Get prepared for a busy weekend in Jacksonville with your full event guide here. Be sure to also tune into our weekly Facebook Live show Jax in Action every Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
Taxslayer Gator Bowl pep rally and game
On Monday night, New Year's Eve, do something different and head to the Taxslayer Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field!
NC State will take on Texas A & M and following the game attend the free concert from country singer Cole Swindell! The night ends with fireworks! Should be a great time!
On Sunday afternoon, fans of both teams can cheer on their teams against a backdrop of beach chairs decorated for the holidays!
The Taxslayer Gator bowl pep rally will start at 4 p.m. Sunday at Deck the Chairs at the Jacksonville Beach Seawalk Pavilion. The free event will feature performances from the NC State band and the Texas A & M band. Make sure you get there early to get a good spot!
Nights of Lights – Now through February 3
Downtown St. Augustine is transformed by millions of lights at this display that has been internationally recognized. Throughout winter you can see the lights by boat, trolley or foot. Expect traffic delays on weekend nights.
Zoolights – Now through January 5
Zoolights are on display at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens now through January 5. Thousands of LED lights are featured throughout the zoo in moving sculptures, forests of lighted trees and animal silhouettes. Friday and Saturday will be Fairytale Nights at Zoolights – you're encouraged to dress up as your favorite fairy tale character.
New Year's Eve fireworks in St. Johns County and Jacksonville
If you're looking for fireworks that are earlier in the night, head to the Beaches Blast Off at the St. Johns County Pier. The event lasts from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will feature a kids zone, photo booth and food vendors. The fireworks display will take place at 8:30 p.m.
If you want to stay up a little later, head to downtown Jacksonville along the St. Johns River. Fireworks will be launched from a barge on the river between the Hyatt and Doubletree hotels. The show begins right at midnight, so make sure you get to the riverfront early to get a good spot.
MOCA New Year's Eve party
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Jacksonville is having a New Year's Eve party from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The dress code is creative glam – no black tie required. Guests ages 21 and up can enjoy a dance party, an open bar from Manifest Distilling and Intuition Ale Works, food from NOLA MOCA and live art performances. Tickets are $100 and net proceeds will benefit MOCA's educational programs.
Noon Year's Eve at the Jacksonville Zoo
Ring in the new year with some real party animals from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the great lawn at the zoo! There will be live entertainment, face painting, crafts and giveaways. Toast the new year with apple juice when the clock hits noon. This event is free with zoo admission.
Polar Plunge at Jacksonville Beach
Plunge into 2019 with a dip in the Atlantic Ocean! The 29th Annual Polar Plunge takes place at 9 a.m. on the beach by the Seawalk Pavilion on New Year's Day. If you want to participate, just show up!