The holidays are here and there are plenty of festive activities on the horizon this season. Gather the family for holiday parades, meet and greets with Santa, holiday cheer and more!
Here’s a look at the joyous celebrations taking place in Clay County –
Celebrate the Season in Orange Park
The Town of Orange Park and The Historical Society of Orange Park team up to bring you an old-fashioned holiday celebration – Hometown Holidays – on the evenings of December 8 and 9 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Clarke House Park. Explore the shopping village, enjoy family hayrides through a decorated trail of lights, live entertainment, Clarke House tours, photo opportunities with Santa and more. It may even snow! Admission and many activities are free!
Get Ready for Holiday Shopping
At the Orange Park Mall, visit the big man himself – Santa! Celebrate his arrival on Saturday, November 18th at 11:00 a.m. The Salvation Army Band will kick off the festivities along with reindeer pony rides from Pinto Farms and holiday goers can enjoy a cookie cake from Great American Cookies and the Grinch’s Hot Cocoa Bar.
For children with autism and related sensory sensitivities, visiting Santa can often mean crowded spaces, long lines and competing noise causing an overstimulating and upsetting environment. Sensitive Santa® provides a magical experience for guests and takes place on Sunday, December 3 and Sunday, December 10 from 10 am to 12 p.m. at the Orange Park Mall. Activities include crafts with Mrs. Claus, a cereal bar and a special gift from Santa. Advance registration is required.
Wrap up your holiday shopping at the Orange Park Farmer’s Market held the first and third Sunday in December at Orange Park Town Hall. With over 100 vendors featured each week, visitors can find homegrown items like fresh produce and honey, along with arts and crafts, live music and plenty of options for a bite to eat too.
Shop until you drop as the Vintage Market Days returns to the Clay County Fairgrounds December 1-3, 2023. This shopping extravaganza features upscale vintage-inspired market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, treats, seasonal plantings and more.
Time for a Holiday Show
At the Thrasher-Horne Center, celebrate the season as the Florida Ballet presents The Nutcracker. With numerous performances December 9-10. This enchanting classical ballet – set to the beloved music of Tchaikovsky – continues to enthrall audiences of all ages. A shortened version of this classic, named ‘The Nutcracker in a Nutshell’ is a 50-minute show meant for younger audience that may not be able to sit through the full-length production taking place later in the day on Saturday. Tickets are available online and at the box office.
Elvis comes to town to sing holiday classics on December 3rd at the Thrasher-Horne Center with his “Ultimate Elvis Christmas Show”. This concert event features The Ultimate Elvis Champion, Cote Deonath, alongside the world-renowned Infinit-E Tribute Band. Enjoy rock n’ roll favorites along with plenty of Christmas songs too.
Whether you choose a lunchtime matinee or a dinner show, don’t miss seeing Irving Berlin’s classic holiday story, Holiday Inn, at the Spotlight Center in Fleming Island. With showtimes throughout December, enjoy timeless holiday songs like “Easter Parade”, “Happy Holidays” and “White Christmas”.
Celebrate the holidays at the Island Theater in Fleming Island for a performance of “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Bring the whole family together for this holiday favorite featuring the story of George Bailey with shows taking place on select dates between December 14 through December 23.
Holiday Fun in Green Cove Springs
On Saturday, December 2, get ready for the Green Cove Springs Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Green Cove Springs Business League. The parade features 80 groups and area organizations marching their way through the city streets. The parade starts at the intersection of Houston Street and Highway 17 and will travel south on Highway 17. It will then do a U turn at Walnut Street and travel back North on Highway 17 giving everyone a great view from both sides of the street. The parade steps off at 6 p.m., so be sure to get there early for a great seat.
Get ready for a day of shopping local at the Christmas on Walnut Street event in Green Cove Springs. The fun takes place on December 2 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. with local makers and businesses helping you wrap up your holiday shopping. Santa will also be there meeting children at his workshop at the Spring Park pavilion. Enjoy food and craft vendors, live entertainment and a kids zone. The day wraps up with a 1-mile Jingle Bell Fun Run and the popular Christmas parade through town.
Take a stroll through the lights at the City of Green Cove Springs’ Parade of Trees in Spring Park. Each evening from December 2 through December 31, admire over 160 lit Christmas trees decorated by families, organizations and local businesses. The Parade of Trees is free and open to the public.
Discover more trees on display in Keystone Heights for the holiday season at the town’s iFestival of Trees. Local businesses and organizations will have their decorated trees on display at Keystone Heights Natural Park.
Have fun making memories together with your family however you choose to celebrate this holiday season in Clay County. To learn more about the cheerful fun taking place in Clay County this December, check out the Explore Clay Calendar of Events.
