It is officially the week of Christmas, loaded with plenty of holiday events in Jacksonville, plus some elite wrestling action, winter solstice celebrations and roller skating sessions, too. As we bring 2021 to a close, it’s a great opportunity to take advantage of the time with family during the holiday season and enjoy all of the happenings throughout the city.

12.20 – 12.24

Jacksonville Humane Society Silent Night
The Jacksonville Humane Society is giving folks a four day window, during their “Silent Night” event, to bring home a dog or cat for a few days, so that these pets can experience the holiday season in a home. “Silent Night” is an annual tradition, and even results in many foster parents permanently adopting the animals. You have until December 24 to pick up your pet and can shelter them until December 26.. 12- 7 p.m. Free. Jacksonville Humane Society: 8464 Beach Bvld., Jacksonville, FL; jaxhumane.org/events/silent-night-in-jacksonville // @jaxhumane

12.23 + 12.24

Winter Solstice Festival
On December 21, the earth experienced the winter solstice phenomenon, in which the earth tilts a certain direction away from the sun, causing the shortest day and longest night of the year. To celebrate our natural world, Celestial Farms holds a Winter Solstice Festival. It includes activities like woodcrafting, lantern making, creating bird feeders, whistle-making, sound mapping and more. Of course, the festival wraps up with Christmas wishes and singing. Come one, come all for a festive night. 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Activities may cost. Celestial Farms: 13958 Duval Rd., Jacksonville, FL; fb.com/events/s/winter-solstice-festival/581733899783832 // @celestialfarms

12.23

Adults-Only Roller Skating Session
Every Thursday, from 7:30- 10 p.m., skaters of all skill levels are welcome to come practice at Skate Station Funworks in Mandarin. These sessions are exclusively for those over 18 years old. As an added bonus, there will be at least one instructor available all night to help teach the crowd some new moves and serve as a guide for anyone who wants to be more comfortable (a.k.a is afraid of falling). There will also be a live DJ, taking song requests. 7:30-10 p.m. $8. Skate Station Funworks: 3461 Kori Rd., Jacksonville, FL; funworks.com/mandarin/hours-and-pricing-2 // @skate_station_funworks

Top Shelf Band
Top Shelf Band will be back at Gusto this week, from 7:30-10:30 p.m. The five band members use a blend of drum, keyboard, guitar, and vocals to deliver crowd pleasing cover songs. If you want quality food and musical entertainment, come on out to Gusto this Thursday for a treat. 7:30-10:30 p.m. Gusto Italian Restaurant: 1266 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL; topshelfbandjax.com // @tsbandjax

12.24

Christmas Eve by Ocean City Church
This outdoor gathering at the Seawalk Pavilion will be an observation of faith, for those interested in joining Ocean City Church’s celebration. Located right in the heart of the “Deck the Chairs” display, this Christmas Eve party will surely be memorable. All are welcome and are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. 5:30 p.m. Free. Seawalk Pavilion: 75 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL; oceancitychurch.org // @oceancitychurch

12.27

1st Place Sports Group Run
Each week, 1st Place Sports holds group runs at their various locations. This Monday, head over to the San Marco location for their 6:30 p.m. group run that starts and finishes at the store. The group often enjoys post-run dinner and drinks at nearby local restaurants. 6:30 p.m. Free. 1st Place Sports: 2018 San Marco Blvd., Jacksonville, FL; 1stplacesports.com/group-runs // @1stplacesports

12.29

AEW Dynamite & Rampage
For the elite wrestling fans, the AEW Dynamite & Rampage television program will have all the action live at Daily’s Place in downtown Jacksonville. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. This will be a special holiday show, with plenty of famous wrestlers taking the stage. The list includes AEW World Champion Hangman Adam Page, AEW Women’s Champion Britt Baker and more. Plus, buying a ticket now will get you free admission to AWE Dark, taping the day prior. 7 p.m. $21- $86. Daily’s Place: 1 Daily’s Place, Jacksonville, FL; dailysplace.com/events/detail/aew-dynamiterampage // @aew_rampage

Pranayama | Joy of Breathing
Whether you are interested or not, this “Joy of Breathing” class walks all attendants through the unique concept of transformational breathing. The instructor will teach you powerful benefits of certain breathing techniques that effectively allow you to access a deeper connection with the body and breathe more naturally and fully. Plus, if you enjoy the class, you can sign up again, as it occurs every Wednesday. 7- 7:30 p.m. Free. Virtual. eventbrite.com/e/pranayama-joy-of-breathing-tickets-134880257481 // @joyofbreathing