13 Jacksonville-area holiday events your family can do for free in 2023

You don't need to raid your piggy bank to have fun over the holiday season. We all have additional expenses to deal with this time of year and disposable income can be kind of hard to come across, so here are some holiday events you can enjoy for free in the Jacksonville area this year. That's not to say you won't be tempted to spend money there, but you don't necessarily have to spend money to enjoy yourself.

Nights of Lights

Nov. 18-Jan. 28 in downtown St. Augustine

National Geographic has declared St. Augustine's holiday display Nights of Lights to be one of the world's best. More than a million twinkling white lights decorate the historic district and Bridge of Lions. Free shuttles will run most days from the St. Johns County Health Department at 200 San Sebastian View and the Broudy's liquor store parking lot at U.S. 1 and King Street. Info: visitstaugustine.com

Deck the Chairs

Nov. 22-Jan. 1 at Seawalk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach

You can stop by anytime to check out the elaborately decorated lifeguard chairs, or check the schedule for nightly appearances by local music and dance groups and performances by the Navy Band Southeast and the Civic Orchestra of Jacksonville. This year for the first time, 10 of the chairs will also be displayed at James Weldon Johnson Park in downtown Jacksonville. Info: deckthechairs.org

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More events: Jacksonville holiday calendar: Parades, light shows, festivals, concerts and Nutcrackers

Jacksonville Light Boat Parade

Nov. 25 on the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville

The parade of brightly lit vessels up and down the St. Johns River has been the traditional start of the holiday season for more than 30 years. The boats will parade in a circle between the USS Orleck dock and the Fuller Warren Bridge, and good viewing spots can be found on both banks. Stick around afterward for the “waterfall” fireworks show from the Main Street and Acosta bridges. Info: specialevents.coj.net

Walk Through Bethlehem

Dec 1, 2, 8 and 9 at East Pointe Church

The inaugural event transforms the grounds of the church at 270 Kernan Blvd. N. into Bethlehem for two weekends, with live animals, Roman soldiers, a marketplace and a manger. Info: epcjax.com

Small-town parades

Big-city Christmases are fine, but for the real spirit, you need to visit a small-town holiday celebration. Fortunately, we have lots of options. The St. Augustine Christmas Parade runs from the Mission of Nombre de Dios to the visitors’ center starting at 9 a.m. on Dec. 2; the Callahan Christmas Parade and Craft Fair start at 11 a.m. the same day; Green Cove Springs' Christmas Parade runs down Orange Street that same evening.

Parade of Trees

Dec. 2-31 at Spring Park, Green Cove Springs

More than 200 trees decorated by families, churches and community groups will be lit up in the riverfront park every night until 10 p.m. Info: greencovesprings.com

Jacksonville Tree Lighting

Dec. 6 at James Weldon Johnson Park

Thousands of people will be downtown for Art Walk anyway, so it's the perfect time for the city to flip the switch on its official holiday tree. Council President Ron Salem will serve as master of ceremonies and CAP Kids, Scott Jones School of Dance and Ronan School of Music will provide the entertainment. Info: jamesweldonjohnsonpark.org

Dickens on Centre

Dec. 7-10 in downtown Fernandina Beach

There will be plenty of opportunities to spend cash at this event, which transforms Fernandina Beach into a Victorian village with a parade, costume ball, drone show, live music and costumed characters, but you can also do almost all of it for free. Info: ameliaisland.com

Living Nativity

Dec. 7-10 at Westside Baptist Church

Expect long waits for the annual event, which features live animals, actors, Christmas lights and angelic heralds. You can see all of it from your car, but the line forms down the road at Ed White High School. Info: wbcjax.com

Gingerbread Extravaganza

Dec. 8-27 at the Jacksonville Historical Society

Check out the elaborate gingerbread constructions and gift shop. Kids' Day is scheduled for Dec. 10, with facepainting, games and a visit from Santa. Info: jaxhistory.networkforgood.com.

Totally Lit!

Dec. 11 at James Weldon Johnson Park

Christmas isn't the only holiday happening in December, you know. The Jacksonville Jewish Center celebrates Hanukkah with music, storytellers, dreidl games and a Menorah lighting ceremony. Info: jamesweldonjohnsonpark.org

Tuba Christmas

Dec. 9 at Seawalk Pavilion

How can you not go watch dozens of tuba and euphonium players oompah-ing their way through holiday classics? This year's Tuba Christmas will be part of the whole Deck the Chairs event. Info: jaxtubaxmas.com

Riverside Avondale Luminaria

Dec. 10 in Riverside and Avondale

Tens of thousands of lighted candles will line the streets of the historic neighborhoods in a longstanding tradition. Check it out on foot, bicycle or car. Info: riversideavondale.org

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: 13 free things to do for the holidays in Jacksonville