The Christmas season is upon us and the winter festivities are beginning to fill people’s calendars. Everyone is asking for recommendations on Christmas light displays or shows, visiting Santa and Mrs.Claus downtown, visiting Christmas bazaars, or recipies for “the best Christmas cookies ever.”

In Jacksonville, there are tons of Christmas festivities to participate in with your family. A favorite by all is the annual Santa Parade downtown on Black Friday. It is the ultimate kickoff to the Christmas season in Jacksonville. The parade consists of local law enforcement, downtown sponsors, and the man himself…Santa Claus. Santa is in Jacksonville periodically through the month of December. Check the hours at his house downtown to plan your visit now! You can also join the small businesses in downtown Jacksonville for Small Business Saturday when they have great sales just in time for the Christmas season. This is a great opportunity to support local businesses in Jacksonville.

Some of the best Christmas light displays are here in Jacksonville. Just drive around the square at night; there are many decorations and lights up. You can also eat dinner or walk through the park downtown. Another hot spot for holiday decorations is State Street, College Avenue, and Lafayette Avenue in Jacksonville. The historic district gets especially festive around Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

It cannot be Christmas without a bazaar, so if you find yourself if Jacksonville, there are plenty to attend. One of the most advertised Christmas bazaars in town is the Passavant Area Hospital event, where they sell a variation of goods, antique items, and gifts for loved ones. They also have a luncheon to attend if you happen to stop in. All of the proceeds go to the hospital to help fund the medical needs of our community. Trinity Episcopal Church holds a bazaar and luncheon the first week of December every year. Items can be donated; buy your tickets early if you stop in to the church on weekdays and Sundays. The last bazaar that is well advertised is the event at Pathway, a non-profit organization dedicated to families and individuals with disabilities. This bazaar is a great opportunity to help support a great organization.

The staff at the Crimson J  wishes everyone a very happy holidays!