festival at Lions Park in Kingsland. This event will include hot chocolate, s’mores, face painting and Santa. Masks and social distancing is required at this event.
Looking for more events? Visit the Kings Bay MWR page for information on Buddy the Elf’s Winterland Stroll. You can also find more events in Kingsland, St. Marys and the MWR at NAS Jacksonville, which also has a variety of holiday events including a Holiday Photo Trail.