Holiday lights near Jacksonville for families (2026)
Checked · Covers Oct 28 – Jan 15 · All times are local Eastern Time
We list 3 holiday light events around Jacksonville for Oct 28 – Jan 15: 2 displays running for weeks and 1 one-night event. Displays that run for weeks come first, then one-night parades and tree lightings around Jacksonville. Popular nights can sell out, so check the official page before you go.
Light displays open for weeks
ZOOLights at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
- When
- Fri, Nov 20 – Sun, Jan 3 (Select nights Nov 20–Jan 3) · 6–10pm (timed entry)
- Cost
- Non-members $30 or $35 depending on date (buy online); 2 and under free
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Holiday light displays across the zoo with timed entry and visits with Santa. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas; some nights sell out.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Nights of Lights in St. Augustine
- When
- Sat, Nov 21 – Fri, Jan 15 (Nightly from dusk, Nov 21 – Jan 18) · Lights on nightly from dusk; Light-Up! Night Sat Nov 21, 4–7:30pm (lighting ceremony 6:30pm at the Plaza)
- Cost
- Light-Up! Night admission free; trolley and carriage tours cost extra
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
About 3 million white lights cover St. Augustine's historic downtown for the 33rd Nights of Lights. It's a walking event best seen on foot; the city runs free park-and-ride shuttles on select nights. The season starts with Light-Up! Night on Nov 21: Showtime USA at City Hall at 4pm, the All-Star Orchestra at the Plaza gazebo at 5:30pm, and the switch-flip at 6:30pm.
✓ Checked Oct 28, 2026 on the organizer's official page
One-night light parades and tree lightings
Holiday River Fest: Tree Lighting, Light Boat Parade & Fireworks
- When
- Sat, Nov 28 · From 5pm; tree lighting 6:25pm; boat parade 6:30pm; fireworks ~8:30pm
- Cost
- No tickets listed
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
The city’s holiday kickoff downtown: family activities and hot cocoa from 5pm, tree lighting at 6:25, the Light Boat Parade at 6:30 and fireworks around 8:30pm.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Frequently asked questions
When do holiday lights open around Jacksonville in 2026?
2 light displays on our list run for weeks: ZOOLights at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens (Jacksonville, Nov 20 – Jan 3) and Nights of Lights in St. Augustine (St. Augustine, Nov 21 – Jan 15).
How much do ticketed light displays near Jacksonville cost?
Prices from the official pages: ZOOLights at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens (Non-members $30 or $35 depending on date, buy online) and Nights of Lights in St. Augustine (Light-Up! Night admission free). See all 3 above. Prices can change by night.
Can kids see Santa at a light display near Jacksonville?
Yes. 1 light event on our list has Santa: ZOOLights at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens (Jacksonville, Nov 20 – Jan 3). Some charge extra for Santa photos.
Which holiday lights events near Jacksonville need tickets or registration?
1 event on our list says on the official page that it needs advance tickets, timed entry or registration: ZOOLights at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens (Jacksonville). Book through each official page.
Which Jacksonville-area cities have holiday lights events?
We list holiday lights events in 2 cities, including Jacksonville (2) and St. Augustine (1).
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How we build this page: each event comes from the organizer's official website and shows the date we checked it. An event is called free only when its official page says so. Read how we verify listings.
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