Celebrate the Season: Holiday Fun for Seniors in Jacksonville

As the holiday season arrives, Jacksonville, Florida shines as a coastal wonderland where twinkling lights reflect off the St. Johns River and festive celebrations fill the air with magic. Our lively city offers something special for everyone, from bustling waterfront parades perfect for group outings to intimate cultural experiences ideal for quiet reflection and solo enjoyment. The holiday season brings countless opportunities for connection, joy, and new traditions.

At Fleet Landing, a luxury Life Care Community in Atlantic Beach, the holidays are a cherished time when Residents come together to celebrate in meaningful ways. From Campus events to excursions in Jacksonville, memorable moments are plentiful throughout the season and can be shared with friends, neighbors, and loved ones, or even savored solo.

The Joy of the Season for Seniors

Holiday activities draw people together, spark cherished memories, and create new traditions that will last for years to come. For seniors, these celebrations offer opportunities to reconnect with the past while embracing the present. Jacksonville's mild coastal climate makes this time of year particularly special, allowing for both cozy indoor gatherings and pleasant outdoor adventures along the waterfront. For those without family nearby, the holidays can still overflow with warmth and meaning through community events and shared experiences. 

6 Top Holiday Activities Around Jacksonville for Seniors

1. Jacksonville Light Boat Parade and Fireworks

The Jacksonville Light Boat Parade returns to the St. Johns River on Saturday, November 29, 2025, beginning at 6:00 p.m. This beloved tradition features beautifully decorated boats floating along the banks of the river, and culminates with stunning fireworks. Locals and visitors gather downtown along the Northbank and Southbank Riverwalks to take in the show.

2. Deck the Chairs in Jacksonville Beach

Running nightly from November 26, 2025, through January 1, 2026, this fantastic holiday display at the Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach transforms iconic lifeguard chairs into whimsical light installations. The event promotes students in the arts through a public light display and live performances. Lights shine from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., making it easy to visit after dinner or during an evening beach stroll. Admission to Jax Beach Deck the Chairs is free, and it's handicap accessible.

3. St. Augustine Nights of Lights

Just a short drive from Atlantic Beach, seniors can enjoy St. Augustine's Nights of Lights, illuminating the historic streets with millions of twinkling white lights from November 15, 2025, through January 11, 2026. The festival begins with Light-Up! Night on November 15, featuring live entertainment starting at 4:00 p.m. and the official lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. in the Plaza de la Constitución. This free event is best experienced on foot, and the city offers complimentary Park & Ride shuttles to avoid downtown congestion.

4. Riverside Arts Market Holiday Edition

Open every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., rain or shine, the Riverside Arts Market continues throughout the holiday season at 715 Riverside Avenue. This weekly community market showcases the small businesses, artists, makers, and farmers of Jacksonville and features live music. Browse local crafts, fresh produce, and handmade holiday gifts while enjoying the festive atmosphere beneath the Fuller Warren Bridge.

5. Atlantic Beach Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting

This charming local event brings together the communities of Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach at Beaches Town Center, where Atlantic Boulevard meets the Atlantic Ocean. The annual tradition begins at 3 p.m. on December 6, 2025. It typically features live entertainment, family-friendly activities, dance performances, craft stations, hayrides, and the lighting of the community tree as Santa arrives by sleigh. This free event offers an excellent opportunity to meet neighbors.

6. Jacksonville Symphony Holiday Pops

Broadway vocalists Carole Bufford and Campbell Walker Fields return to the stage with the Symphony Chorus and full Jacksonville Symphony to bring holiday favorites and cherished carols to life during Holiday Pops. Get into the spirit of the season with performances at 7:30 p.m. on December 4–6 and matinee shows at 3 p.m. on December 6 and 7, 2025, at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.

Celebrating the Holidays at Fleet Landing

While Jacksonville offers wonderful outings, some of the most meaningful celebrations happen right on Campus. Fleet Landing's holiday season is filled with opportunities for Residents to connect, give back, and celebrate together without ever leaving the community.

• Festive on-campus events. Themed holiday dinners, seasonal concerts, and special gatherings bring Residents together throughout December. These events create a warm, festive atmosphere where neighbors become friends and new traditions begin.
• Opportunities to give back. The holiday season is also about giving. Fleet Landing offers volunteer opportunities that allow Residents to make a difference in the community, whether through charitable drives, local partnerships, or service projects that bring purpose and fulfillment to the season.
• Connection for solo agers. For those celebrating without family nearby, Fleet Landing's Resident-led clubs, social gatherings, and shared celebrations ensure no one feels alone during the holidays. From casual coffee gatherings to formal events, there are countless ways to connect with others who share similar interests.
• Easy entertaining for families. Residents entertaining family or friends during the holidays can host small or large gatherings, knowing that Fleet Landing's amenities and services make entertaining easy and enjoyable. The community's welcoming atmosphere extends to guests, making every celebration special.

Tips for Making the Most of the Season

• Balance your calendar. Plan ahead to include a mix of social activities and personal time. The holidays should energize, not exhaust you, so pace yourself and choose events that bring genuine joy.
• Try something new. Step outside your comfort zone this season. Attend a concert you have never experienced, visit a light display in a new neighborhood, or volunteer with a local organization to create lasting memories.
• Connect with the community. If you're a solo ager, reach out to Resident groups or join community events at Fleet Landing or throughout Jacksonville to meet new people.
• Honor traditions. Take time to reflect on traditions that matter to you, whether continuing favorite rituals or starting new ones. The holidays are as much about honoring the past as embracing the future.

Experience the Season Joyfully at Fleet Landing

Jacksonville offers countless ways to celebrate the holidays in style, surrounded by community, culture, and coastal beauty. Whether you're sharing the season with loved ones or embracing it independently, there are many ways to make the holidays meaningful. At Fleet Landing, Residents discover the true gift of the season is connection to neighbors, the community, and the joy that comes from celebrating life together.

Ready to discover how Fleet Landing celebrates the season? Contact us at 904.748.2252 to schedule a Good Life Info Session and Tour to see firsthand how our Independent Living community creates a holiday season filled with connection, purpose, and joy.