The holidays are upon us and there’s no shortage of festive fun on the horizon this season. Get ready for fall festivals, holiday parades, Santa sightings and plenty of holiday shopping too.
Here’s a look at the joyous celebrations taking place in Clay County –
Hometown Holidays
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 13 and 14, 2024 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Clarke House Park. Explore the shopping village, enjoy family hay rides 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!
Oakleaf Christmas Parade
On December 14, 2024, join the holiday celebration at the 2nd annual Oakleaf Christmas Parade. In addition to the parade, shop from local vendors, dine with local food trucks and enjoy hot cocoa with residents and visitors to the Oakleaf area.
Keystone Heights Christmas Parade
Also on December 14, make your way to Keystone Heights for the 2024 Christmas Parade. Take part in festive activities at the Keystone Beach Historic Pavilion sponsored by The Lake Region Kiwanis Club. Be on the lookout for Santa Claus while you’re there!
Holiday Shopping
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 1 and Sunday, December 8 from 9 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.
Orange Park Farmer’s Market
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.
Charming Sisters Christmas Market
On Saturday, December 14th, make your way to the Clay County Fairgrounds as local planners, Charming Sisters Events presents The Christmas Market. Shop for holiday gifts and décor from more than 80 vendors featuring Christmas decorations, jewelry, candles, clothing and plenty of handmade goods. Local food trucks will be on-site.
Time for a Holiday Show
At the Thrasher-Horne Center, celebrate the season as Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Christmas comes to Clay County on December 8, 2024. This unique entertainment experience utilizes light, technology and music to tell captivating stories. The holiday story is set to feature timeless holiday hits, including Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey and Tchaikovsky. Tickets are available online and at the box office.
Christmas with the Celts
Enjoy ‘Christmas with the Celts’ at the Thrasher-Horne Center on December 17, 2024. This production combines timeless ancient Irish Christmas Carols and lively Irish dance with modern contemporary songs but with Irish instrumentation. The show is celebrating their 14th year of touring.
7th Annual Wehner’s Christmas Spectacular
Make it a family affair at the 7th annual Wehner’s Christmas Spectacular on December 21, 2024. Inspired by the Radio City Rockettes, the show features 90+ dancers from the Wehner’s School Of The Arts and accompanied by the professional musicians of Wehner Weddings. Tickets are available online and at the box office.
A Christmas Carol- The Musical
Whether you choose a lunchtime matinee or a dinner show, don’t miss seeing a holiday favorite at the Spotlight Center in Fleming Island. With showtimes throughout December, enjoy timeless “A Christmas Carol – The Musical” and the Spotlight Kids production of “A Year Without Santa Claus”.
White Christmas
Celebrate the holidays at the Island Theater in Fleming Island for a performance of “White Christmas”. Bring the whole family together for this holiday favorite featuring the story of George Bailey with shows taking place on select dates between December 13 through December 22.
Green Cove Springs Christmas Parade
On Saturday, December 7, 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.
Christmas on Walnut Street
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.
Green Cove Springs Parade of Trees
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.
Keystone Heights Parade of Trees
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.
