Just because we won’t have a white Christmas doesn’t mean you and your family can’t spend the month getting into the holiday spirit. We’ve handpicked five family friendly holiday events happening in the Jacksonville area this December that are surefire ways to get you in the mood for glad tidings, cheer and goodwill towards men.

11.27-1.1

Dazzling Nights at the Jacksonville Arboretum

Each December, the Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is transformed into a winter wonderland, full of lights displays, live music, an 8,000 square foot Christmas light maze and much more. This stunning holiday tradition is a must for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit and grab a couple of high quality seasonal pics for your IG, posing in front of their massive 30-foot Christmas tree. You might even run into a bit of snow if you’re lucky! $12-$200. 5:30-9 p.m. 1445 Millcoe Rd. Jacksonville, FL; dazzlingjax.com // @jacksonvillearboretum

12.6-12.11

ELF The Musical at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts

The folks at Broadway in Jacksonville bring you a limited time only holiday performance of “ELF The Musical,” based on the well-loved Christmas classic starring Will Ferrell. The show is full of lively songs and tons of cheer, there’s nothing like a heaping dose of Buddy the Elf to help kick off the holiday season. $40.50-$101.50. Tuesday through Thursday 7:30 p.m., Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m. + 8 p.m., Sunday 1:30 p.m. + 7 p.m. 300 Water St. Jacksonville FL; fscjartistseries.org // @fscjartistseries

12.8-12.27

Gingerbread Extravaganza Experience at Old St. Andrew’s

Check out one of the most beloved holiday traditions in the Jacksonville area at the 20th annual Gingerbread Extravaganza at Old St. Andrew’s. Over 50 gingerbread creations await you at this dazzling display of edible architecture, plus other holiday decor, a train display and food and gifts for sale from local vendors. $11. Various times. 317 A.P. Randolph St. Jacksonville, FL; jaxgingerbread.com

12.9 + 12.10

North Pole Express at Beaches Museum

Hop aboard the North Pole Express, a Christmas train in Jax Beach at the Beaches Museum, where the kiddos will be able to meet Santa, do crafts and enjoy other activities. This holiday tradition brings a dose of wintry cheer to the balmy shores of Northeast Florida. Free. Friday 3-6 p.m. + Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 381 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville Beach, FL; beachesmuseum.org // @beachesmuseum

12.10

Winter Wonderland: Santa’s Workshop at MOSH

The Museum of Science and History hosts a one day holiday takeover full of Christmas themed activities, snacks and photo opportunities. Explore the museum after grabbing a photo of the kids with Santa, picking up some take-home arts & crafts gifts and snacking on hot cocoa and Christmas cookies. $25. 12-4 p.m. 1025 Museum Cir. Jacksonville, FL; themosh.org // @moshjax

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